College Alumni Top Annual "40 Under 40" List

SHREVEPORT, La. (Centenary News Service) — The Greater Shreveport Chamber of Commerce recently released their annual "40 Under 40" list, and among the names were three alumni from Centenary College who now join the elite group of young professionals honored for 2010.

40 under 40
Amanda Speckman '02, Saige Wilhite '05, and Jay Binderim '05

Making the list this year with ties to the College include Saige Wilhite '05, Director of Alumni Relations for Centenary College.

"I am honored to be named one of the 2010 top '40 Under 40' young professionals in Shreveport-Bossier alongside so many other great young professionals in this area," said Wilhite. "Being born and raised in Shreveport, it is a privilege for me to work and give back to this community that raised me."

Wilhite is a Shreveport native and graduated from Centenary in 2005 with a B.A. in Professional Writing Communication and a minor in French. She worked in commercial insurance in Shreveport for nearly two years before returning to her alma mater in July 2007 to assume the role of Assistant Director of Alumni Relations. Wilhite took on her new role as director September 7.

Other Centenary alumni making this year's class are Jay Binderim '05, Commercial Loan Officer with Ouachita Independent Bank; and Amanda Speckman '02, Marketing Director at Heard, McElroy & Vestal.

"We are very proud of our alumni and all they have been able to accomplish for this community," said Dr. David Rowe, President of the College. "Our mission at the College is to encircle the world with wise, caring and moral leaders. These young people embody those values by their strong commitment to community service and the strong partnerships they maintain throughout the Shreveport-Bossier area."

The "40 Under 40" Award recognizes successful young professionals from northwest Louisiana for their outstanding professional achievements, experience, innovation, leadership and community involvement. The selection committee looked for those under age 40 years of age who represented "Northwest Louisiana's outstanding entrepreneurs, executives, managers and professionals in public, private or nonprofit sectors."

An Awards Gala will take place for the "40 Under 40" recipients Friday, Dec. 3 at the Horseshoe Casino & Hotel Riverdome. From the list of 40, one will be named the Young Professional of the Year, which will be announced at the gala.

About Centenary College of Louisiana

Centenary College is a private, four-year arts and sciences college affiliated with the United Methodist Church. Founded in 1825, it is the oldest chartered liberal arts college west of the Mississippi River and is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools. Centenary is one of 16 colleges and universities constituting the Associated Colleges of the South and has been recognized as "One of the Best 373 Colleges" by the Princeton Review and one of "America's Best Colleges" and one of "America's Best Private Colleges" by Forbes.com. In 2008 Centenary College celebrated 100 years in Shreveport and Bossier City.