by Frank Pritchett '88 '92
Do you still have college memories and memorabilia stuffed in the recesses of your brain or perhaps in a box or two in the attic?
Chris Foster and alumna Leslie Fagin
Recently, the Alumni Relations staff attended one of several summer orientation sessions for incoming students. If you know me, it isn’t a stretch to see me work the room and talk to our new students as well as the student leaders who serve our wonderful university in many ways.
One such student is Chris Foster, a senior nursing student from Griffin. As we chatted I mentioned to him that an alumna who teaches at Griffin High would be at orientation as a volunteer (the Alumni Association serves ice cream to students and parents at all summer orientation sessions). In a “small world moment,” a connection was made. Leslie Fagin ’92 ’03 was the alumna and she taught Chris freshman English at GHS.
“Ms. Fagin,” he exclaimed as I moved her into the Campus Center Ballroom to create a brief yet memorable reunion of sorts. "Ms. Fagin is by far one of my favorite English teachers. Everything she taught me has helped me all the way through college and even life,” said Chris as the two stood side by side.
They chatted and she later shared with me how meaningful that exchange had been. How rewarding to see the fruits of your labor – Chris - holding leadership positions at your alma mater and not forgetting to say thank you to for your contributions? I can see why she was excited.
Also, I met an incoming freshman from my home of Cobb County, though she is from East Cobb… specifically Walton High. I asked her if she knew Harrison Veldsma, who played on the Raiders’ baseball team. An already small world became a tad smaller… yes, she did know him. Robin Bagley Veldsma ’87, Harrison’s mother, was and continues to be a great friend from our days at WGC.
Do you have a “small world moment” that you would like to share? Send it to me at frankp@westga.edu.
Frank Pritchett is the director of Alumni Relations and Annual Giving.
