College Alumni Recognized for Making a Positive Impact on the Future of Charleston

Six College of Charleston alumni and four professors are considered some of the most forward-thinking people making a positive impact on the future of Charleston. They are part of CHARLIE Magazine’s 50 Most Progressive in 2014.

Women’s and gender studies professor Alison Piepmeier is a fierce advocate for the inclusion of all students. Read more about Alison.

Jewish Studies director Marty Perlmutter is making a kosher vegetarian/vegan dining hall a reality. Read more about Marty.

Theatre professor Evan Parry is pushing the boundaries. Read more about Evan.

Italian professor Giovanna de Luca encourage artistic, social and cultural progress through Italian cinema.

C harles Carmody ’11 is the force and director behind the reinvention of the Charleston Music Hall. He tells CHARLIE, “I think progressive and risk certainly fit into the same sentence, category, hold hands and make out in the back of the bus. One must be willing to risk their job, stability, comfort, hell, even rationale in order to progress.”

RELATED: Watch a video of Charles talking about his job at Charleston Music Hall.

Lindsey Buchanan Barrow Jr. ’10 is the founder of Lowcountry Street Grocery, a retrofitted school bus that is a grocery store on wheels. CHARLIE reports that Lowcountry Street Grocery will help those who live in Charleston’s food deserts have access to fresh, local produce at reasonable prices.

Lucas Morrison ’07 is bringing a dilapidated historic neighborhood back to life. CHARLIE says Lucas bought his first ramshackle (but designated historic) house on Line Street eight years ago while a senior at the College of Charleston and he has continued to buy up properties with entrepreneurial zeal.

In Charleston’s fashion world, wardrobe stylist Kate Stewart ’04 has dressed the likes of Brendan James and Elise Testone. CHARLIE says, “She’s not your average wardrobe stylist. She’s an organized artist.”

Maren Anderson ’01 is progressive as the founder of a drop-in learning facility with structured activities and seasoned caretakers. The Play Garden isn’t a pre school or day care – it’s their future. CHARLIE Magazine reports it boasts all green products, from a cedar floor and non-toxic art supplies to all chemical-free cleaning products and eco-friendly toys. Meals are organic, peanut-free and always nutritious.

Mitchell Davis ‘93 founded BookSurge, which was renamed CreateSpace after it was purchased by Amazon, and BiblioLabs. In the CHARLIE article, he says, “I like the do-it-yourself mentality here.”

RELATED: Alumni found BiblioLabs and hire fellow alumni.