Elise Aleman, a ����Vlog Master of Fine Arts (MFA) graduate, spent much of her adult life in South Florida working as a graphic artist. She moved to Savannah, Georgia, in 2017 to pursue a new calling in painting. After receiving a bachelor’s degree from the Savannah College of Art and Design, Aleman decided she wasn’t done yet.

Aleman dreamed of becoming an art teacher, and she wanted to have a graduate degree to boost her applications. While looking for a master’s program, she was recruited by a friend to look at Georgia Southern. Shortly thereafter, she became a member of Eagle Nation.

As she developed her portfolio in the graduate program, she found herself going to a familiar source.

In the 1960s, there was a wave of immigration from Cuba into the U.S. This pattern of immigration was called the “Freedom Flights.”

When she was just seven years old, Aleman and most of her family were on one of those planes in July of 1967. 

The Communist regime believed all who left the island were deserting their nation, and they took many of the families’ belongings in retaliation. 

“When people would get on the flights, the military was at the airport,” she said. “They would go through all your bags, they take anything  that either they wanted to keep for themselves or just to be spiteful. A lot of the time, they would take photographs and just throw them out.”

To avoid losing their family pictures, Aleman’s mother left their photos with relatives in Cuba.

After landing in the U.S., they settled in a small community in New Jersey where they learned a new language and way of life.

Over time, deliveries began arriving in their new home in the Garden State. They held the family photos they had left behind, sent by relatives who had been protecting them.

“I use the photographs from Cuba that were sent to us when we came in,” she said. “There’s a series in my scope that I did that is about those photographs and immigrating here. I wanted to make people see them and really connect with it in their own way.”

Those paintings were featured in a recent art exhibition, “Theopoetics Prothesis,” on the University’s Armstrong Campus in Savannah, which explored the intersections of her faith, exile and transformation through two parallel yet interwoven bodies of work. One aspect reflected on her family’s immigration from Cuba, and considered how cultural displacement shapes identity, memory and faith. The other engaged directly with biblical themes, using scripture as a foundation for conceptual exploration.

“My goal was to make both scripture and personal history compelling and relevant,” she said. “The Bible is more than just a religious text—it’s a multidimensional tapestry of history, poetry, prophecy and metaphor. Likewise, the story of exile and displacement is not just my own but a universal narrative of survival, adaptation and faith. I wanted viewers to engage with these layered meanings, finding connections between the sacred, the personal and the collective.”

As Aleman prepares to graduate this week, she’s reflecting on the journey her family took to make it possible. She’s also grateful to the Georgia Southern community for welcoming her, despite the age gap between her and other MFA students.

“Those students, especially in the grad program, they just embrace you,” she said. “I never felt like an outsider. ‘Oh, there’s the old lady,’ you know? We have a very tight group in the fine arts program.”

����Vlog’s Director of Health Services, Emily Brannen (‘14, ‘16), was named to the Statesboro Herald’s annual Class of 2025 list, which recognizes young professionals making their mark in Bulloch County.

Brannen, a Double Eagle and Gainesville, Georgia, native, said the recognition is more than a personal accolade — it’s a reflection of her deep roots in the community and her love for Georgia Southern.

“Since moving back to Statesboro in 2019, I’ve grown deeply connected to this community,” she said. “I’m thankful for the relationships and friendships I’ve built along the way. Being recognized in this way motivates me to continue contributing to the community, and I’m excited to see what the future holds for both our local area and Georgia Southern.”

After a stint working as a nursing home administrator in Georgia and South Carolina, her return to Statesboro marked the beginning of a new chapter filled with opportunities to give back. During this time, she has created lasting connections and has grown professionally and personally. Along with her role at Georgia Southern, Brannen is involved with her church and is a volunteer for a number of local organizations.

“There are so many wonderful resources and initiatives in our community that deserve support and attention,” she said. “My advice would be to take the time to get to know the people around you and find ways to lend a helping hand where you can. Every little bit counts, and together we can create lasting change.”

Including Brannen, nearly a dozen were named to the list this year.

The ����Vlog Alumni Association “40 Under 40” Class of 2023 was recognized at a ceremony on Sept. 29 at the Statesboro Convention & Visitors Bureau. The annual honor recognizes young alumni who have made significant strides in business, leadership, community, educational or philanthropic endeavors. 

