Sarah Louise Smith, a native of Tuscaloosa, Alabama, graduated cum laude from Williams College in Williamstown, Massachusetts, in June 2006 with a BA in political economy. At Williams, Sarah Louise tutored students at Williamstown Elementary School, was active in the advocacy and public awareness efforts of the Student Global AIDS Campaign, and served on a student government faculty committee. She interned for two U.S. Representatives and worked at a national political convention. In 2005, Sarah Louise worked with the Salzburg Seminar in Salzburg, Austria, an international organization that encourages cross-cultural dialogue by sponsoring forums on current international issues. She has worked with Impact since 2006.

Email:SLSmith@impactalabama.orgBack to Top

Elizabeth Blair, a native of Headland, Alabama, graduated magna cum laude and with University Honors from The University of Alabama at Birmingham with a degree in philosophy and a minor in legal affairs. At UAB, she was an active member of the University Honors Program where she served as a Teaching Assistant, an Editorial Board member for the honors literary publication Sanctuary, and a participant in a study abroad semester in the Dominican Republic. Elizabeth also served as the captain of the UAB Mock Trial Team for three years leading the team to a National Tournament Championship in 2006 and winning 14 individual Best Attorney Awards. While in college, she volunteered as a Rape Response counselor at the Birmingham Crisis Center and served on the Executive Board for the UAB Leadership and Service Council. Elizabeth has worked with Impact Alabama since 2007 and plans to attend law school.
Email:eblair@impactalabama.orgBack to Top

John Cockrell, a native of Birmingham, Alabama, graduated magna cum laude from the University of Alabama in May 2009 with a degree in philosophy. During his time at the Capstone, John was inducted into the Phi Eta Sigma Freshman Honor Society, Alpha Lamda Delta Freshman Honor Society, National Society of Collegiate Scholars, Phi Sigma Tau Philosophy Honor Society, and the prestigious Phi Beta Kappa Academic Honor Society. He served as Chief Justice of the Honors College Academic Honor Council. He also served on the University-Wide Academic Honor Council. Following his time with Impact, John plans to attend law school.

Email:jcockrell@impactalabama.orgBack to Top

Callie Corley, a native of Montgomery, Alabama, graduated magna cum laude from The University of Alabama in May 2009 with a degree in political science and Journalism. While at the University, Callie was inducted into the Hypatia Chapter of Mortar Board, a national senior honor society, Phi Kappa Phi Honor Society, and The XXXI, a senior women's honor society that recognizes the top 31 women on campus. Callie served as Design Editor and Opinions Editor for The Crimson White, the University's newspaper, and wrote a weekly column during her junior and senior years. She still continues to do freelance design and layout work. Callie was awarded the Bob Costas Scholarship for Journalism from The Hellenic Times newspaper in New York City. She also received the Peter Agris Memorial Scholarship, an award given in honor of the founder and publisher of The Hellenic Chronicle in Boston. Following her work with Impact, Callie plans to attend graduate school abroad.

Email:ccorley@impactalabama.orgBack to Top

Helen Eckinger, a native of Birmingham, Alabama, graduated with distinction from Yale University in May 2007 with a degree in English. While studying at Yale, Helen held several leadership positions on the board of The New Journal magazine, including managing editor. She also wrote for several newspapers, including the Birmingham News, Times-Picayune, and Miami Herald. Following graduation, Helen spent a summer writing for the Chicago Tribune, then worked for the Orlando Sentinel as a crime reporter for eighteen months. Following her time with Impact, she plans to attend law school.

