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Book discussion to explore open-mindedness

Posted on Friday, April 09, 2021

“Think Again: The Power of Knowing What You Don’t Know” will be discussed in a Zoom meeting.

Bill and Melinda Gates have called the book “Think Again: The Power of Knowing What You Don’t Know” a must-read for anyone who wants to create a culture of learning and exploration, whether at home, work or school.   

“In an increasingly divided world, the lessons in this book are more important than ever," they write.  

Mark Huffman, husband of President Susanna Baxter, will lead a discussion about this New York Times bestseller by Adam Grant at noon April 14 via Zoom. The event is co-sponsored by the Alumni Association.  

This book examines the critical art of rethinking - learning to question your opinions, and engaging others in open-minded conversations, he said. This can position you for excellence at work, and wisdom in life. And in these polarized times, honing these skills can contribute to our communities and society as well. 

Martha Pirkle, Director of Alumni and Community Relations, encourages participants to purchase “Think Again” now so they will be ready for a lively discussion on April 14.  

“This a very timely work, and Mark has some wonderful insights into what it says,” she said.   

Register here to receive more details. Once signed up, instructions for joining the Zoom gathering will be emailed.  

Huffman is proud to hold the title of “First Gentleman” at the college, where he supports his wife and the LC community in its educational mission.  mark-huffman.jpg

Professionally, he leads a double life. He assists organizations and teams with strategic planning and leadership development, drawing on nearly 20 years of experience in nonprofit management. He specializes in the people skills that helps groups move above the daily drama to work together on what's important.    
   
He is also a certified sexuality educator, training parents how to have “those conversations” with their kids and helping them lay the foundations for healthy decisions as their children grow older. He is the co-author of “Wonderfully Made: Loved by God. Faith and Sexuality Education for Ages 10-12.” 
   
Huffman grew up in the Tampa Bay area and received his bachelor’s degree in human resources (counseling psychology) from Eckerd College. After graduation, he spent several years in Nagoya, Japan, where he taught English at a junior high school and kindergarten.  
   
After returning to the States, he received a Master of Theological Studies degree from Vanderbilt Divinity School.  
   
Huffman met Dr. Baxter in Nashville, and their career journey brought them to Atlanta in 2010 where Dr. Baxter was president of Georgia Independent College Association and Huffman had a personal practice.   

They moved to LaGrange last summer. Their two sons, Inman and Wade, attend Hillside Montessori of LaGrange, while their goldendoodle, Thor, holds down the fort at home. 

 

Campus notes  

New Athletic Director and students chatting after an event

Panther players and coaches welcomed Terlynn Olds, the college’s new Director of Athletics and Recreation, during a meet-and-greet on Wednesday. Olds will begin work June 1. 

Performers from the Sing production

"Sing!," a production sponsored by Musical Theatre, will be at 7 p.m. today (Friday) and Saturday in Callaway Auditorium. The show will feature students performing Broadway, country and pop songs. Open to LC faculty, staff and students. COVID protocols will be observed.

 

Japhera celebrates after ringing the chapel bell

The ringing of the Chapel Bell is a new tradition offered only to graduating seniors to celebrate a first full-time, post-graduation job offer or admission to grad school. Congratulations to these students on their accomplishments:  Japhera McEachin (Nursing) has been offered a full-time job as a registered nurse at Emory Decatur Hospital in Decatur, Georgia; and Kirby Webb (Nursing), has been offered a full-time job as a registered nurse at CHI Memorial Hospital in Chattanooga, Tennessee. Feel free to post videos to all our social media outlets and share with family and friends. Use the hashtag #LCSoundofSuccess. 

The Flip the Switch Campaign will hold its Darkness to Light’s Stewards of Children training sessions online through April 18. Child sexual abuse is one of the most prevalent health problems children face. The training is recommended for adults involved in youth sports, and will teach participants how to prevent, recognize and react responsibly to child sexual abuse.  Register hereInstructions will be sent upon registration. A coupon for a free meal from Chick-fil-A, courtesy of Twin Cedars Youth and Family Service, will be given upon completion of the training.  

