columns fall 2011 2

ColumnsFA L L 2 0 1 1

STATEMENT MAKERSLori Burns Allen ’80, Atlanta

CONTENTS P R E S I D E N T ’ S M E S S A G E

Office of the President803.786.3178

Office of Advancement803.786.36501.866.456.2527 toll free

Office of Alumnae Relations803.786.36451.866.456.2527 toll free

Office of Public Relations 803.786.3084

P R O D U C T I O N N O T E SRebecca B. Munnerlyn, managing editorDale Bickley, editorHolly A. Cook, design and layoutContributors: Lauren Bach, Sandy Jo Burke, Andrew Haworth, Amber Nix, Sara SnellPrinted by: Professional Printers

34

10

11121314171819202226

W H I T S O N A N N O U N C E S 2 0 1 2 R E T I R E M E N T

S TAT E M E N T M A K E R S :A L U M N A E P R O F I L E S

R E T I R E D FA C U LT Y:D R . M A R T H A G R I F F I N

T H E M E D A L L I O N AWA R D S

FA C U LT Y A N D S TA F F N O T E S

T H E M O N G O L I A C O N N E C T I O N

T H E A R T S AT C O L U M B I A C O L L E G E

A S B U R Y H A L L U P D AT E : P H A S E O N E C O M P L E T E

C O L U M B I A C O L L E G EU M C D AY S

L E A D E R S H I P I N S T I T U T E N E W S

H I G H L I G H T S

C L A S S N E W S

L I F E T I M E G I V I N GS O C I E T I E S

For eleven fall semesters I have hosted get-acquainted dinners for well over 2,000 first-year students. I always ask, “What was your reason for choosing Columbia College?” It is amazing how often I have heard them say they were

inspired by a favorite teacher, a respected relative, or a leader in their church or community who was a CC alumna and who they wanted to emulate. I always remind them that each of them now has the opportunity to become that woman who is admired by the next generation.

Similarly as I have visited with successful alumnae around the country, I have asked what inspired them to become leaders in their professions and communities. Often I have heard that when they arrived at the College, they were so impressed with the poise and confidence of the juniors and seniors, they aspired to be like them. The theme is clear: Columbia College women set the standard for others to follow. The stories of the nine “statement makers” you will find in these pages illustrate how our commitment to leadership as the power to make a difference is lived daily by Columbia College women in an amazing variety of ways.

Representing class years across three decades and hometowns separated by thousands of miles and an ocean, these wonderful women are united by their ability to make a difference in the world. They have chosen varied paths, but each in her own way has been guided by the combination of a strong liberal arts education and an environment that both supported and challenged her.

Often as I speak to groups about Columbia College I quote our founding charter, which states our purpose as being “to educate women to be of service to the church, the state, and the nation.” Certainly since Columbia Female College was given that charge in 1854, all three institutions have changed dramatically and the lives and roles of women have changed as well. What has remained constant across the 157 ensuing years is the importance of our original charge. We may be educating women to lead in fields as varied as business, government, medicine, technology, or non-profits, but they are united by the courage and competence that sets them apart as they make a difference in the lives of others.

In our early years when needlework was one of the College’s larger majors, it would have been impossible to envision the doors that would be open to women today. On the other hand, when Columbia College women marched for the right to vote, it might have been easy to imagine that it would be their sisters who would be pushing the boundaries in the future. The nine women featured in this issue represent hundreds of women who have gone before, leading the way to a better world. More importantly, they set the standard for a generation who are watching and are challenged by them to make a difference.

F

3w w w . c o l u m b i a s c . e d u

On October 11, Dr. Caroline Whitson announced that she will retire as president of Columbia College, effective June 30, 2012. Whitson joined the College in 2001 as its 17th president and over the last decade has championed women’s leadership development, the liberal arts tradition, and the value of women’s colleges in higher education.

In her announcement, Dr. Whitson said, “I am well aware that the successes the College has enjoyed during my time here are a direct result of the work of a talented, committed faculty and staff and the support of an engaged Board of Trustees. I have been fortunate to have the opportunity to work with and learn from them.” In a special message

to faculty and staff she added, “The years I have spent at Columbia College have been joyful, touching, challenging, rewarding, and always exciting. It has been a privilege to share this time with a community of some of the most talented, dedicated people anyone could hope to know. The students, faculty, and staff of Columbia College will remain in my heart and memories long after this academic year ends.”

The spring issue of Columns will feature a retrospective of her tenure and accomplishments at Columbia College. Meanwhile, alumnae and friends are invited to share their well-wishes and memories via Facebook (Columbia College SC) and/or e-mail to [email protected].

P r e s i d e n t W h i t s o n A n n o u n c e s R e t i r e m e n t

O

4 C O L U M B I A C O L L E G E

Lori Burns Allen commands attention no matter where she is in her 25,000 square foot Atlanta salon, Bridals by Lori. In a striking all-black ensemble, she moves through the racks of designer and couture wedding gowns with ease, completely at home among the tulle, silk, satin and rhinestones.

Since opening her first bridal shop just three weeks after graduation from Columbia College in 1980, Lori has grown her business from a small shopping center store front to the sprawling, three-story wedding salon that attracts brides-to-be from as far away as Russia and Australia. She attributes this feat partly to the education she received at Columbia College. “I was enthralled by a women’s college,” she says, sitting in the headpiece room of the salon. She knew exactly what she wanted, and her first visit to the campus sealed the deal.

A native of Chattanooga, Tennessee, Lori knew she wanted to return to the South after her father’s company moved the family to Ohio. Her brother was at The Citadel, and she visited several southern colleges before settling on Columbia College.

Working toward a degree in business with an emphasis on fashion merchandising, Lori found a mentor in Dr. Harris Parker. “I was just a blonde, goofy-headed kid with a lot of dreams, and he believed in me.” She also felt empowered by the women’s college setting, which she says reinforced the drive and determination she had to succeed. “I knew what I wanted to do, and I wanted to have the backbone and the drive behind me” Lori says.

Lori’s first shop, opened days after Christmas 1980, was just 1,000 square feet and there were days when not a single customer would enter the shop. “I had three or four designers, four dressing rooms, and big dreams.”

Inspired by her mother’s twin sister, who owned three bridal salons in Alabama, Lori persevered. Eventually she expanded to two locations in the Atlanta area, and later opened a “superstore” located a short distance from the current salon. By 2000, she had simply outgrown the space, and she purchased the current home of Bridals by Lori, a former surgical office. A two-year renovation followed, and the salon now features more than 1,000 dresses by 15 designers, as well as a bridesmaid’s department and a tuxedo shop.

Lori says she relies on her Columbia College education on a daily basis, using the skills learned while obtaining her business degree. “While this is all glamorous and fun,” she says, “there’s a bottom line; this is a business.” She also credits the College with the personal skills it takes to work with brides and their mothers and families on a daily basis. “I think it’s my bonding with women. I just get along with women! I can walk in a room with women and we can be BFF’s in 15 minutes.”

In 2010, the TLC network selected Bridals by Lori for the new highly rated television series, Say Yes to the Dress: Atlanta and Say Yes to the Dress Bridesmaids. The series follows brides-to-be as they hunt for the perfect gown at Lori’s expansive salon. TLC producers dictate how the appointments are handled to an extent, but Lori makes sure that the personalities of her staff are still prominent, and TLC is careful to never negatively impact the salon or its employees.

Lori and her staff receive thousands of online applications from brides who want to be featured on an episode. TLC has the difficult task of finding the right brides. “They are looking for a story,” says Lori. When the bride arrives, Lori and her staff know nothing about the bride; the consultants begin pulling dresses, and then Lori and her fashion director, Monte Durham, are “thrown into the mix,” says Lori. With Lori and Monte in the dark about the bride’s story and budget, Lori says, “it is really, really reality TV.”

Lori’s philosophy takes the idea that ‘the customer is always right’ just a step further. “My whole goal here, and I think part of our success, is that I’m always going to defend the bride. I’m here for the bride. I want her to have the perfect experience, and I’m going to do my best to make sure that happens…everything possible to make sure that happens,” she says.

Lori Burns Allen ’80saying yes to success


Alumnae Follow Their Passions to Make a Difference

Ezra Ash first imagined herself becoming a teacher. She was accepted to Northwestern University, a large private university near Chicago, a bustling metropolis far from her hometown in Eastover, South Carolina. After two years in Illinois, she was sure of just two things: teaching was definitely not her calling; and she was ready to come home and reevaluate her plan. So, at the end of her sophomore year, she headed back to South Carolina to give herself a year to find a new direction and make some big decisions.

Ash had heard about Columbia College from an older cousin who studied speech language pathology. “When I visited the campus, it just felt right,” she says. “I liked the smaller environment combined with the fact that the school was academically competitive.” She still wasn’t quite sure about her career track, but felt drawn to the sciences. “I had thought about a pre-med track, but didn’t seriously consider it until Dr. Margaret Brinley and Dr. Roger Schmidt encouraged me to revisit the idea.

Ash had always been interested in medicine and health, remembering her fascination years earlier with a book about childbirth. Again, the choice felt right. The husband of one of her classmates was a physician and he shared with her that Columbia College students typically scored very well on the MCAT, the test required to apply to medical schools. Ash successfully completed her bachelor of science degree on the pre-med track, and soon she was on her way to the Medical University of South Carolina, College of Medicine.

She entered MUSC during the first year in the medical school’s history that females outnumbered the males, “by one student, one woman” she recalls. In the end, she did not choose obstetrics but instead decided that general medicine, family practice, was her niche. Similar to her time at Columbia College, Ash was intensely focused on her academics and preferred to live off-campus. “I need to have my own space, with quiet time to study and decompress after a busy day.” She completed her residency at McLeod Regional Medical Center in Florence.

Dr. Ezra Ash ’03home is where the heart is

During her second year of medical school, Ash traveled to South Africa for a two week medical mission trip organized by a pediatric group based in Charleston. “It was my first trip abroad, and it was an amazing experience.” Since then, she has considered looking at opportunities to travel with medical exchange programs, where doctors visit other areas of the world to share medical knowledge and the benefits of cultural exchange.

Now a busy physician, she still enjoys being close to home and recently joined a family medicine group in Florence. When asked if any aspects of practicing medicine were a surprise, Ash says, “The business aspect…the economics of it. When you are a resident, obviously, you are so focused on treatment. There was an occasional seminar, but learning the details of billing and running an office don’t really hit you until later. Since then, I’ve been lucky to have great mentors who have given me the benefit of their experience, especially among my colleagues.”

Last May, Ash joined a trip organized by Columbia College to tour Turkey and Greece with a group of approximately 30 alumnae, students, faculty and staff. Luckily her services weren’t needed as everyone managed to stay healthy as they explored archeological sites and foreign cuisine. “It was a lot of fun, and I’d love to join another CC trip in the future…maybe I can be the official tour group doctor,” she says cheerfully.


Sara Barrineau ’03 has an infectious laugh and a sweet smile—you’d never guess that on a typical day she’s carrying a weapon and handcuffs, which are common tools of a detective. Since graduating from Columbia College in 2003, Sara has traveled the world with a U.S. President, successfully completed high threat training, and now serves as a special agent with the Bureau of Diplomatic Security Service, the law enforcement arm of the U.S. Department of State. The events of September 11, 2001, changed the way she viewed the world, and she knew she wanted to serve her country in some capacity. A traditional military career was not for her, so she set out to obtain a master’s degree from the prestigious and highly selective international affairs in national security program at the Bush School of Government and Public Service at Texas A&M University. She excelled, and upon completing the program, Sara took a hiatus from school and work; her mother, alumna Libby Nims Barrineau ’80, had been diagnosed with cancer. Sara spent the next nine months at home in Greenville, a time that Sara wouldn’t trade for the world. Her mother lost her battle with cancer in 2007. Sara’s first step into professional life was with the White House’s National Security Council, which advises the president on matters

dealing with national security and foreign policy. Sara traveled the world with President George W. Bush, visiting Germany, Russia, Vietnam, Singapore, Indonesia, Brazil, Uruguay, Colombia, Guatemala and Mexico. In the summer 2007, she moved over to The Situation Room as a senior duty officer, still working very closely with President Bush. She scheduled phone calls with foreign heads of state and handled morning and evening briefings on a grueling schedule. After nearly a year in The Situation Room, she began work in the office of the executive secretary where she met a dear friend, whose husband was a retired federal agent. At their insistence, she began the process of becoming a federal agent, which included rigorous

testing and weapons training. Sara found herself blazing trails in what is often a male-dominated field and she credits her Columbia College background and leadership training with giving her the courage to tackle any challenge. Sara was selected out of thousands of applicants for a special agent position, and she began her first two-year assignment investigating various federal crimes, including passport fraud. In January 2012, she’ll begin a new assignment, serving on the security team for the secretary of state, a position that will again have her traveling the world.

