Fall 2024, Volume 49, Number 3
Meet Meredith’s Ninth President
A Q&A with President Aimee SappBy Melyssa Allen
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Features
Travelers not Tourists
50 Years of Meredith Abroad
By Melyssa Allen
In the summer of 1974, a group of Meredith students traveled to the United Kingdom for a British Studies program created and directed by Professor of Religion Roger Crook. This first faculty-led study abroad program set the foundation for 50 years of international education at Meredith.
Alumnae Reunion Weekend
Save the Date • May 16-18, 2025
Join us on campus in May to relive your Meredith Days! All alumnae are invited to attend Alumnae Reunion Weekend, and classes ending in a five or zero will be celebrating a special class reunion.
High Risk, High Reward
Alumnae Flex Their Strengths as They Pursue Adventurous Careers
By Rocio Antelis
From volunteering abroad to helping humankind land on the Moon to studying sharks to fighting fires, these bold women push boundaries in pursuit of the extraordinary.
Meredith Alumnae Leave a Lasting Legacy in Music
The Choral Society of Durham Celebrates 75 Years
By Emily Parker
In the spring of 2024, the Choral Society of Durham celebrated its 75th anniversary. What started as two Meredith alumnae who lived in Durham and were tired of driving to Raleigh for choral rehearsals has turned into something the founders would be proud of.
Angel Adventures
Parks and Classic Lodges of the West | Budapest to Prague
Discover two exciting trips planned for alumnae and friends in 2025.
Meet Meredith’s Ninth President
A Q&A with President Aimee Sapp
By Melyssa Allen
In March, the Meredith College Board of Trustees selected Aimee Sapp to serve as the College’s ninth president. After she began her tenure in July, President Sapp shared about her background and her plans in an interview with Meredith Magazine.
News
By Rocio Antelis and Gaye Hill
Meredith College welcomed the incoming class as it kicked off its four-day New Student Orientation on August 17, 2024. Greeted by student Orientation leaders and the traditional balloon arch, new students and their families arrived throughout the morning to move in and prepare for the start of their college journey.
By Melyssa Allen, Rocio Antelis, and Gaye Hill
The 2024 Summer Reading Program (SRP) theme, “Strong Voices: Empowering Student Citizenship,” inspired a series of lectures and events at Meredith this fall.
Alumnae Business Directory
Are you a Meredith alumna who owns a business? The Office of Alumnae Relations is seeking to provide the Meredith community with a list of STRONG alumnae business owners from all over the country in a wide variety of industries.
Alumna Natayla Brown Receives Fulbright Award
By Melyssa Allen
Meredith College alumna Natalya Brown, ’21, is a Fulbright Award recipient for 2024-25. She was selected to teach English in Madrid, Spain.
Through the English Teaching Assistant program, Fulbright award recipients help teach English abroad while also serving as U.S. cultural ambassadors. In the program, participants spend time in the classroom and complete a supplementary project. Brown will work with an organization that provides social support to mothers.
By Melyssa Allen
When the 2024-25 academic year began, the Beehive reopened after a summer makeover. Located in Cate Student Center, the Beehive is a casual dining spot with a variety of options for students and other community members on the go.
By Melyssa Allen
Meredith College Director of Admissions Justine Whitfield was selected for an International Education Administrators (IEA) Fulbright Seminar in Germany this fall.
2024 Pewter Christmas Ornament
Only $28 | Available Now
Limited quantity available. Sales runs through December 1 or while supplies last. Pick-up and shipping options available. To purchase visit meredithmarket.com.
By Melyssa Allen
Meredith College held a Voter Registration and Information Fair on September 17, 2024, as part of National Voter Registration Day. Students, faculty, and staff could register to vote, change their voter registration, or get information on the 2024 election.
By Melyssa Allen
Meredith’s Class of 2028 includes four recipients of the College’s top scholarship. These students are recipients of the Meredith Full-Ride Merit Scholarship in recognition of their academic achievement, leadership, service, and character.
By Rocio Antelis
Five Meredith College students recently received a grant of $6,000 from the IME Becas (Institute for Mexicans Abroad) to help continue their education. Since 2013, Meredith College and IME Becas have collaborated to award more than $200,500 of grant money to over 160 students of Mexican origin.
Have You Joined Meredith Mentors?
