Department inspires student to pursue political ambitions

Posted on Friday, March 15, 2024

A sophomore Political Science major serving a five-month internship with Senator Raphael Warnock, first-generation college student Katie Gonzalez makes the most of every opportunity, just as her mother and father did when they arrived in Georgia from Colombia and Puerto Rico, respectively.

“I owe them my life because they came to this country so I could have the best chance at success in my life in America, ‘the land of opportunity,’” Gonzalez said.

Her federal role gives her the chance to see how the government works on a ground level.

“I get to observe how our elected representatives interact with constituents on a day-to-day basis,” she said.

Her passion and dedication to the Political Science program began before stepping foot on campus, according to Professor Dr. John Tures.

“Katie had such a strong work ethic that she was willing to help with research before she took her first class at LaGrange College,” he said. “She just volunteered.”

At LaGrange, Gonzalez serves as a member of Phi Mu, International Students Club, SMILE LC, LIFT and Cross Country.

She said having professors who care for her success made all the difference for her.

“Dr. John Tures is my biggest cheerleader and mentor,” Gonzalez said. “Dr. Soash has also helped immensely in guiding me during my time at LaGrange. From mock interviews and putting me in the hot seat to real conversations about my future, Dr. Soash and Tures have been my dream team in helping make this experience possible.”

When seeking motivation to push toward her goals, she references a quote from nonviolence advocate Mahatma Ghandi. “Be the change you wish to see in the world.”

“I take that day by day in all things,” Gonzalez said.

She offered these words for first-generation Hispanic/Latino students like herself.

“‘Si, se puede’ which means ‘Yes, we can,’ has been a phrase that ignites my heart to push me in a way that no other can,” she said. “Saying this to first-generation students, I hope, will inspire them and provide the same spark I have to be better.”

 

Campus Notes

• Education Professor Dr. Gretta Milam was appointed as the Director of Graduate Studies. The position serves both students and faculty by facilitating graduate study across the college. She will be the primary liaison for all graduate programs with enrollment management, marketing and admission staff. In addition to her continued service as Chair of the Department of Education and Clinical Mental Health Counseling, Dr. Milam will serve as the primary coordinator for all graduate programs in education and will collaborate with program coordinators in graduate fields outside education.
• The deadline to submit nominations for the Pillar and Waights G. Henry awards is Tuesday, April 2, at 5 p.m. Forms can be dropped off in-person to Smith Hall, Office 210, or submitted via e-mail to Dr. John Head, Vice President of Enrollment Management and Student Experience, at jhead5@kongtiao11.com.
• Drs. Don and Sharon Livingston, Professor and Associate Professor of Education, will be the featured speakers for the faculty lecture series on Monday, March 18, at 7 p.m., in the Bailey Room at Smith Hall. They will present a lecture entitled “Comparing Cultures of Southeast Asia.”
• A cherished tradition at the college is the Ringing of the Chapel Bell. This opportunity is given to graduating seniors who are celebrating their first full-time, post-graduation job offer or admission to one or more graduate schools. Seniors are asked to complete an online form before ringing the bell. They are encouraged to invite classmates, faculty or staff members to celebrate their accomplishments. Feel free to post videos to our social media outlets and share them with family and friends. Use the hashtag #LCSoundofSuccess.

 

Collegiate Enrichment

LIVE @ LC: Inviting Others into Your Circle of Influence

Tuesday, March 19

11 a.m., Bailey Room

• Students will engage in a conversation about building a circle of influence into a community in which everyone can thrive.

Perspectives on Employment and Graduate Studies from International Alumni

Tuesday, March 19

11:15 a.m., Corn Auditorium

• Three international LC alumni will talk about their experience at the college and how it impacted their professional development. Mathias Vera ’22 from Paraguay, Daniel Assumpção ’22 from Brazil and Maria Riera Soriano ‘23 from Spain will share their experiences in applying for employment and graduate school here in the U.S.

Civil Rights Heritage Tour

Wednesday, March 20

4 p.m., Corn Auditorium

• Students who went on the Civil Rights Heritage Tour March 2-3 will give presentations about their experience and what they learned.

Easter Basket Build for West Georgia Star

Thursday, March 21

11:15 a.m., Bailey Room

• Join the Circle K Club and Campus Circles in putting together Easter Baskets for children in the West Georgia STAR program, which is part of the LaGrange Housing Authority.

 

Video of the Week

3D Journeys-Dr. Linda McMullen-"Business in Portugal"

International Business Professor Dr. Linda McMullen closed out the 14th season of 3D Journeys with her presentation “From Airbnb to Unbabel.” She shared an overview of specific businesses that have entered Portugal successfully or increased their footprint over the last few years.

 

Sports

Baseball

The Panthers split the away doubleheader against N.C. Wesleyan on Sunday, March 10. On Tuesday, the team faced Berry College at home and won 12-10. LC hosts Wooster this Sunday at 2 p.m. and Monday at 6 p.m.

Softball

LC dropped their doubleheader to Point University on Wednesday, March 13. This weekend the team hosts Covenant on Saturday, March 16, at noon and 2 p.m.

Lacrosse

The Panthers beat Carroll University 23-8 on Sunday, March 10. The team played Spalding University on Wednesday, March 13, and won 26-2. The Panthers will host Pfeiffer on Saturday, March 16, at 1 p.m.

Beach Volleyball

LC did not compete this last week. The team will host Truett-McConnell on Tuesday, March 19.

Men’s Tennis

The Panthers lost to Belhaven 9-0 on Saturday, March 9. The team will host Huntingdon at 10:30 a.m. on Friday, March 15 (today).

Women’s Tennis

LC lost 5-4 to Belhaven on Saturday, March 9. The team will play Huntingdon at 10:30 a.m. on Friday, March 15 (today).

 

Panther Calendar

(Please note that schedules may change due to circumstances beyond our control. Please check www.lagrangepanthers.com to confirm.)

Friday, March 15 – Beach Volleyball at Mercer, 9 a.m., Macon, Georgia

Friday, March 15 – Men’s Tennis (Home) vs. Huntingdon, 2 p.m., Greer Tennis Courts

Friday, March 15 – Women’s Tennis (Home) vs. Huntingdon, 2 p.m., Greer Tennis Courts

Saturday, March 16 – Beach Volleyball at Mercer, 1:30 p.m., Macon, Georgia

Saturday, March 16 – Softball (Home) vs. Covenant, noon and 2 p.m., LC Softball Complex

Saturday, March 16 – Lacrosse (Home) vs. Pfeiffer, 1 p.m., Callaway Stadium

Saturday, March 16 – Women’s Tennis at Tuskegee, 2 p.m., Tuskegee, Alabama

Saturday, March 16 – Men’s Tennis at Tuskegee, 2 p.m., Tuskegee, Alabama

Sunday, March 17 – Baseball (Home) vs. Wooster, 2 p.m., Cleaveland Field at Williamson Stadium

Monday, March 18 – Baseball (Home) vs. Wooster, 6 p.m., Cleaveland Field at Williamson Stadium

Tuesday, March 19 – Beach Volleyball (Home) vs. Truett McConnell, 4 p.m., Strack Beach Volleyball Courts

Thursday, March 21 – Golf at Jekyll Island Collegiate Invitational, Jekyll Island, Georgia

 

Category: Academics, Students

Keywords: Politics, History