We are proud to have outstanding alumni making tremendous strides in their professional careers. No matter the field, our alum are doing great things throughout many professional communities.
Two Thomas University alumnae were recently awarded Young Professional of the Year and Woman of the Year at the 96th Annual Cairo-Grady County Chamber of Commerce Community Awards Ceremony. Alumna and Alumni Board of Governors President Chelsie Cosby was named Young Professional of the Year and alumna Della Lovett was named Woman of the Year during the event. Both women were nominated and awarded for their outstanding efforts both professionally and within their communities.
Thomas University education alums have also been earning awards in their field. Alumna Jessica Vick was named Teacher of the Year at Hand in Hand Primary School in Thomasville. Also in Thomasville, alumna Jamie Whigham was named Teacher of the Year at Cross Creek Elementary. Lastly, alumnus Justin Quigg was named Teacher of the Year for Thomas County Central High School.
Congratulations are also in order for TU alumnus Robert Jones. Jones was recently named the Chief of Police for the City of Woodstock, Georgia. Prior to being named Chief of Police in Woodstock, Jones served as Chief of Police in Kingsland, Georgia.
If you know of an alum doing great things professionally or within their community, or if you yourself have an outstanding achievement, we’d love to hear about it. Feel free to email the advancement office at advancement@thomasu.edu and share the good news!
Janae Scott
Athletics Update
Athletics are in full swing at TU! Women’s Flag Football kicked off their first season strong with back-to-back wins and their schedule is full, with games lined up through April. Be sure to check their schedule and try to make it out for a game or two to support our newest sport!
Our softball and baseball teams have also kicked off their seasons with games lined up through April. We encourage you to check out their schedules and make it out to support these teams as well.
Lastly, Thomas University recently announced the new military transition program adding Night Hawks Football to our athletics lineup. This introduction included the addition of Orlando Mitjans as the new Head Football Coach. We are looking forward to the first football season for the Night Hawks in 2023 and hope you’ll join us in supporting the team!
If you’re interested in checking out any of the Thomas University athletic teams in action, you can view the schedules for all Night Hawks teams here: tunighthawks.com.
Penny Gaskins
Alumnus Spotlight: Penny Griffin Gaskins
Thomas University alumna Penny Griffin Gaskins recently took the reign Alpha Sigma Lambda Honor Society as the organization’s national president for the 2022-2024 term. Alpha Sigma Lambda is the honor society for non-traditional students that partners with colleges and universities to celebrate the scholarship and leadership of adult students in higher education.
“It is truly an honor to be elected as president of such a prestigious society that understands the importance of an adult learner and what a difference education can make in their lives and their communities,” Gaskins said.
“Adult learners overcome many hurdles as they forge their way to new beginnings for a bright future for them and their families. Along the way they demonstrate leadership and a love of knowledge.
I look forward to continuing the precedent of outstanding leadership as we continue to recognize the achievements in academics and leadership of adult students.” READ MORE»
Honoring Outstanding Supporters
In February, Thomas University held the annual Forbes Society Dinner at Glen Arven Country Club. Four awards were presented recognizing outstanding supporters for their service to the university. Recipients included Harry Tomlinson, recipient of the W. Cameron Forbes Award for life-long commitment to education and to Thomas University; Chelsie Cosby, recipient of the Ambassador’s Award for exceptional volunteer commitment; Bud K, represented by Clint Kadel, received the President’s Award in recognition for their corporate support to Thomas University, and lastly, the Vicey Harris Award was presented to Kevin McGrail of Peregrine Computer Consultants Corporation for their unique service to the university during a critical time in our school’s history.
Chelsie Cosby
Message from the ABOG President
In my last message, I spoke about how 2022 was looking like a bright year for Thomas University. The articles presented in this first edition of our newsletter prove that to be true, and I love to see it. From numerous alumni being recognized for their outstanding accomplishments and being able to honor our outstanding supporters, the university has a lot to be proud of.
I also hope you’ll join me in celebrating the inaugural season of our Women’s Flag Football team. They’ve started out strong and watching any of their games is a true experience. I truly encourage you to check them out, you won’t regret it!
As a football fan, I’m most excited to see the Night Hawks Football team come to life. Throughout the next year, Coach Mitjans and his assistant coaches will be working hard to build a great team, and I’m looking forward to cheering them on in 2023. This football team has already made national news, and I’m sure they’ll continue to make news as the team grows!
We have plenty of opportunities for further alumni involvement. If you enjoyed your time attending TU, you’ll enjoy being a part of the growth and success we’re experiencing. If you’d like to serve in any volunteer capacity, I’d love to hear from you! I can be reached by email at Chelsie.cosby@nivel.com, and our friends at the advancement office can be reached at advancement@thomasu.edu.
