Within a mere two days after receiving her diploma from Emory & Henry in May, Jessica Turner joined the ranks of alumni who give back to the institution.

"I have been inspired to help make this institution all that it can be," said Jessica Turner, a 2007 E&H graduate.

During her years at Emory & Henry, Turner increasingly encountered a strong sense of warmth and caring at the College. "Everyone here knows my name, smiles and says hello. I know that at other colleges, you don't always find that same kind of treatment."

Turner, who transferred to a college closer to home in West Virginia after her first year at Emory & Henry, remembers well the words of retired E&H professor Dr. Steve Fisher when she struggled with the decision to leave the place. "Maybe you need to leave so that you can understand the beauty of Emory & Henry when you come back," said Fischer.

Turner returned to Emory & Henry a year later and found herself fully immersed in school organizations such as EHC-TV, EHCWired, Alpha Beta Chi and local non-profit organizations such as United Way and the Appalachian Community Fund. Throughout the next two years, she began to experience what she describes as "pure acceptance" among her sorority sisters, professors and peers in the E&H community.

“I've made lifetime friendships with my professors and mentors at Emory."

On May 12, Turner graduated cum laude and received a bachelor of arts degree in mass communications. With plans of travel, graduate school and a public relations and advertising business on her mind, Turner felt as if Emory & Henry gave her both "roots and wings." And now she wants to give back.

By giving back to the College, Turner says she is reinforcing the notion that education and making a difference do not end with graduation.

"Increase in excellence doesn’t end; you can always make things better. I want Emory to grow. I see the potential for what this place can become. That’s why I want to give back."

Years after meeting with Fisher and following his advice, Turner understands what he meant by the “beauty” of the place. "I think God decided to select all the good people in the world and put them in Emory, Virginia. Emory is the best it could be to me and I want to be the best I can be to Emory."