OGLETHORPE UNIVERSITY
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The Carillon
{V0L.4, No. 2)
Editors
Mark DeLong '03
Kelly Robinson
Class Notes Editor
Alison Stroud
Editorial Board
Barb Henry '85
David Ross '93
Susan Soper '69
Design
Walt Groover,
Light Communications
Photographers
Mark DeLong '03
Amie Lane '09
Bisell McWilliams "06
Eric Richards
Irene Turner '08
Jon Weininger '07
Contributing Writers
Janet Maddox
Elizabeth Pittman
Jerry Portwood '99
Vicky Ruth '09
Hoyt Young
BOARD OF TRUSTEES 1005-06
Mrs. Belle Turner Lynch '61, Chair
Mr. Jack Guynn, Vice Chair
Mr. Harald R. Hansen, Treasurer
Ms. Susan M. Soper '69, Secretary
Mr. G. Douglass Alexander '68
Mrs. Yetcy L. Arp '68
Mr. Robert E. Bowden '66
Mr. Kenneth S. Chestnut
Mr. Milton C. Clipper
Mr. William A. Emerson
Mr. Norman P. Findley, III
Mr. Kevin D. Fitzpatrick, Jr. '78
Ms. Jeanie E Flohr '99
Mr. J. Lewis Glenn '71
Dr. Joel Goldberg '00 (H)
Mr. James J. Hagelow '69
Mr. James V. Hartlage, Jr. '65
Mr. William J. Hogan.Jr. '72
Dr. Kenneth K. Hutchinson '78
Mr. Warren Y Jobe
Dr. Charles B. Knapp
Mr. Roger A. Littell "68
Mr. Stephen E. Malone '73
Mr. E. R. Mitchell, Jr.
Mr. Bob T. Nance '63
Mr. R. D. Odom
Mr. John J. Scalley
Mrs. Laura Turner Seydel '86
Mr. O. K. Sheffield, Jr. '53
Mr. Joseph P. Shelcon '91
Mr. Arnold B. Sidman
Mr. Timothy P. Tassopoulos '81
Ms. Trishanda Hinton Treadwell '96
TRUSTEE EMERITI
Mr. Franklin L. Burke '66
Mr. George E. Goodwin
Mr. C. Edward Hansell
Mr. Arthur Howell
Mr. J. Smith Lanier
Mr. James P McLaJn
The Carillon is published semiannually tor
alumni and friends of Oglethorpe University.
Oglethorpe, founded in 1835, is a private liberal
arts college located on Peachtree Road in the
heart of Atlanta.
Oglethorpe University promises a classic
education in a contemporary city. Our students
learn to make a life, make a living and make a
difference. Our graduates become community
leaders who are distinctive in their ability to
think, communicate and contribute.
Oglethorpe Universit)' makes no distinction in its
admission policies or procedures on grounds of
age, race, gender, religious belief, color, sexual
orientation, national origin or disability.
On the cover:
Dr. Schall leads students, faculty, staff, alumni
and trustees in a Day of Ser\'ice at Garden Hills
Elementary.
Contact Oglethorpe University
wwvv.ogi ethorpe.edu,
1-800-428-4484 or 404-261-1441
Admissions 404-364-8307
Alumni Relations 404-364-8893
Athletic Department 404-364-8415
Bookstore 404-364-8361
Business Office 404-364-8302
Career Services 404-364-8533
Certified Financial Planner Program
404-364-8373
Development 404-364-8439
Financlu, Aid 404-364-8354
Georgia Shakespeare 404-264-0020
Master of Arts in Teaching
404-364-8383
Library 404-364-8511
Oglethorpe Museum of Art
404-364-8555
President 404-364-8319
Provost 404-364-8317
Public Relations 404-364-8447
Student Affairs 404-364-8335
University College 404-364-8383
WRITE TO US!
Have a comment about this or past issues?
Have a story idea for a future issue of The
Carillon?'Wc would love to hear from you.
Write to the editor at mdelong@oglethorpe.edi
or The Carillon, Oglethorpe University, 4484
Peachtree Road NE. Atlanta, GA 30319.
Unsolicited articles and photographs (5x7 or
larger) are welcomed for possible inclusion in
future editions. Please note that submitted
materials will not be returned. Submission
does not guarantee publication as editors
retain editorial rights.
rnn tents
2 Inauguration Quotables
4 News and Events
7 Athletics
8 The Inauguration of
Lawrence M. Schall
12 Engaging Students with Atlanta
14 Students Give Holidays New Meaning
16 Ten Years of Art at OU
19 Faculty Profile
20 Reading Room
22 Donor Profile
23 Alumni Association
President's Letter
24 Class Notes
• Future Freshmen
• Weddings
• Alumni Updates
• In Memoriam
JnangTiration quotahlps
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Instead of the usual President's Message, here we present excerpts
from speeches made during the inauguration ofDn Lawrence M.
SchaU. Charges were also presented on behalf of students, faculty,
alumni and higher education. A summary can he found
beginning on page 8.
Lawrence M. Schall
President
"One of the joys of working at a small place is that everyone
matters and can have a significant impact. Everyone can lay
their hands on the institution. As president, I certainly know
that all that I do and say matters; my hands affect many lives.
I arrived in Atlanta last summer after 52 years in the
Northeast. July is not the best month to move south, but
nevertheless I came full of energy, commitment and
optimism. I came to be part of a new community, to lead an
extraordinary institution, almost two centuries old, and to
reaffirm our commitment to a liberal arts education, one that
is broadly conceived and designed to prepare citizens who will
guide their communities wisely and ethically. 1 came to
provide support to a faculty that is second to none in their
commitment to smdents and to teaching. And I came to help
instill a sense of business and administrative discipline to
ensure that Oglethorpe has a long and healthy future."
"I fotmd a faculty that was engaged, intellectual and cre-
ative. I found students who were amazing young men and
women, here because they have a love of learning and want
to make a difference with their lives. I found a staff fully
prepared to kick it up another notch or two and make
things happen. I found a board of trustees fiilly engaged
and committed to this insritudon. And finally, I found a
city that is open to new people and new ideas, optimistic
about the fiiture and fiill of opportunity."
"Oglethorpe University, I believe, does have a unique
obligation in American higher education, derived from the
intersection of three conditions: the visionary ideals and
call to action of our namesake, our tradition of education
in the liberal arts and our place in the city of Adanta."
"Today, I am making a commitment. Oglethorpe
University will lay its hands on this city. We are small and
not rich in financial resources, but our community is rich
in spirit, and the individuals that make up our community
will come together to make a difference to this city.
Yesterday marked a new era in our history. We are Atlanta's
liberal arts college. We belong to this great city. We are
committed to its fiiture."
Alfred Bloom
President, Swanhmore College
"With a president who gives meaning to the term
extraordinary leadership; with a board, a faculty, a staff,
students and alumni exceptional in their institutional
dedication; with a distinguished tradition of excellence,
and with the remarkable opportunities the City of
Adanta offers for defining meaningful social priorities
and for shaping personal paths of contribution towards
them, Oglethorpe is sure to move undetgraduate
education towards its ftiller purpose. I thank President
Schall in advance for setting the vision, negotiating the
realities and energizing the momentum of a trajectory
so essential to American education; and I congratulate
Oglethorpe on choosing Larry and Larry on choosing
Oglethorpe."
EUen Schall
Dean, New York University's Robert F. Wagner Graduate
School of Public Service
"It's no small thing to have gathered so many of [the Schall
family] here in Atlanta, but here we are. Until Larry moved
here almost a year ago, we could fairly be said to be pretty
much a Northeast family centered around New York
and Philadelphia. It would also be fair to say we were
a Swarthmore family. A few points follow from this.
One: This family is used to moving in a bloc. If I had
to guess, we are about to see some big shift in the family
demographic toward the South and toward Oglethorpe.
Two: Larry is a path-setter and also a person who makes
things happen— and gets his way most of the dme.
Three: You can see and we certainly felt the power of
a consistent message in our family.
If you look beliind the niunbers, you can see not only that
we all went to the same college, same summer camp, but
also that we all have had careers in public service. Our dad is
a lawyer, mom a teacher. The clear message we got was about
public service, about the value of life lived doing work you
love in the service of others.
That's very much the message of Oglethorpe: make a life,
make a living, make a difference. Seems like a perfect match
between the person and the place. Oglethorpe is already a
very special place, an urban liberal arts college with a clear
mission, a strong presence in Adanta and bold ambidons."
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Best Face Forward
How long has it been since you last visited the Oglethorpe home-
page? Do you know about our city, our community and our
challenge? If not, checl< out www.oglethorpe.edu. A new home-
page was launched in early February, aimed at prospective
students, to highlight Oglethorpe's l<ey messages and tell the story
of the people that mal<e Oglethorpe unique. The rest of the site is
also being updated, so check back often and see what you can learn
about Oglethorpe.
Jay Lutz, with Karen Head '98, celebrating his lienor by the
French government
Chevalier Lutz
Dr. Jay Lutz received the Ordre des Palmes Academiques from the
French government on Monday, February 27, in the Oglethorpe
University Museum of Art. Lutz, Frances I. Eeeraerts 76 Professor of
Foreign Language and chair of the foreign language department, has
been with the university since 1 988.