Jessica Baldwin ’09 has an interesting bucket list, and it includes lions and Great White sharks. And this summer, she attacked the list head-on and traveled far from her hometown of Cordova, South Carolina, all the way to South Africa.

Her journey to Africa actually began at Columbia College. After graduating in 2009 with a B.S. in biology and a minor in leadership, Baldwin crossed four states to another city named Columbia, to attend the College of Veterinary Medicine at the University of Missouri. Baldwin’s decision to become a veterinarian was particularly influenced by her time in the Leadership Institute’s Leader to Leader program. Based on her career interests, she was placed in a two-year mentorship under Dr. Tracy Wales at Four Paws Animal Clinic, “a rewarding experience that really put me on the path to knowing this was the right career goal for me.”

A South Carolina native, Jessica is quick to credit her ability to handle all of the changes and challenges after graduation to

the confidence she gained at Columbia College. “That’s the one of the 4Cs I can really get behind,” she says. “I feel like what the College really gave me is the confidence to go out and put myself in situations where I might not normally feel comfortable and learn from the experience.”

In July 2011, Baldwin and a group of twelve veterinary students and faculty from the University of Missouri boarded a plane to South Africa. “We traveled all over South Africa working with Dr. Brendan Tendell, course director for Wild Vet Africa, and doing wild animal captures and treating wildlife that are on farms there. The scariest part of my trip was the first day we actually got to do veterinary work,” she says. She describes hands-on training with large white lions, a species of lion that is very rare with only 300 still living in the wild and captivity.

Baldwin vividly remembers taking the first steps into the cage to work with Jua, a male white lion. She laughs as she shares, “It comes down to either you don’t go in the cage and don’t get to experience it, or…have the confidence to walk in there and act like you’re not terrified and wanting to run in the other direction.”

Baldwin has truly been changed by her adventures in Africa. She says, “It is just another confidence booster to know that I can do things that sometimes are outside my comfort zone like getting into cages in shark-infested waters and riding on the back of bucky trucks to go chase rhinos through the bush.”

Jessica Baldwin ’09white lions and rhinos, oh my!

Sara Barrineau ’03 West Wing, for real


“I love you,” is a simple phrase that most of us say on a regular basis with ease. But for Kate Humphries ’08, hearing her patient speak those simple words to his wife after being voiceless for months was an exciting victory that literally reduced her to tears. Kate spends her days at The Evelyn Trammell Institute for Voice and Swallowing at MUSC in Charleston, helping patients regain the use of their voices after catastrophic illness or injury. This particular case was a gentleman who had lost his larynx and had no hope of speaking again, until the Institute fitted him with an “electrolarynx,” allowing him to utter those first words. Kate began pursuing her master’s degree in speech therapy immediately after finishing Columbia College with a speech language pathology degree, and soon found her niche working with adult patients. Internships in Atlanta and at MUSC solidified her desire to work at the voice clinic. She has presented two research projects at research societies on swallowing,

Acacia Bamberg Salatti deals with more federal agencies by lunch-time than most people do in their entire life and she loves it! Salatti is a political appointee in Washington, D.C., for the Obama Administra-tion, serving as the deputy director of the Center for Faith-based and Neighborhood Partnerships within the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS). Simply put, Salatti works with the HHS and twelve other agencies to help faith groups and community groups. She helps them navigate through federal agencies and find resources and information that can impact their community in positive ways. “We’re making sure that people know about maternal and child health programs, economic recovery programs, fatherhood programs, interfaith dialogue and cooperation,” Salatti explains. “I always use this example: I can tell you as a government official that you need to take your seasonal flu shot, but when your pastor tells you that you need to take your seasonal flu shot it makes much more of a difference.” She notes that faith-based organizations play a role in all phases of many citizen’s lives, from birth to end of life services.

Salatti graduated from Columbia College in 1995 with a B.A. in English and was the first African American to be elected president of the College’s Student Government Association. “I really am a product of the College,” says Salatti. “One of the things that Columbia College does is help to create this really amazing, strong sense of self for its graduates, and you take that wherever you go.”

Salatti didn’t launch immediately into her fast-paced career, but took a year off after graduation to care for her ailing grandfather. Her time with him is an experience she still cherishes, and inspired her to set ambitious goals. Salatti has excelled throughout her career thanks to her strong sense of self and an ironclad work ethic. She quotes Lorraine Miller, the first African American Clerk of the U.S. House of Representatives, who said, “To work on Capitol Hill is a privilege. What

happens when people give you a privilege? How do you say thank you to that? It’s by the excellence of your work.” Salatti says that she first realized her level of accomplishment when her responsibilities grew to actually arrange meetings at the White House, and it’s a duty that will always be a source of pride in her career.

Salatti’s accomplishments include positions with the U.S. House of Representatives and the South Carolina State Department, and yet she tempers all of her professional achievements with a dedication to making a positive impact on other people. “The work that I do is the work that I do, but who I am in my relationships is what defines me,” she says. “For me, it’s carrying on the College mission, which is to build really strong leaders who are able to take their gifts into any kind of arena and be able to excel.”

Kate Humphries ’08 giving hope, and voiceand presented again in November at a large conference in San Diego, California. Kate’s mother is alumna Judy Humphries ’74, so Kate grew up hearing about Columbia College; however, once she set foot on the campus, she knew this was the place for her. Kate, a talented vocalist, began with thoughts of pursuing a singing career, but later discovered her love for speech pathology. She liked the voice component of it, and her love of singing carried over to this passion as well. She found mentors in Dr. Mary Steppling, Dr. Leigh Ann Spell and Ann Benson, who instilled in her the drive and determination to pursue her goals. She also found strength in numbers, becoming a better student thanks to her fellow talented speech majors, she says. These days, goals for Kate and her patients are simple things like swallowing liquids and

speaking short sentences, but they add up to giant victories.

Acacia Bamberg Salatti ’95carrying on the mission


Michelle Browder Swancey sits at her kitchen table surrounded by balls of brightly-colored fondant, three very large iced cakes, and an elaborate confection decorated to look like Harry Potter’s Hogwarts castle. Just off the kitchen, her 10-year-old daughter, Lana, quietly works with her thera-pists, battling the effects of Canavan Disease, which she was diagnosed with shortly after her birth.

All in a day’s work for this busy mom of two (son, Cody, is a high school student), who runs her business, Cake-scapes, out of her West Columbia home. The ability to work at home gives Michelle the freedom to be with Lana and still pursue her passion for art.

Michelle grew up helping her mother with her cake business, and by high school, Michelle was making creative wedding cakes on her own. Just before high school graduation, Michelle met Steve Nevitt, an art professor at Columbia College. “I loved art, and when I met him I just knew that I wanted to study under him. I applied and enrolled with the help of scholarship programs. He was there for me the whole way,” she says.

Michelle majored in art, certifying to teach, and was immersed in college life in no time. When she graduated, Michelle said the reputation of the College’s education department made finding a teaching job a breeze. Teaching middle and high school art, she found herself encouraging many of her talented female students to consider Columbia College.

In 2001, daughter Lana was born, and the family received the devastating news that Lana had Canavan Disease, a neurological disorder normally fatal by age three. While she loved teaching art, Michelle knew it was best for her to be home with Lana, and from this necessity, Cake-scapes was born.

Defying the odds, Lana made miraculous strides. In 2007, Michelle and her husband formed the Saving Lana Foundation. Lana has thrived in her therapy and the foundation gave the Swanceys a chance to meet other families affected by Canavan.

Through all of this, Michelle maintained her passion for art and creativity. Her portfolio includes birthday cakes, wedding cakes, anniversary cakes—she was even hired by the University of South Carolina to make the cakes celebrating both the Gamecocks’ Baseball World Championships.

Michelle credits the environment of Columbia College with helping to prepare her for the world of entrepreneurship. Her women’s college experience has served her well, from her early career in art education, to starting a business, and finding the inner strength to take on Canavan Disease. Swancey states, “I can honestly say that every graduate that I’ve known...they’re accomplishing things, they’re doing great things in the community, and it’s a great thing to share.”

And Michelle Swancey is no exception. The Saving Lana Foundation has raised hundreds of thousands of dollars for Canavan research and has helped mobilize the researchers and families battling this disease. “I’m not giving up,” says Swancey. “There has to be something, and we’re going to find it.”

Amy Stapleton’s office is across the street from the Supreme Court of the United States, an inspiring view for someone who’s outspoken in her passions: faith, equality, and social justice. Before joining the General Commission on Religion and Race of The United Methodist Church (GCORR), Stapleton’s work has taken her from the upstate to the coast of South Carolina, to Colorado, and most recently to Washington, D.C. GCORR was originally formed in 1968 when the church merged to become racially integrated. The focus of her work is overcoming systemic and cultural barri-ers to equity, with the goal of moving the United Methodist Church from racism to relationships. “I have the privilege of working with people who are transforming the world; it’s working with a team that values a variety of perspectives, and who aren’t satisfied with the status quo.” She is currently drafting several pieces of legislation to be introduced at the upcoming General Conference, the international quadrennial gathering of United Methodists; “It’s like prepar-ing for the World Series for United Methodists,” she laughs.

Of Columbia College, Stapleton says it was part of “the narrative I grew up with” as a lifelong United Methodist and her grandmother’s

Michelle Browder Swancey ’91Saving Lana and baking magic

Amy Stapleton ’96 three passionspersonal connection as an alumna (Hilda Putnam Stapleton ’44). Receiving a volleyball scholarship sealed the decision, and she quickly became active and visible on campus. She was elected to student government and served as SGA president. “Columbia College exposed me to women in professional leadership roles, women leaders in ministry, and I received the opportunity to travel to D.C. where I met women leaders like Elizabeth Dole and Nancy Kassebaum.” I had access to incredible mentors at the College, especially through The Leadership Institute. This really shaped who I am today…how I view leadership, and specifically the role of women in leadership.”

Stapleton emphasizes, “I really believe that women lead differently. I saw this in action at Columbia College where things happened collaboratively, with the belief that everyone can contribute, and the table is big enough for all. During my days at the College we experienced some real challenges that we talked about openly…I learned not to shy away from conflict, but to engage people with different perspectives. One of the things that I hold most dear—other than great times like Ludy Bowl and Follies—is that we were challenged to become independent and critical thinkers.”


Imagine committing yourself to four years of living and working in a place you’ve never visited, only seen in pictures or heard about in stories—a place that is thousands of miles from your family, friends and home.

That’s just what Diana Tarpanova Zink ’07 did when she decided to attend Columbia College. Growing up in a small rural town in Bulgaria, Diana didn’t have much information about opportunities to study at U.S. colleges. That is, until Natalia Miteva ’04, a fellow Bulgarian who was studying at Columbia College visited Diana’s high school to spread the word about U.S. colleges, particularly Columbia College’s Honors Program. Diana, an exceptional student, wasted no time contacting the College and received an almost immediate response from Dr. John Zubizarreta telling her “Welcome to Columbia College!”

Diana couldn’t travel to the states until she was formally accepted—her mother simply didn’t believe it until she saw it in

black and white in an acceptance letter. Once that arrived, Diana made the trip to Columbia and was met with open arms. She credits not only “Dr. Z,” but also President Whitson, Dr. Linda Salane, Dr. Nieves McNulty, and Dr. Laurie Hopkins with making her transition to the states so easy. International students often can’t make the trip home for school breaks and holidays, and Diana says that many professors opened their hearts and homes to her, treating her just like family.

Diana was excited to find a college that combined liberal arts education with a strong technology component, something she knew she wanted to focus on. Back in Bulgaria, she had started her own web design company in high school, complete with a portfolio full of satisfied clients. Once she arrived on campus, Diana was hired part-time in the IT department and had the opportunity to work on a variety of projects, which was a win-win. One of her projects resulted in an award-winning video related to the Loyalty Fund campaign for the office of advancement.

