The Patriot - April 23, 2026

Letter From the Editor-in-Chief

Hello Pats,

I hope everyone has had an amazing year here at UC, full of memories, experiences and opportunities. This will be my last letter for The Patriot Newspaper, as I am graduating next week. Let me just say, I am a bit emotional. First of all, I would like to thank our amazing faculty advisor, Jeremiah Massengale, for giving me the opportunity to work on the paper two years ago. Not only is he an incredible teacher, but also a phenomenal mentor who has supported me throughout my undergraduate studies. I cannot express my gratitude for what this newspaper has given me and for helping me grow as a person, a journalist and a leader. Thank you to all the spectacular staff writers, photographers and volunteers who have contributed to this school year’s paper and made my vision come to life.

As I am giving shoutouts, I would also like to thank my amazing teammates on the UC swimming & diving team over the past few years for helping me fall in love with swimming all over again. I will forever remember our time inside and outside the pool. I believe we will agree that we have had some crazy memories from dance parties in the locker room before meets, complaining about all the name sets, freezing our butts off in Daytona and the laughter that came along with it. I grew up as an only child, but I truly believe I have gained several sisters over the past four years. Thank you for trusting me to be your captain this year and giving your all. I am so proud of what the team has become this year, not only for the success but also for the way we have supported and shown up for each other.

Lastly, I would like to thank the communication arts department for the incredible programs they have built and the teaching they have given me. I have learned so much from all the classes I have taken, including interpersonal communication with Dr. Dickman, theories of persuasion with professor Bourne and all the journalism courses with professor Massengale. It has been a pleasure being your student and doing my undergraduate studies at UC. The final issue of the school year includes a variety of articles, including senior spotlights, the business forum and the UC Engage event with author James Clear. Together, these stories capture the close of the semester and the transition into graduation. It is totally worth reading!

I have had the best four years of my life at UC, and I hope you all will have the same. My final advice to all returning students is to enjoy every minute of your college experience; it goes by so fast.

Lots of love,

Filippa Malmström Editor-in-Chief

Staff

Editor- in- Chief

Filippa Malmström

Managing Editor

Ally Kennedy

Staff Writers

Katrina Campbell

Jillian Cross

Sydney Dingus

Eli Dunn

Lily Fabela

Ximena Melendez Hernandez

Taylor Moren

Kasey Padgett

Sydney Taylor

Emily Zecchini

Staff Photographers

Faith Baker

Kurstyn Ison

Ryleigh McCoy

Abigail McKamey

Faculty Advisor

Jeremiah Massengale

Campus

Theatre Department Hosts 10-Minute Play Showcase

UC’s Kohn Theatre was filled on the evening of April 17 as the Cumberlands community gathered to view three short, 10-minute plays. These were directed by theatre students who took a directing class. Ethan Baker, Ellie Van Neste and Emmalee Preece’s hard work payed off splendidly. Their plays explored themes of loss, fear, Southern culture, and also had the audience laughing out loud.

Theatre student, Ethan Baker, who directed “Caain Town,” said, “It was a very fun but also humbling experience that has opened up my interest in other parts of theatre.”

Political Science Students

Cumberlands’ Civic Society Members, Ella Edington and Abigail Wynn help pave the way for local students to feel beautiful and confident at prom. This community drive benefitted Whitley County Middle School’s prom closet. Overall, Edington and Wynn donated more than 80 dresses as well as shoes and jewelry to the cause.

Edington recalled wearing a thrifted dress to prom and wanted to “share Jesus’ love” by donating dresses to “help [Whitley and Jellico county] girls feel gorgeous without worrying about money.” Wynn said, “I think this project represents Christian servitude perfectly.”

Local

WILLIAMSBURG, Ky. — The Store celebrated its 10th anniversary with a customer appreciation event featuring food, giveaways and special sales. Store officials hosted multiple giveaways throughout the day, starting with a prize valued at $300 at 10 a.m., followed by hourly drawings. The first 10 customers through the door received a complimentary candle valued at approximately $45. The celebration concluded with a grand prize drawing at 5 p.m. for a $500 gift certificate.

Organizers said the event was a way to thank the community for its continued support over the past decade, welcoming visitors to stop by, enjoy the food and take part in the festivities.

UC’s 2026 Spring Formal

a Nod to Regency Era

The Wellness Lawn underwent a dramatic transformation for the highly anticipated masquerade ball hosted by Cumberlands Student Affairs. Students and their guests enjoyed the live music, dancing, and themed experiences at the April 16 dance. other events included calligraphy, tea cup painting and dance classes. Popular activities also featured were carriage rides, swings, a photo booth, and caricature art.

Estelle Hottel and Brenna Gibbs are juniors at the University of the Cumberlands. They both expressed how much they enjoyed the music. Hottel said, “I loved the live band, and that you could see the band members were having just as much fun as the students!”

Kentucky Supreme Court at the University of the Cumberlands

Powell Appointed Executive Vice President for Marketing and Communications

The University of the Cumberlands has named Andrew Powell executive vice president for marketing and communications, expanding his leadership role overseeing the university’s branding, messaging and outreach efforts. Powell, who has more than 20 years of experience, has served as vice president of communications and marketing at Cumberlands for the past nine years. University President Dr. Quentin Young said Powell has played a key role in strengthening the institution’s reputation and will continue to lead its communications strategy. Powell said he is focused on telling the university’s story in ways that expand opportunities for students and strengthen its impact on the community.

