Class News February 2026
In this monthly roundup, find out what's new and noteworthy in the lives of your fellow Tars.
By Lina Giles
February 05, 2026
Welcome to the February 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
Sarah Sprinkel ’80MAT, an alumna of the Hamilton Holt School, received the Evaline Lamson Meritorious Service Award in recognition of her leadership in education and public service. She was recognized in part for her role in advancing the vision for the Winter Park Library’s current campus and its focus on access and lifelong learning.
Andrew Wheeler ’18 ’20MBA married Rachel Valocchi ’20MBA on December 31 in Port Orange, Florida. The couple met on their first day at the Crummer Graduate School of Business and celebrated their wedding alongside fellow alumni Cara Borowski ’20MBA, Beatriz Bulgarelli ’20MBA, Matt Caldwell ’20MBA, Clara Mount ’20MBA, and Roderick Zak ’19 ’20MBA.
Juan Carlos ’23, who plays Bob Newby in the Broadway production of Stranger Things: The First Shadow, returned to campus and sat down with theatre professor David Charles to share what he’s learned on his journey from Rollins to one of the world’s biggest stages.
Thanks to the work and generosity of Michael Stewart ’82, Corey O’Gorman ’83, and Nancy Loving, a new digital collection featuring a selection of William “Bill” Loving Jr.’s photographic works is now available through Olin Archives.
Bill Loving’s photography captures the dynamic life of Rollins College during the 1970s and 1980s. His images document campus scenes, individual portraits, student groups, social gatherings, theatrical productions, athletic competitions, and more. Born January 2, 1934, Loving served as Rollins College’s director of financial aid from the early 1970s through the late 1980s. View the collection here.
If you would like to make a gift in honor of Bill Loving, the donors who supported the digitization of this archive collection have asked that contributions be designated to the Rollins Museum of Art. Please visit this link to make your gift.
Making Moves
Stacy Pierson ’92 was promoted to associate professor of pediatrics at Baylor College of Medicine.
Michele Bowden ’98 is teaching art classes through the Ohana Preservation Foundation and leading creative sessions for children in Embark Residential Housing.
Michaela Cooper Bagwell ’11 has launched her own digital marketing consulting firm, MBCResults, following more than a decade of experience in the field.
Chance Sweat ’16 purchased and successfully grew a business during the COVID-19 pandemic and exited in 2025. Since then, he has launched his own small business coaching and consulting practice.
Kacie Escobar ’21MBA was promoted to president at Curley & Pynn, an Orlando-based public relations firm. Escobar is the first woman to serve as president in the firm’s 41-year history.
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
March 02, 2026
Rollins Announces Rick Goings Institute for Management and Executive Leadership
The Institute is under construction alongside the Rollins Museum of Art, both of which are expected to be completed in fall 2027 as part of the Innovation Triangle with The Alfond Inn - Orlando Business Journal.
February 27, 2026
Black History Month Celebrates 100 Years
Dean of Religious and Spiritual Life at Rollins College, Harold “Dorrell” Briscoe, discussed the 100-year anniversary of Black History Month, why it started, who started it, and why it’s important today on Central Florida Public Media’s ENGAGE (28:57)
February 26, 2026
Communication Professor Breaks Down Social Media Algorithms
Rachel Winter, a lecturer in communication and director of the Strategic Communication Master’s Program at Rollins College, provided expertise on social media algorithms to FOX 35.