2013 SWU Alumni Awards
Southern Wesleyan University honored four outstanding graduates during their annual Alumni Awards Luncheon April 13, 2013 on the university’s campus in Central. From left: Col. Tonya Hagmaier, 1983 graduate, Outstanding Alumnus of the Year award; Shasta Looper, 2008 graduate, Professional Excellence Award for the School of Education; Dr. Rhonda Littleton, 1990 graduate, Professional Excellence Award for the College of Arts and Sciences; and Alex Baxter, 2000 graduate, Young Leader Award and Professional Excellence Award for the School of Business.
Southern Wesleyan University honored four outstanding graduates during their annual Alumni Awards Luncheon, April 13 at the Founders, located on the university’s campus in Central.
Alex Baxter, a 2000 graduate, received the Young Leader Award and the Professional Excellence Award for the School of Business; Col. Tonya Hagmaier, a 1983 graduate, received the Outstanding Alumnus of the Year award; Dr. Rhonda Littleton, a 1990 graduate, received the Professional Excellence Award for the College of Arts and Sciences; and Shasta Looper, a 2008 graduate, received the Professional Excellence Award for the School of Education.
At SWU, Baxter was a triple major in business administration, history and social studies. He also minored in Internet computing. Baxter is currently chief digital officer at Competitor Group, the world’s largest media and event company devoted to endurance sports. His work includes high-profile launches of websites and events in partnership with Google, Yahoo, ESPN and other major companies. Coming to Southern Wesleyan on a golf scholarship, he also served as student body president and was named class valedictorian. After graduating from SWU, Baxter worked in Atlanta as a managing partner at Transition Assistance Online, then moved to New York to lead a sales and marketing team focused on The Wall Street Journal’s vertical network of websites. Baxter earned an MBA at Columbia University and delivered the keynote address at their graduation.
Hagmaier, who graduated Summa Cum Laude in English and history, currently serves at Joint Base Andrews in Maryland. She built a distinguished military career as a judge advocate general (JAG). Earning the rank of Captain in the United States Air Force in 1987, Hagmaier subsequently was promoted to Major in 1994, Lieutenant Colonel in 2000, and Colonel in 2004. She received the Air Force’s Outstanding Senior Attorney of the Year, Andersen Air Force Base’s Federal Woman of the Year and Pacific Air Force’s Senior Attorney of the Year. Growing up in Alabama as part of a Wesleyan family, Hagmaier learned about Southern Wesleyan University and planned to attend. She went on to earn a law degree from the University of Alabama. In 1992, she completed Squadron Officers School, Air Command and Staff College in 1996, and Air War College in 2002.
Littleton, who received a psychology degree from Southern Wesleyan in 1990, established A Home for Me, an outgrowth of her ministry to children at Simpsonville First Baptist Church. She was recognized in 2012 as an Angel in Adoption for her work to ensure that more children get to live in a loving home. Thanks to A Home for Me, nearly 75 children have come into foster homes and 15 have been adopted. A Home for Me partners with several local agencies including the Department of Social Services, the Bair Foundation, Foster Great Ideas and Christian organizations that include Connie Maxwell Children’s Home and Pendleton Place. Littleton went on to receive a master of arts in Christian education from New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary and a doctor of educational ministry degree from Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary.
Looper, who received her master of education degree in 2008, is a fourth-grade teacher at A.J. Whittenberg Elementary School. She recently received the 2012 South Carolina Milken Educator Award, recognizing her ability to communicate effectively with students, parents, community members and legislators. She also received the Colonial Williamsburg Teacher Fellow recognition in 2012. Having taught for 13 years, Looper is a Greenville County Teacher of the Year finalist and is national board certified. Her other honors have included Distinguished Reading Teacher of the Year; Teacher of the Year at Tigerville Elementary School; and Greenville County Schools Top 10 Finalist. Looper is known for effectively using digital tools in her classroom, but is also passionate about teaching her students the value of a good book. She also has a bachelor of science degree in Elementary Education from Southeastern Louisiana University.
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