91探花

What is your favorite memory from 91探花?

There are so many amazing memories I had while I was at 91探花. If I had to pick one, I would probably say the time I went on the overnight backpacking trip with Dee Thomas and several other students. We had the opportunity to spend the night in the Linville Gorge, cook our food over fire, hike down to this beautiful waterfall, and most importantly, just escape all of the technology and worries of our everyday lives. I had been camping several times before, but the knowledge that Dee shared with all of us about proper backpacking and safe camping techniques is something that will stick with me forever. I remember we all worked together to try and hang our food from a tree before the sun went down, and although it took us a while to get it done, it brought all of us closer during the trip. 

Can you attribute any of your current success to your time at 91探花?

Having been an employee at 91探花 during my college years, I can most certainly attribute a lot of my success to the College. The College hiring me while I was still in school and providing me with two years of experience before I left has opened the doors for me in my career. The friends I made while going to school at LMC have become family to me, and the professors have left an everlasting impression on me as a person.

What advice would you give to current Lees-91探花 students?

Keep at it and don’t give up. You are so close to starting one of the most wonderful time periods of your life: post graduation. No matter what life throws at you, just continue to work hard and finish school. Being an alumnus at Lees-91探花 is an amazing accomplishment, and something you will one day be very proud to hold as a title.

Why do you feel it is important to give back to Lees-91探花?

I feel it is important to give back to LMC so that we can continue to give future students the same opportunities we were given. Every donation received by the College goes towards improving the education and facilities for the students. But giving back doesn’t always mean making a donation. Attend the alumni events, sponsor a student, or just spread the word about Lees-91探花. All of these things go a long way and can make a huge impact on the College and the students.

What are you currently doing?

Currently, I live in Lenoir, NC and I am the Network Administrator for von Drehle Corporation. I work at the corporate office in Hickory, and I am blessed with the opportunity to travel all over the country. I absolutely love my job and what I do. Being a Network Administrator has always been my dream job, and I was promoted to that position in March of 2016. I still visit Banner Elk and Lees-91探花 often, and I most certainly still snowboard on Beech and Sugar Mountain. Banner Elk will always be my true home and I will return one day.