Our Team
Richard Ingram
Daniel Boorstin won the Pulitzer Prize in 1974 for “The Americans: The Democratic Experience,” the third in his “The Americans” trilogy; “The Colonial Experience” and “The National Experience,” were the first two. Sweeping, grand stories these were of men and women aiming to animate ideals. History took on for me a luster that other great writers burnished, writers like David McCullough, Frederick Douglass (three autobiographies), and Louis Gottschalk. Streaming alongside the dates, places, and events, is philosophy; history offers up a plumb line for
Linda McMullen
I am the Ely R. Callaway, Sr. Professor of Management and International Business at LaGrange College. My husband and I moved to LaGrange 24 years ago and are pleased to call this our home. My initial interest in Lafayette was spurred by conversations with Dr. Ingram. And my training in management allows me to contribute to the Lafayette Alliance board in areas including strategic planning and governance. My research interests in human development and in leadership are nurtured by the study of Lafayette’s history and
John Cipolla
John Cipolla has lived in Troup County since 1977 and has served in Christian education since 1980. He is the Superintendent of Lafayette Christian School. Although the Marquis de Lafayette was seen regularly on the square of Lagrange, it was naming the school Lafayette inspired him to learn more about Lafayette. The motto “cur non” rung true with John. He has applied it in both his personal and professional life. John and his wife of 45 years, Marianna, have 7 children and 31 grandchildren. They
Tony Peregoy
I read a short novel named Seven Views of the Olduvai Gorge. The Olduvai Gorge is seemingly the epicentre of the beginning of human life. Through seven brief tales, one learns of the various lives and events that shaped humanity in the past, present, and future. In the course of these stories, we are reminded of the cruelty and glory of human existence: all taking place in this same spot, yet each so very different, each leaving a unique footprint. That story reminded me how
Madison Stevens
Madison Stevens is a long-time fangirl of Lafayette. She first learned about him on the children’s TV show Liberty Kids around eight years old. Especially inspiring to her was his passion and bravery that led him to leave his life of comfort to fight for what he believed in. When Madison moved to LaGrange, GA in 2021 she knew she was in the right place when she saw Lafayette’s statute on the square! She is excited to bring her interests in writing, music, and children’s education to help
Janice Ingram
Richard Ingram knows Lafayette. His enthusiasm is contagious, and he has worked tirelessly to educate our community. He has brought together members of our community of different ages and backgrounds for the common purpose to promote awareness and understanding that ideals and values are timeless. And all the time, we are enjoying ourselves. This is worth my time and support. Yes, Richard Ingram is my husband, and we have been in LaGrange, Georgia since 1984. I was honored to teach high school science for over
Miriana Cipolla
I have lived in LaGrange for most of my adult life. History is endlessly fascinating to me, especially biographies. I am intrigued and inspired by people who have put their time on earth to good use in service to others. My main passion is learning how to be a follower of Christ and how I can better love my neighbor. I bring to the group a deep appreciation for the Marquis de Lafayette and Adrienne and a fondness for work.
Joe Thompson
Joe Thompson’s interest in history started at an early age on Sunday evenings with Walt Disney. He lived in Grantville, a small town in Coweta County, where Georgia History was taught in the seventh grade by a dynamic teacher who took members of the class on field trips to Ocmulgee Indian Mounds, Fort Hawkins, and the McIntosh Inn where the Treaty of Indian Springs was signed in 1825. The following year his family moved to Troup County where Georgia History was taught in the 8th
Debbie Thompson
While working on a self-chosen high school project recreating women’s dress in America she met her future husband who later surprised her with a stack of related books from the LaGrange College Library. They started their life together in the year of the Bicentennial, 1976. Debbie now has 32 years’ experience as a horse trainer and riding instructor and 47 years as a Living History Volunteer for various State and National Historic Sites. Her area of interest is in the women’s life in Georgia and
Zeke Weldon
Zeke Weldon is a resident of Troup County. He is an alum of Auburn University and currently works as an educator in Alabama. He also is a local actor who loves showcasing Lafayette and his story in creative ways. He enjoys serving on the board because he gets to meet new people, collaborate with people in our community, and help promote Lafayette’s ideals.