The Palmes Academiques was created by Napoleon in 1 808 to
reward devotion and accomplishment in teaching. Dianne Josse,
Cultural Attachee for the French Consulate, presented the award to
Lutz "for service rendered to the French culture" through his
teaching. Dr Lutz received the award in the rank of Chevalier and
was congratulated by the United States Ambassador to France.
"Oglethorpe is honored to have Dr Lutz receive this distinction," said
Oglethorpe President Larry Schall. "He is the anchor of our foreign
language program and has helped facilitate study abroad opportunities
for countless Oglethorpe students and their international counter-
parts. As a teacher and scholar, he has inspired several generations
of students to immerse themselves in French language and culture."
2006: A Basketball Odyssey
Oglethorpe celebrated 90 Years of Basketball on campus as students
participated in Homecoming Weekend February 1 0-1 2. The Athletic
Department and the Alumni Office hosted a weekend of activities,
bringing together over 200 former teammates, cheerleaders, coaches
and athletics fans of all ages to celebrate the long tradition of
Oglethorpe athletics and to cheer on current Stormy Petrel athletes.
The weekend included activities for children, an alumni basketball
game, dinner, champagne brunch and over 53 basketball alumni
were honored with a commemorative basketball pin during half-time
of the men's game versus the Southwestern Pirates on Sunday,
February 12. In addition, the #33 jersey of Russ Churchwell '05 was
retired. Churchwell played on the Oglethorpe's men's basketball team
for four years (2000-2005), and he finished his career as the all-time
leading scorer and all-time leading rebounder in the history of the
Southern Collegiate Athletic Conference. Basketball has been an
integral part of the Oglethorpe community since December 15, 1916.
On that day the Stormy Petrels suited up to play the Decatur Athletic
Club in the university's first basketball game. Since then, Oglethorpe's
men's and women's basketball teams have won countless
conference, regional and national titles.
Fit To a Tea
Oglethorpe students are often encouraged to go beyond textbooks for
many courses - reading an extra book for a project, visiting an art
museum for a cultural experience or meeting with Atlanta's leaders
for added insight. But for his Comparative Politics of China and
Japan course, Stephen Herschler enhanced readings with a sampling
of international teas.
Herschler, assistant professor of politics, introduced a different tea to
his students each week: basic black, green, gun powder, pu-erh,
lapsang soochong, sencha, bancha, longjing, bi luo chun and oolong.
"My idea is to open up the space in the classroom, to take the
academic edge off and to help open the students' minds about the
differences in China and Japan. To use the variations of teas does a
similar thing in an immediate way," Herschler said.
A majority of his students had no experience with tea other than
sweet tea, and in this lesson there was no sugar allowed. After
tasting the tea of the week, students discussed their reactions using
language to effectively communicate how each tea was different. He
prompted the students by asking them to think about tea with
language commonly reserved for fine wine; personality, mood,
students in Stephen Herschler's Comparative
Politics course sipped tlieir way througti the cultures
of China and Japan.
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landscape or environment, what it reminds you of, seasons, iiow it
mal<es you feel. Students were also required to l<eep a tea journal,
to be typed up and submitted at the end of the semester as part
of their class participation grade.
"I want to reach the students through their mind but often we are
most impacted through our senses. This exercise will have an
impact in a way that words and ideas do not. Perhaps they will
use this process to help the other ideas stick," Herschler said.
OU in the News
Since the fall of 2005 Oglethorpe has appeared in the press
quite a bit. First, the Hurhcane Katrina relief worl< done by the
Oglethorpe University community throughout September and
October drew a lot of attention. The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
covered our efforts (9/5/05, 9/17/05, 9/23/05) and the university
was featured on all three local television stations. The Oglethorpe
volunteers were also highlighted in the Mansfield, Louisiana,
newspaper (9/1 5/05) and on the cover of The Southern Aviator
magazine (10/05). Local media, Atlanta INtown (1 1/05) and
Neighbor Newspapers (9/23/05) also ran photos and articles
about the relief efforts.
Campus events, students and faculty have also gained a lot more
attention from the media since the fall. Two Delta Sigma Phi charity
fundraisers (10/21/05, 4/6/06) and the Petrels of Fire tradition
(2/13/06) were photographed for The Atlanta Journal-Constitution.
The Alternative Spring Break trip taken by 26 Oglethorpe students
and staff gained local media coverage on the front page of The
Atlanta Journal-Constitution (3/18/06) and was picked up by the U.S.
Newswire (3/9/06). The Core Curriculum (9/6/05) and our admission
materials (4/2/06) were both featured in separate articles in The
Washington Post An Oglethorpe student is included on a print and
billboard ad for the Brand Atlanta Campaign.
Both exhibitions in the Oglethorpe University Museum of Art have
been featured in local newspapers, magazines and websites. A story
about the current exhibition Portals to Shangh-La: Masterpieces
from Buddhist Mongolia aired on Washington Post Radio (1/27/06),
and the museum was named the "Best Kept Museum Secret" by
Atlanta Magazine in the December issue.
if you are interested in obtaining a copy of any of these press clips,
please contact Elizabeth Pittman at 404.364.8868 or
epittman@oglethorpe.edu.
news 8^ events
Seen @ Oglethorpe
From the poet laureate to a member of Congress, the Oglethorpe
campus has seen many familiar faces this semester. Ann Cramer,
IBM's director of corporate community relations, gave a Rikard
Lecture in the Oglethorpe University IVIuseum of Art on February 7,
hours after Oglethorpe students visited Atlanta's Federal Reserve
Bank to meet with president Jack Guynn in the Fed's board room
as part of the OUr Atlanta program.
The following day Georgia Labor Commissioner Michael
Thurmond was the guest speaker for Oglethorpe Day held
February 8. Thurmond took in the Petrels of Fire race, spoke to
students, faculty and staff in Conant and then enjoyed a
Georgian-themed lunch in the Emerson Student Center
On April 1 1 , Congressman John Lewis visited campus for a town
hall style event discussing current issues in civil rights. Speaking to
a crowd of 250 in Lupton Auditorium, Lewis recounted his journey
through the civil rights movement, including time spent with
Dr Martin Luther King, Jr His appearance was sponsored by Safe
Zone, the Rich Foundation Urban Leadership Program and the
Women's Studies Program.
U.S. Poet Laureate Ted Kooser spoke to a packed crowd in
February.
On February 9, U.S. Poet Laureate Ted Kooser read his works and
spoke to an audience of 500 packed in the Conant Performing Arts
Center Kooser, on his first trip to Atlanta, visited with Dr Linda
Taylor's Modern American Poetry class, made an appearance on
F0X5's "Good Day Atlanta" and signed books following the reading.
Congressman John Lewis discussed his journey through the civil
rights movement during a recent visit to Ogiethorpe.
athletics
By Hoyt Young
In what is becoming a spring sports tradition, the Oglethorpe men's
golf team won their seventh SCAC championship in the last nine
years. Led by Oglethorpe Male Athlete of the Year, senior Joe Green,
the Petrels dominated at the conference tournament in Monteagle,
Tennessee, solidifying their #3 national ranking. Look for Oglethorpe
to make even more noise at the NCAA Division III National
Championships in May. Visit www.oglethorpe.edu (keyword: athletics)
for championship news.
Not far behind the men is the women's golf team, ranked #17
nationally. At the SCAC tournament, the Petrels stalked #3 DePauw
University for two days before narrowly finishing second. Extremely
young and talented, the women are sure to continue their steady rise
next season.
The Oglethorpe men's baseball team struggled to an 1 1 -29 record
this season, though the team's constant hard work and determination
did not go unnoticed by the Anderson Field faithful. The team will be
buoyed by the return of freshman pitching sensation Sean Tuttle,
who despite the Petrels' struggles, managed a 6-2 record and a
spotless 4-0 record in formidable SCAC play.
Though lacking in depth to their conference rivals, the men's and
women's track teams managed to fight for a sixth place finish in a
stout SCAC Championship. Individual standouts shined throughout
the season to provide the strength to make a run up the standings.
Senior Jon Gabriel finished his four-year career at Oglethorpe
unbeaten in the 400 meters at home and recorded a second-place
SCAC championship finish. Sophomore long-jumpers Andrea Vinson
and Justin Willard set school records in their events and await word
on an invitation to the Division III Nationals.
The men's and women's tennis team fought consistency all season
with the exception of one player who proved to be outright
unflappable. Junior Eckhardt van der Linde led the Petrels at #1
singles all season with a near-perfect record and saw his national
ranking rise to #7. He and doubles partner Drue Malone combine
to make the #8 ranked doubles combination in the South region,
and both await word on an invitation to the NCAA Nationals. While
the women's team struggled with their youth, head coach Peter
Howell awaits their next season on newly renovated tennis courts.
Facility Improvements
The addition of a modern tennis center that will elevate the athlete
and fan experience is not the only exciting athletic improvement.
The Department of Sports Medicine, in partnership with Infinite
Sports Inc., renovated and installed state-of-the-art equipment
throughout the athletes' training area. Among the highlights for
the 1 ,000-square-foot training room are seven new training tables,
four electrical stimulation machines with UltraSound combination
units and three new whirlpools in the newly minted 400-square-
foot hydro-therapy room. The new training room also boasts the
capacity for therapeutic laser treatment.
