Along Palmer’s second-floor hallway, black-and-white photographs enclosed in wooden cases line the long walls. The photos are of those students chosen by their peers to become Hall of Fame members, a tradition that dates back to 1931. This year, seven members of the 2016 graduating class were recognized for their significant impact on the college.
Catherine T. Miller, an environmental science major from Dallas, TX, served as an environmental services coordinator for the Kinney Program on campus, farmers’ market leadership team member, community development garden fellow, and Food Recovery Network campus founder. Her dedication to the local food movement extended into the larger Memphis community through her work with Bring It Food Hub, Memphis Botanic Garden, and Memphis Kids in Nature.
Katie Hatstat is a chemistry and neuroscience double major from Parker, CO. Whether assisting a teammate on the soccer field, sorting out a roommate conflict as a resident advisor, or tutoring her peers in chemistry, she has been there for a number of Rhodes students. Since her first year at Rhodes, Hatstat has conducted extensive chemistry research, which has been awarded prizes and been published in a peer-reviewed scientific journal twice.
Tom Simmermaker, an English major from Little Rock, AR, has been described by his peers as having both a good sense of humor and serious engagement in the classroom. Whether giving advice to new students as a Peer Assistant, working with a first-year writing seminar class on their papers as a writing fellow, performing for a crowd with the CUP improv comedy group, or volunteering with the Rhodes College Lynx Club, Simmermaker has made an impact on those around him.
Pearlissa Harris, an urban studies major from New Orleans, LA, has participated in
a variety of organizations and positions across campus and demonstrated a concern for helping other students succeed and thrive. As the former president of the Black Student Association, she has worked to make Rhodes an inclusive and welcoming environment for all students. In addition, Harris is a member of the national championship women’s golf team and has served a Student Trustee, Peer Assistant, and an S.O.S. Mentor.
Alex Dileo, a political science major from Saint Simons Island, GA, has established herself as a leader on the Rhodes Student Government, Honor Council, Class Council, Allocations, V-Day Leadership Team, and Culture of Consent. As a Career Services student associate, she has been committed to helping other students succeed. Her involvements outside of Rhodes include the Memphis Area Women’s Council, Girls Inc., and Memphis Area Legal Services.
Will Porter, a biology major from Marietta, GA, is a student athlete and captain of the soccer team. His peers have described him as exemplifying positive leadership in all that he does, whether on the soccer field and on campus. In the classroom, Porter is a teaching assistant and biology lab supervisor. In addition, he has served as vice president of the Tri-Beta biological honor society and a volunteer with the Church Health Center in Memphis.
Megan Singer, a political economy major from Memphis, TN, served as president of the Social Regulations Council and director of the Peer Advocate Center. From these experiences, she has witnessed the impact that individual students can have on their community. She also has held leadership roles in the Tennessee Intercollegiate State Legislature and Panhellenic Council. In the Memphis community, Singer has served as a volunteer with MIFA and the Mid-South Peace and Justice Center.
In the photo (l-r): Tom Simmermaker, Megan Singer, Catherine T. Miller, Alex Dileo, Pearlissa Harris, Katie Hatstat, Will Porter