Posted on Friday, March 28, 2025
In an instant, Hurricanes Helene and Milton caused widespread flooding and high winds in 2024 that devastated communities across the Southeast, including Savannah, Georgia, where LC students recently spent their spring break serving as the hands of feet for their neighbors in need.
“God called me to serve, to make people feel loved, and to remind them that everything will be OK,” said sophomore Jasmine Owens, who was part of a group that included 14 students and 4 faculty and staff members.
LC Spiritual Life partnered with United Methodist Committee On Relief for this service project. Church of the Hill in Richmond Hill, Georgia, served as a host site.
“Trips like this provide students with a unique opportunity to grow spiritually,” said the Rev. Ashley Jenkins ’08, Chaplain and Director of Spiritual Life. “God calls us to serve others, especially those who are marginalized, forgotten or struggling. Through our service, we reflect God's love, mercy and compassion.”
Additionally, she said students learn valuable soft skills such as cultural sensitivity and respect.
“They are exposed to new environments and different ways of life, which helps them practice empathy and develop a more open-minded perspective on the world.”
Political Science Professor Dr. John Tures, who previously served on an LC hurricane relief trip, said it was great to see everyone in the group working as a team.
“We carried away heavy tiles and were not afraid to get our hands dirty,” he said.
Financial Aid Director Jackie Belcher said she was impressed by the work ethic of the students.
“They jumped right in and never once complained about a task, the cold and wet weather, cold showers at the YMCA or sleeping on air mattresses,” she said. “They were true witnesses for Christ to those who were helped.”
Owens said witnessing the strength of the residents was truly inspiring.
“I worked at a woman’s house where a flood had destroyed her entire first floor—she had no kitchen, no bathroom, no living room, nothing,” she said. “Yet, despite everything, she never stopped smiling. After two days of painting her house, we were able to leave her with something simple yet meaningful—a freshly painted living room, a couch and a space where she could drink her coffee in the morning.”
For Owens, it wasn’t just about the physical transformation of the woman’s house but about helping her make it feel like home again.
“I took part in this trip to grow closer to God and give back to others, and I was blessed to experience both in such a powerful way,” she said.
One of the moments that stood out to Assistant Business Management Professor Julian Rierson was what happened spontaneously on a Monday evening.
“The impromptu worship service that lasted 2 hours started with a few ladies having fun to a full performance with lead vocals, supporting vocals, a guitarist, drummer and keyboard player,” he said. “They left a lasting impression on the people they helped and me.”
Rev. Jenkins said it is these types of experiences that create lasting memories.
“Outside of the service work, students bond over shared activities like playing games, going out to dinner and enjoying each other’s company,” she said. “These moments of connection create a sense of community and help build friendships.”
This opportunity is given to graduating seniors who are celebrating their first full-time, post-graduation job offer or admission to one or more graduate schools. Seniors are asked to complete an online form before ringing the bell. They are encouraged to invite classmates, faculty or staff members to celebrate their accomplishments. Feel free to post videos to our social media outlets and share with family and friends. Use the hashtag #LCSoundofSuccess.
Pittman presented in front of professors from M.I.T., Dartmouth, Georgetown, George Washington University, Vanderbilt, Marquette, Arkansas, Delaware and Columbia.
“Jenna’s presentation and her research as well as Curt’s work, showed a distinguished group of presenters what LaGrange College undergraduates can do,” Dr. Tures said.
Leading Through the Storm
Monday, March 31
7 p.m., Bailey Room
Epps Lecture: Dr. John Williams
Tuesday, April 1
11 a.m., Dickson Assembly Room
A Brief Introduction to Japanese Language & Culture
Tuesday, April 1
11 a.m., Corn Auditorium
Defining You: Mastering the Art of Boundaries
Tuesday, April 1
4 p.m., Corn Auditorium
3-Justin Muller, Clinical Mental Health Counseling
9-Drew Cantrell, Athletics (Tennis)
10-Richard Soash, History
14-Lisa Cornell, President’s Office
19-Samantha Sick, Accountancy
21-Sandy Blair, Nursing
22-Lacey Moore, Sociology
24-Ryan Dickson, Athletics (Men’s Soccer)
29-Chris Jerry, Athletics (Football)
Women’s Basketball
Steve Kenner has been named as the new Head Coach for the LC Women’s Basketball program. He currently serves as Director of the Panther Academic Center for Excellence (PACE) at the college. Former LC Football head coach and current Interim Athletic Director, Steve Pardue, expressed his confidence in the team and Kenner. “We are very excited to have someone with Kenner’s experience lead our basketball program,” he said. “Without a doubt, I think he will do a great job.” The Panthers’ new head coach will begin his duties effective immediately.
