"Class Of 2019" - Strong Stories

Jerry Neely, ’19, MBA, made the most of his MBA experience by connecting with faculty and other Meredith students, and by accepting invitations to engage with the program.

Leia Davis, '19, graduated from Meredith with a degree in Interior Design, and is now a Visual Space Planner at Lowe’s Headquarters near Charlotte, N.C.

La’Na Holden, ’19 M.Ed., returned to school to obtain her M.Ed. because she is passionate about always looking for ways to grow and learn.

At Meredith, psychology and social work major Sandra Taranhike, ’19, built on her strengths and prepared for a post-grad role as a research assistant for a national non-profit.

At Meredith, Christina Cowperthwait, ’19, moved steadily toward her goal of one day owning her own business. Next step: finish earning her MBA that she started senior year.

As a United States Marine Corps veteran Sheila Thomas, ’19, knows what it means to be strong. Through StrongPoints and a supportive Meredith community, she grew even stronger and more determined.

For four years at Meredith, Leslie Castro, ’19, studied in an English classroom that featured a poster from the Shakespeare Theatre Company. After graduation, she found herself a part of that company. 

From the moment Pinaky Patel, ’19, returned to the United States at the age of 17, she had a dream of earning a degree in computer science. Almost 20 years later, that dream is a reality.

When Sydney Spadaro, ’19, sets a goal, she does all she can to make sure she reaches it. Having completed her undergraduate degree, her next goal brings her right back to Meredith where she is already pursuing an MBA.

After completing her Dietetic Internship at Meredith, Stephanie Ott, ’19, decided to pursue her Master of Science in nutrition in order to better serve her patients. A practicing licensed registered dietitian at Duke Raleigh Hospital, Stephanie will serve as the main DI clinical preceptor at Duke Raleigh after graduation.