Remember the Chapel is open from 8 a.m. until 5 p.m. weekdays for personal prayer and devotion while the college is in session. Weekly Spiritual Life opportunities include Wesley Fellowship Worship, 8 p.m. Tuesdays (online or in person), contact Miranda Cox  mcox2@kongtiao11.comA Journey to You: The Sacred Enneagram, 12:30 p.m. Wednesdays, Bailey Room in Smith Hall, contact the Rev. Dr. Adam Roberts aroberts@kongtiao11.com; Reformation Bible Study, 8 p.m. Wednesdays, the Chapel, contact the Rev. Boyd Miller, Covenant Presbyterian Church, 706-333-9101; Baptist Collegiate Ministries, 8 p.m. WednesdaysDickson Assembly Room, contact Caleb Edde, cedde@kongtiao11.comLife Group, 7 p.m. Thursdays, Spiritual Life Center, contact Audrey Harkness, aharknes@kongtiao11.com; and UKirk, a ministry of the Presbyterian Church USA, 6 p.m. Thursdays, contact Meghan Gross, mgross@kongtiao11.com. 

 

Cultural Enrichment events    

Check LC Connect for Virtual CE events and instructions. For in-person events, all COVID guidelines apply.     

TODAY (FRIDAY) AND SATURDAY 

Sing!  

7 p.m., Callaway Auditorium 

Hosted by Musical Theatre, the event will feature student performerspotlighting Broadway, country and pop songs.  

THROUGH SUNDAY 

LC Young Alumni Virtual Interview Series – Kelton Hunt ’19, Music 

Hunt is working as an audiovisual and film production teacher at Troup High School. 

Local Professional Interview Series – Trae Long ’12, Accounting 

Long is a tax and audit manager at Gay and Jospeh CPA in LaGrange 

THROUGH MONDAY 

Virtual Mental Health 

Learn about local community mental health resources as well as tips to combat stress and anxiety during this pandemic. 

MONDAY-APRIL 18 

Flip the Switch Campaign – Stewards of Children training sessions 

The program will teach participants how to prevent, recognize and react responsibly to child sexual abuse. Register at http://www.surveymonkey.com/r/flipswitch. A coupon for a free meal from Chick-fil-A, courtesy of Twin Cedars Youth and Family Service, will be given upon completion of the training. *SUSTAINABILITY CE 

Young Alumni Virtual Interview Series – Peyton Garland ’16 (English) 

Garland is the author of “Not So by Myself: A Safe Space Where God Doesn’t Fix the Loneliness, but Sits with You Instead? 

 

Sports  

A volleyball game

The newcomers in the volleyball program have hit the ground running during the 2021 season. Learn more about Bre Dufault, Anna Johnston, Heidi Shrontz, Journey Oden and Maggie Vo here

A baseball player sprints to base

Baseball 
The Panthers (10-7, 2-1 USA South) swept a doubleheader from Covenant 8-2 and 4-1 at Cleaveland Field in Williamson Stadium last Saturday. LC pitchers struck out 25 Covenant batters in the two games. 

Women soccer players go for the ball

Women’s Soccer 
The Panthers (3-5) finished their 2021 season with a 5-0 win over Wesleyan on Monday at Panther Field. LC got two goals each from Madison Demkowski and Nikki Longmoore. 

Volleyball players on the court

Volleyball 
The Panthers (5-6, 4-3 USA South) lost 3-0 at Huntingdon on Wednesday. The team’s last regular season match at Agnes Scott on Saturday has been cancelled. 

Calendar 

Sunday 
Baseball vs. Huntingdon (doubleheader), 3 p.m. and 6 p.m., Cleaveland Field in Williamson Stadium. 

Women’s Tennis at Agnes Scott, 11 a.m. 

Monday 
Golf at Wynnlakes Invitational, Montgomery, Alabama 

Tuesday 
Golf at Wynnlakes Invitational, Montgomery, Alabama 

Wednesday 
Softball vs. Maryville (doubleheader)noon and 2 p.m., LC Softball Complex 

Men’s and Women’s Tennis vs. Brevard, 10 a.m. and 2 p.m., Greer Tennis Courts 
 
Thursday 
Softball at Piedmont (doubleheader), 3 p.m. and 5 p.m. 

 

Video of the week 

With plenty of precautions and plenty to see, LaGrange College is once again scheduling new family tours of its beautiful campus. If you are shopping for an affordable, highly rated college, reserve your place at kongtiao11.com/visit. 

 

In the headlines 

LaGrange College welcomes first full-time woman athletic director – WRBL 3 News, April 7, 2021 

 

No link available 

LaGrange College kicks off USA South schedule at home – LaGrange Daily News, April 2, 2021  

Panthers open series with loss – LaGrange Daily News, April 3-4, 2021  

LaGrange College tops Covenant in USA South series – LaGrange Daily News, April 6, 2021 

Category: College, Events, Academics

Keywords: book discussion Mark Huffman

Last updated: 04/09/2021