In the summer of 2006 CW unveiled a new staffing structure involving four part-time Program Staffers. Working with Lane, this team is charged with implementing the vision and goals for the ministry developed by the Joel Team, Clemson Wesley’s visioning and planning team.
These four, called out by Lane and their peers, seek to be servant-leaders with and to the greater Clemson Wesley community. Following is a little background on the four folks serving in 2009-2010:
From Huntsville, AL, Katherine Cragon has brightened the Clemson campus with her smile since she first arrived three years ago. A Bioengineering major, Katherine has been a fixture and leader within CW since her freshman year. "As a senior it is my hope that I will continue to strengthen my relaionship with God and be intentional about investing my time in friends and not only school," Katherine shared. "I fully expect to continue to learn and grow every day from the community of believers found in Wesley. I hope that each and every new student who steps into our community will be challenged to grow in their faith as much as I have the past three years."
Justin Galloway was born and raised not far from Clemson in Easley. A lover of the outdoors and long-time camp counselor at Asbury Hills Camp, Justin, a senior Chemical Engineering major, is one of the many humble servant-leaders who call CW home over the years. "Coming into a new year of school, especially freshman year, is always a little bit frightening and exciting with lots of questions," noted Justin. "For this year I am looking forward to getting to know all of the new faces that will become involved in CW. I am hoping that I will be able to welcome everyone in the same way that I was welcomed, like a new family member."
Laura-Allen Kerlin, a senior Communications major, has been active in CW since her first semester and served as Chair of the Joel Team last year. A native of Mandeville, LA (a suburb of New Orleans), Laura-Allen brings an excitement and energy to CW that is infectious. "I am so excited about this year and the opportunity to strengthen old friendships and to make new ones. I hope to continue to strengthen the feeling of community within CW, while helping to make new students feel welcome and hopefully find a home with CW. This year is shaping up to be a great one with exciting trips and retreats, football, and missions together both in Clemson and outside. I can't wait!" exclaimed Laura-Allen.
After studying abroad in Spain last semester, Melissa Whitson returns to Clemson for her last year this fall. A Language and International Health major, Melissa, from Conyers, GA, is known for her sharp wit and caring heart. "Returning to Clemson after a semester abroad is something I've been looking forward to all summer," offered Melissa. I am especially excited about making this year one of the most memorable and enjoyable of my time in Clemson, and it's always more fun with new faces and new friends. Being able to share with all of the incoming students those things that make life here so unique and special is going to be particularly enjoyable, and I can't wait for it to begin!"
Past CW Staffers - Check out where these former staffers ("ACM" is Assistant Campus Minister, "SI" is Summer Intern and "PS" is Program Staff) are now:
Jessica "Jess" Childs Gidewall (PS, Fall 2008 - Spring 2009) graduated in May 2009 in Accounting and shortly thereafter married Edward Gidewall. The couple now lives in Texas where Edward is completing his seminary training for full-time ministry.
Chris Conley (PS, Spring 2008) graduated in May 2009 with a degree in Civil Engineering. This past summer he served once again in New Orleans, a place that remains near and dear to his heart after spending thousands of hours in service there since Hurricane Katrina.
Ross Economy (PS, Fall 2008 - Spring 2009) graduated in May 2009 in Ceramics Engineering. The Raleigh, NC native is currently pursuing his Masters at CU and remains an important part of the CW community.
Meredith Humphrey (PS, Fall 2007 - Spring 2008) graduated in December 2008 with an English degree and is headed to London this fall to pursue a Masters degree and her dream of becoming a writer. Nicole Keen (PS, Fall 2006 - Spring 2007) graduated in May 2007 and currently lives in the Charlotte area.
After nearly a year long stint working with orphans in east Africa (a dream she's had since her high school years), Nicole Keen has been in graduate school at Winthrop and has plans to teach high school when she is finished.
From Jonesborough, TN, Julia McCoy (PS, Fall 2008 - Spring 2009) graduated from CU in May 2009 and is currently in medical school at ETSU.
Originally from down the road in Anderson, Rachel Mollica (PS, Fall 2006 - Spring 2007) graduated in May 2007 and now works for a national construction firm in the Denver area.
EJ Roberts (PS, Fall 2008 - Spring 2009) is scheduled to finish his degree in Construction Science and Management in December 2009. The Gastonia, NC native continues to be active in CW and the CU Gospel Choir, in which he serves as President.
Steven Spangler (PS, Fall 2006 - Fall 2007) is now married to the former Jaclyn Braun. After graduating together in December 2007, the Spanglers have served in several different camping ministry settings after setting the record for the longest honeymoon ever! They have recently returned to the States after teaching English as a second language in China.
Ryan Spurrier (PS, Fall 2006 - Spring 2007) graduated in May 2008 and received the prestigious Norris Medal, awarded annually to the top graduating student. A math major at Clemson, Ryan is now preparing for the ordained ministry at Duke Divinity School.
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Amber Wise (PS, Fall 2007 - Spring 2008) graduated in May 2008 and is now living in the Durham area where she teaches high school math.
Chris Manley (SI, 2004 - 2006) is married to the former Ashley Cauble and they now live in Pendleton. After serving as a Summer Intern with CW for several summers, Chris along with several other students formed Tigers Go, a ministry that continues to recruit volunteers to serve in New Orleans and beyond.
Steve Simoneaux (ACM, Fall 2004 - Spring 2006) and his wife Julie are now living in the Atlanta area where Steve is pursuing the ordained ministry at Candler School of Theology. After his two year stint with CW as Assistant Campus Minister, Steve taught for a year at Pendleton HS. and then worked for a year as a youth minister at Clemson UMC.
Jad Taylor (PS, Fall 2007 - Spring 2008) graduated in May 2008 and now works as the Director of Youth at Clemson UMC and part-time as Assistant Campus Minister for CW.