ReKasa Deen, ’09, wears a glitzy Think B.I.G. pin on the lapel of her smartly coordinated business suit. The slogan reminds the Valdosta-Lowndes Chamber of Commerce Business Development Director of her role in promoting the region among young professionals.

“One of the main goals of the division of the chamber I represent is to make sure university graduates can find jobs in Valdosta-Lowndes County and that the community is a place where they would like to live,” said the speech communication major, who interned at the chamber her senior year. “Because the chamber is an economic development organization, the big picture goal is to make our community better. This city has some extraordinary and visionary people, and I soak up every word they say. It is gratifying to play a role in that mission.”

Deen plays a vital role in Opportunity Central, an initiative to increase average weekly wages, and MetroOne, a chamber program to attract and retain young professionals between the ages of 21-40. With more than 400 members, the organization hosts a variety of leadership development, personal enrichment, networking and community involvement opportunities for young leaders.

“As VSU continues to graduate highly-qualified and trained individuals, it is important that our community continues to seek ways to keep that valuable talent here,” Deen said. “MetroOne’s mission is to make our community more attractive to young professionals so that we can retain that talent.” Read more >

Timothy Hilgert, '11, won the Robert Marsteller Trombone Competition during the world’s largest International Trombone Festival June 22-25 in Nashville, Tenn. The middle of five children said he doesn’t compete for acclaim. Music is his favorite language, and playing two days before his wedding helped him maintain perspective.

“There's a feeling, like an inherent emotion, that happens when you play, and not even all the time; but when it does happen, it's like nothing matters except the music,” said Hilgert, who will attend Yale School of Music in the fall. “I felt the calmest I ever have at a competition, knowing that win or lose, I was going to marry the love of my life, Nikki, two days later. I wasn't worried about winning the competition or what everyone would think about my playing, and that seemed to help.”

The Valdosta native, who graduated in May, competed against hundreds of aspiring musicians from more than 66 countries to win a trombone crafted by French manufacturer Courtois Trombone. Hilgert will travel to the company’s North American base in Jacksonville, Fla., to generate custom schematics to send to Paris, where the craftsmen will build a one-of-a-kind instrument with Hilgert’s name engraved on the slide. Read more >

Don't miss out on a weekend of Blazer pride among the stately pines. Reminisce with old college pals, cheer on the championship football team and tour the ever-expanding campus grounds. Alumni Relations will post further details in the coming months.

FRIDAY, OCT. 14

Alumni Golf Tournament
Beautiful Stone Creek Golf Club is the site for this year’s annual golf tournament, a four-person scramble open to all VSU alumni and friends.

Homecoming Parade
Show your Blazer pride and join your friends on Patterson Street for the parade, which begins at the intersection of Woodrow Wilson Drive and Patterson Street, and will head south to conclude at Brookwood Drive.

Front Lawn Concert
The public is invited to attend the front lawn concert of classic music and family-friendly activities.

SATURDAY, OCT. 15

Alumni Tailgating
Tailgating activities for alumni will take place fat the Student Union courtyard, located at the intersection of Oak Street and Baytree Road.

Blazer Walk
Show your school spirit by cheering on the Blazers as they enter Bazemore-Hyder Stadium prior to the game against West Alabama. The football team and cheerleading squad will walk from Ann Street down Williams Street on their way to the stadium.

Blazers vs. West Alabama: 3 p.m.
Blazer football takes on West Alabama at 3 p.m. at Bazemore-Hyder Stadium. Tickets are available online or call the ticket office at (229) 333-SEAT (7328).

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