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the inauguration of lawrence m. schall
By Mark DeLong '03
The Oglethorpe community got "Hands On" for the inauguration
of Lawrence M. Schall as Oglethorpe's I6th president. The weekend
celebration began on Thursday, April 20, with An Evening with the
Mayors featuring Adanta Mayor Shirley Franklin and Ambassador
Andrew Young and presented by the Oglethorpe Women's Network.
On Friday, April 21, students, faculty, staff, alumni and trustees
descended on Garden Hills Elementary School for a Day of Service
and then celebrated their accomplishments back on campus with a
barbecue dinner The formal inauguration ceremony was held the
morning of Saturday, April 22, in the Conant Performing Arts
Center with a reception following on the veranda.
"I hope this weekend and all its activities served as a signal
to those inside the Oglethorpe community as well as to
our firiends in greater Adanta that our institution is com-
mitted to playing an important role in the future of this
city," commented Schall in his inauguration address.
Thursday
"On Thursday evening, we listened to an inspirational
conversation between Mayor Franklin and Ambassador
Young at the Woodruff Arts Center," said Schall. "It was
one of the most special events I have ever witnessed."
Over 350 people shared in the conversation on a rainy
Thursday evening in Adanta, welcomed to the event by
Neil Williams, Chair of the Woodruff Arts Center Board.
The mayors were introduced by Allen Whitehart 06, recipi-
ent of the 2006 Rich Foundation Urban Leadership
Program's Leader in Action Award. After graduation,
Whitehart will work as a history teacher and head basketball
coach at Fulton County's Centennial High School. A life-
long volimteer, Whitehart served in the U.S. Marine Corps
before attending Oglethorpe.
Franklin and Yoimg discussed their lives of service and the
struggles and growth of Atlanta as a city. Following the
conversation in the Rich Theatre, guests were invited to a
reception in the Nita and J. Mack Robinson Atrium of the
High Museum of Art. Franklin and Young mingled with
smdents, faculty and trustees throughout the evening.
Atlanta Mayor Sniriey Franklin, Ambassador Andrew Young and
Belle Turner Lynch '61 at the reception in the High Museum of Art
following An Evening With the Mayors.
"I thought it was a great night, very fitting of how smdents
perceive Dr. Schall," said Kionne August '06. "The two
mayors, both Adanta icons, were talking casually in a vet)'
entertaining talk. And at the same time we were in the High
Museum, one of the hot spots in Adanta. It was a night that
was very Dr. Schall. He can talk to anyone, and he holds
such a high position on this campus and in the Adanta
community already by all that he has accomplished. "
Friday
To demonstrate Oglethorpe's growing connections to
Adanta, Schall wanted his inauguration to include a way to
give back to the city, and a day of service at Garden Hills
Elementary fit perfecdy. Working with the Adanta Public
School System and Hands On Adanta, the Oglethorpe
community got hands on across the school's campus.
"We had 300 turn out for our day of service, " said Schall.
"Dr. Beverly Hall, superintendent of Adanta Public Schools,
came to thank us and acknowledge our new partnership.
There were trustees, facidty, family and friends there to work,
but our smdents turned out in droves. I could not be more
proud of our smdents."
Groups cleared brush around the school playground,
improved landscaping beds, renovated the playground area
and built shelving units inside.
The efforts at Garden Hills were recognized by school
administrators, local media and alimini.
"Everything that was done looks great," commented Carla
Russo '03, a fourth grade teacher at Garden Hills. "We really
appreciate everyone coming out to help in this incredible
effort."
Saturday
Though Saturday morning started out a litde rainy, it did
not dampen the spirits of those inside the Conant
Performing Arts Center for Schall's inauguration ceremony.
Following a processional featuring delegates from over 50
colleges and universities, 3 former imiversiry presidents,
trustees, faculty and top administrators. Board of Trustees
Chair Belle Turner Lynch '61 welcomed the crowd.
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Dr Schall welcomes students, alumni, faculty, staff and trustees
before they head to Garden Hills Elementary for the Day of Service.
make a life
the inaugiimtion of lawrence m. schall
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tap into Oglethorpe's potential, as we have yet to fully
exploit the diverse resources and capabilities of those present
at this institution. I charge you maintain the quality of our
faculty and staff befit for a university of prestigious distinc-
tion. I charge you to fiilfill this responsibility vi^ith wisdom,
passion and ambition. We, the student body, have the great-
est faith that you will do so."
Representing the faculty, Alan Woolfolk, professor of sociology,
director of the Core Curriculum and associate provost,
charged Schall "with continuing your bold leadership while
respecting Oglethorpe's mission, by drawing upon what is
best in our past while defining a vision of what me might
become."
"It is a distinct pleasure for me to extend greetings to each and
every one of you on this great day, " said Lynch. "We are here to
celebrate this very special occasion in the life of Oglethorpe
University."
Schall then received charges from students, facult)', alumni and the
higher education arena.
"As a visionary, you are discontent with the status quo and are not
afraid to take bold steps to reinvigorate and revitalize all aspects of
campus life," said Christiana Johnson '06, president of Omicron
Delta Kappa. She then presented charges from the smdent body.
"I charge you to never be satisfied with what we are, but to
constandy strive for what we can become. You must continue to
Oglethorpe students made quite an improvement to ttiis playground
patli at Garden Hiils Elementary School.
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make a life
Turner Lynch '61, left, meets with Atlanta Public Schools
Superintendent Beverly Hall and Dr Schall during Oglethorpe's Day
of Service.
Woolfolk stressed the growth of Oglethorpe's reputation
and identity, by expanding the faculty and strengthening
the Honors Program and Core Curriculum, Oglethorpe's
Adanta conneaions and the need for a new physical and
natural science facility.
"The rewards for success in these endeavors are great,"
Woolfolk concluded. "We can hope that every
Oglethorpe graduate will say, 'This is where 1 began my
adult life of responsibility, life-long learning and growing
wisdom."
Joe Shelton '91, president of the Alumni Association
said, "Because 1 have had the privilege of experiencing
your leadership, rather than charge you to do the things I
think you should do in theory, I would like to charge you
to condnue to do things I have already seen you do in
reality."
"I charge you to continue to maintain a focus on making
a diflFerence," Shelton said. "I charge you to continue to
care about who our students are and what they are about.
I charge you to continue to follow your vision of
Oglethorpe and never setde for second best. I charge you
to continue to preserve the unique environment here
which fosters intellectual and personal growth."
Ellen Schall, dean of New York University's Roben F. Wagner
Graduate School of Public Service and sister of our new president,
represented higher education. She spoke of two methods of higher
education, the ivory tower group in which the academy speaks to the
world and the second group which engages with its community.
"Creating a model and a powerfiil way to describe that second group
might be a good challenge for Larry and for Oglethorpe," said Ellen
Schall. "I have been trying myself and haven't gotten much further
than ebony bridge or maybe rainbow bridge. The first word needs
work, something to represent multiple strands, not just one color or
one material. But I am pretty sure the second word is strong, that the
idea of a bridge captures the concept we're trying to represent, that of
scholarship and study as working hand in hand with a community,
not divorced from it."
On a personal note, Schall's sister stated, "Larry is the center of what-
ever universe he enters." He certainly was the center of attention during
inauguration weekend. Oglethorpe's Day of Service was featured on
the fi-ont page of the Metro section in Saturday's Atlanta Journal-
Constitution. While running errands around town on Monday, Schall
was stopped twice and thanked for his efforts and continued civic
engagement; a perfect ending to a perfect "Hands On" weekend.
Professor Chris Benton works with accounting students to build benches for
Garden Hills' playground.
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engaging students with atlant;^
As Atlanta's liberal arts university, Oglethorpe has always been an
exciting place to earn an education. The level of excitement has
increased with the introduction of Oglethorpe's OUr Atlanta
program, giving students an up-close-and-personal look at
Atlanta's cultural, scientific, civic, business and academic entities
and the people who run them.
In addition to enhancing our students' college experience, the
program immerses our students in the plethora of opportunities
available in Atlanta and stimulates thoughts of what students
may in turn offer the city during their college experience and
after graduation.
OUr Atlanta invites dynamic Atlantans to host Oglethorpe
students at an event or institution that is both personally
meaningful and unique to our city. During the fall term, Trustee
Joel Goldberg hosted a group of Oglethorpe students and
President Schall at a special viewing of the High Museum's
exhibition of the works of Andrew Wyeth. Caitlin Way '91,
director of trustee and corporate relations at the Woodruff
Arts Center, assisted with this visit, which included a
personal tour with the curator of the Wyeth exhibit.
"Having the curator speak to us was one of the greatest
experiences I have had this year," said Karly Wildenhaus
'09, a modern art theory major from Kennesaw, Georgia.
"The fact that the president and dean came with us
definitely showed me how willing they are to commit
time to the students and stay connected to our interests.
Opportunities like this help develop a stronger relationship
between the school and Atlanta and even the students
and the faculty."
Provost Christopher Ames arranged for a group of
students to attend a production at 7 Stages Theatre where
he serves on the board. Trustee O. K. Sheffield '53 took a
group of students to a spring production by Theatrical
Outfit. Friends of Oglethorpe from SunTrust Bank
Michael Shapiro, Director of the High Museum, gives a tour of the new facility to students, accompanied by Oglethorpe President Lawrence M. Schall,
Trustee Joel Goldberg and Vice President for Development and Alumni Relations Peter Rooney
make a life
arranged for a skybox at an Atlanta Thrasher's game.
