KT Global 2022 Wrap-Up

Picked up litter in the neighborhood park and surrounding area

Leader: Hayata Akashi ’86

Volunteers: Yoko, Ryuto, and Keina Akashi

“This year we were in our second year of participation, but we wouldn’t have been able to do this without a voice from KT Global. Thank you for the invitation from my alma mater in the United States and for our mysterious connection with a Japanese, Kin Takahashi.” – Hayata Akashi ’86

Raised funds to support 101 Ukrainian high school students enrolled in a boarding school in Slokavia during the war in Ukraine. Total of $5500 raised by MC alumni and friends provided one full week of lodging and meals for the students.

Leader: Marcia Kilby Rethwilm ‘89

Donors: Courtney Washburn Bean ’10, Tammy Taylor Blaine ’89, Raina Kant Boring ’89, Chrissy Newton Brooks ’99, Lisa Harvey Burkett ’88, Amy Jackson Clement ’90, Alan Davis ’87, Kathy Hinger Dorner ‘67, Kyle Duke ’97, Sue Spence Hill ’83, Joy Bailey Hutson ‘99, Gina Emmett Jefferies ’89, Anita Baker Lerman ’82, Laura Brock Lynch ’89, Henry Marambio ’89, Stephani Richardson McCarty ’10, Becca Miller ’91, Pat Moyer ‘86, Judy Penry ‘73, Lori Brown Pressley ‘04, Lynn Smith Purcell ’89, Michael Rethwilm ’89, Tammy Long Rule ’89, Nan Elliot Sallade ’83, Beth Sieber ‘83, Teresa Pettit Smith ’88, Wendi Medlin Spraker ’89, Jennifer Phillips Triplett ’07, Sue van Aken ’83, Carol Warren ’88, Suzy Garner Booker

“These students are far from their home and their families as the war continues in Ukraine, and their families are unable to continue sending financial support. I’m so proud to be part of the MC community that rallied together to support students in need.” – Marcia Kilby Rethwilm ’89

Assisted with various projects at the cat and dog shelters of MaxFund No-Kill Animal Adoption Center

Leader: Chelsea Barker ’10

Volunteers: Ashley Ferris ’15, Virginia Johnson Moore ’17

“Volunteers assisted MaxFund staff on a puppy adoption event by setting up, caring for puppies, answering questions, and checking adopters’ references.” – Chelsea Barker ‘10 

Straightening and organizing the library at Florida Presbyterian Homes

Leader: Jim Cummings ’56

Volunteers: Barbara DeVault, Andrea Vousden Paschal ’84, Kathy Kerns Vousden ’56

“Being the librarian for the “Homes,” I was glad for the help in beginning to get it in shape.” – Kathy Kerns Vousden ’56

Leader: Jason Dean ’10

Worked with Trees Atlanta to plant bare root trees and remove invasive plants like English Ivy, Chinese privet & bamboo

Leader: Elaina Davis ‘19

Volunteers: Dr. Wayne Anderson (former MC president), Christen Anderson Blatnik ’91, Carey Cox Coghill ’71, Jeff Coghill ’70, Marianne Jefferson Skeen ’66, Charles Tshiko ’94

“Good to meet other alums from various years. And a special treat to have Dr Wayne Anderson, MC president from 1977-1987, join us.” – Marianne Jefferson Skeen ’66

Spring cleaning of monument grounds

Leader: Beverly Ash-Larson ’69

Volunteer: Ralph Larson

“My husband and I joined other volunteers for the Pullman National Monument Spring Clean-Up. We gathered trash that had accumulated over the winter on the opposite side of the road bordering the park, at the base of the Metra Electric train line, about 10 blocks long. The two of us filled 5 bags of litter, to add to dozens of other bags filled.” – Beverly Ash-Larson ’69

Prepared and served brunch to families at Ronald McDonald House Charities of Kentuckiana in Louisville.

Leader: Maria Cole Galyon ’89

Volunteers: Dona Sarver Coates ’60, Gina Emmett Jeffries ’89, Laura Brock Lynch ’89, Michael & Marcia Kilby Rethwilm ’89, Helen Ryan Sarver ’66, Roger Coates, Tim Gaylon, Madeline Grieb, Mike Hardin, Lynne Hardin, Don Stone, Marsha Stone

“We raised money, shopped, and then cooked and served brunch for the residents staying at the Ronald McDonald House. There were 43 families staying there at the time.” – Maria Cole Galyon ’89

Site Coordinator for Grand Rapids Community College

Leader: Tammy Brown

“I am a staff member and volunteered with SkillsUSA Michigan as the site coordinator for Grand Rapids Community College.” Tammy Brown

Serve meals and fresh foods to local community in need.

