Posted on Friday, October 18, 2019
Catching up with friends and celebrating all things Panther, Homecoming is also about recognizing alumni who have made a difference in their careers and communities.
Verona Hill ’69, the college’s first African-American graduate, will be in Corn Auditorium at Lewis Library at 11 a.m. today (Friday) to talk about her experiences at the college. She will share how LaGrange College prepared her for a career in social work and the world in general.
Hill said she is grateful to be invited back to campus for Homecoming.
“There are not words to express my feelings of joy and happiness,” she said.
Later that afternoon, Grammy Award-winning music producer David Harris ’08 (Swagg R’Celious) will be on the library plaza to listen to music written by LC students and offer them feedback on their work.
“I’m not only excited about hearing new music but also getting to hear the musical perspectives drawn from diverse influences,” he said. “I can’t wait to share some insight from my professional experiences, and I hope we all can learn from each other.”
This year’s recipients of the Shackelford Alumni Achievement Award have distinguished themselves in their chosen professions and in their communities. They are:
The Rev. Dan Brown ’76 said his time at LaGrange was truly life-changing.
“I came to LaGrange College as a student who barely graduated high school,” he said, “but I left with my wife, Carol, and a call to the ministry.”
Brown is senior pastor at Dunwoody United Methodist Church. He received his bachelor’s degree in Social Work from LaGrange College and completed his master of divinity degree at the Candler School of Theology at Emory University. He’s also served two terms as a district superintendent for the North Georgia Conference of the United Methodist Church.
At the college, he served on the Board of Trustees from 2010-2018, and began a second term in 2019.
Dr. Miriam C. Harris ’00 was born into a family of eight children in Manchester, Georgia. Her parents instilled in their children a strong faith and a love of music.
“She is a very good vocalist and there was a time when she sang and traveled with the brothers’ band,” said her brother, Dr. Alex Harris ’02, a 2018 Shackelford winner. “She’s both bold and soft – not afraid to say exactly what she means.”
Dr. Harris is the assistant chief of procurement compliance service (policy) at the U.S. Secret Service in Washington.
She earned a bachelor’s in Business Administration/Management with a minor in Sociology from LaGrange in 2000, a master’s in public administration (general business concentration) from Georgia College & State University and a doctorate in organization and management (general business specialization) from Capella University.
She recently completed the Washington Executive Seminar with the Department of Homeland Security chief procurement officer executive development program.
Although Dr. David L. Dycus ’05 of Annapolis Junction, Maryland, was recruited as a student-athlete, he had his eyes on the prize.
“His dream was to become a veterinarian, and he committed himself to his academic studies early on,” said his former teacher, Dr. William Paschal, Professor of Biology. “He became more of a colleague than a student.”
Dr. Dycus earned a bachelor’s degree in Biology with a minor in Chemistry from LaGrange College and a master’s degree and a Doctor of Veterinary Medicine degree from Mississippi State University.
He is an orthopedic staff surgeon at the Veterinary Orthopedic and Sports Medicine Group and oversees the mentorship of the surgical interns and assists in research with surgical residents at multiple academic and private institutions.
Dr. Dycus is also the co-founder and co-director of the Veterinary Sports Medicine and Rehabilitation Institute, an online learning platform. He is frequently asked to lecture locally, nationally and internationally.
Stuart C. Countess M’92 of LaGrange is senior vice president and chief operating officer at Kia Motors Manufacturing Georgia.
But ask anyone who knows him and you will quickly learn he is a passionate Alabama football fan. In fact, friends say that although he attends most of the Crimson Tide’s games, he still records them so he can watch them back when he gets home.
He earned a bachelor’s degree in electrical engineering from the University of Alabama and a master’s in Business Administration from LaGrange College.
Countess is a member of the Georgia Chamber of Commerce, where he serves on the Board of Governors and a member of the State Workforce Development Board.
At the college, he serves on the Leadership Council. He is an elder at First Presbyterian Church, board member of the LaGrange-Troup County Chamber of Commerce and LaGrange Academy, and on the Board of Councilors for the Carter Center.