Upon graduation, Diana moved to Atlanta, Ga., to be close to her then-boyfriend (now husband) John. With no contacts in the area, Diana began sending out resumes and, thanks to her talent and Columbia College experiences, she immediately landed interviews and received three job offers. She chose to begin her career with a small consulting firm, Macquarium, where she spearheaded the creation of its in-house engineering department. Diana later accepted a position with Turner Broadcasting Systems and quickly became a senior web developer for all Turner affiliates. Diana was essential in the creation of the web module used during Elections 08 on CNN, developing flash animation modules to bring viewers results efficiently and quickly. Most recently, she has been promoted to senior web product manager for NBA digital, the sports headquarters for Turner. Diana is credited with developing the in-site search engines for several sports-related sites, including the NBA and the PGA. She focuses on products and services that engage the fans when they visit the NBA website, managing the different products from idea to completion through a multidisciplinary team of analysts, developers, designers and project managers.

It is hard to imagine this technology guru’s small-town roots when you look at what she has accomplished. She thrives on creating a vision for what she wants a website to become, and enjoys getting her team members “fired up” about her ideas.

v v v

Nearly 2800 fans strong, our official Facebook page, Columbia College SC, is the place for breaking news, pictures, videos, and event updates. And, be sure to “like” Columbia College Alumnae Association to get updates on Alumnae Weekend and special messages from the office of alumnae relations.

Check out our new Class Groups! These private groups have closed membership for added privacy. You have to be invited by a member or request to join. Use these official groups to plan events or share stories and pictures exclusively with your classmates. We will post regular updates in these groups, including reunion information and answers to your questions.

We have created groups (by request) for the following class years: 1965, 1967, 1968, 1969, 1976, 1977, 1978, 1980, 1983, 1984, 1985, 1987, 1988, 1990, 1991, 1992, 1994, 1995, 1997, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, and 2011.

To find your class, just search for Columbia College SC - Class of <year>. For example, the class of 1965 group would be named Columbia College SC - Class of 1965. To request a group for your class, visit the Columbia College Alumnae Association page and post your class year!

Diana Tarpanova Zink ’07a slam dunk for NBA.com

Watch some related videos from our interviews for this feature:


The Medallion AwardsDr. Martha Griffin retired in August 2007, after teaching in

the department of biological and physical sciences for 20 years. Prior to joining Columbia College, she taught high school English, and later changed fields to complete her graduate degrees in coastal geology. “I always loved the outdoors and was frustrated that my English students, especially the boys, appeared bored in the classroom. It was exciting to be able to take my teaching outdoors with science.” Her mentor at University of South Carolina was Dr. John Carpenter, who specialized in teaching outdoors. At his recommendation, she was hired to teach summer session at the College for two years before being hired full-time in the department of biological and physical sciences by Dr. Miriam Rawl.

Griffin reports that retirement life on Lake Murray, near Leesville, is wonderful. She has four daughters, nine grandchildren and one great-grandchild. “When the grandchildren visit,” she says, “we usually go fishing.” And, she enjoys taking her poodle, Sandy, on long walks. A book lover, she spends much of her time reading. Her passion is outdoor science and she just returned from a trip to the mountains with her children and grandchildren.

When asked what she most enjoyed during her tenure at Columbia College, she says, “taking the students on field trips!” She took them canoeing and to places like Peachtree Rock Preserve located in Lexington County, near Swansea. Often, Dr. Everett Spell and his wife Regina would accompany them. Another part of her teaching was called “Building Stones of Columbia College.” She would give the students a questionnaire about Columbia College buildings and they had to locate minerals and rocks used as construction elements. She and the students enjoyed the excitement of the treasure hunt across campus, sometimes on hands and knees to locate the natural materials. She has many fond memories of Columbia College including the campus-wide activities like

Where Are They Now? Columns Catches Up With Retired Faculty

Dr. Martha Griffin

Follies. She was very pleased to learn that Follies is still a tradition.As a gift to her grandchildren, Griffin has spent time since

her retirement writing a series of stories told by her mother and father about things that took place during their childhood and adult lives. For example, her father was blinded at age 13 by an accidental rifle shot. He went on to college to obtain a law degree, and later served as a Georgia public service commissioner and founded the Georgia Association of the Blind. He was also featured in Ripley’s Believe It or Not. She feels it is important to preserve these stories for her grandchildren so they may know about their great-grandparents and their heritage.

Asked for a favorite quote, she said, “Damn the torpedoes! Full speed ahead!” In a nutshell, that is Dr. Martha Griffin.

She would enjoy hearing from any of the students she taught or her colleagues and can be reached at 803.532.4317 or at 126 Janes Lane, Leesville, SC 29070.

“I call it the Columbia College Attitude...

accept a challenge, stay committed, grow in confidence, develop competence, and then go out in the world and make a difference.”

If you know someone who’s thinking about going back to college, our Evening or Graduate Program may be their answer. It’s never too late to get The Attitude…tell them to call me, I can help!

803.786.3766ccevening.com

Carolyn EmenekerDirector of Evening and Graduate Admissions


The Medallion, Columbia College’s highest award, is presented annually to those individuals whom the College wishes to recognize for exceptional accomplishments, leadership, and service. The 2011 recipients, Ellen Claussen Davis ’72 of Charleston and Leonard L. Price of

Kershaw, were honored during the gala event held on October 27. The reception and the banquet were held on campus in the Student Union, which was elegantly transformed for the evening festivities. Columbia College welcomed former Medallion recipients, alumnae, faculty emeriti, trustees, donors and friends of the College in attendance.

A native of Charleston, South Carolina, Ellen Claussen Davis is an alumna of Columbia College and holds a B.A. in history, as well as an M.A.T. in education from The Citadel. She is a past chair of the Columbia College Board of Trustees and served on the board from 1998 until 2010. Most recently she took on the role of

co-chair for the “Help Asbury Dress the Part” campaign, engaging and energizing her alumnae sisters to support the renovations to Asbury Residence Hall.

In 1983 Davis established her own business, E.C. Davis & Associates, LLC, with the goal of assisting organizations and their managers to maximize quality and performance through creative leadership and development of people and work-groups. As an organization development consultant with over 30 years experience in the establishment of high involvement/high performance workplaces, her projects typically range from new organization start-ups to major organization change and renewal efforts.

Leadership development forms a significant focus for Davis’s business. E.C. Davis & Associates offers a unique leadership assessment and development program, as well as customized team development, interpersonal skills development, and leadership coaching for specific client needs. She facilitates leadership teams in strategic planning and in team development, and leads an international network of manufacturing managers seeking to share learning and experiences in organization development.

Davis has traveled throughout the U.S. as well as Europe and Asia to serve clients such as Cummins Engine Company, Armstrong World Industries, Crayola Crayons/Hallmark, Westinghouse Electric, British Nuclear Fuels, Holcim Cement, Giant Cement, and First Citizens Bank. Prior to establishing this practice, Davis was a manager and internal consultant for Cummins Incorporated. She has presented at national and international conferences on innovative work structures, and she co-authored a book in 1980 on organization development in public education settings. She resides in Charleston with her husband and business partner, Tommy L. Davis.

Ellen Claussen Davis ’72President of E.C. Davis & Associates

Leonard L. PriceRetired Executive and Philanthropist

A longtime friend of the College, Price was a loyal member of the Board of Trustees, serving from 2003-2010. His unique leadership qualities and expertise have benefited and shaped the future of Columbia College. Price is a member of the College’s 1854 Society, providing over $1 million dollars in support. His generous gifts have had a direct impact on college programming, endowed scholarship support for students, the growing athletics program, the community and the local neighborhood.

A native of Gilbert, South Carolina, Price attended Bowen’s Business College where he obtained an accounting degree. He began his career working as an accounts manager with L. I. Guion Farms in Lugoff, South Carolina. He was called to service in the U.S. Army during World War II. After the war, his professional career continued in the fields of sales, distribution, and management. His excellent business skills enabled him to achieve the position of CEO of Budweiser of Columbia, Greenville, Anderson, Spartanburg and Asheville, North Carolina. After 48 years of active employment, he retired to enjoy fishing, hunting, and farming on his land in Kershaw County. He spends much of his free time volunteering, fundraising, and devoting his energy to youth and education causes across several communities. As a long-time member of Good Shepherd Lutheran Church in Columbia, Price continues his service and philanthropy through his church activities.

Price’s involvement and achievements outside of the College community are well known. His support and involvement with Meals on Wheels, a program of Senior Resources in Richland County, began with his idea for a fundraiser at the farm. NatureFest, a bird dog competition and family outing, was born out of his concern for a way to help fund meals and companionship for older adults living alone. Corporate supporters, whom Price encouraged to participate, led to the event’s success with profits benefiting Meals on Wheels. The program flourished yielding profits not only for Meals on Wheels, but many other programs offered by Senior Resources.

His farm currently hosts the annual camporee of the Indian Waters Council of the Boy Scouts of America. Each year over 1,000 scouts enjoy the out of doors by participating in leader led activities of fishing, hiking, camping, canoeing, and nature study.

In addition, Price has actively participated in community life, bringing to other organizations and the community at large the same dedication and vision he has brought to the College, serving in leadership roles for decades with numerous boards and organizations.

His recent honors include recognition by Senior Resources of Richland County as Outstanding Volunteer Philanthropist, United Way Top Volunteer, Outstanding Volunteer Philanthropist from NSFRE and Affiliate Membership from the Kershaw Conservation District. He received the Continuing Support and Leadership to the Black Community Award and was honored by Lexington School District One for his generosity by their naming of the football field at Gilbert High School in his honor.

The Medallion Awards


Faculty and Staff NotesArts and Communications Studies

Patrick Faulds, artistic technical director, was invited to Ohio to appear as a guest for a taping of “ABC’s Extreme Makeover-Home Edition.” This Christmas episode, which features many of the North Pole’s jolliest characters that help build a home for a deserving family, airs in December.

Four communication studies students and Dr. Jason Munsell, associate professor of communication studies, presented at this year’s Carolinas Communication Association’s (CCA) annual conference in Winston-Salem, N.C., September

30-October 1. The group participated in a panel discussion entitled “The Art of Advocacy: Student Activists Speak Out.” Their presentations were based on their coursework for The Rhetoric of Public Advocacy, taught by Dr. Munsell. The students on this panel presented how they utilized their rhetorical training to perform the art

of advocacy for issues in which they are personally interested. Dr. Munsell had two additional presentations. His paper, “The Rhetoric of Liberal Arts Education: The Yale Report of 1828 Revisited” won CCA’s prestigious Ray Camp Award for Outstanding Research, which goes to the top faculty paper submitted to the conference.

Dr. Helen Tate, head, division of arts and communication studies and professor of communication, was invited to serve as a founding member of the Department Chairs Advisory Board for the National Communication Association. She presented on a panel

debate about the value of a liberal arts education versus a professional degree and also presented on program assessment for the assessment division and on dealing with difficult people in the academy for the Women’s Caucus at the NCA annual conference in New Orleans November 17-20. Dr. Tate is also past chair of the Women’s Caucus of NCA.

Behavioral Studies and Human Inquiry

Dr. Diane Thompson, in May, presented “Integrating Family Sculpting and Life Style Assessment” at the North American Society of Adlerian Psychology conference in Victoria, British Columbia. On September 24, she presented “Assessing the Strengths and Challenges of Partnerships” at the S.C. Society of Adlerian Psychology.

EducationDr. Leigh Ann Spell, professor of speech language

pathology, presented “Improving Intercultural Communication Skills Through College Peer Collaboration” in November at the International Journal of Arts and Sciences (IJAS) held in Rome, Italy. Dr. Spell also traveled to San Diego, Calif., in November with senior Rebekah Bowers, where they presented their research project “Collaborative Language Facilitation Strategies for Preschool English-Language Learners” at the American Speech Language Hearing Association (ASHA) conference.

Dr. Mary Steppling, head, division of education and professor of speech language pathology, and speech

language pathology major Carolyn Turbeville, presented Carolyn’s honors project at the American Speech Language and Hearing Association convention in San Diego, Calif., in November. The project: “An Investigation of Craniofacial Clinics & Related Outreach,” studied needs of the cleft palate population in the state of South Carolina and means of addressing improved communication regarding services in the state.