Baseball
LC went 2-1 in its three-game series against Covenant last weekend. On Monday, Berry stopped LaGrange 6-3 at an away non-conference game. The Panthers are now 13-10, while Berry improved to 13-9. The team will play a three-game non-conference series at No. 14 Centre, beginning with a 4 p.m. bout on Friday, March 28 (today), and a doubleheader tilt the following day to wrap up the series.
Softball
The Panthers split a non-conference doubleheader with Point on Wednesday, March 26, at the LC Softball Complex. Point ended the Panthers’ six-game winning streak in Game 1 with a 3-2 win in nine innings. LC came back to take Game 2 with a 10-2 win on the mercy rule in the sixth inning. The Panthers will host nationally-ranked Belhaven in a CCS doubleheader on Saturday, March 29 (tomorrow) beginning at noon.
Lacrosse
LC (2-4, 2-2 USA South) defeated bitter rival Huntingdon (2-7, 1-3 USA South) by a final score of 14-6 on Wednesday, Mar. 26, at Panther Field. Junior Aiden Psalmonds led the offensive showcase for LaGrange with five goals off eight shots on goal. Junior Jonah Polhemus received credit for the win in net, making 14 saves off 20 Huntingdon shots on goal. The Panthers return to action on Saturday, Mar. 29 (tomorrow), as they host Methodist for a conference bout at Callaway Stadium at noon.
Beach Volleyball
The Panthers went 0-3 in the 3rd-annual DIII Only Tournament in Mount Berry, Georgia, March 21-22. Freshmen Rebecca Miranda and Emma Campbell took a thrilling three-set match, winning 15-12 in the tie breaker against East Texas Baptist University. The tournament was hosted by Berry, marking the first two tournaments hosted by Berry with LC in the field, as the team will travel back to the area April 11-12 for a second tournament. This past Wednesday, LC took a 4-1 loss against Emmanuel.
Men's Golf
LC finished in 28th place at the Jekyll Island Collegiate Mar. 21-23. The tournament was hosted by Oglethorpe University on the Pine Lakes & Indian Mound Golf Courses at Jekyll Island Golf Club. LC will head down I-85 to Prattville, Alabama, for the Capital City Classic April 7-8. The tournament will be played at the Senator Course at the Capital Hill Golf Club, part of the Robert Trent Jones Golf Trail.
(Please note that schedules may change due to circumstances beyond our control. Please check www.lagrangepanthers.com to confirm.)
Friday, March 28 – Men’s Tennis at Berea, 4:30 p.m., Berea, Kentucky
Friday, March 28 – Women’s Tennis at Berea, 4:30 p.m., Berea, Kentucky
Saturday, March 29 – Men’s Tennis at Asbury, 11 a.m., Nicholasville, Kentucky
Saturday, March 29 – Women’s Tennis at Asbury, 9:30 a.m., Nicholasville, Kentucky
Saturday, March 29 – Lacrosse (Home) vs. Methodist, noon, Callaway Stadium
Saturday, March 29 – Softball (Home) vs. Belhaven, noon and 2 p.m., LC Softball Complex
Saturday, March 29 – Baseball at Centre, 1 p.m. and 4 p.m., Danville, Kentucky
Sunday, March 30 – Baseball at Centre, noon, Danville, Kentucky
PHOTOS: LaGrange College softball hosts Point University, LaGrange Daily News, March 26
LaGrange College hires new women’s basketball coach, LaGrange Daily News, March 26
LaGrange College students help residents complete tax returns, LaGrange Daily News, March 21
3D Journeys: Dr. Clay Bolton – “Scotland, Home of Golf and the Highland Games”
Assistant Professor of Sports Management Dr. Clay Bolton explains the historical and economic impacts of golf and the Highland Games in Scotland.
Category: Students, Service
Keywords: Weather, Ministry
