Our Meet the Alumni Council series allows the personalities of our alumni volunteers shine through. The Darlington Community is fortunate to have such a strong group of alumni willing to share their time and talents to better our school!
Marie Hodge Gordon (’99, LD’12) lives and works in Atlanta. She recently began a new job as Director of Communications for the Georgia Department of Economic Development after having served several years as Press Secretary for U.S. Senator Johnny Isakson. Marie also serves as class agent and is an energetic volunteer for Darlington.
Let’s get to know Marie in today’s installment of our Meet the Alumni Council series:
Where did you grow up?
Charleston, S.C., and Augusta and Rome, Ga.
How long have you served on the Alumni Council?
Two years, this is my third.
Tell us a little about your family:
My husband Michael is also a Class of '99 Darlington graduate. We have two wonderful children. Libby is 9 years old, and Matthew is "almost six" years old. We have a beloved miniature dachshund, Commissioner Gordon, and Bubbles is Libby's betta fish.
What music is playing in your car?
A very eclectic blend, combined with some talk radio and podcasts. Lately, I've been listening a lot to The Killers after attending their amazing concert.
What's your favorite podcast?
Our kids love "Tumble," which is a science podcast for kids, and "Smash Boom Best," which is a kid-centered debate podcast. We all learn a lot from these!
Who was your favorite teacher at Darlington (and why)?
There's no way I could name them all. However, as an English major, David Powell and Skip Saunders made a huge difference in my education. I am eternally grateful for their high standards and thought-provoking approach to literature and life. I have George Awsumb to also thank for ensuring that Michael and I can go to art museums wherever we travel and truly appreciate them.
My favorite trip was...
As a Darlington student, my favorite trip was to England with Mr. Moss and the whole crew over spring break during my senior year. Unforgettable!
My favorite Darlington memory is...
There are too many to count.
Last book I read for fun was....
I'm a little behind the curve on this one, but the most impactful fictional book I recently enjoyed was "The Goldfinch" by Donna Tartt. In nonfiction, as a political junkie, I loved "The Best President the Nation Never Had: A Memoir of Working with Sam Nunn," by Roland McElroy. Any Georgia history or political buff should check it out!
Beach or Mountains?
Both. When can we go?!
E-book or Hardcover?
Paperback.
The best advice I ever received was...
Recently I heard Tim Ferriss talking about the idea of approaching a challenge with the question, "What if this were easy?" Approaching work with that mindset has helped me cut through the clutter I can sometimes add to a situation unnecessarily.
My hobby is...
pilates when I can get to a class.
Cats or dogs?
Dogs
My favorite saying is...
from my former boss, who regularly uses and credits Mark Twain for his line, "Always do right. This will gratify some people and amaze the rest."
What I like most about Darlington is...
The dedicated faculty, staff and leadership who make sure the school's mission comes through for students every day. I'm so impressed with how the school has adapted to change while maintaining the core values that have shaped the school throughout its history. Darlington truly prepares students to be well-rounded people who are confident contributors in whatever they may choose to tackle at school and beyond.