Financial AidDonna Quick, with her doctoral research team, presented “Pathways to

Thriving in Students of Color” at the annual Student Affairs Administration in Higher Education conference held in March in Philadelphia, Pa. Donna is pursuing her doctoral degree in higher education and student success from Azusa Pacific University in Azusa, Calif.Languages and Literatures

Dr. Christine Hait, professor of English, has been invited to present at the Narrenschiff/Ship of Fools conference in Fribourg Switzerland, May 10-12, 2012. Fifty years after the original publication of Katherine Anne Porter’s Ship of Fools, scholars from North America and Europe will gather to celebrate the publication of the novel and to explore the connections between Ship of Fools and Sebastian Brant’s 15th century satire, Narrenschiff.

Dr. Corinne D. Mann, assistant professor of French and program coordinator, has been awarded the Tournées Festival grant for the fourth year. The French American Cultural Exchange (FACE) offers the program to help fund screenings of recent French films on college campuses. It is made possible with the support of the Cultural Services of the French Embassy and the French Ministry of Culture (CNC). Columbia College is the only school in South Carolina to receive the award this year.

Dr. John Zubizarreta, professor of English and director of honors and faculty development, delivered the closing keynote presentation on “International Perspectives on Teaching Excellence” at the International Improving University Teaching convention held on July 19-22 in Bielefeld, Germany. In the fall, his presentations included “What We Can Learn About Teaching and Learning from Popular Media: An Interactive Workshop” at the Popular Culture Association in the South held in New Orleans on October 6-8; “The Power and Utility of Reflective Learning Portfolios in Honors,” a collaboration with students and colleagues from Minnesota State University, and “The Intersection of Gender, Authority, Power, and Immigration Issues,” a collaboration with Columbia College students, at the National Collegiate Honors Council in Phoenix, Ariz., on October 19-23; “Improving College Teaching: What Really Works?” a collaborative presentation with colleagues from Northern Illinois University and Pace University, at the Professional and Organizational Development Network in Higher Education, Atlanta, Ga., on October 26-29; and “Creative and Active Teaching and Learning: Reflections of a Carnegie/CASE U.S. Professor of the Year,” an invited plenary presentation at the national Lilly Conference on College and University Teaching, Oxford, Ohio, on November 17-19. Zubizarreta will be one of nine nominated presenters at the inaugural TEDxColumbia event to be held January 16, 2012.Library and Information Technology

Sarah Hood, user services librarian and library webmaster, presented “If Reporters Can Do It, You Can Too! A Small Academic Library’s Experience with Embedding” at the LIBRIS 2011 conference in Orangeburg on May 13.

Sandy Leach, user services librarian, presented a poster entitled “Creating the Learner-Centered Toolkit” at the Association of College & Research

Libraries National Conference in Philadelphia on April 1 and at the LIBRIS 2011 conference in Orangeburg on May 13.

Chuck Walsh, IT help desk coordinator, has signed a book contract with Mitchell-Morris Publishing for his fiction novel, A Month of Tomorrows. The book is available on Amazon.com and barnesandnoble.com for E-book downloads (Kindle and Nook). The book will be available in hardback in December.

Student Affairs

Dr. LaNaé Briggs Budden received her doctorate of education in organizational leadership from Nova Southeastern University,

Fort Lauderdale, Fla., on June 12. She also became dean of students at Columbia College on July 1.


Dr. Lynne Noble is a veteran traveler, and her most recent adventure took her to a part of the world that few, if any, South Carolina educators have visited. She received a prestigious Fulbright Fellowship to study and teach methods

of early childhood education in Mongolia from February through June of this year. “Mongolia is a natural treasure,” says Dr. Noble. “The history and culture is so rich, and so present in the lives of its people. It’s exciting to be part of a system renewing and renovating itself, and at the same time, retaining its nomadic identity.” Her time there has resulted in unique and potentially enduring opportunities for cultural and educational exchange.

In the spring, others from Columbia College joined Noble at different times in Mongolia, including education majors Nicole Hill and Laura Miller, who completed a practicum at the American School of Ulaanbaatar. In addition, Dr. Mary Steppling, head, division of education at Columbia College, Susanne Brown, director of the teacher education program, and Dr. Caroline Whitson, president, made the trip to meet Mongolian colleagues to coordinate an official exchange agreement.

The agreement between Columbia College and the Mongolian State University of Education is for a five-year term of cooperation, shared research, and exchange of both faculty and students. Among other activities, Mongolian educators will travel to Columbia in June 2012 for two weeks filled with English practice, teaching collaboration and cultural exchange.

Dr. Noble is preparing to return in January 2012 to continue the work she started last semester, and will also provide English courses for faculty. She says, “I’m hoping to get to teach a 4th year English course and do a comparison between the success of students in my immersion course and a course with a Mongolian teacher...and whatever else comes up!”

About Mongolia:Chinggis Khan, the legendary warrior and ruler of the ancient

Mongol Empire, is the name many associate with this large but sparsely populated country bordered by Russia and China. Once heavily influenced by Russia and the former Soviet Union, Mongolia has been a democratic republic since the 1990s. Nearly 30 percent of its population is nomadic or semi-nomadic, as they have been for centuries. Ulaanbaatar, the capital and largest city, is home to about 45 percent of the population. Ulaanbaatar was Dr. Noble’s home base in Mongolia during her stay, though she also visited rural areas and nomadic communities.

The Mongolia Connection

Above: Columbia College’s Susanne Brown, teacher edu-cation director, and students Nicole Hill and Laura Miller joined Dr. Noble in Mongolia during the summer.

Dr. Mary Steppling and Dr. Lynne Noble pose in front of their guest house, a ger, the traditional housing of nomadic Mongolians.


There’s much to be excited about in art,

dance, music, theatre and communication studies.

The academic programs may not look exactly the way alumnae remember

them, but fear not, changes have opened new opportunities to

serve today’s students’ needs and expectations.

TheArts First, it’s important to know that all these disciplines are now

united in one division: Arts and Communication Studies. Dr. Helen Tate, professor of communication, heads the division and over the past two years has led the effort to update the programs and learning spaces from the ground up. The division’s faculty and staff are all-star teachers and innovators who bring enormous energy to inspire students in the campus classrooms, studios, gallery and performance spaces. They also connect students with service opportunities, mentors, internships, and partnerships to extend the Columbia College experience beyond the campus and into the community.ART

This year, a new major was introduced. Community Arts and Civic Engagement includes two advising tracks: Public Arts and Community Engagement, and Arts Management and Advocacy. Professor Mary Gilkerson says, “We have developed new partnerships with arts, culture, education, business and entrepreneurial ventures that can give our students a ‘real world’ advantage in the job market.” Community arts students will prepare for careers with organizations that span the nonprofit and for-profit arts sectors and engage directly with Columbia’s vibrant arts community.

Of course, there’s still the traditional and popular B.A. in studio art with emphases in drawing, graphic design, painting, photography or printmaking. Minors in art and art history are also offered. The most visible changes for the art program have been related to facilities. Professor Stephen Nevitt says, “Extensive renovations and reallocation of spaces during the past few years in the Spears Center for the Arts

and Cottingham Theatre have had a very positive impact.” A major improvement, he notes, is the establishment of a large new workshop for exhibit preparation, framing, and storage of art works. The newly designed exhibit workshop is now in close proximity to Goodall Gallery, making a big difference in exhibit options and efficiency, for what is already recognized as one of the best exhibit spaces in the state. Goodall Gallery, managed by Jackie Keane Adams ’98, now has a dedicated office adjacent to the gallery, and a newly renovated kitchen supports receptions and other special events. Another bit of happy news is that the art program received a ten-year extension for full-membership with the National Association of Schools of Art and Design.

What’s New, You Ask ? A LOT !


DANCEOver the past two years, there has been

much buzz about recent changes in the Dance Program curriculum, including some erroneous speculation that the dance degrees are being phased out altogether. The members of the dance faculty want alumnae to know that, on the contrary, the program is thriving and there’s a lot of excitement about the direction it’s moving. Wrenn Cook, program coordinator, says “Restructuring and streamlining of programs has provided the opportunity to revisit the curriculum and to make changes that build upon our strengths and best serve our students...of course, there is always the ‘if it ain’t broke, don’t fix it’ argument, but we believe that even the very best programs can benefit from periodic revision and revitalization.”

Importantly, the degree options were revised to include the B.A. in dance education with certification and the B.A. in dance studies. In addition, we now offer three certificate areas—Dance Performance and Choreography, Dance Studio/Private Sector Ownership, and Dance Research and Writing—supporting specific career goals.

One of the most exciting changes for dance is the creation of an all new dance studio in Spears Center for the Arts. The studio glows with natural light from the tall row of high windows and offers easy access to media resources for performance research. An adjacent lounge offers a widescreen television and soft seating for relaxed collaboration and discussion, which instructor Marcy Jo Yonkey-Clayton says has energized the students. Wednesday evenings, for instance, student musicians come and play live for what Yonkey describes as an “improvisational dance happy hour” where dance majors craft elements and themes that will work their way into recital performances.

MUSICThere’s exciting news here too! Columbia College is the only school in

South Carolina with a music education articulation agreement that allows students to complete a B.A. in music at Columbia College in four years, while earning a semester’s worth of graduate credit toward a Master of Arts in Teaching: Performing Arts, Choral Music Concentration. Dr. Tate explains, “The real draw is that students can earn their B.A. and M.A.T. in just five years, and be in the schools teaching at the master’s level salary instead of at the bachelor’s level.” The agreement is a special arrangement with College of Charleston that offers a significant cost saving as well: in their senior year, students with 3.0 GPA overall and in the music major may enroll in nine approved graduate hours as part of their Columbia College course load at no additional cost. Those hours are pre-approved credit toward the M.A.T. at College of Charleston.

Here’s a quick overview of the Bachelor of Arts Degree in Music and the available tracks:

Arts Management, which may be combined with Community Arts Major for a double majorPerformance (Voice, Piano, Organ, Flute, Oboe, Bassoon, Clarinet, Horn, Violin, Viola, Cello)Music Production and TechnologyGraduate Preparation in Music EducationMAT Articulation Agreement with College of Charleston in Music Education, Vocal


The bachelor of arts in music offers students flexibility to tailor their coursework and electives for their own career goals, which we think will be popular with students. Some alumnae expressed concerns last year when word circulated that the B.M. in performance was discontinued. Dr. Randy Love, professor of music, explains, “The B.A. is especially attractive to students who are talented in music and for whom music is an important part of their career objectives, but who do not want a professional degree in music. This describes the vast majority of our students. Students can major in music and then take their B.A. degree into a multitude of career directions, such as law, medicine, public relations, communications and many others.”

In other news, Paula Brafford Wilson ’74, who is coordinating the choral programs, has received the nod to take a spring break choir tour to Lake Junaluska in March, making some additional concert stops at churches along the way. The performances will be announced in advance through the churches with hopes of reconnecting with alumnae who live in the region.

THEATREAgain, there are many visible changes made

possible through the collaborative “revisioning” of the division. Attend a performance at Cottingham Theatre or Griffin Arena Theatre and you’ll sit on newly upholstered seats.

Professor Sara Nalley ’63 coordinates the theatre minor which offers opportunities to learn and participate in theatre in a variety of ways. For the past three years, Nalley has facilitated a visit from the Cambridge American Stage Tour (CAST), a student company from Cambridge University in England. CAST has presented Two Gentlemen of Verona, The Tempest, and Macbeth, bringing a new group of student actors each year to the delight of the whole campus. The British students are housed on campus and present workshops for our students. Also, there is at least one production a year in which Columbia College students perform and work backstage. In recent years, this has been an evening of short plays, collectively called “Shorts,” an event which has become one of the most popular arts traditions on campus.

COMMUNICATION STUDIESIn addition to busily racking up awards at the local, regional

and national levels, the division’s Communication Studies team has created innovative new major tracks in Corporate and Organizational Communication, Political Communication, and Culture and Media Communication.

