2009 Orientation Guides

Brittney Cation

Major: Education

Classification: Junior

Hometown: Memphis, Tennessee

Brittney is a member of the Black Student Association, and she is involved in African American Educators of Tomorrow and Live Now.  She is also a member of Positive Assertive United Sisters of Excellence (P.A.U.S.E.).  Brittney also loves the Memphis Tigers and wearing tiger gear!
“Make the best of every day by keeping it positive.  Never be afraid to try new things.”

Ananya Datta

Major: Nursing

Classification: Junior

Hometown: Memphis, Tennessee

Ananya is a senator in the Student Government Association, a Student Ambassador and a Frosh Camp counselor.  She loves doing community service and being involved on campus.  In her free time, she enjoys shopping, painting, and traveling.  She absolutely loves the University of Memphis and hopes to see you all at Frosh Camp!
“What lies ahead of you and what lies behind you are tiny matters compared to what lies within  you.” -Ralph Waldo Emerson

Katie Durham

Major: Organizational Leadership

Classification: Senior

Hometown: Collierville, Tennessee

Katie bleeds Tiger Blue!  She is very involved in her Greek sorority, Up ‘til Dawn, Students Advocating Service, and Reformed University Fellowship.  She loves to be crafty, watch football, and play with her puppy.  She is also a Frosh Camp counselor and hopes to see everyone there!

 “Do what you like and like what you do.  Get involved in the organizations that you are

passionate about!”

Trevelyan Easter

Major: Chemistry

Classification: Junior

Hometown: Columbus, Mississippi

Trey is a Senator-at-Large for the Student Government Association and a proud member of both the Student Activities Council and Empowered Men of Color (E.M.O.C.).  He serves as a FRESH mentor and a site leader for Students Advocating Service’s “Service on Saturday.”  Trey enjoys meeting new and interesting people and working to help others.

 “Stand out and be yourself!  Love and enjoy every second of your college experience. “

Lea Hay

Major: Psychology

Classification: Junior

Hometown: Jackson, Tennessee

Lea is so excited to be an Orientation Guide!  She is Vice President of Finance for her Greek sorority, a Senator in the Student Government Association, Secretary for the Memphis Student Lifeblood Donor Council, and an active member of the University Honors Program.  In her spare time, Lea enjoys singing the Memphis Fight Song  and passing time in the Tiger Den!

“Always make your experiences learning experiences!  Keep trying until you achieve everything you aim to be!”

David Jacks

Major: Advertising/Marketing

Classification: Junior

Hometown: Little Rock, Arkansas/Millington, Tennessee

David is the Vice President and head of Philanthropy for his Greek fraternity.  He is a captain for the Tiger Fan Patrol where he throws out free Tiger gear at Memphis sporting events.  He enjoys raising money for St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, and his goal in life is to make an impact on everyone he meets.

“Don’t be afraid to make mistakes.  The mess-ups and the screw-ups are what makes life memorable- so go for it with all you got!”

JaMichael Jordan

Major: Communication

Classification: Junior

Hometown: Chattanooga, Tennessee/Fort Wayne, Indiana

JaMichael is the President of Empowered Men or Color (E.M.O.C.), Vice President of the Black Student Association, and the 2nd-Vice President of his Greek fraternity.  He enjoys cheering on the Tigers at all athletic events and strives to make a difference in others’ lives.

 “Achievers achieve what dreamers believe is possible.  Don’t waste your time in college dreaming when you can be achieving.  Stay focused and the future is bright for you!”

Tim Jordan

Major: Sport and Leisure Management

Classification: Senior

Hometown: Memphis, Tennessee

Tim is a lifelong Memphian who has had Tiger Spirit his entire life!  He is a member of a Greek Fraternity, Black Student Association, NAACP Student Chapter, Black Scholars Unlimited, Empowered Men of Color (E.M.O.C.), and serves as a Frosh Camp Counselor.  He loves the University of Memphis and enjoys keeping others laughing!

“Enjoy your college experience because it goes by too fast!”

Elinor McCutchen

Major: Biology, Minor: Communication and Dance

Classification: Junior

Hometown: Clarksville, Tennessee

Elinor is a Biology major with the goal of one day becoming an anesthesiologist.  She is an Emerging Leader and a member of the University Honors Program.  She is Vice President of Recruitment for her Greek Sorority and is very involved in Up ‘til Dawn.  She loves volunteering and has worked with “Our Children, Our Future,” Special Olympics, and Lester Community Center.  Elinor is a U of M tour guide and can’t wait to see you at Frosh Camp!

“Dive into college, get involved, and never underestimate yourself.”

