Mollie Landers '08
from Williamsport, Pa., majored in religion and philosophy with a concentration in outdoor ministry. She will be pursuing a Master's of Divinity degree at Wesley Theological Seminary in Washington, D.C., beginning in the fall of 2008.

"Academically I've learned a lot about religion and philosophy but I've been able to take what I've learned in my classes and apply it directly to my life and my faith. I'm much more sure of the direction I want my life to take. I have a better understanding of the type of person I want to be, not just in my career but in my community."

David Thomas '08
of Winston-Salem, N.C., was drafted by the Oakland A’s in the 14 th round of the 2008 MLB draft. He is now playing with the Vancouver Canadians (A League). At Catawba, David played centerfield on the baseball team and earned the College's 2008 Kirkland Award for Outstanding Male Athlete of the Year. He was the 2008 South Atlantic Conference Player of the Year and a three-time all-league performer. He set school career records for hits, runs and stolen bases.

"I came to Catawba on a baseball scholarship and being a student-athlete helped me mature, build my character, manage my time and learn to deal with situations and obstacles on my own. I learned to be a leader on my team and that thankfully carried over into my classroom work.

My goal in coming to Catawba was to earn my degree and graduate on time in four years. I knew that by playing baseball which is a year-long sport nowadays meeting my goal would be tough, but I was able to do it with the help and support of my professors and coaches."

Jon Rhodes '08
from Virginia Beach, Va., majored in religion and philosophy.

Rhodes is working in Jeonju, South Korea, teaching English as a second language at a private language school operated by Reading Town.

Read Blog from Korea »

Ryan Dayvault '08
from Kannapolis, N.C. He is employed by UNC Chapel Hill’s facility at the new N.C. Research Campus in his hometown.

"The Catawba culture enabled me to become involved on campus very easily. Through campus organizations such as the SGA, Alpha Chi Honor Society, Order of the Blue and White, Political Science Association, Phi Epsilon Honor Society, and the College Republicans, I was able to serve in leadership positions in several of the groups, even with a 30-minute commute. The Catawba community invites all students, regardless of residential status, to be involved with campus organizations that all lead to greater fellowship and lifetime friendships."

Meagan Kittle '08
from Winchester, Ontario, earned a full tuition fellowship to attend N.C. State University in Raleigh, N.C., and pursue a master's degree in rhetoric and composition.

"Jumping into the various clubs and activities that Catawba offers allowed me to meet students I wouldn't otherwise have met in my courses or on a team. I felt like a contributing member on campus right from the start. I was also lucky to cultivate some great friendships and develop some important skills that I might not have learned in class. I feel that I got so much more out of my education this way."

Shane Timmons '08
majored in history, played football and was a Catawba Ambassador during his years at Catawba. He is now employed as a 10th grade civics teacher at Randleman High School in Randleman, N.C.

"The education I received at Catawba will define me as a person and a professional.  I learned how to be a good man and a hard worker through challenging professors. I base my ideas on character, discipline, hard work, and friendship from the coaches, teachers, and friends I made in my time there. The well-rounded, liberal-arts education provided by my alma mater will serve as invaluable tool in my teaching career. I thank all of my Catawba family. Catawba will always be home."

Tiffany Cox '07
majored in theatre arts, is now in Milwaukee, Wis., engaged in a year-long acting internship with Milwaukee Repertory Theater, one of the top 10 in the nation. Her main job is to understudy the resident company in several of the 14 plays they are doing this year and to audition for ensemble and supporting roles.

"Catawba gave me several opportunities to meld my diverse interests. I was able to practice Spanish by teaching Hispanic children choreography for a semester and the following semester I did an independent study on Theatre in Spain. Through such experiences, The Pacific Conservatory of The Performing Arts in Santa Maria, Calif. hired me due to my acting abilities and my knowledge of the Spanish language."

Hilah Teague '07
from Southern Pines, N.C., majored in Communication Arts and was involved with SGA, the school newspaper, and photography.

"I am very grateful for the education that I received at Catawba. It has prepared me not only to continue my education, but also to function as a member of society. The social and life skills that I gained along with my degree have helped shape me into the person I am today."

Kristan Higgins '06
majored in political science with an emphasis in the American Political Experience. She earned her master's degree in public administration from American University and now works in Washington, D.C., where she has served as an aide to a U.S. senator and is currently working for a D.C. councilwoman seeking re-election in November.

"Attending a small institution such as Catawba allowed me to grow academically and personally through the mentorship of my professors during my four years. They helped prepare me for a career in public service and guided me in my decisions when selecting a master's program and graduate school. Professors at Catawba challenge you to think critically in every aspect of your studies, demand quality performance and high achievement, and expand your abilities to succeed in the work place and your personal life.  Still today, I often contact my professors for advice as well as update them on my successes in Washington, D.C."

Thomas Giles '05
from Lynchburg, Va., majored in communication arts at Catawba and was a member of the baseball team. He is employed as assistant branch manager at Woodforest National Bank in Denver, N.C.

"The four years I spent at Catawba College were terrific. I wasn't sure what academic field would prepare me professionally for the real world, but I wanted to make a great first impression. My academic major, Communication Arts, enhanced my speaking skills and gave me the ability to speak at a high professional level. Catawba baseball provided me with what it takes to be a champion, it created character, and it taught me to take responsibility for my actions on and off the field. These things I learned at Catawba are now tools I use every day in my career."