Leader: Jean Fiedler Buckly ’72

“I pick up the left over bread & sweets from Frank’s Deli in Asbury Park. We re bag them at the church. We serve approx 120 meals every Wed. After the pandemic hit we turned from cooking a hot meal to providing a meal of healthy sandwiches, fruit, snack bars and sweets. Clients also shop for fresh fruits and vegetables at no cost. The food is provided from a local food bank! I have been volunteering at this food site for 18 years.” – Jean Fiedler Buckly ’72

Worked with a refugee family from Afghanistan as part of an ongoing Refugee Coordinating Team

Leader: Len Turner Scales ’07

Organized an effort to provide relief supplies for refugees in Juarez, Mexico who are seeking asylum in the United States, including making receiving blankets for newborns along with children’s activity kits and other items for families and children.

Leader: Lynn Coburn ’71  

Volunteers:

Michael Barrows ’71, Astrid Peelle Browning ’71, Alice Beth Cook Royce ’71, Steve Siera ’70, Maureen Stern Siera ’72, Rick Myser ’72, Katherine Gustafson, Joyce Thompson

“Specific supplies provided by this KT Global project included blankets and children’s activity kits. Some of this work was done prior to April 9^th by MC alumni located across the county. Assembly of the activity kits was done in Albuquerque on April 9th and delivered to El Paso, TX on April 10th.” – Lynn Coburn ’71

Knitted and crocheted “Peace Pals” for Knitting4Peace

Leader: Diana “Dinni” Drake Behan ’69

Volunteers: Members of the Women’s Group

“Peace Pals were developed by Knitting4Peace volunteers to create comforting companions for children, youth and adults in global areas of conflict. They provide relief in many difficult situations, in the U.S. and around the world. They’re universally loved and appreciated, and are the most-requested item. The dolls are knitted or crocheted. We used left over yarn and made some in MC colors to honor KT Global.” – Dinni Behan ’69

Completed Eagle Scout projects with granddaughter’s scout group

Leader: Diana “Dinni” Drake Behan ’69

Volunteers: Hannah Behan and BSA Troop 5302

“We created a memorial garden for infants at a hospital and a mud kitchen at a child care center.” – Dinni Behan ’69

Prepare the 1795 Old Deery Inn building and grounds for the summer season, including interior cleaning and outdoor tidying of garden beds.

Leader: Ed Bush ’72

Volunteers: Myrna Bush ’72, Kennedy Bush, and other members of the Sullivan County Historical Preservation Association

“Working in the raise flowerbeds […] they distributed over 2 yards of fresh ‘Moo-Poo’ a special blend of compost – great for flowers and veggies” – Ed Bush ’72

Worked on the raised garden beds to be used for therapeutic gardening programs at the Center

Leader: Heidi Hoffecker ’89

Volunteers: Erin Gomez ’12, Daniel Gomez ’10, Michael Rethwilm ‘89, Dan Rineer ‘65

“Volunteers weeded and cleared beds in raw, 40 degree weather and braved sleet to bring this project back to life.” – Heidi Hoffecker ’89

Helped to set up, sell, and teardown at the fundraiser benefiting Shepherd of Hope Food Pantry.

Leader: Dan Greaser ’60

Volunteer: Shirley Greaser

Cleaned up the shared boat landing and fire pits

Leader: Wilburn Rufus Bowers ’58

Volunteer: Lori Bowers Zerrick ’81

“Rain, nor snow nor sleet kept me from collecting the trash. About 20 lbs of trash was picked up.” – Rufus Bowers ’58

Demolition for a home repair to make a child’s bedroom and bath more accommodating for child’s physical disabilities

Leader: Missy Johnson ‘90

Volunteers: Grayson Shockley ’08, Keela Honeycutt

Picked up litter and trash on the Cade’s Cove loop in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park.

