News

By Jacqueline Campbell

The Office of Alumni Relations at Lee University recently established the Young Alumni Professional Development (YAPD) Grant, awarded to young professionals in the early stages of their career to support alumni development in the early years following graduation.

The annual award is meant to continue the momentum of a Lee education while encouraging alumni to participate in initiatives, events, trainings, and projects that advance them toward their calling. The grant is open to all Lee University alumni, regardless of academic major or professional experience, so long as the individual is within ten years of graduating from a Lee undergraduate program and is currently employed.

“We believe a Lee University education is not simply the transference of information from professor to student,” said Dr. Jerome Hammond, vice president for University Relations. “Lee graduates have learned to solve problems, wherever they are, for however long they are here. In this way, a Lee education is a life-long commitment to learn and serve, and this grant will aid in doing just that.”

The university recently named the inaugural recipients, including Anna Carmichael of Cleveland, Tennessee; Leah Carroll of Chattanooga, Tennessee; Danielle Cogan of Dorchester, Massachusetts; Abigail Fletcher of Cleveland, Tennessee; Alexandria Garrett of Cleveland, Tennessee; Kelly Martin of Belle, West Virginia; David Tahere of Lookout Mountain, Georgia; and Alexander Urevick of Louisville, Kentucky.

“This year’s winners are working in areas such as nonprofit, music performance, and elementary education,” said Patti Cawood, director of Alumni Relations at Lee. “They are a diverse group, doing very interesting work in their field, and we are proud to support them in their endeavors.”

The Alumni Office is dedicated to supporting Lee’s alumni through programs and services such as the YAPD grant.

For more information or to apply, contact Cawood at [email protected] or (423) 614-8316.