Trustee Susan Soper '68 took a group to a production
at Horizon Theatre in April. Another group of students
went with Professor Kendra King to meet with Atlanta
City Council President Lisa Borders and to observe the
city council in action.
Sometimes a particular event relates well to class
content. Trustee and Vice Chair of the Board Jack
Guynn, President of the Atlanta Federal Reserve Bank,
hosted Oglethorpe students in his boardroom after a
tour of the facility. Economics Professors Cassandra
Copeland and Bruce Hetherington each led a trip to
the Federal Reserve Bank for their students.
"It was a very unique opportunity to be allowed inside
the Federal Reserve and to see millions of bills being
processed," said Ember Melcher '09, an economics
major from Raleigh, North Carolina. "Jack Guynn
graciously shared the boardroom experience with us. Hearing
him narrate the decision-making process greatly clarified how the
entire Federal Reserve system worked. This trip is one of my
favorite Atlanta memories."
Trustees, alumni and friends of the university have stepped up to
propose additional excursions for the fall semester. Although the
program began as a freshman initiative, interest quickly spread
throughout the student body, and it has opened up to include all
students. OUr Atlanta's goal for the coming year is to involve
every freshman in at least one event during the fall term and to
encourage campus-wide participation in a number of additional
events throughout the year, including those that enrich classroom
experiences. Providing these experiences to our new students
will underscore Oglethorpe's vital connection to Atlanta and
bring it alive with new meaning, enriching both the city and
the students alike.
make a life
students give holidays new meaning
For today's Oglethorpe students, holidays spent in traditional ways
seem to be a thing of the past. Over the Labor Day weekend, 150
students, faculty and staff volunteered to assist those affected by
Hurricane Katrina in an effort led by President Larry Schall.
Continuing his commitment to public service, and specifically to
assist those affected by Katrina, Schall began Oglethorpe's first
Alternative Spring Break program. Over spring break. Dr. Schall
traveled with 26 students who chose an alternative to tanning by
volunteering in New Orleans, helping to clear and gut homes
damaged by Katrina. Vicky Ruth '09, a freshman from
Clarkesville, Georgia, describes the experience.
By Vicky Ruth '09
Standing in the ruins of a house is never something I expected
to do in my entire life. But there we were, all 26 of us, when it
finally hit me - this really happened. Our group often joked
around about the weird vibe we got while in New Orleans. It
felt like a ghost town and in a sense it was, compared to what
it used to be. We kept expecting zombies to emerge from the
debris. But this was no movie, it was life in America, what we
refer to as Katrina.
Although waking up at 8:00 a.m. everyday and doing
nine hours of intense labor is not my idea of a break,
going on this trip was an opportunity I could not pass
up. As our vans passed through Mississippi, we began to
see signs of destruction: fronts of houses entirely ripped
off, porches in driveways, cars flipped over, boats in the
middle of the road. We drove through New Orleans,
passing thtough the famous French Quarter and
Bourbon Street and then onto the Ninth Ward.
The destruction was indescribable; entire houses were
completely destroyed. There was debris everywhere, trees
uprooted, water, everything you could possibly imagine
was lying in people's front yards. In the Ninth Ward,
entite houses lay in piles, there were steps leading to
nowhere and in some spots all that remained was a
foundation.
We unloaded from the van and began to look around.
Imagine that everything you owned had been put into a
washing machine. For the houses that were still standing
that is what it resembled. Everything was thrown around
and completely soaked. It was overwhelming to say the
least. When 1 saw a water-damaged photo album lying
next to a house, I started to get emotional. People's entire
lives were gone. Everything they ever knew and owned
was gone. It is almost impossible to rebuild; most
probably don't want to come back at all. We headed to
camp in a somber mood and reflected on what we were
to face the next day.
make a difference
On our first day of work we split into two groups to
work on two different houses. Our first task was to
clean out everything left in the house: water-damaged
furniture, clothes, magazines, books, stoves and most
disgustingly refrigerators. Those refrigerators had been
sitting in floodwater with rotting food for over seven
months. That is one smell I will never forget.
But the real fun came in demolition. Our first house
had four bedrooms, two bathrooms and a kitchen. In
each room we had to break down the walls and bust
out the ceilings. This is fiin for a day. Then the soreness,
bruises and scratches make you realize it's work. For five
days both teams did this.
On Thursday, we heard the story of Lester Dyer. He
didn't have time to evacuate and was put in the Super
Dome. He told us horrifying stories of the murder,
rape, suicide, physical and mental pain that hit the
Dome. But Lester was grateful. He was glad not to be
stuck in his house when the flood hit. He didn't have to
choose who to save, as many did. Lester lost all of his
possessions but kept his entire family with him, and
that is all he needed. Lester helped us realize that
having people you are willing to lose everything for
is an amazing thing.
I was most impressed with my fellow travelers.
Everyone on our trip pushed himself to the limit. The
work wasn't easy for the fittest among us. It wasn't just
the physical labor but dealing with the mold and dust
made it a challenge. While our friends took spring
break to part}' or relax, the 26 of us decided to give of
ourselves and really became a family by the end of the
week. I saw such character and personalin' in each
person. You get to know people much better and faster
through this type of work, and it really makes you
respect and connect with them.
Many commented that they had never volunteered
with a college professor, much less a college president.
Dr. Schall proved his commitment not only to our
school, but to our country. He is an exceptional,
dedicated person, and going through this trip gave me a
new respect for him and for Bev Hoffman, who organized
and lead the trip. A thank you will never be enough.
In a world fueled by commercialism, tragedies like this bring us
back to reality. On Saturday I returned to my dorm room and
looked around. I wasn't attached to my stuff anymore once I
realized that I am blessed. I have family, friends and love, the
most you can ask for. If Katrina did anything it made us appre-
ciate each other. It made us realize that we are stronger than
any storm and can overcome and unite together.
As a team, we completed four houses and cleaned out another
for a friend we made along the way. By the end of the week we
were exhausted but thrilled by the work we had done. We went
to New Orleans to make a difference and we accomplished that
goal, but there's still so much to do. Help New Orleans and
you will definitely be helping yourself Donating money is
great; seeing the damage will change your life; helping the local
economy will be a boost; a donation of your time is best for the
cit)' and yourself.
A second Oglethorpe group traveled to New Orleans May 15-21.
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By Kelly Robinson
Ten years ago, Oglethorpe added a major that would creatively
direct and change the lives of many students and alumni. The
mission of the art department at OU is to provide academic and
experiential opportunities and guidance for a diverse population
of students in the arts career fields. The art department educates
in the disciplines of art history and studio art and features both
historical and aesthetic approaches to understanding art and a
studio-oriented, hands-on approach. Professor and department
chair Alan Loehle believes in an education that combines the
basics of art with a personal, in-depth approach tailored to each
student's individual needs. As the following profiles illustrate,
majoring in art produces a wide variety of creative outcomes.
Chip Evans '95 - Founder and Owner, Point 7 Design Studio
"I had a lot of firsts at Oglethorpe," says Chip Evans, one of the
first students to graduate with the new art major as well as the
first class to play baseball in the college's newly reinstated
baseball program after a 20-vear hiatus.
Chip grew up in Savannah and Fayetteville, choosing
Oglethorpe because of its proximity to his family and the fact
that the university's new baseball program meant he had a good
chance of playing all four years. "I'm an arty jock," says Chip,
who continues to play on an "old man's weekend baseball team."
Artistic in high school, he credits his mother for nurturing his
creativity - he would draw and color for hours when he was
sent to his room. But he didn't realize that creativity could
become his career and initially he took a lot of business classes.
He found his niche in an art appreciation class taught by
then-professor Lloyd Nick, now director of the Oglethorpe
University Museum of Art.
Chip Evans '95 plans for a photo shoot with a colleague.
Professor Alan Loehle instructs students in his printmaking class.
"I decided then and there that I would do something I
loved for the rest of my life, and at that point I took as
many art classes as possible - drawing, anatomy,
photography, sculpture and painting." When art
became a recognized major his sophomore year, he
jumped in with both feet.
"Alan Loehle was fantastic, I loved going to his classes.
He was good at articulating art theories and he was
very supportive."
After graduation a college roommate asked Chip if he
wanted to work at his family-owned graphic design
firm in Decatur. They were looking for an employee
they could teach and trust, and Chip immediately
accepted. For four and half years, he learned every
aspect of the graphic design industry.
Chip went on to start his own graphic design business.
Point 7 Design Studio, the same week his daughter
Jaden was born - more firsts. After a rough couple of
years growing the business. Chip now employs a sales-
person and hopes to soon move out of his home office.
His client list, which includes Bare Escentuals, Georgia
Tech Research Institute and the Georgia Department of
Education, continues to grow.
Running into Alan Loehle on a visit back to campus,
Chip told him, "I can directly attribute my design
success to the great foundation that was built in
Oglethorpe's art department."
make a living
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Bridget Cecchini Lerette '95
University in New York
A military kid who found Oglethorpe through literature
in her guidance counselor's office at her high school in
Florida, Bridget chose OU because of its Atlanta location
and small size.