Derek Miller

Major: Criminal Justice

Classification: Junior

Hometown: Chattanooga, Tennessee

Derek is Vice President of Member Development for his Greek Fraternity and serves as a Frosh Camp counselor.  He is very involved in Up ‘til Dawn and the University Honors Program.  Derek says that coming to the University of Memphis was the best life decision he has ever made.

“Whether you are from Memphis or not, make it a point to become as independent from your parents as possible.  College is a great place to grow as a person, and there are tons of resources on campus to help you mature.”

Adalyia Parker

Major: Accounting

Classification: Junior

Hometown: Knoxville, Tennessee

Adalyia loves the University of Memphis and is excited to be a returning Orientation Guide.  She serves as a student recruiter through the Tiger Elite Recruitment Board and works with the Alumni Association as a Student Ambassador.  Adalyia is a Resident Advisor and a Senator in the Student Government Association.

“A girl should be two things: classy and fabulous!  There are no shortcuts to any places worth going– remember what you came to school for.  This is a time for your growth and development.  So Live… Laugh… Love!”

Tyler Ricossa

Major: Marketing and Communication

Classification: Junior

Hometown: Cordova, Tennessee

Tyler is Vice President of the Student Government Association and is active in the Emerging Leader Scholarship Program.  He serves on the Executive Board of Up ‘til Dawn and as Secretary of his Greek Fraternity.  He cannot wait for this fun-filled summer of Orientation Sessions and Frosh Camp!

“Make the most of your freshman year because it will help you establish a future at the U of M.”

Ashanti Shelton

Major: Nursing

Classification: Senior

Hometown: Humboldt, Tennessee

Ashanti is involved in the Emerging Leaders Scholarship Program, Student Nurses’ Association, Black Scholars Unlimited, a Greek Sorority and the F.R.E.S.H. Mentor Program.  This summer will be her third year as a Frosh Camp Counselor, and she hopes to see you there!

“Your college years go by quickly– do something to make your experience last a lifetime.”

Jalysa Simmons

Major: Economics

Classification: Junior

Hometown: Landover, Maryland

Jalysa is the Vice President of the Professional Assertive United Sisters of Excellence (PAUSE) and a member of Black Scholars Unlimited and the Student Activities Council.  She is a former Resident Advisor and enjoys writing, listening to music, and cheering for the Tigers!

“Come to college with an open mind and be willing to step out of your comfort zone.  College will be some of the best years of your life– enjoy it!”

Chase Simpson

Major: Organizational Leadership

Classification: Senior

Hometown: Cordova, Tennessee

Chase is returning for his second year as an Orientation Guide.  He is President of his Greek Fraternity and serves as the Head of Finance for Up ‘til Dawn.  Chase is a Frosh Camp Counselor and enjoys campus activities through the Student Activities Council and playing volleyball.  You can find him volunteering at Ronald McDonald House during his free time.

“Do not go where the path may lead.  Go instead where there is not a path and leave a trail.”

-Ralph Waldo Emerson

Jenn Vallor

Major: English

Classification: Junior

Hometown: Pittsburg, Pennsylvania

Jenn is Vice President of her Greek Sorority and an active member of several honor societies.  She is in the Blue Crew, volunteers at LeBonheur, and plays intramural sports on campus.

“I will not barter myself.” - Jackie Kennedy Onassis

“Don’t cheat yourself out of an experience.  Study hard, cheer loudly, and put your heart into all.  GO TIGERS GO!”

Greg Vann

Major: Organizational Leadership

Classification: Junior

Hometown: Clarksville, Tennessee

Greg bleeds blue!  He is involved in the Black Student Association, Black Scholars Unlimited, NAACP Student Chapter, Blue Crew, F.R.E.S.H. Mentors, “Why Do You Hate Me?” Week, and FROSH CAMP!  He is Vice President of Empowered Men of Color and a Team Leader for Up ’til Dawn.  He plans to become a high school principal.

 “If you’re average, you are just as close to the bottom as you are to the top.  Don’t be average– rise above mediocrity!” -JaMichael Jordan & John Wooten

Mandy Wolf

Major: English– Creative Writing

Classification: Senior

Hometown: Trenton, Tennessee

Mandy is an active member of Up ‘til Dawn and her Greek Sorority, and she is a feature Twirler for the U of M Tigerettes.  She will be serving as a Gamma Chi Counselor this summer.  Mandy volunteers her time with several organizations outside of the University and hopes to become a children’s author and a college English professor.

“Life’s journey is not to arrive safely at the grave in a well preserved body, but rather to skid in sideways totally worn out shouting… ‘Holy Cow! What a Ride!’” -Unknown