News Center

New Chair, Members Begin Terms on Hendrix College Alumni Association Board of Governors

Sue Gattinger Farris ’80 to lead 36-member alumni group

Sue Gattinger Farris '80 welcomes incoming students at the 2024 New Student Convocation.

ABOVE: Sue Gattinger Farris '80 welcomes incoming students at the 2024 New Student Convocation.

CONWAY, Ark. (September 20, 2024) — Hendrix College’s Alumni Association Board of Governors will soon convene for its first meeting of the 2024-25 academic year, with Sue Gattinger Farris ’80 of Conway serving as chair. 

Farris, a retired educator, is an active volunteer in the Conway community, particularly with education-focused organizations and causes. 

Farris’s term began with the welcome she offered to the Class of 2028 at the New Student Convocation held the afternoon of new student move-in day, August 20. In the hours leading up to Convocation, she and other current and former Alumni Association Board of Governors members joined Hendrix staff and students in supporting incoming first-years and transfers as they arrived to begin their time on campus.

While the position of chair is a year-long role, Alumni Association Board members serve for four-year terms. This year’s new Alumni Association Board members are: 

Katy Brantley ’12
Kevin DeStefano ’09
Sara Hoke DeStefano ’09
Chris Carroll Herring ’70
Susan Roberts Robbins ’86
Nick Stinson ’06
James Tyus ’07
John Weir ’74
Angela Smith Wiliamson ’80
Eddie Williamson ’81

In addition to Farris, the new members join the following members in the midst of their terms:

Amanda Brooks ’08
Linda Pondexter Chesterfield ’69
Dennie Compton ’79
Marsha Moffat Daniels ’75
Becky Flynn ’10
Jane Case Hawkins ’72
Ana Romero Flores ’20
Ateca Foreman ’04
Molly Lentz ’14
Miah Frazier Michaelsen ’83
Tim McKenna ’90
JoDee Wilson McKenna ’92
Colin McKenzie ’08
Maradyth Hopper McKenzie ’06
Grant Morshedi ’04
Anna Parker Morshedi ’05 
James Owen ’16
Joni Coley Pearson ’79
Ken Pearson ’80
Ben Rugg ’05
Megan Faulk Rugg ’06
Philip Shell ’92 
Thea Siria Spatz ’62
Mattie Thacker ’17
Rip Weaver ’06

During their terms, Alumni Association Board members take on the responsibility to serve as ambassadors of the College, assist in hosting College events, take part in planning class reunions, and much more. Serving the Alumni Association provides opportunities to stay deeply connected with the Hendrix community even years past graduation. 

The Alumni Association presents four awards per year: the Distinguished Alumnus/Alumna Award for living alumni who have distinguished themselves in their vocations, service to humanity and service to the College; the Outstanding Young Alumnus/Alumna Award for those who have shown accomplishments and promise in their chosen profession or in service to the broader community and have demonstrated a continuing loyalty, support and advocacy for the College within 15 years of their graduation; the James E. Major Service Award for staff who have given meritorious service to the College; and the Hendrix College Humanitarian Award for living alumni who have significantly improved the quality of life in the world through their service and dedication to humanity.

The new Alumni Association Board’s first meeting will take place Friday, September 27.

About Hendrix College

Founded in 1876, Hendrix College is featured in Colleges That Change Lives: 40 Schools That Will Change the Way You Think About Colleges and celebrated among the country’s leading liberal arts colleges for academic quality, engaged learning opportunities and career preparation, vibrant campus life, and value. The Hendrix College Warriors compete in 21 NCAA Division III sports. Hendrix has been affiliated with the United Methodist Church since 1884. Learn more at www.hendrix.edu.   

“… Through engagement that links the classroom with the world, and a commitment to diversity, inclusion, justice, and sustainable living, the Hendrix community inspires students to lead lives of accomplishment, integrity, service, and joy.” —Hendrix College Statement of Purpose