There are new color schemes, redesigned learning and meeting spaces, and several of the faculty and staff have rearranged into different and freshly painted offices in Spears Center for the Arts and Cottingham. Dr. Jason Munsell, professor of communication, says, “Ultimately, we’re all about our students’ success.” And it’s very evident in the excitement of the students and they realize how many new options they now have, both academically and as part of a campus community that is open to new ideas and opportunities.


Candy Crane Shuler ’73 and her former college suitemate Gail Gulledge Watson ‘73, both of Greenville, recently visited Asbury Hall to see the Phase One improvements. When the campaign

to “Help Asbury Dress the Part” was launched, Candy offered to contribute her professional interior design expertise to the project. Her recommendations guided the new color and lighting schemes, floor covering selections, and the new furniture and upholstery. Candy describes receiving many, many boxes of manufactures samples for everything from mini blinds to fabric swatches. “It is very exciting to see the transformation in progress,” she and Gail agree, as they remember their days as first-year students. After taking a quick tour though the renovated halls, they take a seat on one of the new sofas in the main lobby. “I enjoyed working on this project and hearing from the staff and the students what’s needed in today’s residence halls. We worked to make things bright and functional while keeping the rooms neutral enough for students to personalize their decor.”

The conversation turns to college memories. “We are talking to the former Most Womanly,” says Candy, dramatically gesturing toward Gail. “All right, Miss Colum-bia College 1973, you are playing with fire!” They both laugh mischeiviously, “...there are some secrets that will never come out.” Candy shares why she chose to attend Columbia College, “I came for an Open House Weekend that included a sleepover in one of the residence halls. I met some students and we walked over to the canteen in the evening, where the manager was cleaning out the ice cream cooler. He gave us a big tub of ice cream to take back to our room, and that’s all it took to convince me that Columbia College was THE best school.”

Candy clearly remembers the day she was summoned to meet with her advisor, about halfway through her second semester at Columbia College. “He let me know in no uncertain terms that it was time to get serious about college,” she recalls. “I’d been having entirely too much fun, and his fatherly tone made me feel embarrassed and

Flashback to the 70s:

Classmates Reconnect to Visit Asbury Hall and Reminisce

a little homesick. It was a reality check tempered with sincere encouragement, and I left his office determined to do better.” She took his advice, finding the right balance between fun and academic success to reach her goals. Gail chimes in, “Columbia College has always been about leadership development, with memories and skills that stick with you for a lifetime.”

Gail and Candy’s visit is an opportu-nity for the friends to catch up with each other as well as their alma mater. Chat-ting about where life has taken them since their college days, family is a topic they both reference frequently. Candy and her husband are empty nesters who work together in the interior design busi-ness, while Gail’s extended family and her husband’s dental practice keep her busy. They live near each other, but both admit they don’t chat as often as they’d like. “Gail has TEN grandchildren!,” marvels her good friend, who then proudly shares that she has seven of her own. Gail reflects, “We both turned 60 this year, and reconnecting feels so important in this part of my life.” Candy agrees, “The older you get, you realize how sweet and important relationships are.”

There is still significant

work left to do, yet thanks to alumnae contributions first-year students arrived in August to find the light, bright and fresh renovated spaces completed in Phase One! Thank you, and we hope you’ll encourage more classmates to join the effort…if we rally, we can complete all the needed improvements in 2012! Your gifts are truly making a difference for current and future students.

Completed in Phase OneFreshly painted rooms, corridors, and lounges, with new flooring and trimRenovated student bathrooms and new visitor restrooms in the lobbyImproved lighting throughoutRedesigned reception and lobby areaFirst floor lounge completely renovated and new carpet in all the loungesNew student room furniture with versa-tile arrangement options

Needed for Phase Two80 remaining rooms completely refurbished in Asbury’s north wing with freshly painted rooms and corridorsTransform the second and third floor lounges into collaborative learning cen-ters including furniture and technologyNew doors for ALL student roomsTransformation of lower (basement) level into flexible hubs for collegiate life programming including furniture and technology

For more information about the Help Asbury Hall Dress the Part campaign, please contact Barbara Parks ([email protected]) or Amy Lanier ([email protected]); or call 803.786.3650.

Asbury Renovation U P D A T E

Candy Crane Shuler ([email protected]) is an interior design professional representing the following companies: 828 International Trading Com-pany; Colonial Mills; Harounian Rugs International; Teebaud Rug Underlays; Picture Galleries, Inc.


A Alum to

AlumI

am thrilled to share the stories of so many alumnae in this edition of Columns—alums who are making a name for themselves the world over in business, medicine,

and technology, as well as those who are staying close to home and having an impact on their local communities. These graduates are leaving their mark on the world, serving as inspiration not only to our current students, but also to their fellow alumnae.

In preparing for these articles, I found myself in many diverse settings; from the elegant alumna-owned bridal salon just outside Atlanta that caters to brides around the world, to a quiet kitchen in West Columbia that serves as home base for an amazing alumna-owned specialty cake business. Each woman is making a statement in her own way, on her own terms, and with the common bond of a Columbia College education.

I also had the opportunity to meet and talk with several of our more recent graduates who are already making strides in political, medical and technical fields; once again, they were pursuing very different professions, yet they each credit Columbia College with helping them become the successful women they are today.

In our continued efforts to be a greener campus, the office of alumnae relations is proud to announce that we will now be sending invitations to you via e-mail, and we will be posting event information, College updates, and news on Facebook more than ever. This reduces printing costs for the College and helps us conserve resources for everyone. You can rest assured that the College won’t clutter your inbox with spam, and we are committed to only sending messages that are relevant and helpful. Anytime you see Columbia College in your inbox, open it! We don’t want you to miss a gathering with fellow alums or any other exciting news from campus.

“Like” the Columbia College Alumnae Association on Facebook and join your class group—if your class doesn’t have its own group page, the College will be happy to set one up for you – look for the Facebook sidebar in this issue of Columns for more information. Don’t worry—if you don’t have e-mail or use Facebook, we’ll continue to send you invitations through the regular mail so you won’t miss a thing!

I am so honored to serve you in the alumnae office, so please call on me anytime! I love to hear from my alumnae sisters!

Save the Date!Alumnae Weekend 2012

April 20–21, 2012

Classes ending in 2 and 7 will celebrate milestone reunions!

All alumnae are welcome to attend!

Schedule September 11, 2011 – College Place UMC, Welcome Back Sunday for studentsSeptember 18, 2011 – Cayce UMCSeptember 25, 2011 – Shandon UMC, ColumbiaOctober 9, 2011 – Trinity Blythewood UMC, BlythewoodNovember 13, 2011 – Francis Burns UMC, ColumbiaNovember 20, 2011 – Central UMC, FlorenceJanuary 15, 2012 – Bethany UMC, SummervilleJanuary 22, 2012 – First UMC, Myrtle BeachJanuary 29, 2012 – First UMC, Isle of PalmsFebruary 5, 2012 – Trenholm Road UMC, ColumbiaFebruary 12, 2012 – Wesley UMC, Monck’s Corner, College Olympics

COMI N G T O A C HURC H NE A R YO U: COLUMBIA COLLEGE UMC DAYS

Chaplain and Director of Church Relations, Reverend Roy Mitchell, has been busy during the Fall semester, hosting Columbia College Days at United Methodist Churches across South Carolina. Mitchell contacted a number of churches during the summer months, culminating in eleven Colum-bia College Sundays being scheduled in various churches around the state. He was given the opportunity to preach on several occasions; several churches offered him time during the service to recognize alumnae and give the con-

gregation an update on the College’s religious life and United Methodist involvement.

Alumnae Relations Director Sara Snell ’99 is working with the Chaplain on these special Sundays, providing purple ribbons for each alumna to wear and greeting alums and prospective students after each service.

Several Sunday visits are scheduled dur-ing the spring semester as well, so if you are a member of one of the churches listed and would like to assist with an upcoming Colum-bia College day, please contact the alumnae office to let us know. We look forward to greet-ing you on a Sunday in the near future!

Left to Right: Sara Snell ’99, MaryAnn Smith Crews ’59, Dr. Caroline Whitson, Chaplain Roy Mitchell and Dr. John Zubizarreta.


Leadership Studies Offering a comprehensive approach to leadership, The Leader-

ship Institute now houses external outreach programs for corpo-rate women, middle and high school students and the academic Leadership Studies program for Columbia College students. This powerful combination brings together the Leadership Studies minor, certificate program, Capstone Leadership Semester, Leaderscript, and new opportunities for students to connect with programs such as Lead-ership for the New South, Empower-ing Girls, and our acclaimed summer leadership institutes. Dr. Tamara Burk, director of the Leadership Studies pro-gram, recently moved offices to Ariail House, 4704 Colonial Drive, to join forces with The Leadership Institute’s Executive Director Dr. Linda Salane, and staff members, Tammie Willmore and Amber Nix ’10. Summer Leadership Institute

This summer marked our 21st year of summer leadership development programs for high school girls. Emerging Leaders, Lead 2011, and LEAD 4 were filled with fun and interactive activities to build and pro-mote girls’ leadership and to encourage the girls to take their leadership skills back into their schools to make a difference. Eighty participants included students from South Carolina as well as Arkansas, Delaware, Georgia, Pennsylvania and four from Cali in Colombia, South America. More than forty women professionals and community leaders served as program partners, includ-ing Sarah Baack of the Protocol School of Washington; Diane Frea of The State newspaper; Carmen McCutcheon of the S.C. Legislative Audit Council; and Allison Spry of SCANA. These highly accomplished women aided with experien-tial learning and gave personalized feedback in each of the three programs. In addition, the Lead 4 participants hosted Christian Thomas Lee, an internationally acclaimed concert classical guitarist, which proved to be a highlight for all involved.

Girls EmpoweredGirls Empowered, a leadership development program designed

for middle school girls based on MODEL Leadership, is now offered in all school districts in the Midlands and in Orangeburg School District Five. Girls Empowered helps girls identify personal leader-ship gifts and challenges; build and work in teams; look, speak, and act like a leader; motivate self and others to achieve excellence; and practice with other girls the complex skills learned directly from accomplished women.

Leadership Institute News: The New Leadership Look

The Leadership Institute offers many opportunities to network and get involved:

· NOMINATE: If you know of any high school girls that would benefit from the summer institute programs, please send nominations to [email protected]. For details on our summer programs, visit www.columbiasc.edu/leadership_inst.

· LET’S DO LUNCH: Join us at 12:00 p.m. the second Tuesday of each month at the Capital City Club for our Food for Thought luncheon. On November 8, Sally McKay, a professional speech coach and trainer, was the featured speaker. On December 13, Leré Robinson, founder and president of Alive Again LLC, will present an informative session about the endocrine system, just in time for the holiday season. RSVP to [email protected].

· MENTOR: Have you ever considered serving as a mentor? As a community professional, you have the opportunity to meet with a Columbia College stu-dent monthly to talk about career interests, help with networking and develop-ing leadership skills necessary for long term success. Mentors are needed

in a variety of career fields including mathematics, music, education, public affairs, public health, law enforce-ment, chemistry, law, accounting and dance. Serving as a mentor is a valuable gift to a Columbia College student, and many mentors find that they too benefit from the interaction. Please contact Tammie Willmore at [email protected] to be a part of the Leader2Leader mentoring program.


H I G H L I G H T S

September 7Katrina Spigner ‘01, senior program officer for Sisters of Charity, author, and CEO of Re-Source Solutions served as guest speaker for Convocation.The Academic Convocation Assembly is the traditional chapel service that officially opens the new academic year with prayer and words of inspiration for the entire campus community. It is the only time, other than Commencement, that the faculty wear their regalia and process in order of academic rank.

August 26The Columbia College Communications Club and their advisors coordinated a lunchtime program to observe Women’s Equality Day. Along with President Whitson, they presented readings from historic speeches both for and against the American women’s suffrage movement of the early 20th century.

August 19 Move-In Day 2011, first-year students arrived to find faculty and staff ready to help unload and tote residence hall essentials to their new “home away from home” in Asbury Hall.

August 29Dr. Whitson and President Hiromi Nagao of Japan’s Hiroshima Jogakuin Women’s University meet to discuss a possible exhange and research opportunities for faculty and students.

May 14–23 A group of students, faculty, staff, alumnae and friends traveled to Turkey and Greece, visiting sites such as the Acropolis and the ruins believed to be Troy.