Leaders: William “Dub” Osborne ‘70, Rick Ziegler ’70

Volunteers: Marvin Beard ’67, Ed Best ’68, Glenn Doig ’74, Ann Little Rigell ’69, Craig Rigell, Tom Walker ’81

“Very efficient and lots of fun! It was cold and snowing much of the time, but our crew was able to pick up several bags of litter. Great day!” – Ann Rigell ’69

Weeded and beautified the iris bed in front of the Greeneville Town Hall

Leader: Kathleen Copeland ’69

Volunteers: Art Masker ’69, Martha “Marti” Masker ’72, Kimberly Henderson Cave ’06, Cicely Babb ’15

“It was hard work but very rewarding! It was so good to work with fellow MC alumni.” – Marti Masker ’72

Worked on a nature playground, general landscaping of the church grounds, and created a free little library.

Leader: Ashley Sullivan Helton ‘10

Volunteers: Stephani Richardson McCarty ’10, James “J.T.” McCarty ’10, Kyle Nolen ‘04, Laura Robertson Nolen ’03, Emma Nolen, Nate Helton, various other church members and community members

“What a great day! 40+ volunteers came out for a church workday, including church members, community, scout troops, and MC alum.” – Stephani McCarty ’10

Washed vases, cleaned workshop, assembled flowers, and prepared food for flowers

Leader: Marcia Kilby Rethwilm ’89

Volunteers: Tammy Taylor Blaine ’89, Connie Stinnett Hinton ’89, Becky Shackelford Marambio ’90, Rebecca Miller ’91, Lynn Smith Purcell ’89, Becky Shackelford ’56, Teresa Petitt Smith ’88, Louise Ogden Wyman ’57

Weeded, cleaned, and trimmed beds in the Community Garden which supports the Food Pantry Program at TVUUC, providing fresh fruits and vegetables for individuals experiencing food insecurity.

Leader: Carol Villaverde ‘00

Volunteers: Barbara Lamm, Soriya Cooper, Owen Villaverde

Volunteers created 100 Happy Bags, filled with pre-packaged snacks, masks, hand-written notes, and other treats benefitted Haven House and Family Promise families.

Leader: Rachel Rushworth-Hollander ’08 

Volunteers: Allison Barker Weaver ’07, Michelle Wilson Bailey ’09, Lori Bowers Zerick ’81, Liz Walton Blackburn ’58, Lisa Harvey Burkett ’88, Lisa Young Chapman ’81, Kristi Kennedy Knight ’83, Ibby Shelley Davis ’68, Ibbie Jack Muntz ’67, Carrie Osikowicz Eaton ’67, Kathy Hinger Dorner ’67, Marty Anderson Pryor ’68, Sara Coker, Kathleen Farnham

“An opportunity to encourage a child.” – Liz Blackburn ’58

Helped the Maryville College Archives make collections more accessible to researchers by transcribing the handwritten correspondence of Rev. Thomas Brown (early graduate, Presbyterian minister, and fundraiser for MC) and transcribing the typewritten extracts from the Synod of Tennessee minutes (1818-1885) that relate to MC history.

Leader: Amy Lundell ‘06

Volunteers: Ashleigh Oatts ’07, Lindsay Whitehurst Cooper ’01, Ron Blackburn, Stephanie Brantley ’08, Laura Lundell ’76

“This is my second year transcribing for the MC Archives, and I am so grateful to be able to participate in KT Global from my computer. It helps me feel connected even though I’m sitting hundreds of miles away. It’s also incredibly fascinating and rewarding, as a history major, to be able to read these primary documents and contribute to building a more comprehensive and accessible history of the college by transcribing them.” – Lindsay Cooper ’01

Completed projects designed to make a positive environmental impact on the campus including privet removal and trash pickup in the College Woods and repairs to the Crawford House fence.

Leader: Amy Gilliland, MC Director of Community Relations

Volunteers: Callie Baker ’24, Bethany Bradford ’18, Emily Bridges ’23, Suzy Booker, Josh Campbell ’22, Nayeli Carreno ’23, Reggie Dailey, Haley Davis ’22, Nelida Djassi ’24, Ahmed Etman ’22, Connor Gahagan ’25, Chandler Godfrey ’23, Hayley Harmon ’23, Haley Harris ’23, Caroline Johnson ’24, Lucy Jones ’25, Kaitlin Koster ’25, Jonathan Meystrik ’23, Reagan Monday ’22, Rachel Neal ’22, Katie Orillion ’25, Kris Seiber ’23, Walker Settles ’25, Grayson Shockley ’08, Angela Stolpe ’23, Dave Unger, Jean Vidal ’24, Madeline Walker ‘24

Despite the cold, wet weather, we had a wonderful group of alumni, students, faculty, and staff. I enjoyed getting to know my team as we picked up trash in the College Woods. – Suzy Booker

Cleaned out items stored in the Chilhowee Club basement, led by the BCAA Executive Committee.