Katie Hearn ’14 is the 2019 Outstanding Young Alumni Award winner. Becky Carter, Tim Taunton and Jerry Wilkinson are being named Honorary Alumni. To learn more about them, visit here.
Ronda Arndorfer, senior leader at Amare Global, will present “Eight Life Hacks for Creating Mental Wellness” at 7 p.m. Tuesday in Callaway Auditorium. The program will offer life hacks that can reduce anxiety and depression. A shuttle bus will depart from Turner Hall beginning at 6:45 p.m. For more information, contact Pamela Tremblay, Director of the Counseling Center, at 706-880-8313 or ptremblay@kongtiao11.com.
Mark your calendars for the annual Fall Festival to be held Oct. 28 on the patio and Academic Quad. More information coming.
Today
Saturday
Sunday
Tuesday
Thursday
Football
The Panthers (2-3, 0-2 USA South) host Greensboro on Saturday for Homecoming 2019. Kickoff is 2 p.m. Freshman Jeremiah Engram had five receptions, including one for a touchdown, in the Panthers’ 55-7 loss to Averett last Saturday.
Women’s soccer
Sophomore Emma Smith had a career-high 19 saves in LC’s 1-0 loss at Huntingdon on Wednesday. The Panthers (7-9, 1-5 USA South) host Piedmont on Saturday beginning at noon.
Men’s soccer
Freshman Enrique Hernandez scored twice as the Panthers (5-8-1, 4-5-1 USA South) defeated Berea 4-2 last Sunday. LC hosts Covenant today (Friday) at 6 p.m. and Greensboro on Saturday at 2 p.m.
Volleyball
Jazzlyn Kenner had a match-high 16 kills to lead the Panthers (6-16, 3-4 USA South) past Pensacola Christian 3-1 on Tuesday. LC plays Agnes Scott and Covenant as part of a USA South quad match Saturday in Lookout Mountain, Georgia.
Golf
LC finished 14th at the Golfweek Division III Fall Invitational on Tuesday. Junior Ben Womack tied for 16th in the individual standings. The Panthers close out their fall schedule at the Chick-fil-A Invitational in Rome, Georgia, on Monday and Tuesday.
Swimming
The LaGrange swim teams face William Peace in a dual meet Saturday in Raleigh, North Carolina.
Friday, Oct. 18
Men’s soccer vs. Covenant, 6 p.m., Panther Field
Saturday, Oct. 19
Football vs. Greensboro, 2 p.m., Callaway Stadium (Homecoming)
Volleyball vs. Agnes Scott, noon; Covenant, 4 p.m.; Lookout Mountain, Georgia
Women’s soccer vs. Piedmont, noon, Panther Field
Men’s soccer vs. Greensboro, 3 p.m., Panther Field
Swimming at William Peace, 3 p.m., Raleigh, North Carolina
Monday, Oct. 21
Golf at Chick-fil-A Invitational, Stonebridge Golf Club, Rome, Georgia
Tuesday, Oct. 22
Golf at Chick-fil-A Invitational, Stonebridge Golf Club, Rome
Women’s soccer vs. Judson, 5 p.m., Panther Field
One Word. One Gift.
Sometimes a single word is all it takes to tell a story. What one word describes what LaGrange College means to you? Let us know, and consider making one gift in honor of that word to help students write their LC stories.
While you celebrate Homecoming this weekend, go ahead and mark Dec. 3 on your calendar for Giving Tuesday.
‘Noises Off’ to take the stage at LaGrange College for weekend showings – LaGrange Daily News, Oct. 20, 2019
Two programs awarded grants for CACREP application – National Board for Certified Counselors newsletter, Oct. 15, 2019
LaGrange College men’s soccer team hoping to build on big win – LaGrange Daily News, Oct. 5-6, 2019
Panthers fall in USA South debut – Oct. 8, 2019
Panthers eye USA South victory – Oct. 12-13, 2019
Difficult second half for Panthers – Oct. 15, 2019
Category: Students, Academics, Events, College, Community
Keywords: Alumni Homecoming
