Posted on Wednesday, November 22, 2023
Sophomore Greer LaSalle gained newfound confidence in herself thanks to her support system in the Lettie Pate Whitehead scholarship program.
“I have learned that anything is possible if you put your mind to it!” she said. “People in this program want me to be successful.”
Greer’s mentor Jennifer Wallace described her as motivating and outgoing.
“She is an unbelievable young lady,” Wallace said. “She has helped remind me that everyone appreciates outreach from others around them, even if just a smile or a wave.”
Developing relationships
In 2022, the college added a mentorship component to the longstanding scholarship program. There were 19 first-year students paired with faculty and staff mentors who helped develop their leadership skills and to instill the importance of service. This year, the program’s second-year students have been matched to community mentors to continue their work.
“The Lettie Pate Whitehead Scholars are provided with financial support as an investment in their education as well as relationships,” said Lauren Knowles ’17, M’19, Associate Director of Development and co-coordinator of the program. “Volunteer mentors, on campus and in the community, work alongside students as they navigate their time at LaGrange College. Our mentors add tremendous value to the program, supporting these women from the time they start on campus as freshmen.”
The program instills the values of mentorship, academic success, service and community engagement, entrepreneurial spirit, leadership and education.
“The Lettie Pate Whitehead program offers scholars opportunities to connect with their peers, build relationships with leaders on campus and within the LaGrange community, and engage in conversations about college life,” said Dr. Kerry Kenner, Associate Vice President of Student Experience and co-coordinator of the program. “The program serves as a means to empower women to create their college experience and transform throughout the process.”
Building confidence
Second-year participant Zentrina Choice said her mentors have inspired and motivated her to become a better leader and person.
“I have learned things about myself and about life while in this program,” she said. “I have been able to point out some of my weaknesses and find ways to improve on them, as well as strengthen my strengths. I am grateful for the opportunity to have mentors and make these connections that I probably never would have made without the Lettie Pate Whitehead program.”
During her experience as a scholar, Choice said she has taken on the leadership position of Student Liaison for the Black Student Union on campus.
“I have become surer of myself and my abilities, and to take opportunities and roles that I would not have before out of fear,” she said.
For sophomore Autumn Romine, the program helped her become more of an outgoing and confident person. Describing herself initially as “very shy, very keep-to-myself,” after meeting some of the other participants encouraged her to come out of her shell.
“Making those connections within the group and then those connections helping me make more connections outside of the group, it just opened me up as a person,” she said. “The most helpful skill we learn, aside from the obvious leadership skills, is probably learning how to communicate with people who are not like you and … you learn how to work with different types of people and different attitudes toward life. That’s what really helped me and what will really help me in the future.”
Lending a helping hand
Beth Hudson, Autumn’s second-year mentor, said she has enjoyed being able to offer her experiences and support to her mentee.
“I have loved getting to know Autumn,” Hudson said. “We have found that we have a lot in common and she is interested in a lot of the same academic studies and potential career paths that I was interested in when I was in college. She is already so wise and responsible, and I look forward to seeing where this program leads her.”
Recently, the pair participated in a Good Sam Ministry packing event in Troup County.
“It was a fun and rewarding experience to work together with others in our community to pack close to 1,000 bags of food for students in our school system who may not have enough food at home,” Hudson said.
When she first started as a mentor in the program, Hudson said she was given a quote that impacted her personally.
“Lauren Knowles referenced one of Lettie Pate Whitehead's favorite quotes (from Etienne Grellet),” Hudson said. "‘I shall pass through this world but once. Any good therefore that I can do or any kindness that I can show to any human being, let me do it now. Let me not defer or neglect it, for I shall not pass this way again.’”
“This was also a favorite quote of my grandmother's that she wrote down for my dad when he went to college, and then he passed it on to me when I started college,” Hudson said. “It was a reminder that I can offer my experiences and support to try to help a younger generation.”
Join the college in celebrating #GivingTuesday, a Global Day of Philanthropy, on Nov. 28. All contributions made for the special occasion will benefit critical student needs, like institutional and departmental scholarships. Anyone wanting to participate and support students can go to l0jb.kongtiao11.com/givingtuesday.
Sunday Chapel Service
Sunday, Nov. 26
8 p.m., Chapel
Continuing Education in Psychology: Faculty Panel
Tuesday, Nov. 28
11 a.m., Corn Auditorium
Homelessness in LaGrange
Tuesday, Nov. 28
11:15 a.m., Bailey Room
Poetry Reading and Information Session
Thursday, Nov. 30
11 a.m., Corn Auditorium
Graduate Fair
Thursday, Nov. 30
11 a.m., Dickson Assembly Room
What are you thankful for this Thanksgiving?
2 – Dean Hartman, Communications and Marketing
2 – Megan Hudson, Athletics
3 – Amanda Plumlee, Humanities (Spanish)
3 – Marci DeRamus, Psychological Sciences
8 – Kayleigh Whitlow, Admissions
15 – Kennet Fosuhene, Athletics (Women’s Soccer)
17 – David Kelton, Athletics (Baseball)
20 – Vicki Thrailkill, Education
25 – Brandon Sewell, Athletics (Lacrosse)
31 – Michael Anderson, Advancement
31 – Michele Raphoon, Global Engagement
Men’s Basketball
LaGrange went 2-0 in the LaGrange Classic last weekend. The Panthers beat Centre 87-77 and then Oglethorpe 71-57. On Tuesday, the team competed against Berry and lost 91-69. The Panthers will stay on the road to take on Pensacola Christian on Saturday, Dec. 2, at 5 p.m. and Samford on Sunday, Dec. 3, at 4:30 p.m.
Women’s Basketball
The Panthers went 2-0 in the Sewanee Classic last weekend. LaGrange beat Sewanee 77-53 and then Principia 80-63. On Tuesday, the team faced Oglethorpe and lost 82-73. The Panthers will stay on the road to compete in the Covenant Classic next week. They will face Asbury on Friday, Dec. 1, at 7 p.m. and Regent on Saturday, Dec. 2, at noon.
Category: Academics, Service, Students
Keywords: Education, Mentorship