Leader: Amy Poag Baker ‘98

Volunteers: Rob Kennedy ’71, Lori Bowers Zerick ’81, Judy Pike Woods ’71, Sue Van Aken ’83, Pat Moyer ’86

“It was a very cold and rainy morning, but we did some good work and remembered our friend Al Baker ’71 throughout the morning.” – Amy Baker ’98

Volunteered at a conference for current and potential foster parents in Blount County.

Leader: Mary Steger Rich ‘94

The MC Student Veteran Association held a food drive for the BCVA Food Pantry.

Leaders: Dave Daniels ’20, MC Director of Military Outreach, Becky Davis

Volunteers: Gail Bradley Hafner ’60, Art Hafner ’72, Barb Hutchison ’71, Robbie Paskicwicz ‘23, Micaela Mouser ‘23, Mary Workman, Lisa Davis, Ed Davis, Vicky Davis, Saij Miller-Wildsmith, Bryan Rozanski ‘24, Ted Higgs, Madison Winters, Josh Lock ’25, Donna Berg ‘71, Albert Johnson ’22, Nathan Weinbaum

“I enjoyed spending time with Dave Daniels and our student veterans and their families. Did you know that we currently have 55 veterans and military dependents attending MC? And the good news is that number is growing!” – Barb Huchison ’71

Refreshed the gardens at Mary Blount Elementary School

Leaders: Mindy Reagan Richardson ’19, Jami French ‘93

Volunteers: Kristen Edmonds Wilson ’08, Jed Wilson, Hagen Wilson, Holden Wilson, Ruthie Wilson, Travis Wilson ’13, Carmen Wilson, Dylan Richardson, Tammy Byrd, Amber Monroe, Stacey Hoxworth, Teresa Hoxworth, Landon Reynolds, Leanna Reynolds, Alisa Alantho, John Alantho, Miranda Meyers, Josh Meyers, Emily Hollifield, Ryan Ferrell

Spruced up the outdoor classroom area

Leader: Heather Hendricks Byrd ‘02

Volunteers: Andy Byrd ’98, Lakelee Byrd, Paisley Byrd, Rhonda Thames Smithson ’02, Hannah Smithson, Ally Smithson

Packed 250 cartons of fruit for food banks with Smoky Mountain Mustang Club

Leader: Dan Greaser ‘60

Set up and helped attendees at the annual community Kite Day

Leader: Lindsay Laughner Sexton ’05

Volunteers: Carrie Callaway ’92, Carol Callaway-Lane ’92, Stephanie Sullivan ’02, Jennifer Phillips Triplett ’07, Aaron Triplett ’07, Teddy Triplett, Robert Laughner

“While our group was small the spirit of KT was alive and well! Multiple decades of graduates were able to bond and share our experiences at MC.” – Carol Callaway-Lane ’92

Cleared garlic mustard plants, an invasive species, from the banks of the James River and picked up recently fallen tree limbs.

Leaders: Sherri Jones ’88, Carol Warren ‘88

Volunteers: Kim Dickerson, Kasia Grzelkowski, Debbie Laudermilk, Cassie Morse, Kelly Murphy, Cheryl Starr, Brentley Streat, Lori Wagoner, Marley the registered service dog

“We talked and laughed while pulling invasive weeds and clearing fallen limbs in a picnic area. Our group walked away with big smiles on our faces and feeling good.” – Kimberly Dickerson

Collected litter along the water’s edge at Anacostia Park.

Leader: Robbie Champion ‘09

Volunteers: Afton Boles ‘15, Rachel Manning ‘17, Ian Warner

“Our KT Global service project included picking up litter along the Anacostia River in Southeast Washington, DC. Four Maryville College alumni and friends were a part of the total of 51 volunteers who collected 1,159lbs of trash.” – Robbie Champion ‘09