A history and art double major, she was not sure at the
time how she would combine the two into a career. She
enjoyed her studio classes and said, "They taught me the
basics behind how art works, and I was able to think
creatively in a physical way - not thinking in an outline
but freeform and organic."
She took many classes from Alan Loehle and calls him "a
great teacher with great enthusiasm - he encouraged me
and all of my classmates to experience more than life on
campus, he took us on drawing trips off campus and to
art exhibitions - he wanted us to take advantage of all
that Atlanta had to offer."
Bridget Lerette '95 at work in the Avery Arcliitectural and Fine
Arts Library at Columbia University.
During her senior year Bridget interned at the Hirshhorn
Museum and Sculpture Garden at the Smithsonian in
Washington, D.C., and after graduation, received a full
scholarship to Rice University in Houston where she
earned her master's in art history. Her focus was 19th
century American art, and she kept Atlanta ties with
her thesis on "The Battle of Adanta Cyclorama Painting."
Bridget married, and after graduating from Rice, started
to rethink what she wanted. Through a series of
informational interviews, she discovered art librarianship.
Her husband, a design engineer, got a job that moved
the couple to North Carolina, and Bridget applied and
was accepted to the library school at UNC Chapel Hill -
where she got a second master's in library science. While
in school she also volunteered at the North Carolina
Museum of Art and worked with UNC's Southern
Historical Collection.
A new opportunity moved the couple again, this time to
New York, and Bridget got a job as an archivist at the
Bronx County Historical Society. Two years ago, she
began work at her current job in the drawing and
archives department at the Avery Architectural and Fine
Arts Library at Columbia University, the perfect union of
her interests in one fulfilling career.
Josh Gramling '99 finishes a medicai iiiustration in his studio.
"I'm happy to indulge in things I'm interested in; you
become a mini-expert on all different kinds of things. It
has allowed me to combine my love of art with some-
thing outside of the museum field. I am constantly learn-
ing more about New York architecture and arts."
Josh Gramling '99 - Medical Illustrator
Living and working in Ft. Collins, Colorado, Josh is a
long way from his hometown of Woodstock, Georgia,
and the Oglethorpe campus that he came to love so well.
Josh found his career direction early when interviewing
for the Governor's Honors program in high school, "The
interviewer asked me what I loved, and when I said
science and art, he asked me if I'd heard of medical
illustration. He explained what that was, and I was
hooked." Josh began his research and chose Oglethorpe
because of its Atlanta location and the art major.
For the next four years he took every art class possible
and almost enough biology classes to comprise a double
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major. Josh also got to know Oglethorpe's faculty well, including
Alan Loehle through his fiindamentals of art class. "The skills I
learned in that class and others like it carry over into what I am
currently doing - composition, technique and color theory. All
of my coursework was based on getting me ready for today.
Professor Loehle took the time to give me specific projects to
help me in what I wanted to do. He crafted curriculum and
projects showing line and form specific to mechanical illustration."
This time and special attention worked to get Josh to his next
step and beyond.
After graduation, Josh was accepted to the Medical College of
Georgia - one of only a few graduate programs in the country
which offer medical illustration, where he was one of only eight
students. During his time there, students got to sit in on surgeries
with sketchbook in hand. He graduated with a degree in
scientific and medical illustration. Another Oglethorpe alumnus.
Nobles Green '03, graduated from the same program.
Josh has worked at Visible Productions, a medical multimedia
and 3-D animation studio based in Ft. Collins, for almost two
years. He works with "visible human projects," where he uses
the dataset from a cadaver and turns the information into an
animated model. Clients for his company include doctors,
hospitals, teachers, patients and lawyers. One animation project,
showing how the human stomach works, from swallowing to
digestion, was taped for airing on a future Oprah Winfrey show.
"It's a small field, and I love it - Oglethorpe prepared me well
for my career - and for my life."
Angela Torchio '02 - Sotheby's Institute, Master's in
Contemporary Art
While attending Marietta High School, a friend gave Angela a
book on Matisse and suggested she might get into the arts.
Little did the friend know what a chain reaction that would
cause. Choosing Oglethorpe allowed Angela to continue that
interest and watch her talent and confidence grow.
She crafted an independent major in art history and business
and thought at the time that she might like to open an art
gallery. "I found Professor Catherine Kelley's Modern Art class,
and her lectures were amazing; everything she said was
stimulating," said Angela. "And with Alan Loehle's Anatomy for
the Artist class, I was completely obsessed."
A trip to Italy after graduation to study art history and opera
convinced Angela to continue her art history studies. She moved
to New York after returning to the states and worked as the
assistant to an independent curator before deciding she wanted
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to continue her study of art history. Once she decided
she was going to graduate school, she asked Dr. Jeffrey
Collins and Loehle for advice and they recommended
the Oxford program.
She loved her Oxford experience, studying ancient art
and conducting individual research.
After Oxford, she found the Sotheby's master's program
on the internet, applied and was accepted in 2005. In an
email to Loehle in May 2005 she wrote, "I had my
interview last week (at Sotheby's) and they told me that I
was overqualified and the exact type of student they look
for. So thank you. There is no way that I would be in
such a great position if it were not for you and Professor
Kelley and Dr. Collins . . . Thank you for all of your
help and guidance over the years."
At Sotheby's Angela is being trained to work in the field
of contemporary art, giving many oral presentations,
attending lectures at the famed auction house and even
curating a hypothetical exhibition. She completes the
program this October and looks forward to getting
another master's or her doctorate.
She says that it recently dawned on her that an OU
education prepares students unlike any other school. "I
wouldn't have been half as successful if I hadn't attended
Oglethorpe; I think about things differendy than the
general populace thinks about them."
make a living
faculty profile
Kendra King
By Mark DeLong '03
Dr. Kendra King, assistant professor of politics and
assistant director of the Rich Foundation Urban
Leadership Program, could install a revolving door in
her office, as a steady stream of students move in and
out during office hours.
"I believe education, especially a liberal arts education,
is a great equalizer," said King, who was born in
Providence, Rhode Island, and attended Colby College
in Maine. "The liberal arts tradition allows you to
explore the possibilities. Growing up in the projects,
education was a gateway for me. "
This semester. King is teaching two special topics in
politics courses: Moral and Political Leadership and
From Montgomery to Memphis -The Political
Evolution of Martin L. ICing, Jr.
One student told her that reading Martin Luther King,
Jr.'s biography changed her life. "And that's what this
profession is all about," King said. Her other courses this
spring are State and Local Government and The Politics
of Hip Hop for University College.
While in college, King was active in student government,
she wrote and acted in a one-act play, and she worked in
the cultural affairs office. Working with the dean, she
organized a trip to Atlanta's King Center. "I felt like it
was an opportunity to get to know Dr. King and his
legacy of nonviolence up close and personal," she said.
"The trip was a life-changing experience as I did get to
experience Dr. ICing through Mrs. Coretta Scott King
and Elder Bernice A. King daily in the opening and
closing sessions."
King spoke at her 1 994 Colby graduation, sharing the
podium with George H. W. Bush. "I shared with my
moral and political leadership class that one of my
biggest mistakes was not recognizing the president in my
speech. He acknowledged me, but I never recognized his
presence," she said.
After Colby, King went on to earn her doctorate from
Ohio State University. She began her teaching career at
the University of Georgia, but came to Oglethorpe in
support of the liberal arts experience.
"The Oglethorpe difference is the opportunity to invest
more in the teaching process, to focus on each student,"
she said. "Because of the intimate classroom setting, you
get to know each student's strengths and weaknesses and
help them master their skills. That's a wonderful
experience. You know the change is instilled in students."
Outside of the classroom. King is working on a politics
textbook, to be released for fall 2007. Beginning a series
on minorin,' politics by Polity Press, the book will be the
first African-American politics text with chapters on the
influence of hip hop and mega-churches.
Through her writing and her teaching. King lives by a
quote displayed prominently in her office: "Be the
change you seek." At the end of March, King joined 20
students in the National Sleep Out in Atlanta's
Centennial Park to raise awareness for America's poor
and homeless citizens. The event is just one example of
how King is working for change in society and in the
mind of everv student she reaches.
reading room
Two alumni share Louisiana roots
By Jerry Portwood '99
Driving through southern Louisiana, it's nearly impossible
to miss the swamps from which the cities, town and
roads seem to somehow emerge. Fortunately, such
mysterious locales have also produced a long line of
curious, intelligent individuals that have left the soggy
land of their home to tell their tales.
Two recent Oglethorpe alums who hail from Louisiana,
Anthony Wilson '97 and Jeanee Ledoux '99, have both
produced books that reveal their attachment to their
Southern pasts.
After graduating from Oglethorpe, Wilson attended
Vanderbilt University where he got his doctorate in
English. His book Shadow and Shelter: The Swamp in
Southern Culture (published January 2006 by the
University Press of Mississippi) grew out of his dissertation
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work as well as being influenced by his growing up in
Louisiana from age 1 1 .
"Really, experiencing Louisiana culture got me interested
in swamps as places of cultural importance. On the other
hand, I think comic books and bad horror movies got
me interested in swamps as creepy, evil places," said
Wilson via email. "My book tries to reconcile the two!"
