Posted on Friday, November 10, 2023
While hiking through the North Carolina mountains lugging a 50-pound backpack, freshman LIFT (Leaders Inspired for Tomorrow) member Delacey Wilkerson found her inner strength and overcame obstacles holding her back.
“I learned I am capable of more than I realize,” she said.
Over the summer, Wilkerson and nine other freshmen in her cohort took part in a four-day Outward Bound experience that taught them how to navigate the wilderness.
“While this trip was mentally and physically challenging, it opened my eyes to my true capabilities,” Wilkerson said.
Sophomore Jenna Pittman said the Outward Bound trip provided her with the opportunity to bond with students she would interact with on campus.
“It helped me tremendously in adjusting to life at LaGrange College socially and academically,” she said. “Without LIFT, I wouldn’t be the strong, independent and fearless leader I am today.”
In the beginning
Ted Beason H’16, who co-founded LIFT with his wife Ann H’14 in 2013, said their son Amos inspired them to start the program.
“At the time, my son was on the board and later became chairman of the Outward Bound School in North Carolina,” he said. “My wife and I were fascinated with the possibilities of the program. So, after having conversations with LC’s Dean of Students, we had our first cohort.”
The leadership development program, which admits 10 freshmen each year, is the college’s most prestigious honor for entering students. Participants must submit a leadership/service resume and a short essay that describes a prominent leader in their life. They are selected by a committee of college faculty and staff.
“The LIFT program has not only gifted me the opportunity to discover and improve my leadership qualities, but it has also encouraged personal growth and sincere friendship,” said freshman Florinda Galbreath. “The people I’ve met and the things I have learned have been extremely valuable.”
Jacob Gaetanos ’17, a member of the inaugural LIFT class, said the program helped shape him into the person he is today.
“LIFT pushed me to get out of my comfort zone and learn about myself and develop into the kind of person I wanted to be,” he said. “It helped me learn how to handle situations and work better as a member of a team.”
Emily Arnold ’17, who was in LIFT with Gaetanos, said the program helped her realize her leadership potential.
“My participation in the program helped prepare me to be a member of SGA, SAC, Phi Mu executive board, and an athletic team captain during my undergraduate years on campus,” she said. “Those combined experiences have prepared me for my current role as an elementary school teacher and volleyball coach.”
Emphasis on service
During the school year, LIFT members participate in service projects as well as monthly leadership sessions that feature experiential learning activities.
Freshman Jala Williams, who is on the Cheerleading team with Wilkerson, said LIFT encouraged her to build relationships with people on campus and in her community.
“The program has given me the confidence to become a Student Ambassador and make meaningful connections with different families and potential students,” she said.
Senior and former LIFT member Jo Shoger said her experiences in the program helped her grow as a leader on campus.
“I was taught different leadership styles and learned a lot from hearing about the drive and skills that took people to do incredible things in our community,” she said. “I had people who invested in me, and it gave me an outlet to help invest in others and myself in ways that I had not before. It introduced me to leadership in a way that I have used firsthand as a Servant Scholar.”
Junior Kenzie Hornsby, who also participates in Servant Scholars, said the LIFT program taught her how to serve and lead others.
“This program helped me develop confidence in myself and in my leadership capabilities that I did not know I could ever have,” she said. “I now hold numerous leadership positions on campus in various organizations ranging from Greek Life to Athletics and everything in between. LIFT taught me how to believe in myself so that I can help others do the same, and that is a lesson for which I will forever be grateful.”
Beason said it brings him joy to see students who have been impacted by the program.
“I am excited about the people I have been able to meet,” he said. “When they go through their time in the program at LaGrange College, they become leaders, and they band together and make friendships in this experience that causes them to have a real impact on campus.”
Health and Wellness Fair
Tuesday, Nov. 14
11 a.m., Caswell Plaza
Technē Reflected-Artist Talk
Tuesday, Nov. 14
11:10 a.m., Lamar Dodd Art Center
Bret Bryant: “Unlocking Your Future: Lifelong Learning, Skills and Versatility of Life Insurance”
Tuesday, Nov. 14
11:15 a.m., Whorton Room, Third Floor, Smith Hall
Sierra Dancy ’24: My Study Away Experience
Tuesday, Nov. 14
11:15 a.m., Corn Auditorium
“Silent Sky”
Wednesday, Nov. 15-Friday, Nov. 17
7 p.m. (Wednesday-Thursday), 2 p.m. and 6 p.m. (Friday), Price Theater
SGA Campus Clean-Up
Thursday, Nov. 16
11 a.m., Smith Hall
Funding Study Abroad
Thursday, Nov. 16
11:15 a.m., Lewis Library Multimedia Classroom
Stress Less: The Benefits of Keeping a Diary
Thursday, Nov. 16
11:15 a.m., Suber Archives (Lewis Library First Floor)
"Silent Sky" at Price Theater Nov. 15, 16 & 17
The play tells the true story of Henrietta Leavitt, who, in 1895, became a volunteer assistant in the Harvard Observatory. She turned the heavens into a three-dimensional map while balancing her dedication to science with family obligations and the possibility of love.
Cross Country
The Panthers will compete in the NCAA regional tournament on Saturday, Nov. 11 (tomorrow).
Volleyball
LaGrange lost 3-0 to Huntingdon in the CCS postseason tournament on Tuesday, Nov. 7. This closes out the 2023 season.
Sophomore Meredith Orton was named to the All-Sportsmanship Team.
Women’s Basketball
The Panthers will begin their season in the CCS-SAA home tournament. The team faces Berry at 4 p.m. on Saturday, Nov. 11, and Sewanee at 3 p.m. on Sunday, Nov. 12.
Men’s Basketball
LaGrange opened the season against Birmingham-Southern at home and won 98-85 on Wednesday, Nov. 8. The team will play Centenary on Saturday, Nov. 11, at 6 p.m. and then Millsaps on Sunday, Nov. 12, at 3 p.m. Both games are being held in Montgomery, Alabama.
(Please note that schedules may change due to circumstances beyond our control. Please check www.lagrangepanthers.com to confirm.)
Saturday, Nov. 11 – Cross Country at NCAA DIII South Regional, 11 a.m., Rome, Georgia
Saturday, Nov. 11 – Women’s Basketball (Home) vs. Berry, 4 p.m., Mariotti Gym
Saturday, Nov. 11 – Men’s Basketball vs. Millsaps (@Huntingdon), 6 p.m., Montgomery, Alabama
Sunday, Nov. 12 – Men’s Basketball vs. Centenary (@Huntingdon), 3 p.m., Montgomery, Alabama
Sunday, Nov. 12 – Women’s Basketball (Home) vs. Sewanee, 3 p.m., Mariotti Gym
Tuesday, Nov. 14 – Women’s Basketball at Emory, 6 p.m., Atlanta, Georgia
Category: Service, College, Students
Keywords: Leadership, Education
