Posted on Thursday, December 22, 2022
Having wrapped presents stacked under a picturesque Christmas tree can seem like a dream to some families unable to provide that moment for their children. But this holiday season, local parents at Calumet’s Christmas festival were able to make that experience a reality thanks to the Wilkinson Family Servant Scholars, who distributed hundreds of toys graciously donated by campus and community members.
The event, which took place Dec. 17 in Calumet Park, was done in collaboration with the LC Scholars, longtime community leader Ricky Dozier and the Calumet Community Board members. The celebration featured music, a cookout, book fair and children’s games.
Junior Servant Scholar Jo Shoger, who is a LaGrange native, said bringing some extra joy to her hometown was an unforgettable experience.
“It was great to see the kids running around and looking at the toys, but then to be able to bless those families by giving them the gifts was very special,” she said.
The students are in the process of planning another festival for the Calumet neighborhood in Spring 2023.
The Wilkinson Family Servant Scholars program, which initiated its 12th class of Scholars this year, teaches students different styles of leadership, principles of Servant Leadership and ideals of service. The 12 juniors selected for the two-year program also perform volunteer hours at 40 different non-profit service organizations, including Circles of Troup County, Harmony House and Sleep in Heavenly Peace.
“I was always raised on the idea to leave a place better than you found it,” said Senior Servant Scholar Andrew Cunningham. “I try to bring that into the world around me as best I can.”
In addition, the Scholars operate Our Daily Bread, a soup kitchen that is open every Friday at 11 a.m. at the Broad Street Church of Christ.
“This service to those in need opens the student's eyes and heart and, along with two years of life experiences in listening, problem solving, collaboration, teamwork and group leadership, will change the student forever,” said Jeff Lukken, Assistant Professor of Political Science and Director of the Wilkinson Family Servant Scholars program.
He said the college’s Servant Leadership minor offers the only live, work and learn environment in the country. Students reside at the Broad Street Apartments.
Second-year Scholars create a capstone project that addresses a need the group identifies from their first year in the program. The Scholar Class of 2022 worked on Project Unity, which was dedicated to building community within the Calumet neighborhood of LaGrange.
“I learned that there are numerous ways to serve with intent and purpose, and with that, meaningful change can occur,” said Class of 2022 graduate and former Servant Scholar Nia Johnson.
The 2023 cohort is partnering with the Troup County Schools Career Center.
“They are mentoring the high school students, developing a soft skills curriculum and building a pipeline of LaGrange College students who will be paid $15 per hour to tutor the Career Center students in the spring,” Lukken said.
He said the Scholars program helps students learn how to have a servant-first mindset.
“The humble servants place the wellbeing of individuals and the group above their own interests,” Lukken said. “A Servant Leader listens to understand first, works alongside those in need and builds independence, self-reliance and pride in those served.”
He said he is motivated by his students.
“I enjoy working with dedicated students who learn and grow in their passion to change the world,” Lukken said. “It's inspiring to be part of a program where students perform an average of 3600 hours of volunteer service to the community each year.”
Senior Servant Scholar Dazia Potts, who is a Biology major, said the skills she has gained in the program will help in her pursuit of becoming a doctor.
“With the discipline, leadership skills, patience and teamwork that the Servant Scholar program has taught me, I am more prepared to face the difficulties of getting into medical school,” she said.
The generosity of supporters allowed students in 2022 to pursue their higher education goals. It helped fund financial aid that was vital for at least 44% of undergraduates to attend LC this fall and financed new technology and critical updates to classrooms. Your kindness still makes a difference. We encourage our Panther community to consider making a contribution that will help students in 2023 by going to l0jb.kongtiao11.com/give today to invest in their bright future.
Political Science and Pre-Engineering double major Tamino Schöffer ’24 recently rang the Chapel Bell after getting accepted into engineering programs at Auburn University and Georgia Tech.
Registration is open now for “The Taste of Tuscany,” a 3D Journeys excursion to Italy. Hosted by President Susanna Baxter and First Gentleman Mark Huffman, the trip will be May 10 - May 20. For more information on details and rates, email 3DJourneys@kongtiao11.com.
Campus offices will be closed starting on Dec. 23 (today). The college will reopen on Tuesday, Jan. 3, 2023.
LaGrange College Musical Theatre presents "Holly Jolly Joyful Jingles," featuring some of the most beloved holiday-themed Broadway tunes of recent years.
3-William McCoy, Mathematics and Sciences
6-Lisa Farrow, Lewis Library
6-Jeff Geeter, Athletics
10-Susanna Baxter, Executive Leadership (President)
15-Matthew Strother, Communications & Marketing (Development)
17-Lanora Yates, Fine and Performing Arts
22-Rebecca Roth Nicks, Executive Leadership (Vice President for Advancement)
30-DeeAnne Fuller, Business Office
31-Marcia Brown, Fine and Performing Arts
Men’s Basketball
The Panthers (7-4) bested Mississippi University for Women 73-59 last Friday before traveling to Florida for the Naples Shootout. Monday the team won a thrilling double-overtime victory over Eastern Nazarene 91-87, before falling Tuesday to Pacific Lutheran 69-54.
Women’s Basketball
LC battled Division I Georgia State to an 81-35 loss Tuesday in Atlanta.
(Please note that schedules may change due to circumstances beyond our control. Please check www.lagrangepanthers.com to confirm.)
Thursday, Dec. 29 – Men’s Basketball vs. Sewanee (Jack Berkshire Classic), 2 p.m., Atlanta, Georgia
Friday, Dec. 30 – Women’s Basketball vs. Salisbury, 2 p.m., Mariotti Gym
Friday, Dec. 30 – Men’s Basketball at Oglethorpe (Jack Berkshire Classic), 4 p.m., Atlanta, Georgia
Tuesday, Jan. 3 – Women’s Basketball vs. Wesleyan, 5 p.m., Mariotti Gym
Category: Community, Students, Service
Keywords: Philanthropy, Leadership