October 8Ludy Bowl 2011 was a much anticipated highlight of Columbia College’s Spirit Week festivities, with a fun Wild West theme. The football game pitted the seniors and sophomores against the juniors and first-years. The seniors and sophomores (the Outlaws, in red jerseys) were victorious!

September 26The Cambridge American Stage Tour made its third visit to Columbia College to present acting workshops and a stage production of Macbeth to a full house in Cottingham Theatre. The young British cast and crew were housed on campus and extended a warm welcome.

H I G H L I G H T S

September 15Professor Rocio Zalba introduces José Galvez, first Mexican-American photojournalist to win a Pulitzer prize. He spoke to classes and presented an evening talk and display of his work on Thursday, September 15.

September 15Professor Stephen Nevitt, artist Virginia Saunders, and Professor Sara Nalley ’63 at the artist’s reception for Saunders’s exhibit Wanderlust: A Visual Travelogue. The exhibit in Goodall Gallery ran from September 1 until October 11.

August–November The Fighting Koalas are having a great season in volleyball, soccer and basketball. Check on their progress at www.gokoalas.com.


C L A S S N E W S

Who doesn’t flip to Class News first when her new issue of Columns arrives? It’s the next best thing to calling your classmates personally for an update! Who got married…finished graduate school…landed a new job…retired…new grandbaby? Your classmates want to know! It’s easy to submit your news online here: www.columbia.edu/alumnae/submit_news.asp. Or send via snail mail to Alumnae Relations, 1301 Columbia College Drive, Columbia, SC 29203. This issue of Class News reflects news submitted between April 28 and September 15, 2011.

1937 Verna Ducker Ubben was honored by the Poetry Society of South Carolina for her longtime support. The society offered a free 14-day fellowship at the Virginia Center for the Creative Arts named in her honor.1951 Jacquelyn Ginn Holley has two daughters, two sons, six grandchildren, and eight greatgrandchildren.1956 Nancy Reece Beach became a grandmother. Nell DuBose Sprott has two granddaughters who are both Clemson graduates.1963 Katherine Childers Rowland and her husband Herbert are both retired and still live in St. Marys, Ga., where they are very active in their community. Herbert is chairman of the Camden county school board and secretary of Kiwanis Club. Kathie serves on the board of the local humane society. Their grandson Jonathan is a senior at Georgia Tech.1965 Barbara Buddin Parker retired from Columbia College in July after 24 years of service. Barbara worked for the department of speech and drama, and later for the department of history and political science.1966 Janet Richards Garrett retired in May after 30 years in education. She is now enjoying her family and two grandsons. She is planning to travel with friends.1967 Annie Coleman Bates retired from the ALPHA Center in Camden on June 3. Her youngest son was married on April 30.1970 Carol Horne Wright retired in July after 32 years as a middle school counselor.1972 Mary West Rambow and her husband William continue to live and work in the Atlanta area. Mary teaches communication disorders at Georgia State University.

1975 Becky Mitchell wrote a book of short stories entitled Shadow of his Wings. It offers the reader an opportunity to consider certain social situations without experiencing them in real life. The book is fiction, but it is based on scriptural principles and concepts. Barbara “Babs” Smith ’75 and her twin sister, Martha “Marcie” Smith ’75, were featured in an article that appeared in the Spartanburg Herald Journal in July. The article talked about their passion for planting and their vegetable garden.1977 Rebecca Laffitte was honored in the 2012 edition of The Best Lawyers in America. She was recognized for her work in several practice areas. Laffitte is a founding member of the Columbia, S.C., law firm Sowell Gray Stepp & Laffitte.1979 Vonna Baiden Gengo loves theatre and acting and has been very involved in community theatres in Horry and Georgetown Counties. She has also performed at The Palace Theatre in Myrtle Beach and at the House of Blues.1980 Lori Burns Allen owns one of the largest bridal salons in the country. A very small bridal boutique in Atlanta, Ga., has now grown to a 25,000 square feet business with more than 50 employees. Lori is featured on two television shows on TLC, Say Yes to the Dress: Atlanta and Say Yes to the Dress: Bridesmaids.1981 Moo Gordon Brockington served as historical advisor for a SCETV documentary on Belle Baruch filmed at Hobcaw Barony. She also welcomed Randolph Churchill, greatgrandson of the former British Prime Minister, to Georgetown County and found it just as thrilling as the day she and the Young Columbians Alumnae Club welcomed Chief Justice Sandra Day O’Connor to the Columbia College campus in 1982.1985 Tracee Stewart Simpson was recently elected as the president of the SC Council for the Social Studies. Kia Flynn Valentine is the creative arts specialist at Kelly Edwards Elementary in Williston, S.C., and was recently recognized as the Williston School District 29 Teacher of the Year. She also helped organize a community wide “National Dance Day” celebration on July 30, with several local dancers.1987 Kimberlea Barwick Daly teaches visual art and drama at Fairfield Magnet School. She also teaches private art and voice lessons. She and her husband Mike live in Chapin with their two children ages 15 and 12.

1988 Trina Crews Tant teaches fourth grade math and science at Hampton Elementary in Hampton, S.C.1989 Robin Walsh Gerzema is a sixth grade science and social studies teacher in Lexington School District Two.1991 Michelle Mignerey Altman has been teaching for eight years and is the recipient of two Palmetto Electric Bright Ideas grants and two SC Hospital Association grants. Kristel Whitley Causby has a son named Bryce Scott bom on April 4, 2009, and a daughter named Lauren.1992 Wanda Simmons Tillman is dean at Strayer University for the new Cedar Hill Campus located in Cedar Hill, Tex.1994 Dawn Cook Zajk moved to Prescott, Ariz., due to her husband’s job transfer. They bought a house and are ready for a new adventure.1995 Melisa “Missy” Underwood Caughman graduated from Leadership South Carolina Class of 2011. TaChara “TC” Davis has been promoted to human capital project manager at the U.S. District and Bankruptcy Courts in Washington, D.C. Her duties include working hand in hand with the clerk of court and the human resources director.1998 Tara A. Smith is assistant director of Park University Beaufort campus and adjunct professor of political science and public administration.2000 Heather “Crissie” Miller Kirby was selected to be a featured blogger for Lexington Medical Center’s new blog website, Every Woman Blog. Cheri Reynolds Ramsey gave birth to a daughter and named her Millie Nicole in honor of her sister, Shannon Nicole Reynolds Dodd, who passed away in 2008.2004 Nan Binarr Carter was accepted into the master of public health program at the University of South Carolina. She is a community outreach specialist at Palmetto Health Office of Community Services. Michael Riggins is principal at Crosswell Drive Elementary in Sumter.2005 Naomi Parker Washington is a success coach with Communities in Schools of the Midlands. She is also the blog author of NewPlaceWithin.com. She recently suffered a stroke and correction from a brain aneurysm. She is in the process of working on a SC chapter of Brain Aneurysm Awareness for support to local patients. Lindsey W. Wilkes is a candidate for the Juris Doctor (J.D.) degree at the University of Cincinnati College of Law, Cincinnati, Ohio.2007 Jennifer Dadds moved to Charleston and started a new job as a product development chemist at MeadWestvaco Corporation. Rachel V. Jordan received the American Speech Language Hearing Association Certificate of Clinical Competence for Speech Language Pathologists (CCCSLP). She is now a speech language pathologist with Genesis Rehab Services in a nursing home in Sumter.

Beth Roberts Baxley ‘84, owner of Pink Sorbet, Columbia, S.C.


C L A S S N E W S

Classes having reunions end in 1 and 6

Lavennia Goins Roberts started a mediation business, “Mediate Me,” after attending a mediation training course at Columbia College in May 2009 and becoming a certified family mediator.

ADVANCED DEGREESEdwina J. Williams ’71, Ph.D., inter-disciplinary studies with an emphasis on theology, religion, and education, Trinity College of the Bible and Theo-logical Seminary with dual endorse-ment from Cambridge, England, and Indiana University Trina Crews Tant ’88, Ph.D. educational leadership, University of Phoenix, March 2011 Lenora Addison-Miles ’93, M.B.A., South University-Columbia, March 2011 Dana Douglas Richardson ’96, Ed. D., teacher leadership, Walden University, June 2011 LaKeisha Grayson ’98, Ph.D., reha-bilitation counseling, Southern Illinois University Carbondale, August 6, 2011 Diana Gomez Hudgens ’98, M.Ed., languages, College of Charleston, June 2011 Tara A. Smith ’98, M.P.A., Park Uni-versity, December 2010 Amy Ottenbreit Whittingham ’98, M.Ed., education, Southern Wesleyan University, May 2008 Allison “Alli” Hatchell Barlik ’00, M.Ed., reading and literacy, Walden University, June 2010

Hayley Sherette Lawrence ’03, M.B.A., University of Maryland Univer-sity College, May 2011 Brookes Michelle Sims ’04, M.Ed., curriculum and instruction, Averett University, April 2011

Jacquetta Mace Chatman ’05, Ed.D., educational leadership, Nova South-eastern University, May 2011 Jessica Martin Corley ’05, J.D., Uni-versity of South Carolina, May 2010 Naomi Parker-Washington ’05, M.A., human services, Liberty University, March 2009 Mary Waddell Hutchinson ’06, B.S.N., East Tennessee State Uni-versity, December 2009 Alexis DeKine ’07, M.Ed., divergent learning, Columbia College, August 2011 Katie Maree Orvin ’08, J.D., Charles-ton School of Law, May 2011 Lisa Ann Yaxis ’08, J.D., Charleston School of Law, May 2011

MARRIAGESDana Danette Douglas ’96 to Gerald Richardson, July 23, 2011 Susanne Riuchie ’00 to Anthony Wil-lard, July 23, 2011

Jessica Alison Harmon ’02 to Thomas Joe Garcia, June 25, 2011

Balestra Huggins ’02 to Todd Davis, April 21, 2009

Lakeysha Rembert ’02 to Christopher Evan McKnight, July 2, 2011

Laura Catherine Tellefsen ’02 to Clayton August Allen Breitenfeldt, April 16, 2011

Lindsay Dickson Parrish ’03 to Der-rick Quinn Bost, March 19, 2011

Jessica Suzanne Martin ’05 to Jason Eugene Corley, November 27, 2010

LaToya Denise Geathers ’06 to Anto-nio Williams, December 5, 2009

Anna Ross Sheely ’06 to Lucas Keith Kinard, July 30, 2011

Krystal Renee Smith ’06 to Brandon Thomas Brown, May 7, 2011

Mary Jewel Waddell ’06 to Eric Hutchinson, January 23, 2010

Jaclyn Sue Ball ’08 to Matt Robinson, April 2, 2011

Chelsea Elizabeth Lee ’08 to John Joseph Eichorn II, April 30, 2011.

Amy Louise Long ’08 to Robert Edward Ruple Jr., June 18, 2011

Coley Neal Ray ’09 to Joseph An-thony Summerlin, May 1, 2010

Autumn Elyse Watts ’09 to Thomas Clement Hooper, June 10, 2010

Shaquetta Earnestina Barton ’10 to Vincent Dewayne Davis, August 21, 2010

Christina Heather Burrows ’10 to Patrick Keane Kelly, April 16, 2011

Monique Covington ’11 to Auston Lopez Siracuse, June 11, 2011

Amanda Darlene DuBose ’11 to Daniel Patrick Oswalt, May 21, 2011

BIRTHS AND ADOPTIONSAnita Monique Bryant ’91, a son Wil-liam Bryant Shuler, April 27, 2011

Aldrena Hicks Corder ’97, a son, Seliman G. Jr., March 9, 2010

Heather Vander Ploeg Crouch ’98, a daughter, Kelsey Geneva, September 22, 2010

Diana Gomez Hudgens ’98, a daugh-ter, Colby Reese, April 16, 2010

Kelly Helfer Kissiah ’98, a daughter, Olivia Ryleigh, June 28, 2011

Renee Cribb Wilson ’98, a son, Jacob, February 25, 2010

Brandon “Brandie” Davis Love ’00, a son, Grant Alexander, April 19, 2011

Cheri Reynolds Ramsey ’00, a daughter, Millie Nicole, March 11, 2011

Jennifer Spivey Harris ’02, daugh-ters, Blythe Allyn, June 11, 2009, and Malorie Blaire, March 21, 2011

Melissa Broome Nelson ’02, a daughter, Charlotte Elizabeth, March 21, 2011

Charlene Floyd McDonald ’03, a son, Montgomery Wynn, February 2, 2010

Ashley Sinclair Eller ’04, a son, Andrew Chase, June 24, 2011

Samantha Weaver Hammond ’05, a son, Noah Gene, April 14, 2011

Alicia Chavis Smith ’05, a son, Izekiel, February 27, 2010

LaToya Geathers Williams ’06, a daughter, LaKyn Reneé, December 8, 2010

Erica Greene Edwards ’07, a son, Easton Wayne, January 8, 2011

Marguerite “Meggie” Crapps Ricard ’08, a daughter, Kinsley Elizabeth, April 28, 2011

Coley Ray Summerlin ’09, a son, Eli Fisher, October 26, 2010

Shaquetta Barton-Davis ’10, a son, Vincent Dewayne II, January 1, 2011

DEATHSAnnis Sims Beach ’47 Charleston, S.C. May 21, 2011

Elizabeth Hagood Burrus ’35 Barnwell, S.C. July 26, 2011

Henrietta Heriot Clark ’40 West Columbia, S.C. August 6, 2011

Cleo Wall Cope ’34 Columbia, S.C. July 31, 2011

Bonnie Meachum Mazun ‘96, Doris Bessinger Cobb ‘72; and Andrea Crofts Buckley ‘94 in St. Louis, Mo.