Email:heckinger@impactalabama.orgBack to Top

Genevieve Eller, an Army brat who has lived in multiple states and abroad, graduated summa cum laude with a Bachelor's of Science in business administration, concentrations in international business and marketing, and a minor in German from Samford University in May 2009. Genevieve is a Beeson Scholar, as one of ten students chosen in the state to study under full, academic scholarship. In her senior year she was recognized as the top marketing student and named to the Who's Who of the Brock School of Business. Genevieve has also been an active member in Alpha Kappa Psi Business Fraternity, serving as Executive Vice- President, Phi Mu Sorority, Samford Ministries Choir, Student Advisory Council to the Dean, and the Samford Cross Country and Track and Field Teams. After working with Impact, Genevieve plans on moving to Washington State to pursue a career in marketing.

Email:geller@impactalabama.orgBack to Top

Andy Farmer, a native of Fort Payne, Alabama, graduated magna cum laude with a degree in communication studies from Samford University in May 2009. At commencement, he was presented the John C. Pittman Award, Samford's highest non-academic honor, given to the graduating senior who exemplifies the highest standard of character, best balances the life of the mind, soul, and body, and most completely embodies the spirit of the university. Andy was also awarded the Comm. Studies Top Senior award for having the highest GPA in the major. A member of the ODK National Leadership Honor Society and LPH, the honor society of the National Communication Association, he served as the Spiritual Formation Coordinator for University Ministries on campus and the Youth Ministry Intern at Vestavia Hills Baptist Church. He has worked as a summer church-camp pastor and with the homeless and impoverished through various community organizations. Andy plans to attend seminary following his time with Impact.

Email:afarmer@impactalabama.orgBack to Top

Lekisha R. Gunn, a native of Montgomery, Alabama, graduated cum laude with a dual degree in economics and German with University Honors from the University of Alabama in May 2009. She was selected as one of an inaugural class of twenty students to receive the J. Craig and Page T. Smith Scholarship. While at the University, Lekisha served as a Hunger and Homelessness Advocate for the Community Service Center, Avanti Summer Orientation Leader, academic tutor at the Center for Teaching and Learning, and intern for Senator Jeff Sessions in Washington, D.C. She received the Outstanding Undergraduate Award in Economics in 2008 and 2009 and the German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD) fellowship to study in Mannheim, Germany during her junior year. She was selected to serve as an ambassador for the German Academic Exchange Service. Following her time with Impact, she plans to pursue a career in public policy and law.

Email:LGunn@impactalabama.orgBack to Top

T. Mitchell Hackney, a native of Birmingham, Alabama, graduated from the University of Pennsylvania in May 2009 with a degree in Economics and a minor in physics and astronomy. While enrolled at the University of Pennsylvania, Mitchell spent the summer of 2006 interning for a federal judge in Birmingham and the summer of 2007 interning at the University of Alabama at Birmingham. He spent time with various medical doctors as well as an administrator for the UAB medical system. Following his time at Impact Alabama, Mitchell plans to attend business and law school.

Email:mhackney@impactalabama.orgBack to Top

Benjamin Harmon, a native of Birmingham, Alabama, graduated summa cum laude and with University Honors from The University of Alabama in May 2009 with a degree in economics and a minor in Spanish. White studying at the University, Benjamin served as Chairman of the SGA Elections Board, as a student tax preparer for Impact Alabama's SaveFirst Tax Initiative, and as a child mentor in a local elementary school. In addition, Benjamin participated in a two-semester documentary class during which he created a documentary concerning re-entry programs for ex-convicts and also spent time abroad taking still photos. One of these photographs won 1st prize in the Capstone International Photography Contest. His other awards include the Marcus Whitman award in Finance, the Outstanding Undergraduate Award in Finance, the Junior Faculty Excellence Award in Finance, and the Gladys M. Poe Award. After serving with Impact Alabama, Benjamin plans to attend law school.

Email:bharmon@impactalabama.orgBack to Top

Camille Hart is a native of Arkadelphia, Arkansas. She graduated from Emory University in May 2009 with a degree in political science. While attending Emory, Camille was a staff member of Volunteer Emory where she organized weekly service trips to IMAGE after school program and Caminar Latino. She also served as a university deacon at Emory's Cannon Chapel. Camille was chosen by a special committee of faculty, administrators and students to be included in the 2008-2009 edition of Who's Who Among Students in American Colleges and Universities. She is also a Bill and Melinda Gates Millennium Scholar. Camille plans to pursue a master degree in public health or social work following her service with Impact.

