Class News: August 2024

Welcome to the August 2024 edition of Class News, our monthly snapshot of personal achievements and professional journeys in your alumni community.

Each month we’ll share a collection of the most recent submissions, so don’t forget to keep us up to date on your latest news.

Gatherings & Milestones

Susan Olson ’66 marked her 80th birthday with a celebration in Sarasota, Florida. Joining her were several members of her friends and family, including fellow alumna Patty Witt ’78 and Beth Fontes, executive director of major and planned giving at Rollins. Olson is a published author and just released her latest literary creation “No More,” a mystery short story.

Martha Watts McWilliams ’12 and Mathew McWilliams were married in September of last year. Several alumni attended the ceremony, including Matt Morello ’09, Lucy Samperton Morello ’11, Hillary Wise Peters ’11, Jessica Thompson ’11, Teri Edwards ’12, Sarah Lugo ’12, Molly Rooney Woodward ’12, and Kasey Sandifer Zion ’12. This fall, the McWilliams are expecting the arrival of their first child.

Lizzie Taylor ’19 was accepted into a competitive summer literature program at Exeter College, one of Oxford’s world-renowned constituent colleges. Following this experience, Taylor will pursue a master’s degree in English at Boston College.

Across the Arts

Steven Vagnini ’11MBA authored a one-stop guide to the Walt Disney Company titled Disney A to Z: The Official Encyclopedia: 6th Edition. This encyclopedia was published by Disney Editions as a part of Disney’s 100th anniversary celebration book program.

In March, playwright and director Allison Furlong ’20 premiered her debut production, Fight or Flight, at the 28th Street Theatre in New York City. This Off-Broadway show—which includes a nod to Rollins—explores social issues through the dialogue of four college-age women on a flight.

Onward & Upward

After serving as the director of music education at Appalachian State University for the past 18 years, Suzi Mills ’84 was awarded the rank of professor emerita of music. This title recognizes her long tenure, two Fulbright scholarships, and her appointment as a senior research associate at the University of Johannesburg in South Africa.

Spensyr Krebsbach ’04 was promoted to senior counsel, marketing and litigation at Cinch Home Services, Inc., one of the nation’s leading providers of home service solutions.

Austin Connors ’09 has taken on a new role as general manager of the Cox Business Convention Center with the Oak View Group. Connors also recently received his master's degree in hospitality from Temple University and welcomed two children, Calvin and Darby, with his wife, Kacie.

William P. Perry Jr. ’10 has been appointed by King Charles III to the Most Venerable Order of the Hospital of St. John of Jerusalem, a prestigious honor awarded to those who have made outstanding contributions to charity and humanitarian efforts. The formal investiture ceremony will take place in New York this October.

This summer, Laura Hardwicke ’11 received the Outstanding Individual Award at the Central Florida Safety Summit hosted by the Florida Department of Transportation. She was also named the Outstanding Bike/Ped Advocacy Champion by Bike Walk Central Florida. Hardwicke works as the City of Orlando’s safe mobility manager, and these awards recognize her efforts to improve traffic safety.