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."

Dennis Reed '06
majored in Music with a concentration in music management.

The first place winner of the BMI Foundation's 9th Annual John Lennon Scholarship Awards in 2006, Dennis served as Catawba College's Young Artist in Residence for the 2006-2007 academic year. He currently serves as CEO/Founder of Inspire The Fire, Inc., a non-profit organization that reaches out to youth by way of the arts, and he continues performing and songwriting. He is also an adjunct faculty member at Catawba, directing the College Gospel Choir (Divine Unity).

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.  After working on Capitol Hill and serving as a deputy campaign manager for a D.C. councilwoman, she is currently a management analyst with the Office of Asset Enterprise Management for the U.S. Department of Veterans' Affairs.

"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. and now lives in Charlotte, N.C., majored in communication arts at Catawba and was a member of the baseball team. He is employed as branch manager at Woodforest National Bank in Salisbury, 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.

Catawba College really challenged me to put my best foot forward and the professors encouraged me to achieve my full potential as a student. I came to Catawba as an athlete, but I've grown into a well-rounded student with a solid liberal arts background."

Ashley Wilhelm '05
from Cleveland, N.C., now pursuing a Ph.D. in molecular and cellular pathobiology on a full scholarship at Wake Forest University School of Medicine in Winston-Salem, N.C.

"I enjoyed every bit of the time that I spent at Catawba. The small class sizes in the sciences allowed me to receive hands-on experience in a variety of areas. The guidance of my professors and the research experience that I gained while at Catawba were instrumental in my acceptance into graduate school. I would not be where I am today had I not received such an excellent education at Catawba."

"I get to do all week what people aim to do on the weekend — hiking, kayaking, and even horseback riding. One of the great things about working for a non-profit is that you do it because you're passionate about it. There are a lot of obstacles in my field — people don't get the importance of maintaining the environment and there's a lot of opposition, but it's a challenge. I aspire to really be somebody and I want to give back."

Photo at Right: Connor spent the summer of 2008 working for the U.S. Dept. of Defense on the Defense Coastal/Estuarine Research Program (DCERP) at the Marine Corps Base at Camp Lejeune.

Monisha Smith '04
from Wilmington, Del., majored in political science and was Student Government Association president

"Catawba College made me grow up and helped me go to a different level. When I make my millions, it's all going to Catawba — for the experience I had ... for the memories I made ... for everything I learned.

I wouldn't change a thing. Catawba really was the perfect fit for me. It made me who I am, and I am ready."

Jesse Howes '04
majored in athletic training. In 2006, he earned his Master's of Health Science Degree from Quinnipiac University in Connecticut. He works as a physician's assistant in emergency medicine and orthopedic surgery in Manchester, Conn.

"Catawba is a truly wonderful institution that has a great since of community. Catawba allowed me to flourish academically and taught me how to be a leader. Catawba allowed me to blend seamlessly academics, athletics and student activities without having to sacrifice the things I enjoyed. It's a great institution that is largely responsible for my success."

Kate Merrell Morris '04
majored in Accounting. While in college, Kate founded and now owns and operates Katydid Designs, a line of grosgrain ribbon bags, belts and accessories. The Katydid line, which is manufactured in West Palm Beach, Fla., is sold in over 50 retail boutiques throughout the eastern U.S., and Katydid Designs also participates in area trunk shows and shopping events.   

"If I had gone to a state university, I never would have gotten the education I realized here. In my sophomore year, I went to Florence, Italy, with Dr. McAllister. As a junior, I was an accounting intern for a fashion company in London. And it was in a small business class with Dr. Hiatt that I wrote the strategic plan for my business. Plus, I never made a trip home without my car full of friends."

Maurice Price is a 2003 Catawba graduate who majored in business administration with a concentration in information systems.  He earned his Master's of Information Technology degree from UNC Charlotte in 2008 and is employed as a systems analyst with the City of Salisbury.

Employed as an actress on the network television series "Fringe," and has worked as an actress in the feature film, "Take the Lead," with Antonio Banderas. Also works as an illustrator, comic book writer and handbag designer.

Andrew Ross '02
majored in Musical Theatre

Ross recently received an award to commemorate RIAA Certified Gold Sales of More than 500,000 Copies of Lava/Atlantic Records Album, Cassette, and C.D. "Beethoven's Last Night." He is currently singing on the West Coast tour of the Trans-Siberian Orchestra and will be performing on the upcoming Trans-Siberian Orchestra Album, "Night Castle." Visit his website at www.andrewmross.com.

PHOTOS: Tour | Award

Jonathan Slaughter '00
from Whitsett, North Carolina, majored in biology and minored in both chemistry and history.

Slaughter earned his medical degree from Wake Forest University and was a pediatrics resident at the Medical University of South Carolina in Charleston. He is now employed as a neonatal fellow at Cincinnati Children's Hospital in Ohio.