Wilson claims the book is primarily aimed at a scholarly
audience. However, its subject matter - the cultural history
of Southern swamps from the colonial era to the present
through the lens of literary works as well as pop culture
artifacts - has a broader appeal to anyone interested in
how the swamps "transformed, in the Southern
imagination, from the enemies of Southern culture to its
precious, fragile remnants."
Wilson, who married Jeanette Randall '97 in 2001, now
lives in LaGrange, Georgia, with their newborn son and
teaches English at LaGrange College.
At first glance Ledoux's book seems to have erased any
sign of her upbringing in Opelousas, Louisiana, since it
focuses on young, hip do-it-yourselfers on a budget but,
not only did the book begin as an idea while she was a
student at Oglethorpe, it also retains an eclectic,
flamboyant passion for arts and craft that feels entirely
at home with a quilting circle or the fashion set.
Abode d la Mode was published in December 2005 and
has steadily risen in the ratings at Amazon.com. Ledoux
is currently working on ideas for a second DIY book for
which she's already begun to design and experiment.
While working at The Stormy Petrel newspaper in the late
90s, LedoiDC suggested decorating a student's on-campus
residence for $100. A contest was concocted, and Mona
Jain 01 received a room makeover with flea market finds
and the help of Ledoux's trust)' glue gun.
"The seed for the book has been there tor a long time, "
says Ledoux. "It was really fun and good for me to finally
incorporate the visual part of me. I didn't nurture that
part of myself while I [studied literature] at Oglethorpe. '
After graduating with a degree in English, she worked for
a time at Storey Books - a publisher of how-to books -
in Williamstown, Massachusetts, before returning to
Atlanta and starting her own copyediting company. She
continues to copyedit for publishers out of her home in
Decatur, where many of her ideas for the book now
decorate her home.
For a time she found it difficult to reconcile her
analytical English major training with her crafty side.
"But I like to make things," she says. "I had urges to do
things like this while at OU but it seemed to distract me
from the time needed to write a paper."
Luckily, she now has a life that marries her two passions
— writing and creating — into one.
jerry Portwood '99 was named Managing Editor of New
York Press in April. His email address is ierry@nypress.com.
Alumni Authors
A partial listing of bool(s published by alumni authors
Donna Adair Breauit '5S - Experiencing Dewey: Insights for
the Classroom (2005)
Chad Foster '96 - How Firm a Foundation: A Handbook on the
Historical Reliability of the New Testament and the
Resurrection (2004) and So That You May Believe: The
Apologetic Nature of John's Gospel (2005)
Or John T. Goldthwait '41 -A Pleasant Fiction (2003),
Reasons for Andy (2003), Values: What They Are & How We
Know Them (1996)
Shahara Henley-Ruth '02 - From the Poet to the People
(2004)
Mil<e Higgins '74 - Action in the South Atlantic (2000)
Use Shade Pace 'S7- Working Virtually: Challenges of Virtual
Teams (2005)
Cheryl Ritzel '91 - Runner's High: A Paul Grey Murder
Mystery (2005) and Beginner's Luck: A Paul Grey Murder
Mystery (2003)
donor profile
Tim Tassopoulos '81
By Mark DeLong '03
"I could be involved on campus long after I retire and
still feel like I wont be able to pay back the Oglethorpe
community for all that it's done for me."
That's Tim Tassopoulos '81, explaining his heavy
involvement at Oglethorpe 25 years after graduating
siunma cum laude. While earning his bachelor's in political
science and history, Tassopoulos was a member of the
Politics and Pre-Law Association, Alpha Chi, Phi Alpha
Theta, Omicron Delta Kappa, various intramural teams
and The Stormy Petrel.
"First and foremost, my time at Oglethorpe gave me not
only relationships that'll last a lifetime, but also experiences
and insights. It helped give me confidence to take on
future roles outside of Oglethorpe, " said the senior vice
president of operations at Chick-fil-A. "Beyond that, it's
consistent with what is most important in my life, which
is helping fumre leaders get involved in their communities. "
Tassopoulos, who has served Oglethorpe as president of
the national alumni association, a member of the
President's Advisory Council and, since 1998, a member
of Oglethorpe's Board of Trustees, is also an active
member of his community. He serves on the Board of
Advisors for the McDonough School of Business at
Georgetown University, where he earned an M.B.A. in
1983, the board of the Atlanta Area Council of Boy
Scouts, the Board of Visitors for Hellenic College Holy
Cross Seminary in Massachusetts and the parish council
of Holy Transfiguration Greek Orthodox Church in
Marietta.
"Any involvement I've had [at Oglethorpe] has not just
been rewarding, but it's been a lot of fun," he said.
"People give of their time, talent and financial resources
because Oglethorpe's got a clear vision that I have
confidence will be fulfilled, and I think that's why people
are so excited about being part of it at this point. "
"It's evident to me that Oglethorpe is a hot school," he
said. "There's buzz about Oglethorpe in the Atlanta
community and beyond. It's in high demand, as
evidenced by applications going through the roof We've
got some real momentum in terms of athletics, if you
look at what happened this year with women's basketball,
the golf teams, the growth of the soccer program and the
sports facilities. Another key is the facilities improvement:
new dorms, landscaping, the renovations to Hearst and
the Academic Quad. And most importantly, there's ter-
rific leadership. Larry Schall's pulling the vision together
and he's going to lead us into the next level."
Tassopoulos stated a few years back that Oglethorpe can
be the number one liberal arts college in the Southeast.
"There's no question to me that it basically comes down
to the outcomes, which is the students who graduate. I'm
well aware of the promises that we make, and I think
they hold true. Oglethorpe graduates become community
leaders who think well, communicate well, make a
significant contribution to the businesses and communities
they are a part of and truly make a life, make a living
and make a difference."
With the support of Tassopoulos and alumni and
friends such as him, Oglethorpe will make great strides
in the coming years and continue to become more
widely recognized as the top liberal arts university in
the Southeast.
alumni association presidents letter
Dear Fellow Alumni:
I cannot begin to tell vou how much fun I am having in
my role as the president of our alumni association. In
addition to visiting with old friends and making new
ones, I am experiencing anew what made me grow to
love Oglethorpe more than 1 8 years ago.
The last few months in particular have presented many
opportunities for alumni to reconnect with the school
and each other. At the end of March, many of you
returned to campus as we celebrated a fun-filled alumni
weekend. In April, numerous alumni also took part in
events celebrating the inauguration of President Larry
Schall.
If you have been connected with the university' lately,
you alread}' know that your alma mater is on an incredible
upswing as President Schall is providing amazing leader-
ship and vision. The students are energized, the faculty is
brimming with optimism, and the university is soaring
to new heights (so much so that groundbreaking for
another new residence hall will begin this summer).
As alumni, we need to catch the wave and do everything
we can to support the successful ride.
One important way we can do that is through our giving.
Oglethorpe is rich in history and tradition, but we are not
rich in the more traditional sense of the word. To continue
operating, the school telies on financial support from its
alumni and friends, which in turn influences major gifts
from foundations to build infrastructure. When reviewing
the university's requests, the foundations look closely at
the percentage of alumni who give to the school. By
contributing financially (no matter what the amount),
you can make the alumni participation number a strength
rather than a weakness when Oglethorpe is seeking
critical foundation gifts.
As you read this, the university's annual fundraising
campaign (the Oglethorpe Fund) is in its fmal push as
the school's fiscal year ends June 30. During your time
on campus, Oglethorpe made an investment in your life.
Please participate in the continued success of the univer-
sity by making a return investment and pledging your
financial support right now by contacting Sam Graddy
(sgraddy@oglethorpe.edu, 404-364-8529). Again, your
participation is more important than the amount you
can give.
As always, the alumni association welcomes your
involvement. If interested in learning more, contact me
(jshelton@laborlawyers.com, 404-240-4259) or Barb
Bessmer Henry '85, Director of Alumni Relations
(bhenry@oglethorpe.edu, 404-364-8443) .
In closing, please send your current email address to
alumni@oglethorpe.edu. The university will not flood
you with emails; however, there is some vital
communication that goes out to alumni via email only.
If the school does not have your email address, you are
missing out on exciting news and oppottunities.
Joe Shelton '91
National Alumni Association President
class notes
Future Freshmen
Donna Adair Breault '88 and her
husband Rick announce the birth of
their daughter, Niamh Clare, who
was born Aug. 23, 2005, at DeKalb
Medical Center. She weighed 7
pounds, 8 ounces and measured 19
inches long. Audrey (born July 21,
2004) is very proud of her little
sister. Donna and Rick are also
happy to announce the publication of their first edited
book. Experiencing Dewey: Insights for the Classroom
published this year by Kappa Delta Pi.
Scott McKelvey '91 and his wile
Kelly had a baby boy on Sept. 15,
2005. Adam Hawkins weighed 8
poimds, 9 ounces and measured 22
inches long.
Alan Gibson '95 and Teri
Butler Gibson '95 announce
the birth of their second
child, Braden James. He was
•^ born on Aug. 26, 2005, and
"'fsf'f^^S weighed in at 8 pounds and
14 ounces. He joins big sister
Ellie Ruth, who is two years old. The Gibsons live in
Marietta, Georgia, where Teri is a stay-at-home mom
and freelance graphic designer, and Alan is an attorney.
