Class News February 2026
In this monthly roundup, find out what's new and noteworthy in the lives of your fellow Tars.
By Lina Giles
February 05, 2026
Welcome to the February 2026 edition of Class News, our 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
Sarah Sprinkel ’80MAT, an alumna of the Hamilton Holt School, received the Evaline Lamson Meritorious Service Award in recognition of her leadership in education and public service. She was recognized in part for her role in advancing the vision for the Winter Park Library’s current campus and its focus on access and lifelong learning.
Andrew Wheeler ’18 ’20MBA married Rachel Valocchi ’20MBA on December 31 in Port Orange, Florida. The couple met on their first day at the Crummer Graduate School of Business and celebrated their wedding alongside fellow alumni Cara Borowski ’20MBA, Beatriz Bulgarelli ’20MBA, Matt Caldwell ’20MBA, Clara Mount ’20MBA, and Roderick Zak ’19 ’20MBA.
Juan Carlos ’23, who plays Bob Newby in the Broadway production of Stranger Things: The First Shadow, returned to campus and sat down with theatre professor David Charles to share what he’s learned on his journey from Rollins to one of the world’s biggest stages.
Thanks to the work and generosity of Michael Stewart ’82, Corey O’Gorman ’83, and Nancy Loving, a new digital collection featuring a selection of William “Bill” Loving Jr.’s photographic works is now available through Olin Archives.
Bill Loving’s photography captures the dynamic life of Rollins College during the 1970s and 1980s. His images document campus scenes, individual portraits, student groups, social gatherings, theatrical productions, athletic competitions, and more. Born January 2, 1934, Loving served as Rollins College’s director of financial aid from the early 1970s through the late 1980s. View the collection here.
If you would like to make a gift in honor of Bill Loving, the donors who supported the digitization of this archive collection have asked that contributions be designated to the Rollins Museum of Art. Please visit this link to make your gift.
Making Moves
Stacy Pierson ’92 was promoted to associate professor of pediatrics at Baylor College of Medicine.
Michele Bowden ’98 is teaching art classes through the Ohana Preservation Foundation and leading creative sessions for children in Embark Residential Housing.
Michaela Cooper Bagwell ’11 has launched her own digital marketing consulting firm, MBCResults, following more than a decade of experience in the field.
Chance Sweat ’16 purchased and successfully grew a business during the COVID-19 pandemic and exited in 2025. Since then, he has launched his own small business coaching and consulting practice.
Kacie Escobar ’21MBA was promoted to president at Curley & Pynn, an Orlando-based public relations firm. Escobar is the first woman to serve as president in the firm’s 41-year history.

Have News to Share?
Keep us in the know about what’s new with you and stay connected to both the personal and professional adventures of your fellow Tars.
Recent Stories
July 13, 2026
Voicu, Vidovic, Montoya-Chang ’26 to Present Paper at Business and Economics Conference
María Montoya-Chang ’26, Martina Vidovic, and Anca Voicu of the 2023 Women in Finance cohort will present their paper on female leadership in finance at the 43rd Business and Economics Society International Conference.
July 10, 2026
Parker Appointed NACDA President
Pennie Parker, associate vice president of athletics, will serve as president of the National Association of Collegiate Directors of Athletics (NACDA) for the 2026–27 academic year.
July 10, 2026
Hume House Receives Grant from ELCOC
The Hume House Child Development & Student Research Center has received a $21,000 grant from the Early Learning Coalition of Orange County (ELCOC) to help strengthen early childhood education across Central Florida through a new professional development initiative.