Fall 2024, Volume 49, Number 3

Meet Meredith’s Ninth President

A Q&A with President Aimee Sapp

By Melyssa Allen 

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Features

A world map with countries Meredith students have been to or are from colored in.

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 icon with text "Welcome Home! May 16-18, 2025".

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.

Four Meredith graduates in their careers - working at NASA, a judge in a courtroom, a marine scientist on a boat in the ocean, and a firefighter.

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.

A large church with a choir at the front and the musical director directing.

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.

An airplane wing with clouds behind it and the words "Angel Adventures" for Meredith's travel program.
Dr. Sapp smiling on campus.

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

Students in costumes and welcome shirts under a balloon arch.

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.

A woman lectures on stage.

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. 

Alumnae owned business sticker in front of johnson hall.

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.

Natalya Brown smiling.
New shelving in the Beehive.

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.

 

Dr. Justine Whitfield smiling.

By Melyssa Allen

Meredith College Director of Admissions Justine Whitfield was selected for an International Education Administrators (IEA) Fulbright Seminar in Germany this fall.

A round pewter Meredith ornament with the class seal and branches around it.

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.

A voter registration application with a "Meredith Votes" sticker on top.

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.

Overhead view of Meredith College.

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.

Four staff members smiling with a large check.

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.

A graphic of Johnson Hall with "Alumnae Owned Business" over the bottom edge.

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.

Anna-Moriah Fung smiling.

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!

A Meredith College license plate.

Making an Impact.

Alumnae Connection

Giving day icon with text "Giving Day, Celebrating 10 Years. February 25, 2025. Make it count for meredith".

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.

Jordan Jaked Carrier smiling.
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.

Laura Burke and a golden retriever sitting at her side.
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.

Meredith College Ring

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

Kristi Eaves-McLennan, '14, MBA

Executive Editor

Melyssa Allen

Melyssa Allen

Managing Editor

Gaye Hill

Gaye Hill

Assistant Editor

Emily Parker

Emily Parker

Writer

Vanessa Harris

Vanessa Harris

Art Director

Katie Bryant, '07

Katie Bryant, '07

Senior Graphic Designer

Charlotte Claypoole McKinney

Charlotte Claypoole McKinney

Videographer and Photographer

Liza Bunce

Liza Bunce

Web Designer and Developer

Rocio Antelis

Rocio Antelis

Writer

Hilary Allen, '01

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 smiling at the camera

Kristi Eaves-McLennan, ’14, MBA

Executive Editor

Melyssa Allen smiling at the camera

Melyssa Allen

Managing Editor

Gaye Hill smiling at the camera

Gaye Hill

Assistant Editor

Emily Parker smiling at the camera

Emily Parker

Writer

Hilary Allen smiling at the camera

Hilary Allen, ’01

Alumni Connection Editor

Vanessa Harris smiling at the camera

Vanessa Harris

Art Director

Charlotte McKinney smiling at the camera

Charlotte Claypoole McKinney

Videographer and Photographer

Katie Bryant smiling at the camera

Katie Bryant, ’07

Senior Graphic Designer

Liza Bunce smiling at the camera

Liza Bunce

Web Designer and Developer

Rocio Antelis.

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