Email:chart@impactalabama.orgBack to Top

Meghan Holmes, a native of Arab, Alabama, graduated with distinction in May 2008 with a degree in accounting and a minor in history from The University of Alabama. She also earned a degree in Spanish in May 2009. She was a member of the University Honors Program. While studying at Alabama, she served as a volunteer with the Alabama Builds Champions mentoring program and participated in Alabama Action. She was also a member of the WVUA Music staff. After serving with Impact, Meghan plans to attend law school and continue studying Spanish.

Email:mholmes@impactalabama.orgBack to Top

James Kennemer, a native of Hoover, Alabama, graduated from The University of Alabama in December 2008 with a degree in finance and economics. While at The University of Alabama he worked on the SaveFirst initiative and volunteered for Habitat for Humanity. Following his time with Impact, Jim plans to get an MBA.

Email:jkennemer@impactalabama.orgBack to Top

Lindsay Kennemer, a native of Hoover, Alabama, graduated summa cum laude with honors from The University of Alabama in May 2009 with an undergraduate degree in finance, mathematics, and economics as well as with a master’s degree in finance. She attended the University as a National Merit Scholar. While studying at Alabama, Lindsay served as vice president of the Business School Ambassadors, a counselor at Alabama Girls State each summer, and a volunteer for the SaveFirst Initiative. She was also active in the University Honors Program, the Business Honors Program, the Women’s Initiative Program, the University Scholars Program, and Alpha Gamma Delta sorority. As a student in the business school at Alabama, Lindsay received the Integrity Award as well as the Outstanding Quantitative Finance Student Award. After serving with Impact, Lindsay plans to pursue a career with a stock analysis company.

Email:LKennemer@impactalabama.orgBack to Top

Kristin McDonald, a native of Birmingham, Alabama, graduated magna cum laude and with honors from The University of Alabama in May 2009 with a degree in history and public relations. While studying at the University, Kristin served as the President of Arts and Sciences Ambassadors, executive board member for her sorority, a Career Center Peer Advisor, and the President of Colleges Against Cancer and Chairman of Relay for Life. She was also recognized as a member of The XXXI and awarded the Alumni Student Award for Most Outstanding Senior. Kristin was also inducted into Omicron Delta Kappa, Mortar Board, Blue Key, Anderson Society, and Lambda Sigma honor societies. Following her time with Impact, she plans to attend law school or pursue a career in counseling.

Email:kmcdonald@impactalabama.orgBack to Top

Lindsey Mullen of Sheffield, Alabama, graduated summa cum laude from The University of Alabama in May 2009, after creating her own interdisciplinary major through New College focusing on social justice. She also completed a minor in liberal arts through the Blount Undergraduate Initiative Program. While enrolled at the University, Lindsey spent a summer abroad in South Africa, studying education systems in KwaZulu Natal. During her sophomore year, she founded Apwonjo, a student organization that works to raise campus awareness of humanitarian crises in sub-Saharan Africa. Lindsey was also honored as a Capstone Hero. Following her time with Impact, she plans to pursue a Master's degree in Human Rights.

Email:LMullen@impactalabama.orgBack to Top

Hannah Palmer, most recently of Elk River, Minnesota, graduated summa cum laude and with University Honors in English and Spanish from Samford University in May 2009. She received the Margaret O’Bryan Brodnax Scholarship for Excellence in Writing, the Lizette Van Gelder Mitchell Scholarship, the Lydell Payne Exemplary Senior Award, the Outstanding Senior Thesis Award in English, and the Wheeler Hawley Award for Excellence in Spanish. In addition to her studies, she served as Secretary for the University Honors Program, and Teaching Assistant for the Dean of Howard College. She also tutored both Samford athletes and high school students and volunteered for local Hispanic congregations and Habitat for Humanity. Following her time with Impact, Hannah plans to obtain an advanced degree and launch a career in education.