Emily Gurley '96 and husband Eric
Adams announce the birth of their
son Odin on June 18, 2005. They
are currently residing in Dhaka,
Bangladesh.
lennifer Fowler Stafford '96 and
Michael Stafford proudly announce
the birth of their first son. Cole
Robert, on Sept. 29, 2005.
Anthony Wilson '97 and
Jeannette Randall Wilson '97
announce the birth of their
son, Lucas Cameron. He
was born on Dec. 5, 2005,
weighing in at 6 pounds, 4
ounces and measured 19.25
inches long.
Kelly Holland Vrtis '97 and
husband Matt were tickled pink to
welcome daughter Amelia Caroline
on Aug. 3, 2005. Kelly celebrated
10 years with The Container Store
last year and was recently promoted
to marketing communications
manager at the company's home
office in Dallas, Texas. She oversees and produces all of
the advertising and marketing communications,
including catalogs, web site, corporate communications
and training materials.
Matthew Flinn '98 and Amy Myers Flinn '00 announce
the arrival of their son Andrew Michael Talmage Flinn.
Andrew was born on March 2, 2006, in Seattle. He
weighed 8 pounds and measured 20.25 inches long.
Russell Lind '98 and wife Jodi
announce the arrival of Allison
Sarah born May 29, 2005. She
9^ weighed 7 pounds, 2 ounces and
measured 19.5 inches long.
Everyone is all smiles!
Kevin Woolf '00 and wife Amy
announce the birth of their first
child, Anna Elizabeth. Anna Beth
arrived on Christmas Day. Mom
and baby are doing well.
Weddings
Glenda Herd Jones '68 was married on Feb. 1 , 2006,
to Larr)' Holmes, in Jamaica. The couple will reside in
Gumming, Georgia.
Jennifer Sisco '96 married Mark Pekosz on Nov. 5, 2005,
at Our Lady of the Holy Angels Church in Little Falls,
New Jersey. Jen's father, a deacon, performed the
ceremony. David Gheung '96 served as an usher. After a
honeymoon in Guracao, Jen and Mark are back at work
at Linden (N.J.) High School where Mark teaches
biolog)' and Jen teaches English.
Heidi Blackwell '99 and Ilya Lavrik
were married on Dec. 30, 2005, at
7 Stages Theatre in Atlanta. The
ceremonv was performed bv
Oglethorpe alum (and Heidi's best
friend) Katherine Grififm '96. Many
other Oglethorpe alumni were also
in artendance.
Lindsay Burgoon '00 and Jay
Matthews '99 were married on Aug.
20, 2005, surrounded by friends
and family in Atlanta. The wedding
part}' included Oglethorpe alumni:
maid of honor Gourtney King '99;
best men Jesse Peters '0 1 and Bryan
Wright 01. Alumni in attendance
were Brandon King '00, Leigh
Lawless '00, Jeremy Beaird '98, Sha
Nateghi '04, Rob Fearon '95 and Michael Reeves '99.
The Matthews now live in Portland, Oregon, where
Lindsay has entered a master's program for Oriental
Medicine.
Austin Markiewicz '0 1 married Erin McMurray on Aug.
6, 2005, at Sacred Heart Gatholic Ghurch in Tampa,
Florida. The wedding part)' included Oglethorpe alumni
Colin Pajot '01, Matt Mills '01 and Christian Blonshine
'01. The couple now lives in Tampa.
Jonathan Turlev '02 married
Margreet Arnold. Jonathan is
currently living in Kuwait, working
in the political section of the U.S.
Embassy.
Kimberly Vax '03 and Christopher
Summers 03 were married on June
25, 2005. Chris currently works as
the assistant director of admissions
at Oglethorpe, and Kimberly is
taking classes toward enrollment in
the MAT program at Oglethorpe.
Christina Vinluan '04 married
Sandeep Heda on July 9, 2005, at
Saint Catherine of Siena in
Kennesaw, Georgia. Christina's
bridal part)' included Oglethorpe
alimini: Mu-Hung Fang '05,
Dar'Shun Kendrick 04, Joy Evans
'02, Shaniece Broadus Criss '02
and Paula Tecklenburg '04. The couple now lives in
Philadelphia. Christina is an auditor at
PricewaterhouseCoopers and Sandeep works at Bain &
Co., while attending the Wharton School at the
Universit)' of Pennsylvania.
riass notes
Alumni Updates
Thomas Munro Hunrer '43 is living in Elmhurst,
Illinois, and is a retired vice president ot Business Forms
Co. In addition to receiving his degree from Oglethorpe,
he also was in the U.S. Infantry, Illinois National Guard
and completed his J.D. from Loyola University in
Chicago. Thomas has three children: Thomas W. Jr.,
Erica Hunrer McKoane 75 (Illinois) and Sarah Hunter
Coniey '85 (Massachusetts).
Favorite memory: Thomas says that Oglethorpe gave
him an opportunity to complete his college education
that was not available to the majority of people. WWII
disrupted his contacts so there has always been a gap in
their relationships, what might have been!
Joe Soldati '61, Tony Parades '61
and Mark Weinberg '61 met in
Seattle this March for their own
class reunion. While visiting
some of Seartle's well-known
marinas and the Chittenden
Locks, they discussed their lives, families, age-related
changes and more. It was a great day filled with com-
ments like, "Do you remember" and "How is he/she
doing now?" For the casual observer it must have been
like trying to foUow a very fast game of ping-pong as
chatter bounced around the table.
Betty (B-J) Rutland Stapleford '64 received her Doctor
of Ministry degree from the Claremont School of
Theology in Claremont, California, in May 2005. She is
beginning her eighth year of ministry with the Conejo
Valley Unitarian Universalist Fellowship in Thousand
Oaks, California, and invites fellow classmates to visit
her and her husband Tom in sunny southern California.
Lila McGahee Adair '67 has been elected as the national
vice president of the American Association of Physics
Teachers. She will serve a four-year term, one year each
as vice president, president-elect, president and past
president. Lila retired from 35 years of teaching in 2002
and is employed as a science methods instructor and
student teaching supervisor at Piedmont College in
Athens, Georgia.
J
Russell "Rusty" Mabrey '87 is an assistant district
attorney in Savannah, Georgia. His wife, [ennifer Perry
Mabrey '87, is employed as a physical therapist for St.
Joseph Hospital in Savannah. They have two children:
Jacob-Taylor (8 years old) and Zoe (6 years old).
Lise Shade Pace '87 co-authored a business book entitled
Working Virtually: Challenges of Virtual Teams. The
business-oriented book "provides an in-depth, practical
perspective on the growing dependence on virtual teams
and how to best exploit them." The book is published by
CyberTech Publishing, an imprint of Idea Group Inc.
Dr. Chris Henderson '91 works as
a senior research scientist in the
department of infectious disease at
the University of Georgia. siRNA
technology is the department's
current strategy for developing
vaccine candidates for treatment
against viral pathogens. Their
collaborations include government
laboratories, such as the Centers for
Disease Control, as well as private
companies leading the field in
biotechnology. Her husband, Barry
Packtor, is a mortgage banker with Country Wide. They
have two dogs and two horses.
Paula Maddox '91 is living in
Roswell, Georgia, and her daughter,
Kira-Marie Carr, just completed her
freshman year at Oglethorpe.
itm^K.-.
Lori Calupca '92 teaches 8th grade physical science at
Wesleyan School and coaches the middle school cross
country and track teams. In addition, Lori is involved
with Wesleyan's mission trips and chaperoned a middle
school mission trip to Wise, Virginia, over spring break.
lefFerv Whitney '92 became a senior partner of Perinatal
Law Group, PLLC, a law firm in Washington, D.C., in
October 2005. PLG represents the families of children
suffering from birth injuries resulting from medical
negligence.
Myers Brown '93 recently joined the staff of the
Tennessee State Museum as curator of history and
extension services. Myers received his master's in museum
studies from Middle Tennessee State University and pre-
viously worked for the Atlanta History Center and the
Alabama Historical Commission. Myers serves on the
Board of Governors of the Company of Military
Historians and on the military history committee of the
American Association of State and Local History. He and
his wife Angie recently had their first child.
Chris McDuffie '94 was licensed as an associate
professional counselor (LAPC) with the state of Georgia
in September of 2005.
Jane Perkins '96 is teaching 1st grade at Tower Street
School in Westerly, Rhode Island, and is also a volunteer
firefighter at two departments in the communit)'. Jane is
the Captain of the Watch Hill Fire Department in
Westerly and a Training Officer at the Dunn's Corners
Fire Department in Westerly.
Stephanie Giles Howard '97 was discovered in the sum-
mer of 2005, by her 24-year-old half-Hungarian half-
brother, Travis Nagy, who is completing law school at
University of South Carolina. He plays the saxophone,
fiddle, harmonica, piano and guitar all by ear. They have
many things in common: German-looking facial bone
structure, love for mackerel sushi and a thing for
Aquarians.
Dave Leach '97 has been a contractor for MATRIX
Resources on assignment to BellSouth for a little over a
year. He works on a software development team that
publishes a utility called QuoteExpert. This is the tool
that the BellSouth sales force uses to generate quotes for
business communication products. Dave works with
some of the best programmers in the region and gets to
drive by campus every day! Dave, wife September and
their three cats recently moved to Peachtree Corners.