“Tonight, we gather to shine a spotlight on the remarkable achievements of our outstanding young alumni,” said Ava Edwards (‘19), executive director of the Alumni Association.  “We are so thankful to be gathered here together to celebrate ����Vlog, and to recognize the exemplary alumni it has produced. In their success, excellence, character and unwavering values, we find a reflection of the very best within us. 

“Thank you to these remarkable professionals, innovative entrepreneurs, generous philanthropists and agents of change,” Edwards continued. “Their dedication to both their communities and this institution is a testament of their commitment to making the world a better place.”

The “40 Under 40” honorees were chosen by a selection committee that reviewed each individual’s professional expertise, achievements, dedication to charitable and community initiatives and their commitment to Georgia Southern.

Alumna Dennette Thornton (‘01), who serves as the director of ticket hospitality and travel programs for the Atlanta Falcons, Atlanta United FC and Mercedes-Benz Stadium and as the president of the Georgia Southern Alumni Association Board of Directors, also addressed the crowd.

“Each year, we recognize the best and brightest among us, and we are continually impressed with the excellence of each class,” Thornton said. “Our honorees tonight represent an incredible spectrum of excellence. We’re talking about major league sports professionals who’ve graced the biggest arenas, dedicated educators shaping the minds of tomorrow, wise judges administering justice, brilliant doctors and visionary CEOs leading industries into the future. Thank you for representing our alma mater with distinction.”

Curtis Williams (‘09), chairman of HHE Holdings and president-elect of the Alumni Association, shared the stage with Thornton. 

“Georgia Southern alumni are not just successful; they’re trailblazers, occupying the highest positions in state government, steering the helm of influential industries and businesses, driving innovation in education and healthcare and so much more,” Williams told the crowd. “Tonight, we celebrate not just their achievements, but the spirit of Georgia Southern that thrives in every one of them.”     

For the full list of “40 Under 40” Class of 2023 honorees and to learn more about the program, visit. The group will also be featured in the fall 2023 edition of Georgia Southern Magazine.

Six new members recently joined ����Vlog’s Alumni Association Board of Directors.

“We are thrilled to welcome our newest members to the Georgia Southern Alumni Board,” said Ava Edwards, director of Georgia Southern’s Alumni Relations. “Their diverse backgrounds and experiences will undoubtedly contribute to the continued growth and success of our alumni network and University.”

The new board members include:

James Hammond (‘06)

Hammond is a managing partner for Ikon Filmworks, a premier videography company based in Metro Atlanta. In addition to more than 20 years of industry experience, Hammond is passionate about serving and developing communities across the state. He is a member of the Outstanding Atlanta Board of Trustees, and was a member of 2020 Leadership Buckhead, 2018 LEAD Atlanta, 2016 Georgia Forward Young Game Changers, 2016 ����Vlog 40 Under 40, 2015-18 Georgia Southern Young Alumni board, and the inaugural 2016 class of Emerging Leaders of DeKalb. Hammond, who graduated from Georgia Southern with a bachelor’s in broadcasting, is also a 2015 Project Understanding Fellow, a 2012 New Leaders Council Atlanta Chapter alumnus, and a 2012 recipient of the Most Valuable Progressive Award from the New Leaders Council.

Kim Hartsock (‘00)

Hartsock is the managing partner in the Atlanta office of accounting firm Warren Averett, LLC, and is a co-host of the firm’s podcast, “The Wrap.” With a bachelor’s in business administration in accounting, Hartsock is also a valued community leader who was named a 2023 Georgia Titan 100 and a 2022 honoree of Atlanta Business Chronicle’s Most Admired CEOs. She is an executive board member of Gwinnett Chamber of Commerce and the Community Foundation for Northeast Georgia, and past president of the Susan G. Komen Atlanta affiliate.