Email:hpalmer@impactalabama.orgBack to Top

Allison R. Schuver, a native of Gadsden, Alabama, graduated magna cum laude with Honors from Birmingham-Southern College in the spring of 2009 with a degree in English and a minor in art history. She was inducted into Phi Beta Kappa and served as a member of the Harrison Honors Program at BSC. She also served as copy editor and business manager of The Hilltop News, Birmingham-Southern’s student newspaper. While at BSC, Allison was the recipient of two teaching/research fellowships and was published in the College’s academic review. She was also active in Service Learning, studying urban poverty and serving as a student leader during two January terms in San Francisco, California. After her time at Impact, Allison plans to attend graduate school to earn a doctorate in English.

Email:aschuver@impactalabama.orgBack to Top

Houston Shaner of Montgomery, AL, graduated summa cum laude with degrees in economics and mathematics from Vanderbilt University in 2009. A Phi Beta Kappa inductee, Houston completed experimental research related to microfinance lending for which he received the T. Aldrich Finegan Award in undergraduate economics. He competed as a varsity member of Vanderbilt’s Policy Debate Team and was awarded the 2009 Founder’s Medal for Oratory. Houston organized philanthropic campus fundraisers for the American Heart Association and the Children’s Miracle Network. He also worked as a Prime Brokerage Summer Analyst for JPMorgan Chase in New York. Houston looks forward to attending law school or a public policy graduate program after his time with Impact Alabama.

Email:hshaner@impactalabama.orgBack to Top

Amanda Shanks, a native of Birmingham, Alabama, graduated with a degree in government from Harvard University in 2008. While in college, Amanda was active with Community Health Initiative, an organization that served fellow students and Project Health, an organization that served those in the greater Boston community. Amanda was also an office assistant to a Professor at the Kennedy School of Government and active with the Best Buddies chapter on campus. During her summers, Amanda served as an intern for Congressman Artur Davis and Congressman Spencer Bachus. Following her time with Impact, Amanda plans to attend law school.

Email:ashanks@impactalabama.orgBack to Top

Paul Sloderbeck, a native of Tallahassee, FL, graduated magna cum laude from Samford University in May 2009 with a degree in international relations and Spanish. During his time at Samford, Paul volunteered with the Hispanic Interest Coalition of Alabama and Cahaba Valley Health Care. He helped lead incoming freshmen on outdoor orientation trips, and traveled to Argentina for a language learning trip and to Spain to lead high school students on a cultural trip. He also spent a month in Northern Ireland teaching sports camps to youth. Following his time at Impact, Paul plans to attend law school.

Email:psloderbeck@impactalabama.orgBack to Top

After receiving a Bachelor’s of Arts in Music from St. Bernard College and a Masters of Science in Math Education at Southern Illinois University, Ms. Anderson decided to begin teaching math in schools in Alabama. Ms. Anderson currently has over thirty years of math experience teaching in the Birmingham City Schools, Jefferson State Community College, the Altamont School, the Alabama School of Fine Arts, and the Vestavia Hills Learning Center. At the Alabama School of Fine Arts, Fredericka served as the Math Department Chair. She is also a music teacher and an accomplished organist.

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Lindsey Thomas, from Greensboro, Alabama, graduated summa cum laude from The University of Alabama with a degree in human development and family studies in May 2007. While at UA, she worked in the Office of the President. She also completed internships for Tuscaloosa County Circuit Court Judge Herschel T. Hamner, Jr., and with Child Abuse Prevention Services in Tuscaloosa where she worked with the Nurturing Parenting program. Lindsey works full-time at the Center for Ethics & Social Responsibility at UA and contributes time to administering Impact projects on campus there.

Email:lmthomas@aalan.ua.eduBack to Top