Piedmont University Celebrates Alumni Day 2025 with Campus Events and Honoree Recognition
Alumni Day 2025 brought energy, pride, and celebration to Piedmont University’s Demorest campus as graduates returned for a full day of events—and to recognize some of Piedmont’s most distinguished alumni.
From a morning Alumni Association breakfast and wetlands walk to basketball games and a Chamber Singers reunion, the schedule reflected Piedmont’s vibrant campus spirit. The highlight of the day, however, was the honoring of the 2025 Alumni Award recipients—an accomplished group that includes a professional baseball player and a former teacher who helped name the space shuttle Endeavour.
2025 Alumni Award Recipients
Distinguished Alumni Award: Cris Carpenter ’99
The Distinguished Alumni Award is the highest honor the Piedmont University Alumni Association bestows. It recognizes a graduate with a remarkable professional record, proven leadership, dedication to public and community service, and ongoing support of Piedmont University and its mission.
This year’s recipient, Cris Carpenter, exemplifies those ideals. A Gainesville native and former professional athlete, Carpenter played Major League Baseball for eight years with teams including the St. Louis Cardinals, Florida Marlins, Texas Rangers, and Milwaukee Brewers. Before that, he earned acclaim as a two-sport All-American at the University of Georgia.
After retiring from baseball in 1996, Carpenter returned to school and graduated magna cum laude from Piedmont in 1999. He went on to teach and coach baseball at his alma mater, Gainesville High School, where he is set to retire this year after 25 years of service. His legacy continues both in the classroom and on the field.
Pacesetter Award: Dr. Claire Kitchens Stevenson ’20 Ed.S
The Pacesetter Award honors graduates who embody the Piedmont tradition of visionary leadership, service, and community activism. Dr. Claire Kitchens Stevenson, a dynamic educator and advocate, is a shining example.
A Piedmont dual-enrollment student during high school, Stevenson earned her Educational Specialist degree in Curriculum and Instruction in 2020, later adding endorsements in gifted and ESOL education. In 2023, while welcoming her first child, she completed her doctorate—in just 18 months—while continuing to lead impactful school improvement initiatives.
She is known for revitalizing her school’s yearbook program, mentoring aspiring educators, and advising student leadership organizations. In addition to her work in education, she has advocated for sexual assault survivors across seven Georgia counties through Bridging Hope (formerly Rape Response) and raised over $60,000 for the 1LT Weston Lee Memorial Scholarship at the University of North Georgia. She also serves on the UNG Alumni Board of Directors and is marketing chair for Women of UNG.
Stevenson credits Piedmont for giving her the foundation to lead with courage and heart: “Piedmont helped me get ahead in my own education, which allows me to better serve my students and support their journeys.”
Excellence in Education Award: Micah Dingler ’05, MAT ’06
The Excellence in Education Award recognizes alumni who have made significant contributions to the field of education. This year’s recipient, Micah Dingler, has achieved success as both an educator and a world-class performer.
Dingler earned a BA in Vocal Performance and an MAT in Music Education with a concentration in choral conducting from Piedmont, followed by a Master of Music in voice and opera from Northwestern University. He performs professionally with elite ensembles, including the Chicago Symphony Chorus, Lyric Opera Chorus, and the Grammy Award-winning chamber choir The Crossing, where he has recorded 30 albums and contributed to four Grammy-winning performances.
Beyond the stage, Dingler is a dedicated educator who teaches voice to approximately 40 students across four schools in the Chicago area. He also leads workshops and collaborates with top universities including Dartmouth, Princeton, Rice, and the University of Chicago.
His career was jumpstarted in part by Dr. Wallace Hinson, Associate Dean of Piedmont’s School of Fine Arts, who helped him land a transformative international performance opportunity. Dingler’s work continues to bridge education and the arts on a global stage.
Alumni Service Award: Dr. Martha Cantrell ’80
The Alumni Service Award is given to a graduate whose dedication and service have significantly benefited the university. Dr. Martha Cantrell has done just that for more than 27 years as a Piedmont University Trustee.
As a student, Cantrell was a record-setting hurdler, cheerleader, student government president, and presidential secretary. Since graduating in 1980, she’s spent over four decades in education and public service. In 1989, her leadership helped name NASA’s space shuttle Endeavour through a national student contest, earning her and her students a visit to the White House and a seat at the shuttle’s maiden launch.
Cantrell has served on key educational boards, including Georgia’s Gifted Children Association and Governor Nathan Deal’s Teacher Advisory Board. A torchbearer for the 1996 Olympic Games, she is also a graduate of Leadership Georgia and remains deeply involved in her local community. She is a proud mother of three and grandmother of five.
Learn More About Piedmont Alumni
Piedmont University is proud to celebrate the success, service, and spirit of its alumni. For more information about the Alumni Association, upcoming alumni events, or ways to give back, visit: piedmont.edu/alumni-friends/