Class News: October 2026
In this monthly roundup, find out what’s new and noteworthy in the lives of your fellow Tars.
By Lina Giles
October 08, 2026
Welcome to the October 2026 edition of Class News, our snapshot of personal achievements and professional journeys in your alumni community. Each month, we’ll share a collection of the most recent submissions, so don’t forget to keep us up to date on your latest news.
Gatherings & Milestones
Allan Keen ’70 ’71MBA ’10H was named the honoree of the Winter Park History Museum’s 2026 Peacock Ball in recognition of his long-standing contributions to the city’s history, culture, and character. The gala will be held October 17 at the Center for Health & Wellbeing in Winter Park, Florida.
Sarah Pelfrey ’99 celebrates 25 years of Artisan Incorporated, her Central Florida-based decorative arts studio. The studio is recognized for its expertise in high-end properties and historic restoration.
Raven Sterling ’02MA’s company, Raven Invasive Plant Management, was named Business Conservationist of the Year by the North Carolina Wildlife Federation. Sterling also received the Fluxx Global Pioneer Awards’ Global Environmental Sustainability Woman of the Year award in December 2025.
Ashley Lantz ’24 and her husband, Matt, welcomed their son, Emmett John Endeavor, on August 30, 2026. He joins sisters Theresa and Sadie.
Making Moves
Amanda Peters Hopkins ’03 was appointed as vice president for institutional advancement at Rollins and will begin her tenure on February 15, 2027.
Raghabendra KC ’13, associate professor of marketing at Rollins, explored why consumers pay premium prices for branded goods in his Orlando Sentinel guest commentary, “Take the Logo Off. Would You Still Pay?”
Ignacio Bayly ’26 served as a marketing deputy venue manager for the FIFA World Cup 2026 in Kansas City.
After interning with the firm for two summers, Zachary David ’26 joined Capital Wealth Advisors in Naples, Florida, as an operations and technology associate on the insurance team.
Rachel Valcq ’26 began working as a product coordinator for Baudville Brands in Grand Rapids, Michigan. She also recently became an independent travel advisor through InteleTravel.
Have News to Share?
Keep us in the know about what’s new with you and stay connected to both the personal and professional adventures of your fellow Tars.
Recent Stories
October 28, 2026
Richter Explains Hollywood’s Mid-Atlantic Accent
Nicole Richter, chair of Critical Media and Cultural Studies and director of film studies at Rollins College, assessed the Mid-Atlantic accent in films for this Trill Magazine feature. Richter states that the cultural associations tied to the accent are learned rather than universal.
October 27, 2026
Radio Interview Discusses Transformational Moment for Rollins Museum of Art
Leslie Anderson, the Bruce A. Beal Executive Director of the Rollins Museum of Art, was interviewed on Perspectives, a community affairs program that airs on WDBO and other stations across Central Florida. Anderson discussed how the museum’s move to downtown Winter Park in 2028 represents a transformational moment for the college and the broader community.
October 24, 2026
Student's Orlando Sentinel Op-Ed Urges Preparation Before Voting
In an op-ed published in the Orlando Sentinel, Rollins College senior Aimal Irteza argues that voting is both a powerful right and a profound civic responsibility that demands thorough preparation and informed participation.