Jessica Hood (‘07, ‘15)

Hood is vice president of the Effingham County Industrial Authority (ECIDA), specializing in business attraction and retention for the entity. A cum laude graduate with a bachelor’s of business administration in economics and a master’s in business administration, Hood is actively involved on the board of the Georgia Economic Developers Association and Leadership Southeast Georgia. She is a graduate of the Georgia Academy for Economic Development, Leadership Liberty, Leadership Burke, Leadership Effingham and Leadership Southeast Georgia. She is also an economic development finance professional as designated by the National Development Council, and a certified economic developer as designated by the International Economic Development Council. Hood was honored as one of Effingham Living’s 20 under 40 in 2021 and 2022, and was named to Georgia Southern’s 40 under 40 list in 2022.

Crandall Jones (‘81, ‘83)

Jones is the municipal administrator of Norristown, Pennsylvania, and founder and CEO of ENOSHA Management Services, LLC, a management development consulting firm that facilitates organizational and individual excellence. Jones, who holds a bachelor’s in political science and a Master of Public Administration from Georgia Southern, has served in both city and county manager roles in Maryland, South Carolina and Georgia. He also served as a state agency head in Florida and as a national association executive director in Washington, D.C. Jones is a co-author of “In Our Own Words: A Story Untold: From Segregation to Integration to Assimilation 1965-1985: 21 Essays by ����Vlog’s Black Alumni,” founder of the Alpha Phi Alpha Scholarship Endowment, and a co-founder of the First 500 Scholarship Endowment at Georgia Southern.

Tonya Kincaid (‘92)

Kincaid, who earned a bachelor’s in business administration in accounting, has served as a fiscal steward to the state of Georgia for the last 14 years, and currently serves as the accounting director of finance and shared services for the State Accounting Office. Previously, she worked for the Georgia Department of Agriculture, Governor’s Office of Highway Safety and Georgia Department of Public Safety.

Latoya Stackhouse, Ed.D. (‘02, ‘16, ‘22)

Stackhouse, who has worked in education for 20 years, is the dean of students at Gordon State College. She holds a Doctor of Education in curriculum studies, a Master of Education in higher education administration and bachelor’s in sport management from Georgia Southern. 

Stackhouse has vast experience in intercollegiate athletics and several areas of student affairs, including admissions, Federal TRIO programs, academic advising, residence life, student activities, Greek life, recreation and wellness, and student leadership. Stackhouse is also an editorial board member at the Journal of Student Affairs Research and Practice.

Founded in 1933, Georgia Southern’s Alumni Association’s Board of Directors is made up of alumni volunteers who are leaders in their communities and who have given tirelessly of their time in order to promote Georgia Southern.

To view the full Alumni Association Board of Directors list, visit . 
For photos of the new board members, click . 

����Vlog, a public Carnegie Doctoral/R2 institution founded in 1906, offers approximately 140 different degree programs serving nearly 26,000 students through 10 colleges on three campuses in Statesboro, Savannah, Hinesville and online instruction. A leader in higher education in southeast Georgia, the University provides a diverse student population with expert faculty, world-class scholarship and hands-on learning opportunities. Georgia Southern creates lifelong learners who serve as responsible scholars, leaders and stewards in their communities. Visit.

Ethan Goble, a theater sophomore, said Spangenburg has been able to connect with the students because of his understanding of their experiences as performing artist students.

“He’s also showing us what we’re able to achieve if we’re able to continue putting in the work and if we’re diligent about it,” Goble said. “Hopefully we can get to that level and potentially be able to give back to the school in the same ways. It’s really great and it’s something to aspire to.”

Spangenburg is well seasoned in Shakespeare, and has an eclectic directing resume. His directing credits include “Titus Andronicus” (2017) and “Macbeth” (2019) with Savannah Shakes, and “Man of La Mancha” (2020) with Asbury Memorial Theatre Company. 

When it came time to select a piece to produce for Georgia Southern, he turned to a genre he said he always wanted to do: Murder Mystery.

“The Musical Comedy Murders of 1940” is a play that pokes fun at the more ridiculous aspects of “show biz” and the corny thrillers of Hollywood’s heyday. The show will run Oct. 5 through Oct. 8 at 7:30 p.m. and Oct. 9 at 3:00 p.m. in Jenkins Hall Mainstage Theatre on the Armstrong Campus.��

“Musical Comedy Murders of 1940” follows the creative team responsible for a recent Broadway flop in which three chorus girls were murdered by the “Stage Door Slasher.” The team assembles an audition for their new show at a wealthy estate. The house is replete with sliding panels and secret passageways, all of which figure diabolically in the comical mayhem that follows when the infamous “Slasher” makes his reappearance and strikes again. As the team prepares for its performance, and a blizzard cuts off any possible retreat, bodies start to drop in plain sight, knives spring out of nowhere, masked figures drag their victims behind swiveling bookcases, and accusing fingers point in all directions.