(L-R) Katherine McQueen Eichelberger ‘65, Joanne Hughes Burkett ‘90,Stacey Wright Gantt ‘99, and Mary Stuart Bobo ‘62 at the Greenwood, S.C., alumnae gathering held September 20.


C L A S S N E W S

Linda Altman Dennis ’71 Greenville, S.C. June 7, 2011

Zana Hutto Fanning ’58 Orangeburg, S.C. June 7, 2011

Carolyn Bullington Garner ’45 Melbourne, Fla. April 10, 2011

Jo Ann Jernigan Higgins ’57 Bentonville, Ark. July 22, 2011

Amanda Kistler Jarrard ’08 Columbia, S.C. May 23, 2011

Jacqueline Trammell Knight ’57 Greenville, S.C. May 17, 2011

Sarah Blackstone Marut ’63 Greenwood, S.C. August 24, 2011

Eloise Lavender Moore ’35 Olanta, S.C. April 30, 2011

Jean Lesley Orander ’46 Easley, S.C. May 28, 2011

Anne Newsome Oswald ’57 Allendale, S.C. July 10, 2011

Delores Spell Reeves ’58 Denmark, S.C. June 26, 2011

Frances F. Rhame ’45 Camden, S.C. April 28, 2011

Carrie Thompson Rinehart ’59 Newberry, S.C. April 21, 2011

Kathryn Edwards Robinson ’81 Pinopolis, S.C. August 9, 2011

Pauline Jackson Shuler ’47 Sumter, S.C. April 17, 2011

Sara Jeffries Spear ’63 Salisbury, N.C. July 11, 2011

Virginia Ragsdale Stevenson ’61 Winnsboro, S.C. April 21, 2011

Sara Kennedy Stratton ’39 Columbia, S.C. July 26, 2011

Anita Huntley Swygert ’50 Sumter, S.C. July 5, 2011

Jessie Abrams Trumble ’38 Whitmire, S.C. April 12, 2011

Frances “Nan” Dibble Vernon ’37 Cheraw, S.C. June 19, 2011

Former Board of Visitors Member Archie Shaw Dargan Jr. Myrtle Beach, S.C. July 30, 2011

Retired Staff Daniel Johnson Columbia, S.C. July 22, 2011

MEMORIALS Helen Jeffords Barham (H)MaryAnn Smith Crews ’59Mary Ann Reeves Phillips ’56

Annis Sims Beach ’47Joanna Batson Stone ’47

Lily “Boots” BontureDr. Laurie B. Hopkins

Sara Leathea Simmons Bowman ’62Becky Lineberger Buie ’62 Carolyn Sprott Brockington ’42Mr. William A. Shehan and Mrs. Moo Brockington ’81Jerolyn Long Carroll ’69

Sara Richbourg Bryan ’41Jerolyn Long Carroll ’69

Dorothy Rhinehart CaughmanCarol Ann Flowers Green ’54

Jerolyn Bruce Coleman ’13Jerolyn Long Carroll ’69 Gabriel Michael CoyMr. and Mrs. Flynn T. Harrell (Anne Turner ’57) Vera “Mickey” DanielRebecca “Becky” Laffitte ’77 Archie and Caroline DarganMr. and Mrs. A. Shaw Dargan IIIWaldeck S. DargenMr. and Mrs. Trey HarrisMr. and Mrs. Brian Hufhand (Melissa Dargan ’82)Mr. and Mrs. John MacKorell

Rev. Dr. George S. Duffie Jr.Mr. and Mrs. Robert R. Hill Sr. (Jewell Powell ’60)

Margaret McLeod Edwards ’41Mary Ann Reeves Phillips ’56

Marjorie Chandler Fretwell ’49Denise Corley Godowns ’73

Carolyn Bullington Garner ’45Thelma Rast ’45

Julia Helen Garris ’59Edith Smoak ’59

Bart HuttoMary Ann Reeves Phillips ’56Class of 1960 annual summer luncheon held on

August 11, in Columbia.

Class of 1956 annual summer luncheon held on August 17, in Columbia.


C L A S S N E W S

Daniel JohnsonMr. Robert T. BarhamJanet Alexander Cotter ’56MaryAnn Smith Crews ’59Dr. and Mrs. Selden K. Smith (Dorothy Gasque ’61)

Rosa M. JonesAmy S. LanierBarbara E. Parks

Esther Coxe Kelly ’43Deborah Drotor ’80Mary Ann Reeves Phillips ’56

Laura LambertMr. and Mrs. Flynn T. Harrell (Anne Turner ’57)

Betty Will McReynolds LaysonMr. and Mrs. Robert R. Hill Sr. (Jewell Powell ’60)

Emma Bruce Coleman Long ’41Jerolyn Long Carroll ’69

Patricia W. LylesMr. and Mrs. Flynn T. Harrell (Anne Turner ’57)Mr. and Mrs. Robert R. Hill Sr. (Jewell Powell ’60)

Sarah Blackstone Marut ’63Becky Lineberger Buie ’62

Hazel Myers Melia ’38Loretta Myers Atkins ’65

Katherine Alexander Mims ’56Janet Alexander Cotter ’56Mary Ann Reeves Phillips ’56

Eloise Lavender Moore ’35 Mr. and Mrs. James E. Evans

Janie Farmer Myers ’37Loretta Myers Atkins ’65

Michael Wayne NevittDr. Laurie B. Hopkins

Anne Newsome Oswald ’57Rebecca “Becky” Laffitte ’77

Kenneth PaceNancy Burch Bunch ’72Lucy Crumpton Gordon ’61

Mr. and Mrs. Flynn T. Harrell (Anne Turner ’57)Mr. and Mrs. Robert R. Hill Sr. (Jewell Powell ’60)

Dr. Harris H. Parker Jr.Katherine Gardner Adkins ’67Carol Ann Flowers Green ’54

Maidie S. Reynolds ’13The Hon. Karen Johnson Williams ’72

Frances F. Rhame ’45Thelma Rast ’45

Margarette RichardsCarol Ann Flowers Green ’54

Carrie Thompson Rinehart ’59Dr. and Mrs. William Strohecker

Kathryn Edwards Robinson ’81Mr. William A. Shehan and Mrs. Moo Brockington ’81

Sarah Jane Jett Robinson ’56Mary Ann Reeves Phillips ’56

John Edward Daniel SheltonDr. Laurie B. Hopkins

Marion Dibble Spransy ’38Estate of Frances Dibble Vernon ’37

Reverend William C. StackhouseMaryAnn Smith Crews ’59

Anita Huntley Swygert ’50Mary Dee Tyler Cribb

Jane Edwards Varn ’55Carol Ann Flowers Green ’54Mary Ann Reeves Phillips ’56

Claude VaughnMr. and Mrs. Arthur W. Baker (Edith Edens ’52)MaryAnn Smith Crews ’59Mr. Kevin FeckouryMr. and Mrs. David N. GriffithsMr. and Mrs. Robert R. Hill Sr. (Jewell Powell ’60)Senator Joel Lourie - Lourie for Senate Campaign FundSusan M. PalombiMr. and Mrs. Mark Rapoport

Jane O. ShulerEliza H. StoneDottie A. WarholMr. R. M. Webb Jr.

Mildred Stansell VaughnMaryAnn Smith Crews ’59

Louise Pate Manning VereenMr. and Mrs. Robert R. Hill Sr. (Jewell Powell ’60)

Hildegard WachsmannDr. Laurie B. Hopkins

HONORARIUMSColumbia College Afternoon ClubColumbia College Afternoon Club

Guthrie DarrMary Glenn Fishburne Givens ’55

Cornelia Rickenbacker Freeman ’33Mary Glenn Fishburne Givens ’55

Dr. George O. HallmanStephanie Bouknight Eaddy ’84

Becky Hines Hendrix ’68Barbara Watson ’68

Jackie Spann Hewitt ’39Mary Hewitt Marshall ’60

Jewell Powell Hill ’60Mr. and Mrs. Robert Raymond Hill Jr.

Ann Cassels Laffitte ’47Rebecca “Becky” Laffitte ’77

Betty Ulmer McGregor ’51Columbia Study GroupMr. and Mrs. James R. McGregor

Sam E. McGregorMr. and Mrs. James R. McGregor

Joann Nagy ’06Jeffrey Parrish

Sara L. Nalley ’63MaryAnn Smith Crews ’59

Aliene Shields ’68Ariail Chapter Alumnae Club

Dorothy Gasque Smith ’61Dr. and Mrs. Charles Joyner (Jean Dusenbury ’62)

Selden SmithDr. and Mrs. Charles Joyner (Jean Dusenbury ’62)

Reverend R. Wright SpearsMary Glenn Fishburne Givens ’55

Margaret Wannamaker Utsey ’75Thomas H. Utsey

Gail Gulledge Watson ’73Candy Crane Shuler ’73

Helen E. WeedSandra Jo Burke

Mildred “Mitzi” Winesett ’70Nan Binnarr Carter ’04

Dr. John ZubizarretaMaryAnn Smith Crews ’59Acacia Bamberg Salatti ’95

Danielle Mary Killgore ‘07, Mary Beth Watson-Manheim ‘79, Celeste Lynch ‘75, Leslie Waldron Price ‘96, and Pam LeShirl Thomas ‘89 in Chicago in July.


L I F E T I M E G I V I N G S O C I E T I E S

Individuals and organizations recognized in a Lifetime Giving Society have made gifts of $50,000 or more over their lifetime. Due to the loss of gift records during the 1964 fire, it is possible that we have omitted someone. If so, please call 1.866.456.2527 or e-mail [email protected].

