Ms. Ingrid Saunders Jones Speaks at Academic Chapel
Rabun Gap was honored to welcome Ms. Ingrid Saunders Jones on campus to provide a compelling speech to all Upper School students and faculty at the opening Academic Chapel on Tuesday the 29th of August. This annual event celebrates the school’s longstanding tradition of Work Study Worship and calls upon students and faculty alike to commit to these ideals.
Rabun Gap was honored to welcome Ms. Ingrid Saunders Jones on campus to provide a compelling speech to all Upper School students and faculty at the opening Academic Chapel on Tuesday the 29th of August. This annual event celebrates the school’s longstanding tradition of Work Study Worship and calls upon students and faculty alike to commit to these ideals.
Ms. Saunders Jones spoke about her background as an educator and the role that education has played in her family for generations. She particularly spoke to the Rabun Gap students about the power of education and being able to make the right decisions in life. “One bad decision can throw away a whole career,” Ms. Jones said.
During the service Head of Upper School, Dr. Erika Farr, read a blessing from the works of John O’Donohue as a part of the Academic Chapel. “May you come to know that work which emerges from the mind of love will have beauty and form. May this new work be worthy of the energy of your heart and the light of your thoughts. ”
Ingrid Saunders Jones is a familiar name to those who believe in the transformative power of education and outreach. Born in Detroit, Michigan, Ms. Saunders Jones taught in the Detroit public schools before moving to Atlanta, where she served on the City Council, as well as in the administration of Mayor Maynard Jackson.
In 1982, Ms. Saunders Jones began working at the Coca-Cola Company and was appointed Vice-President of Urban and Governmental Affairs in 1987. In 1991, she became Chair of the Coca-Cola Foundation, the primary international philanthropic arm of Coca-Cola. She also served on the Board of the Coca-Cola Scholars organization. During her 30 years at Coca-Cola, Jones expanded the company’s philanthropy outreach awarding more than $500 million.
After retiring from Coca-Cola in 2013, Ms. Saunders Jones became the National Chair for the National Council of Negro Women, a non-profit organization with the mission of advancing the quality of life for African-American women, their families, and their communities through research, advocacy, and national and community-based services and programs to community organizations worldwide.
“Rabun Gap thanks Ms. Saunders Jones for visiting us and providing such a persuasive speech,” said Head of School Dr. Anthony Sgro. “Her message was really valuable and I am sure that it touched our seniors even more since they are at the threshold of leaving Rabun Gap and starting a new chapter in their lives.”
Rabun Gap-Nacoochee School
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Rabun Gap-Nacoochee School is a private, coeducational day and boarding school for grades Pre-K through 12. Centrally located between Atlanta, GA, Greenville, SC, and Asheville, NC, we prepare young people for college, career, and a lifetime of leadership and service.
