Conclusion - Part 9

Leah Davison summed up the feelings of so many people when she reflected, “It was such an experience of a lifetime, even though I wasn't competing. I would do anything to help out the equestrian program and I knew that hosting Nationals was going to be a huge undertaking and that I needed to go out there and help out. In the end, St Andrews hosted such an amazing Nationals and brought the southern comfort that is always brought by St. Andrews wherever we go. I am always in awe of the amount of things that Peggy is capable of. She is such a fearless leader and so hands on, she always wants to be involved with everything that goes on and that's what made that Nationals such a success, along with all the help and love that was there supporting us on that endeavor. So many SAU equestrians, alumni, and coaches took time out of their lives to come and help out to make Nationals 2012 one to remember. It was a lot of work, but I wouldn't trade that experience for anything.”


McElveen was recognized for the many hours she devoted to the National Championships and her dedication to serving young people with the IHSA Pioneer Award during the 2012 National Championships. Jackie Dwelle wrote the recognition piece for the IHSA program, here is a short excerpt, “The Pioneer Award is not awarded every year, it is only awarded when a deserving recipient rises above the hundreds of volunteers who make up the IHSA. This year the pioneer award winner has worked tirelessly for IHSA, locally, regionally and nationally… Peggy is the organizer of these 2012 IHSA National Championships, an event that requires incredible event management, social and organizational skills. The planning started two years ago and has been an on-going process centered around IHSA ideals and Southern culture. Peggy has been the driving force behind this week’s events working tirelessly to lead the many volunteers to excel at their assigned duties.”

With hundreds of colleges and universities represented at the 2012 IHSA Nationals, St. Andrews was one of the smallest schools, but was definitely the school in the spotlight. The opportunity for St. Andrews to host this prestigious event was one which not everyone would have taken on. Peggy McElveen led her staff, students. alumni, program friends and St. Andrews forward to accept the challenge and make it one of the most organized IHSA National competitions in recent times. “Our fearless leader,” as McElveen is affectionately referred to by her staff certainly fits the leadership demonstrated in the planning and organization of this National Championship. This was truly a once in a lifetime experience for so many people. We often hear the phrase “ It takes a village” uttered around the barn by staff and students, perhaps it is time to edit this to read, “It takes a southern style village!”

References

1. McElveen, Peggy. Personal Interview. April 2013.


2. “Intercollegiate Horse Show Association – History.” Intercollegiate Horse Show Association. 2013. Web. May 2013.

3. Nicholson, Corinne. Email interview. May 2013.

4. Jacobs, Rob. Email interview. April 2013

5. McElveen, Peggy. “2012 IHSA National Championship.” IHSA 2012 National Championship Program. May 2012. Print.

6. Garrabrant, Kellie. Email interview. May 2013

7. Lee, Heather Wile. Email interview. May 2013

8. Davison, Leah. Email interview. May 2013

9. Gainey, Kira Petr, Email interview. May 2013

10. McDermott, Dugan. “Equestrian Internships 2012.” Equestrian Program Review 2012: Equestrian Internships 2012. November 2012. Print.

Social Media Intern, Kimberly Graves, took on the challenge of documenting the planning and organization of the IHSA National Championships that we hosted in Raleigh, NC last May.

Part 8 presented the students that were involved with Nationals 2012.