Posted on Friday, August 28, 2020
During one of her first experiences with the college’s Leaders Inspired for Tomorrow program, Elissa Chandler ’20 vividly remembers being faced with a challenge she was convinced she could not conquer.
“It was the last day of a LIFT trip to Outward Bound in North Carolina,” she said. “I was asked to complete a run after four days of carrying a heavy pack, hiking more than 15 miles and rock climbing. I was exhausted and felt I couldn’t take another step.”
But completing that challenge instilled in her the realization that she was much stronger than she knew.
“From that day forward, I have remembered that anytime I am facing something difficult – whether it be mentally, physically or emotionally – I know I am strong enough to carry myself through it. That is only one of the lessons I learned during my involvement with LIFT.”
LIFT is a leadership development program for 10 incoming first-year undergraduates. It was launched seven years ago and is the college’s most prestigious honor for entering students.
Jacob Wise, Internship Coordinator and Career Advisor, said the program is a great opportunity for first-year students.
“One of our goals is to equip our participants with the knowledge and abilities they will need to be effective leaders on campus and in the community throughout their four years on campus,” he said.
Some of the LIFT activities include monthly leadership sessions that feature hands-on activities, meetings with established leaders and service projects both on and off campus to promote active engagement within the college community.
Karen Pruett, Associate Dean of Student Development, said she’s been excited to follow students who completed the LIFT program.
“Not only did we get to see their amazing accomplishments while they were enrolled at LaGrange College, we now can see what they are doing as alumni and citizens within their individual communities,” she said. “LIFT alumni have completed law school, enrolled in medical school, are pursing prestigious graduate degrees and have started successful careers in their respective fields and areas of study.”
Chandler, who is now director of children’s ministries at St. Mark United Methodist Church in Columbus, Georgia, said the entire LIFT experience was invaluable.
“It was exactly the transition that I needed from high school to college,” she said. “I learned so much about myself and what it means to be a leader. I also made lifelong friends at the same time.”
A virtual information session for those interested in applying for LIFT will be from 2-3 p.m. Sept. 4. Register here to participate.
LIFT applications will be accepted until 5 p.m. Sept. 9. Forms can be found here.
Dr. John Tures, Professor of Political Science, had his article “Political forecast models aren’t more accurate than polls, or the weather” posted on MSN.com. It was also printed in the Houston Chronicle, San Antonio Express-News and Salon. He also had his article “AI and Content Marketing: Could a Robot Write Your Next Blog Post?" featured in Epic Presence.
The Counseling Center will be offering an eight-week challenge to offer ways to think about staying well and how to keep our selves, family and community in good health. “Outside of social distancing and wearing masks, one of our best defenses is to keep our immunity strong to avoid getting the virus or to have the strength to fight the virus,” said Pamela Tremblay, Director of the Counseling Center. “This program will bring awareness to not only how our personal choices influence our physical health, but also our mental stability. Habits such as sleep, exercise, hydration and nutrition are crucial to a strong, healthy immune system.” The Center will have virtual counseling sessions available by phone, text or computer for students. It will also provide virtual counseling groups for those suffering from anxiety. For more information, contact Tremblay at ptremblay@davidegalliani.com or 706-880-8013.
Welcome Week events continue today (Friday) with a modified Man Hunt on the Residential Quad at 8 p.m. and a Frios Buy Out Saturday from 2 to 4 p.m. (while supplies last; ID required).
Standout moments from LaGrange College Athletics are featured in the new “Moments from the Past” series on the Panther website and social media. This week spotlights the 2017 LaGrange College baseball team that changed the culture of the program and laid the groundwork for the abundance of success over the next few seasons. The squad competed at a championship level every day and brought home its first USA South crown after finishing third in the tournament in 2016 and second in 2013.
The 2020-21 academic year officially began this week. Opening Convocation, the celebration of that moment in time, was hosted virtually this year. Below, enjoy the service that features student-produced music, greetings to the freshman and senior classes and observations from Associate Professor of Biology Dr. Mark Yates.
PASTOR'S CORNER: What the world needs now is — love – Monroe County Reporter, Aug. 26, 2020
Category: Students, Service, Community, College
Keywords: LIFT leadership Student Engagement Pruett Wise