Tickets are $12 with discounts available for military, seniors and students. Georgia Southern students, faculty and staff can attend for free with an Eagle ID. Tickets can be purchased by calling (912) 344-2801, visiting or by going to the Fine Arts Box Office, located in Fine Arts Hall, which is open weekdays, noon-3 p.m.

The ����Vlog Alumni Association “40 Under 40” Class of 2022 was recognized at a ceremony on Sept. 23 at the Eugene M. Bishop Alumni Center in Statesboro. The annual honor recognizes young alumni who have made significant strides in business, leadership, community, educational or philanthropic endeavors. 

“We are so thankful to be gathered here together to celebrate ����Vlog, and to recognize the exemplary alumni it has produced,” said Georgia Southern Alumni Association President Chris Nowicki (’08, ’12) in the opening address. “Their success, their excellence, their character and their values represent the best of us, and they remind us of our University mission — to think, to lead, to teach and to serve — giving our students the tools and opportunities that will change the trajectory of their lives.

“Thank you for these professionals, these entrepreneurs, these philanthropists and agents of change. Thank you for their investment in their communities and in this University,” he said.

The “40 Under 40” honorees were chosen by a selection committee that reviewed each individual’s professional expertise, achievements, dedication to charitable and community initiatives, and their commitment to Georgia Southern.

“We are so grateful for you, and your investment in your communities and in Georgia Southern,” Georgia Southern President Kyle Marrero told the group. “Your actions and dedication to improving the communities in which we live serve as a reminder to us all of the powerful and broad impact of our University’s mission. You’re all movers and shakers — young professionals who are making a difference in your career fields. And, as a result, enhancing the reputation of ����Vlog, and growing yourself to impact others. Thank you for all you do, and congratulations. Together we soar!”

For the full list of “40 Under 40” Class of 2022 honorees and to learn more about the program, visit . The group will also be featured in the spring 2023 edition of Georgia Southern Magazine.

����Vlog, a public Carnegie Doctoral/R2 institution founded in 1906, offers approximately 140 different degree programs serving nearly 26,000 students through 10 colleges on three campuses in Statesboro, Savannah, Hinesville and online instruction. A leader in higher education in southeast Georgia, the University provides a diverse student population with expert faculty, world-class scholarship and hands-on learning opportunities. Georgia Southern creates lifelong learners who serve as responsible scholars, leaders and stewards in their communities. Visit www.GeorgiaSouthern.edu.

For many small businesses, closing storefronts due to the Coronavirus pandemic has meant losing revenue and contact with customers. Focused on using art to boost the spirits of those in their Sandy Springs community, art studio owners and college roommates Sandra Lewis (‘92) and Kris Bleiler (‘91) are using the current crisis as an opportunity to offer new ways for their business to inspire and connect.

Lewis and Bleiler franchised a art studio in 2011. They have recently had to temporarily close their three art studios due to the current crisis. After losing their revenue source, they decided to use their business to reach those sheltering in care facilities without contact with family and friends.

“We saw news stories about nursing homes and how they were quarantining, not letting in any volunteers or family,” said Lewis. “I thought how lonely must they feel, and so we started Color for a Cause to offer free downloadable coloring sheets.”

Color for a Cause provides both kids and adults with sheets to color and allows them to send a note of encouragement to patients in nursing homes.

“What we’re doing is compiling the entries we receive and putting them into a PDF and sending them to the nursing homes so they can print them and pass them out,” said Lewis.

They also started virtual paint classes and are selling “Sips n Strokes To Go” paint kits to customers for use at home.

“This is something we’ve been wanting to do for a long time and we thought here’s our chance,” said Lewis. “We switched our focus to take-home kits and in the first week we sold a couple hundred. By the second week we sold 600.”