Kim Phillips Sasso '98 has been named to the position
of marketing and communications manager for CTR
Group, a national professional staffing firm. In this
capacity Kim will guide development of comprehensive
branding and markedng strategies relating to the company's
geographic expansion and cultivation of the finance and
manufacturing industries. Kim and husband Nick
continue to build their successful restaurant business,
Nick's Pizza Stop (www.nickspizzastop.com).
Kim also maintains a community website,
http://www.grantville.net.
.Aimee Thrasher-Hanson '98 completed her Master of
Library Science degree in December 2005 from Queens
College. Her family has recendy relocated to the wonderful
city of Philadelphia, where she will start her new career
as an adult/young adult librarian with the Free Library of
Philadelphia. If anyone is visiting the Philly area, feel free
to contact her!
Mariruth Leftwich '99 has begun her doctorate program
at the University of London's Institute of Education. Her
research, based in the school of arts and humanities,
focuses on the development of online museum resources
for use in the history classroom.
Leigh Lawless '00 currently
resides in Savannah, Georgia,
and is pursuing graduate studies
in public administration at
Georgia Southern University in
Statesboro, Georgia. After
completing her degree, Leigh will pursue a career in
nonprofit management and fundraising. Leigh works as
a server and spends her free time potty training her new
baby, Lucy, a bi-eyed Siberian Husky rescued from the
pound and trying to help her get along with her fat cat Hairy.
Penelope Anderson '01 has moved back to Atlanta and
is working with the Girl Scout Council of Northwest
Georgia as the campaign manager for corporate and
foundation giving.
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Shaniece Broadus Criss '02 graduated with her Master of
Public Health from the Rollins School of Public Health
at Emory University in Atlanta. She has been working at
a public health consulting company, ORC Macro, in Adanta.
rlass notes
Jorjanne Zorn Paulk '01 is currently a stay-at-home
mother of a rwo-year-old son, Seth. The nature of her
work includes diapers, filling sippy cups and lots of hugs!
Angie Baldwin Roda '0 1 and husband Tim recently
moved back to their hometown of Tampa, Florida.
Angie started her own web and print production
company, and Tim is now working for Bracken
Engineering as a project engineer.
Daniel Sobczak '01 left Home Depot in July to
pursue a full-time career in education. He is currently
pursuing his master's in education at Georgia State
University in the social studies TEEMS program. He
also began teaching full time at the GIVE Center,
Gwinnett County's alternative school, at the end of
August. He still resides in the Snellville area.
Shahara Ruth '02 presented a reading of her latest
play "Two Kinds of "Women" on Dec. 30, 2005, at
the Paramount Coffee Shop in Tucker, Georgia. The
reading investigated the age-old stereotype of two
kinds of women, how these women are viewed and
how men view them. The theme of the evening was
"Bringing Back Balance in Relationships. '
Daniel Torrenti 02 and Leah Patrick Torrenti '01
celebrated their 2nd wedding anniversary in July
2005. Many Oglethorpe alumni were part of the
wedding including the majority of the cast from "It's
a Wonderful Petrel" produced in '00. Leah is currently
teaching Spanish and coaching tennis, cross country
and basketball at Lafayette High School in Georgia.
Daniel is teaching government and coaching baseball
at Ridgeland High School in Georgia. Daniel has just
recently started graduate school for an educational
leadership degree at Kennesaw State University.
Mona (Katye) Watkins '02 is now the senior
coordinator of vendor management at Cingular
Wireless in Atlanta.
Gabriel Dean '03 wrote "Rififed," a play produced
last fall by Actor's Express as part of their Dark Night
Series. It won a grant from the City of Atlanta's
Bureau of Cultural Affairs.
Brevely Mack '03 lost her daughter, Vanesa Ingram, on April
27, 2005. Vanesa was a beautiful, talented, loving and
wonderful daughter. She was 33 years old at the time of her
death with a great future. She was Brevely's youngest daughter
and the first to finish college (University of Alabama at
Birmingham). Vanesa encouraged Brevely to go back to school
to earn her degree in 2003. Brevely's heart is broken and her
loss is great.
JoAnn Tippett '04 is working as a preschool teacher at St.
James Preschool and also serves as the afterschool program
director for children with special needs at the Heart of Hope
Academy in Atlanta.
Ashley Wolf '04 Ashley Wolf '04
is creating her first full-length LP
with Scobra/Dreamtime Records
IJ»- ^wf^'' in Los Angeles. Her first album
jt^ vmSU^Ur^Ui was sung, co-produced and
L t ^^BB I lyrically written by Ashley. In
f I j^|H i| October, Ashley appeared on a
late morning national cable
television show called Brunch on QTN. She performed
a single from her upcoming album.
Cat Lawler '05 is attending the University of Georgia School
of Law in Athens, Georgia. She is having fun there, despite
the hard work. She misses the Oglethorpe community and
would love to hear from you if you are in the Athens area.
Rachel Lehr 04 has recently taken a position with General
Dynamics and moved to the Washington, D.C., area. She is
working as an analyst in the network systems division
supporting the Department of Homeland Security.
Carlissa Carson '05 is currently in Lansing, Michigan,
attending law school. She plans on pursuing a career in
criminal law. Additionally, she is a military intelligence
officer in the Army.
ss notes
In Memoriam
Oglethorpe expresses its deepest sympathy to the loved ones
of the following alumni and friends of the university who
have died:
Elizabeth Patterson Byram '28 on Jan. 12, 2004
Grace Woolford Draper '34 on May 1, 1999
Helen Bivings Crawford '35 on Dec. 20, 2005
Clyde L. Wright, Sr. '35 on Aug. 12, 2004
Aranna M. Watson '36
Martha Carmichael Dew '37 on Aug. 23, 2005
Douglas H. Thompson '37 on Dec. 5, 2005
Avery Anderson Graves '38 on Dec. 20, 2005
John M. Gown '41 in Jan. 1998
George Leonard Hill '41 on Feb. 26, 1991
Anne Sheridan Pinson '41 on Nov. 19, 2005
Violet Moore Poulos '41 on Feb. 14, 2006
Alma Shaw Ward '41 on Feb. 6, 2004
Lt. Colonel Charles Ross Wyrosdick '41
Alice Bragg Geiger '42 on Feb. 14, 2006
Harold Monroe Humber '42 on July 29, 2005
William Maxwell Gaston '43 on Aug. 11, 2005
Esther Laree Milam Harbin '44 on Sept. 3, 2004
William Joseph Hooks '44 on Dec. 2, 1997
Beverly Bechtel Thompson '51 on Dec. 13, 2005
Frances Carroll George '52
Estelle Underwood Howington '53 on Jan. 27, 2006
Rev. William Watts (Bill) Satterwhite '53 on Aug. 17, 2005
Frank Whitfield Laird Terhune Jr. '53 on Jan. 9, 2006
Margaret (Carol) Davis McCann '54 in 2005
Trustee Clare Findley Magbee '56 on Nov. 28, 2005
Patterson Nail Mitchell '56 on Dec. 6, 2005
James Carl Scoggins '56 on Dec. 4, 2000
Betty Jones Wiley '56 on Aug. 10, 2005
Annie Stephens Meek '57 on Feb. 10, 2006
Peggy Green Simpson '58 on Nov. 1, 2005
Connie Thiery Hale '59 on June 12, 2003
Thomas Joseph Dallinger "65 in Feb. 2006
Charles R. Farrell '67 on Sept. 6, 2005
Patricia Ann Hartridge '69 on Sept. 6, 2005
Daniel Patrick Collins '73 on Sept. 30, 2005
Kay Penn Martin '75 on Jan. 22, 2006
Wesley N. McFarland '79 on Aug. 18, 2004
Patricia Fowler Waite '83
Kevin Thomas Bradley '87 on Jan. 24, 2006
Vera Clark Ray '99 on Oct. 23, 2005
Ramona Sutton Lathbury '05 on Aug. 10, 2005
Sandra C. Banderas '06 on March 25, 2006
Samuel Joseph George on Aug. 1 5, 2005
Lois "Skippy" Milstead Goodwin on Dec. 1 1, 2005
OGLETHORPE
UNIVERSITY
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Organization
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Atlanta, GA 30319
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4484 Peachtree Road NE
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Address Service Requested
Alumni Weekend
Over 550 alumni, family and friends returned to campus at the end of March to
celebrate their years at Oglethorpe and reconnect with friends, professors, coaches
and stafR Many groups held separate reunions, including new Golden Petrels in
the class of 1956, the classes of 1961, 1966, 1991, 1996 and 2001. Young
Alumni (classes of 1995-2005), ODK, SAE, baseball and tennis alumni also
gathered during the weekend. Interim provost and retired Callaway Professor of
Economics William Shropshire was in attendance, pictured at left speaking with
AUie Brubaker and Cleve Hill '01. Additional photos are available at
www.oglethorpe.edu (keyword: alumni weekend).
Is YOUR MAILING LABEL CORRECT?
If your name and/or address are incorrect on any mailings you receive from
Oglethorpe, please accept our apologies. We have been upgrading our alumni
database. Although we have gone to great lengths to ensure the accuracy of our
data, we may have missed some things. Please contact the Alumni Office with
any corrections at alumni@oglethorpe.edu or 404-364-8893. Thank you for your
patience while we continue working to get things just right.
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