Meredith Mentors is an online platform that fosters relationships between members of the Meredith community. Are you trying to connect with graduates who are in your field? Are you looking to launch a new career or business or thinking about returning to school and needing some advice or guidance? Meredith Mentors may just be the tool you need.
Meredith Experts in the news
Meredith College experts have recently been featured in media outlets including The Hill, The Associated Press, The News & Observer, WRAL, and Voice of America.
Professor of Political Science David McLennan and Associate Professor of Political Science Whitney Ross Manzo wrote an op-ed for The Hill about the growing gender gap in Gen Z political opinions. The piece, “The political gender gap of Gen Z: A new era of divergence,” was published on August 25, 2024.
Professor of History Dan Fountain contributed to an Associated Press article about the dilemma faced regarding whether to preserve or demolish places where mass shootings have occurred. The story, “When violence and trauma visit American places, a complex question follows: Demolish, or press on?”, was published on June 18, 2024. Fountain also wrote an op-ed about how history shows the dangers of a mass deportation policy. This piece was published in The News & Observer on September 2, 2024.
During the run-up to the 2024 election, The Meredith Poll drew attention in a variety of media outlets, including The Hill, C-SPAN’s Washington Journal, Voice of America, WRAL, and WUNC radio. Professor of Political Science David McLennan was interviewed by several of these outlets, and others quoted results from the Meredith Poll in their coverage.
Strong Stories
Anna-Moriah Fung, ’24
Making an Impact in the Field of Nutrition
Writer: Rocio Antelis | Videographer: Charlotte McKinney
Through an internship and honors thesis, nutrition major Anna-Moriah Fung, ’24, expanded her knowledge and passion for the field. Her next step: pursuing a Master of Public Health from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill.
Show Your Pride with a Meredith License Plate
It is a great way for North Carolina drivers to show their Meredith pride wherever they drive and to promote the College to future angels!
Making an Impact.
Alumnae Connection
Giving Day | 2.25.25
On February 25, 2025, we CELEBRATE 10 YEARS of Giving Day at Meredith! Mark your calendar to make a gift to support the student experience.
By Rocio Antelis
As a first-year student at Meredith College, Jordan Jaked Carrier, ’11, barely knew how to operate a sewing machine. Today, she is an ager and dyer for the television and film industry, as well as a freelance costume designer.
By Rocio Antelis
A desire to spread joy to others inspired Laura Burke, ’00, to train her dog, Finnegan, as a therapy dog. Burke and Finnegan volunteer at various locations, including Meredith College, to give back to others.
Need to Order a Class Ring? Repair a Ring?
In March 2024, Meredith College began a new partnership with Balfour & Co. to produce the College class rings, graduation products, and regalia. Founded in 1913, Balfour is well known for its long and successful history in delivering exceptional quality products that last a lifetime. Balfour is the leader within the industry and manages nearly 75% of all ring programs for colleges and universities.
Meredith Magazine
Volume 49, Number 3
Fall 2024
Kristi Eaves-McLennan, '14, MBA
Executive Editor
Melyssa Allen
Managing Editor
Gaye Hill
Assistant Editor
Emily Parker
Writer
Vanessa Harris
Art Director
Katie Bryant, '07
Senior Graphic Designer
Charlotte Claypoole McKinney
Videographer and Photographer
Liza Bunce
Web Designer and Developer
Rocio Antelis
Writer
Hilary Allen, '01
Alumnae Connection Editor
Homepage Photographs by:
Barrow Images, Pati Barrow Photography
Christopher Ferrer
Flyboy Photo & Media
Matthew Lester Photography
Charlotte Claypoole McKinney
Susan Murray
Kaylin Tsukayama
Meredith College Students, Faculty & Staff
Kristi Eaves-McLennan, ’14, MBA
Executive Editor
Melyssa Allen
Managing Editor
Gaye Hill
Assistant Editor
Emily Parker
Writer
Hilary Allen, ’01
Alumni Connection Editor
Vanessa Harris
Art Director
Charlotte Claypoole McKinney
Videographer and Photographer
Katie Bryant, ’07
Senior Graphic Designer
Liza Bunce
Web Designer and Developer
Rocio Antelis
Writer
Homepage Photographs by:
Barrow Images, Pati Barrow Photography
Christopher Ferrer
Flyboy Photo & Media
Matthew Lester Photography
Charlotte Claypoole McKinney
Susan Murray
Kaylin Tsukayama
Meredith College Students, Faculty & Staff