They are grateful for their core customer base which includes other Georgia Southern alumni.

“The connections we’ve made through the Georgia Southern Alumni Association Atlanta Network have been invaluable to us,” said Lewis. “When you meet other alumni you want to help them however you can. And we have met people through the alumni association who will be lifelong friends.”

Through philanthropy, strong customer connections and a willingness to adapt, Lewis and Bleiler have found the formula to press forward with their small business and encourage others to do the same.

“Allow yourself a little time to grieve what you’ve lost in this trying situation, which is what we did,” said Lewis. “And then dig deep to find a way to make it work. Think outside the box, and even if you’re not able to be open right now, find ways to keep your business name out there.”

����Vlog, a public Carnegie Doctoral/R2 institution founded in 1906, offers 141 degree programs serving more than 26,000 students through nine colleges on three campuses in Statesboro, Savannah, Hinesville and online instruction. A leader in higher education in southeast Georgia, the University provides a diverse student population with expert faculty, world-class scholarship and hands-on learning opportunities. Georgia Southern creates lifelong learners who serve as responsible scholars, leaders and stewards in their communities. Visit .��

For many small businesses, closing storefronts due to the Coronavirus pandemic has meant losing revenue and contact with customers. Focused on using art to boost the spirits of those in their Sandy Springs community, art studio owners and college roommates Sandra Lewis (‘92) and Kris Bleiler (‘91) are using the current crisis as an opportunity to offer new ways for their business to inspire and connect.

Lewis and Bleiler franchised a art studio in 2011. They have recently had to temporarily close their three art studios due to the current crisis. After losing their revenue source, they decided to use their business to reach those sheltering in care facilities without contact with family and friends.

“We saw news stories about nursing homes and how they were quarantining, not letting in any volunteers or family,” said Lewis. “I thought how lonely must they feel, and so we started Color for a Cause to offer free downloadable coloring sheets.”

Color for a Cause provides both kids and adults with sheets to color and allows them to send a note of encouragement to patients in nursing homes.

“What we’re doing is compiling the entries we receive and putting them into a PDF and sending them to the nursing homes so they can print them and pass them out,” said Lewis.

They also started virtual paint classes and are selling “Sips n Strokes To Go” paint kits to customers for use at home.

“This is something we’ve been wanting to do for a long time and we thought here’s our chance,” said Lewis. “We switched our focus to take-home kits and in the first week we sold a couple hundred. By the second week we sold 600.”

They are grateful for their core customer base which includes other Georgia Southern alumni.

“The connections we’ve made through the Georgia Southern Alumni Association Atlanta Network have been invaluable to us,” said Lewis. “When you meet other alumni you want to help them however you can. And we have met people through the alumni association who will be lifelong friends.”

Through philanthropy, strong customer connections and a willingness to adapt, Lewis and Bleiler have found the formula to press forward with their small business and encourage others to do the same.

“Allow yourself a little time to grieve what you’ve lost in this trying situation, which is what we did,” said Lewis. “And then dig deep to find a way to make it work. Think outside the box, and even if you’re not able to be open right now, find ways to keep your business name out there.”

����Vlog, a public Carnegie Doctoral/R2 institution founded in 1906, offers 141 degree programs serving more than 26,000 students through nine colleges on three campuses in Statesboro, Savannah, Hinesville and online instruction. A leader in higher education in southeast Georgia, the University provides a diverse student population with expert faculty, world-class scholarship and hands-on learning opportunities. Georgia Southern creates lifelong learners who serve as responsible scholars, leaders and stewards in their communities. Visit .��

Award-winning trombonist and ����Vlog alumnus Eric Spencer will be back on campus March 4 as a member of the orchestra during a performance of “Legally Blonde, the Musical.” The show will start at 7:30 p.m. at the Performing Arts Center (PAC) on the Statesboro Campus. “Playing at the PAC again is like getting really great dinner with an old friend,” Spencer said. “I was super excited when I found out that Statesboro was on the tour itinerary, and I can’t wait to perform in the PAC one more time.” Spencer graduated in December 2016 with a Bachelor of Arts in music. At Georgia Southern, Spencer won several awards, competitions and departmental scholarships. He was a four-year recipient of the Lewis and Charlene Stewart Jazz Scholarship, and he won the ����Vlog Symphony Concerto Competition, earning a solo performance with the orchestra. “Eric Spencer possesses the four criteria absolutely necessary to be successful in the music business,” said Rick Mason, DMA, associate professor of trombone and director of the jazz ensemble. “He has an exceptional talent, a high level of intelligence, an extraordinary work ethic and an unwavering desire for success. Eric is only beginning what will undoubtedly be an incredible career in a highly competitive profession.” During his junior year, Spencer won the Jazz Trombone Chair in the Disney All-American College Band, competing against trombonists from major music schools and conservatories throughout the U.S. Since graduation, Spencer has been in demand as a freelance trombonist, traveling around the world. He began his work as a professional musician with the Princess Cruise Line, and he was later chosen to play trombone for the national touring company of the theatrical production of “How the Grinch Stole Christmas.” On tour, he has performed in many major and historic music venues throughout the nation. In 2018, Spencer began an Asian tour of “Legally Blonde, the Musical” beginning at the Marina Bay Sands in Singapore. Later in 2018, Eric joined the cast of the revival of “A Chorus Line” for a tour of Japan. He returned to the U.S. late in 2018 to finish the “Grinch” tour and was booked for the U.S. run of “Legally Blonde.” For more information and to purchase tickets, visit . ����Vlog, a public Carnegie Doctoral/R2 institution founded in 1906, offers 141 degree programs serving nearly 26,500 students through nine colleges on three campuses in Statesboro, Savannah, Hinesville and online instruction. A leader in higher education in southeast Georgia, the University provides a diverse student population with expert faculty, world-class scholarship and hands-on learning opportunities. Georgia Southern creates lifelong learners who serve as responsible scholars, leaders and stewards in their communities. Visit .

Internationally renowned paleoanthropologist and ����Vlog alumnus Lee Berger, Ph.D., along with leaders of the Perot Museum of Nature and Science in Dallas and South Africa’s University of the Witwatersrand (Wits University), have made it possible to delve deep within a South African cave to discover and recover some of the most famous ancient human fossils in scientific history by creating a world-first virtual reality (VR) app. Berger recently dominated world science headlines after leading the Rising Star Expedition, which led to the discovery of Homo naledi, a new species of human relative. The app allows people all over the globe to virtually tour the cave that very few people, including the group of scientists known as the Underground Astronauts, have visited in person due to the extremely narrow, 8-inch chute through which it is accessed. “As I would never be able to actually get into the Dinaledi Chamber, one of the most exciting things for me personally is that through the Dinaledi app I can actually see and experience what it is like to be in the chamber where these wonderful discoveries were made,” Berger said. “And even more exciting, I can share this first-time experience with young fossil hunters from all over the world.” Berger was joined by Perot Museum CEO Linda Silver, Ph.D., and Perot Museum research scientist, member of the Underground Astronauts, and Director of the Center for the Exploration of the Human Journey, Becca Peixotto, Ph.D., for a live news conference to announce the app watched by journalists and academics from across the world. The Museum collaborated with Wits University to initially create this experience, which was brought to fruition by Dallas creative-technology company Groove Jones, for the Museum’s newly transformed Being Human Hall. However, they also wanted to extend the VR journey beyond the walls of the Museum. The app offers narration in six languages from some of the explorers and scientists from Berger’s Rising Star expedition, and viewers can explore and virtually hold fossils from the remote cave. The translated experiences are available on the app in English, American and European Spanish, and the African languages of isiZulu, Setswana and Sesotho. The free app is optimized for Google’s VR platform, Cardboard, but it is compatible with any headset. It can be found by searching for Dinaledi in the Google Play and Apple App Store. Learn more about the cave exploration experience at . ����Vlog, a public Carnegie Doctoral/Research institution founded in 1906, offers 141 degree programs serving more than 27,000 students through nine colleges on three campuses in Statesboro, Savannah, Hinesville and online instruction. A leader in higher education in southeast Georgia, the University provides a diverse student population with expert faculty, world-class scholarship and hands-on learning opportunities. Georgia Southern creates lifelong learners who serve as responsible scholars, leaders and stewards in their communities. Visit.