LIFETIME GIVING SOCIETIES

1854 SOCIETY$1 MILLION AND ABOVEEstate of J. Barnwell and Mary Blair Allison Joe R. Blanchard BlueCross BlueShield of South Carolina Foundation Fund of Central Carolina Community Foundation Allen K. (D) and Johnnie Cordell Breed Mr. and Mrs. N. Everette Kneece (Martha Smith ‘55) The Kresge Foundation Robert J. Maxwell Jr. (D) The Robert and Janice McNair Foundation Mr. (D) and Mrs. R. Roy Pearce Leonard L. Price South Carolina Conference of the United Methodist Church South Carolina Independent Colleges and Universities Mr. (D) and Mrs. Carl M. Tucker Jr. (Alawee Gibson ‘39) Lettie Pate Whitehead Foundation Inc. OLD MAIN SOCIETY$500,000-$999,999Estate of Homozel Mickel Daniel Mr. (D) and Mrs. Robert E. L. Freeman (Cornelia Rickenbacker ‘33) Annie Laurie Kennerly George ‘33 Estate of Sarah Emma Ham Mr. and Mrs. Marion A. Knox Jr. Mr. (D) and Mrs. (D) Marion A. Knox Sr. National Science Foundation Estate of Juanita Neeley ‘26 Dr. Cynthia W. Nord The J. E. Reeves Foundation Sodexo Management Services CORNERSTONE SOCIETY$250,000-$499,999AT&T Bank of America BellSouth Foundation Harriet Gray Blackwell ‘18 (D) Mary Adams Brown (D) Barbara Knox Cobb Mr. (D) and Mrs. Rowan D. Crews Sr. (Louise Springs ‘42) Harriott H. FaucetteFirst Citizens Foundation

Mr. and Mrs. Leon S. Goodall Jr. Nancy Cummings Humphries ‘72 John S. and James L. Knight Foundation Mr. (D) and Mrs. Thomas P. Knox Jr. Lipscomb Family Foundation Inc. Mr. (D) and Mrs. (D) Guy F. Lipscomb Jr. John T. Mundy (D) The Honorable and Mrs. Berlin G. Myers Sr. (Marlena Redfern ‘64) Nell Williams Overton ‘43 (D) Mr. (D) and Mrs. (D) Gerald C. Paysinger (Virginia Thompson ‘39) Estate of Clara Street Redmond ‘24 Mr. and Mrs. (D) Harold B. Risher (Margarett McNeill ‘39) Mr. and Mrs. William Vandiver Jr. (Rita Eldridge ‘64) Mr. and Mrs. G. Larry Wilson Mr. and Mrs. Melvin K. Younts (Dollie Isgett ‘51)

LEGACY SOCIETY$100,000-$249,999Bank of America Charitable Foundation Belin Trust Fund Belk-Hudson Group of Orangeburg William N. Bobo (D) Cary C. Boshamer Foundation Mr. and Mrs. John J. Brooks (Jane Castles ‘58) Betty L. Bruner (D) Coca-Cola Foundation Colonial Life and Accident Insurance Company/UNUM Continental American Insurance Company Ginger L. Crocker ‘73 Katherine Goodall Crosthwaite ‘82Mr. and Mrs. Tommy L. Davis (Ellen Claussen ‘72) Mr. and Mrs. George C. Fant Jr. First Citizens Bank Estate of Catherine M. Fleming (D) Ford Foundation Estate of Mabel Shull Gantt ‘38 David C. Goodall W. J. Greer (D) Dr. Ambrose G. Hampton Jr. (D) Mr. (D) and Mrs. T.J. Harrelson Jr. William Randolph Hearst Foundation Inc. Jennie Cottingham Henry ‘28 (D) Estate of Kay Holley Dr. Laurie B. Hopkins E.O. Hudson Jr.

Mr. (D) and Mrs. (D) E. O. Hudson Sr. Dr. (D) and Mrs. (D) W. David Johnson The Knoll Foundation Charlotte Clack Knox Rebecca “Becky” Laffitte ‘77 Sibyl Causey Leggett ‘50 (D) Albert D. McAlister Caroline McIntyre Meredith ‘53 Estate of Ruth Crary Miller ‘18 Estate of Ruth Emmala Miller ‘72 Milliken and Company* Janie Farmer Myers ‘37 (D) The Nord Family Foundation Mr. and Mrs. (D) William H. Orders Palmetto Health Susan Darby Pearce ‘86 Mr. and Mrs. Craig M. Phillips (Kay Price ‘65) Mr. (D) and Mrs. Eugene B. Ross Jr. (Lucy Eaddy ‘49) Mr. and Mrs. Robert R. Sansbury Sr. (Shelby Davis ‘64) SCANA Corporation* D.L. Scurry Foundation Miriam King Smith ‘44 John Ben Snow Foundation Springs Close Foundation The State-Record Foundation Estate of Foy Stevenson Sutton Construction Company Inc. Estate of Elizabeth White Swenson ‘33 Estate of Paula Tabler United Way of the Midlands Eastman Chemical Company Wachovia Bank of South Carolina Mr. and Mrs. Charles D. Wall (Ellen Turmo ‘66) Dr. Caroline B. Whitson Helen Addison Wingard ‘35 (D) Mr. and Mrs. Paul L. Yarborough (Claire Wilson ‘67) Eva Davis York ‘34 (D)

HERITAGE SOCIETY$50,000-$99,999Josephine B. Abney Mr. and Mrs. Joe M. Anderson Jr. Baker and Baker Real Estate DevelopersBank of America* Anne Beebe ‘50 (D) Belk Foundation Sybil Shaffer Blackstone ‘28 (D) Jean Wallace Blount E. T. Bowen (D) Branch Bank & Trust Estate of Elizabeth Mixon Brockington ‘47Brooks Brown III J. Robert Burnett (D) Cato Corporation Coca-Cola Bottling Company Consolidated William B. Cockroft Forum for Free EnterpriseMr. and Mrs. William J. Colvin Jr. Mr. (D) and Mrs. L. Arlen Cotter (Janet Alexander ‘56)


Estate of Etolia McDonald Culler Richardine Parker Cushman ‘29 (D) Daniel-Mickel Foundation Mr. (D) and Mrs. Gary L. Daniels Sr. (Cameron Greer ‘61) Mr. (D) and Mrs. (D) Thomas W. Dunaway Jr. Mr. and Mrs. John S. Dunbar III (Jane Coker (H)) Fluor Daniel Inc. Foundation for the Carolinas Reverend and Mrs. Foster B. Fowler Jr. (Frances Woodle ‘48) Nancy Hamm Gause ‘87 Smithie Gibson ‘45 Dr. Wil Lou Gray 1903 (D) Gregg-Graniteville Foundation Mr. and Mrs. (D) H. Gardner Hendrix (Clelia Derrick ‘41) Estate of Betty Weber Holz ‘40 (D) Asbury L. Hudson Arthur L. Humphries (D) Institute for Educational Inquiry Janirve Foundation Mary Alice Jones ‘45 Kaplan School Supply Corporation W. K. Kellogg Foundation Kraft Foods Inc. Sheryl A. McAlister ‘82 Dr. and Mrs. Lauchlan McKay (Dianne Smith ‘74) Mildred Duvall Moore (D) National Bank of South Carolina Orders Distributing Company Inc. Palmetto Richland Medical Center Becky Rush Park ‘45 (D) Fred H. Parker (D) Mary Alice Carter Parker ‘45 (D) Sara J. Pendarvis ‘37 (D) Mr. (D) and Mrs. (D) Keitt Purcell Mary Chandler Roper ‘30 (D) Dr. Linda B. Salane Mr. and Mrs. E. Lea Salter (Ann Buckwalter ‘55) South Carolina Bank and Trust South Carolina United Methodist FoundationSouthern Mutual Church Insurance Company T. B. Stackhouse (D) Donald G. Stark Lalla Stevenson ‘24 (D) Ida Crawford Stewart Mr. (D) and Mrs. E. Randolph Stone (Joanna Batson ‘47) Kathryn Bruner Stone ‘80 Dorothy Derrick Thomas ‘35 (D) Mr. and Mrs. James N. Townsend (Jane George ‘57) United Methodist Higher Education Foundation Mr. R.H. Smith (D) and Reverend Toni L. White Elizabeth Wilson and Ruth Riddle Wilson ‘16 (D)

L I F E T I M E G I V I N G S O C I E T I E S

Since its founding in 1854 by the South Carolina Conference of the United Methodist Church, Columbia College has continued to build upon the spiritual values that inspired its birth. At the heart of Columbia College is a commitment to providing educational opportunities that develop students’ capacity for critical thought and expression, lifelong learning, acceptance of personal responsibility, and commitment to service and social justice.

United Methodists from the South Carolina Conference have demonstrated an abiding interest in Columbia College. This year, Columbia College received over $375,000 from the South Carolina Conference of the United Methodist Church to assist in underwriting student scholarships.

SOUTH CAROLINA INDEPENDENT COLLEGES AND UNIVERSITIESSCICU provides support to its member colleges. Gifts and grants from corporations, foundations, and individuals are distributed to member colleges by a formula method and by specific designations to particular institutions.

A.O. Smith Foundation, Inc. Allen Organ Studios, Inc. Alwinell Foundation The Arkwright Foundation AT&T Atlantic Coast Life Insurance Company Bank of America Matching Gift Program The Bank of South Carolina The Barnet Foundation Trust Henry E. Barton, Jr. William C. Beaty, Jr. Michael R. Brenan M. Malissa Burnette Byrd Family Trust The Campbell Consulting Group Susan W. Clifton Joan Sasser Coker Russell D. Cook Dargan Foundation Diamond Hill Plywood Company The Dickson Foundation, Inc. Benjamin Dunlap Elliott Davis, LLC Enigma Corporation James B. Epting First Citizens Bank Sara B. Fisher Elizabeth A. Fleming Elaine T. Freeman Gary M. and Judy J. Cannon GMK Associates, Inc. Foundation Toby W. Goodlett Walter R. Griffin John V. Griffith Hartsville Oil Mill Mr. and Mrs. Randy Horn David B. and Mary Stuart Hunter Jairy C. Hunter, Jr. Ingram Innovations, Inc. Jackson Family Donor Advised Fund J. Thomas Johnson William H. Jones Colleen Perry Keith James “Wim” Kellett, Jr. Russell C. King Jr. James W. and Tonya P. Landrith Hugh C. Lane, Jr. Ray A. Lattimore Michael G. LeFever Joab M. Lesesne, Jr. John F. Lomax The Malloy Foundation Heather Hoopes Matthews Earl L. Mayo, Jr. Kathleen C. McKinney McNair Law Firm Foundation Moore Foundation, B.C.

Nexsen Pruett, LLC Phifer/Johnson Foundation Post and Courier Foundation Walter P. Rawl & Sons Phil Render Luns C. Richardson Terence V. Roberts Ann K. Robinson C. F. Sauer Company Sealevel Systems, Inc. Cleveland L. Sellers, Jr. Edward M. Shannon, III Minor M. Shaw Walter D. Shealy, III Showa Denko Carbon, Inc. Smith Development Company, Inc. Southeastern Freight Lines, Inc. Nancy J. Spencer SunTrust Bank, Inc. Timken Company Charitable Trust Henry N. Tisdale Andrew E. and Brenda S. Torrence Philip L. Van Every Foundation Vulcan Materials Company Evans P. Whitaker Tricia Wharton Robert L. Wyatt

SCICU UNDERGRADUATE STUDENT/FACULTY RESEARCH PROGRAM Belle W. Baruch Foundation BlueCross BlueShield of South Carolina Charles W. and Elizabeth H. Coker Foundation Daniel-Mickel Foundation Robert E. and Joyce Hampton V. Scott Koerwer Mills B. Lane Memorial Foundation

SCICU SCHOLARS PROGRAM Bailey Foundation Bank of America BB&T Charitable Foundation Colonial Life One to One Scholarship S.C. Student Loans Corporation Scholarship SCE&G Sonoco Products Company UPS Foundation Wachovia Wells Fargo Foundation Diversified Scholarship

EXCELLENCE IN TEACHING AWARD South Carolina Independent Colleges & Universities, Inc. Endowment Fund

D Deceased* Matching Gift Company

28 C O L U M B I A C O L L E G E 23

1301 Columbia College DriveColumbia, SC 29203

Non Profit Org.U.S. PostagePAIDColumbia, SCPermit No. 516

w w w. c o l u m b i a s c . e d u

If you know of an outstanding young woman in your community, school or church, the office of admissions wants to hear from you.

Contact Julie King ’88, director of admissions, at [email protected]. or 1.800.277.1301 with student names and contact information.

Remember that as an alumna, you may waive a prospective student’s application fee by signing your name and class year on her application.

The Columbia College Admissions Team

Support your class scholarship with a planned gift! Balance your personal financial goals and charitable giving goals while

achieving tax benefits and making a meaningful gift to the College. It is the perfect way to:

• Increaseyourincome• Reduceyourincometaxes• Reduceyourestatetaxes• Reduceoravoidcapitalgainstaxes• Passassetstofamilyatareducedcost

• GreatlybenefittheCollege• DesignatetheuseofyourgiftbytheCollege• Celebrateyour50thColumbiaCollegeClassReunion!

Formoreinformation,pleasecontactBarbaraParks,vicepresidentforadvancement,orAmyLanier,assistantvicepresidentforadvancement,at

[email protected].

Is Your 50th Reunion Coming Up?

Know an Outstanding

Student?

columns fall 2011 2

Documents