LC Giving Day celebrates Class of 2025

Posted on Friday, May 16, 2025

LaGrange College will host its annual LC Giving Day on Tuesday, May 20, inviting alumni, parents, faculty, staff and friends to come together in support of current and future students.

The fundraising event will celebrate the achievements of the graduating Class of 2025 while encouraging gifts that strengthen student experiences on the Hill. With a matching gift by alumnus Michael T. Fay ’86 and Fay Family Investments, up to $15,000 in donations will be matched for this year’s campaign.

Giving Day is meant to highlight the transformative journey of LaGrange students and the role that donor generosity plays in their success—from their first steps on campus to ringing the Chapel bell at graduation. Gifts support scholarships and other financial aid, academic resources, student-life programs and other student needs.

“LC Giving Day is an opportunity to honor the Class of 2025 and invest in the students who will follow in their footsteps,” said Jennifer Beedy Booker ’90, Assistant Director of the LaGrange College Fund. “Every gift helps provide opportunities that shape lives and futures.”

That includes lives like Waights G. Henry Jr. Leadership Award winner Kenzie Hornsby ’25, who recently crossed the stage to receive her diploma. Bound for Auburn University's master’s program in child life, Kenzie notes that she wouldn’t have gotten this far without the generosity of donors.

Donor-funded “financial aid was vital to my ability to attend LaGrange College,” she said. “Without the scholarships that I received, I honestly would have never been able to attend at all, and LC has provided me with opportunities and people who have given me the confidence to unapologetically be exactly who I am.”

Andy Geeter, LC Director of Development, said Giving Day is about more than donations, it’s about the connection among the college, alumni and community.

“It’s about celebrating the spirit of LaGrange and the community that believes in what we do here,” he said. “It’s a moment to reflect on what it means to be part of the LaGrange family.”

Geeter said the college is issuing a challenge to get at least the same number of donors for Giving Day as there are graduates in the Class of 2025: 218 people. Additionally, he invited anyone interested to come celebrate Giving Day with Hillside Happy Hour from 5:30-7 p.m. at the Hillside 700 block at the intersection of Dallis, Garfield and Lincoln streets.

To make a gift or learn more about LC Giving Day 2025, go to www.lagrange.edu/givingday.

 

Campus Notes

• Although rain shifted last weekend’s 194^th commencement exercises to the gymnasium at LaGrange High School, it did not diminish the Panther spirit shining through the Class of 2025—a group that has persevered through a pandemic and the tragic loss of their two classmates, Jacob Brown and Stephen Bartolotta. To honor their memory, the LC Singers performed “Melodies From Heaven” by Kirk Franklin.

Waights G. Henry Jr. Leadership Award Recipient Kenzie Hornsby ’25 outlined to her fellow graduates how they can change their lives to change the world. During the ceremony, Speer Burdette III HA’12 received an Honorary Doctor of Arts and Letters. The day prior, the late James L. Harris was posthumously given an Honorary Doctor of Humanities at Baccalaureate.

At commencement, keynote speaker Dr. Davin Mitchell charged graduates to ask themselves the question “Why am I here?” at each milestone in life. Also at the event, Dr. Sonya Gaither ’93 was honored with the Distinguished Service Alumni Award.

• Former LC President Stuart Gulley will return this fall to assist the institution in a new role. He was named president emeritus during the spring meeting of the school’s Board of Trustees and will rejoin the college later this year working in a limited capacity to enhance development efforts. Read more online.
• Scott Koskoski was named Vice President for Advancement. He brings more than 25 years of fundraising and higher education service to the college. Most recently, Koskoski served as Vice President of Philanthropy at St. Thomas University in Miami Gardens, Florida. Read more online.

 

In the Headlines

Former LaGrange College president receives emeritus title, LaGrange Daily News, May 16

LaGrange College names new dean of admissions, WTVM, May 14

Locals feature heavily in LaGrange College Graduation, LaGrange Daily News, May 13

Tyrone native receives awards at LaGrange College, The Citizen, May 12

PHOTOS: LaGrange College Graduation, LaGrange Daily News, May 12

 

Video of the Week

2025 LaGrange College Commencement Ceremony

Category: Students, Community, Philanthropy, College

Keywords: Education, Alumni