The Supreme Court of Kentucky heard oral arguments April 13–14, 2026, at the University of the Cumberlands, creating a valuable opportunity for students and community members to observe the judicial process firsthand. Proceedings were held in the Kohn Theatre and were open to the public and livestreamed. The court, composed of seven justices, hears appeals from across the state and serves as the Commonwealth’s highest court, making its visit to campus a rare educational experience.

In addition the university hosted several events, including a reception allowed select pre-law students to meet and speak with justices in a small-group setting, while a panel discussion explored the role of the judiciary, the decision-making process and the impact of the courts on communities across Kentucky. Together, the events provided students with insight into legal careers, law school preparation and public service, reinforcing the university’s focus on experiential learning.

Y-12 FCU Opens New Branch in Williamsburg

WILLIAMSBURG, Ky. — Beginning July 1, 2025, Y-12 Federal Credit Union officially overtook eight former First State Bank branches across Southeast Ky, including the Williamsburg location. After operating temporarily under the First State Bank system during a full integration process, the transition is now complete, bringing a fully integrated Y-12 FCU branch to the community.

As a credit union, Y-12 FCU is member-focused, meaning students can benefit from personalized service and financial education resources designed to help them manage money,build credit, and plan for the future.

Campus Anticipates Commencement

Cumberlands students are preparing to wrap up their time on campus and move on to the next chapter of their lives as spring graduation approaches.Spring commencement ceremonies will be held May 1–2, with graduate degrees awarded May 1 at 1 p.m. and 4 p.m., and undergraduate degrees conferred May 2 at 10 a.m., 1 p.m. and 4 p.m.

Family and friends who are unable to attend in person can watch the ceremonies live through the university’s website by searching “Commencement,” as well as on the school’s Facebook page, allowing supporters to celebrate from anywhere. The ceremonies will mark both an ending and a beginning, as graduates step forward into careers, further education and new opportunities.

State Funding Brings Major Upgrades to Whitley County

WILLIAMSBURG, Ky. — Kentucky State Representative Nick Wilson announced nearly $98.3 million in new investments for Whitley County after the passage of House Bill 900. The funding will support projects such as water system upgrades, improvments to the Williamsburg-Whitley County airport, the developoement of an innovation hub, and the exapansion of local facilities.

Additional funding from other measures will go toward major road and transportation improvements, including highway widenning and bridge repairs. Wilson said the investments aim to improve infrastructure, safety, and economic growth in the community.

For more information on these projects and related legislation, or details on HB 900, HB 502, or HJR 76 visit legislature.ky.gov

Senior Spotlight

More Than a Swimmer

Filippa Malmström’s Journey from Sweden to Senior Standout

BY: SYDNEY DINGUS STAFF WRITER

Filippa Malmström is a graduating senior from Södertälje, Stockholm, Sweden. During her time at Cumberlands, she has served as captain of the UC swim team and editor-in-chief of The Patriot newspaper. As a swimmer, she has been named an NAIA All-American four times and a 2026 NAIA Winter Scholar-Athlete. Through her work with the student newspaper, she earned the 2026 Curtis Brown Outstanding Senior Award and the 2026 Excellence in Journalism Award.

Malmström spoke about the impact the smaller Cumberlands community has had on her life. She said, “I’ve got to be a part of the school and the newspaper. … I realized I can build my own life here and go to classes, go to work, be with a team in different ways. And I really like that. I came here for swimming, but I left with so much more.”

She described cultural differences between her home in Sweden and her experience in Kentucky. Malmström said Southern hospitality was shocking to her because most Swedish people are not as approachable or outgoing toward strangers. The biggest change for Malmström was the reason she attended Cumberlands. She said, “You cannot really go to college and be an athlete at the same time. You have to give one up, and I didn’t want to do that. I had a lot of friends who went to different schools here in different states, and they really liked it. And I was like, ‘I guess I’ll give it a try,’ and now four years later, I’m graduating.”

To Malmström, the biggest lesson college taught her outside of the classroom was the realization that “just because you were born or raised in one place, you don’t have to stay there.” She said, “I really learned how to be an adult here and to be my own person.” Malmström added, “I love my parents. I call my mom every day. But being here, I just grew so much as a person in general.” She said that growing up, she had always been told

she could do whatever she wanted, but being here she realized, “I can actually do whatever. I can move. I can be in any country. I can try different things. I don’t have to stick to just Sweden. And I really like that.”

When asked about how her family feels about her education and accomplishments, Malmström said her parents “are always my biggest supporters.” She said, “They were just happy if I went up on the blocks, if I was happy. They supported me with academics and athletics and anything. I never felt they tried to take it away from me. They came to watch some swimming competitions. They watched all of them on livestreams.”

When asked what college accomplishment she is most proud of, Malmström said, “I am very, very proud of how our team came together this year. My freshman year, it was not the same team culture. Every year we became closer, and this year we really became sisters. And I think this showed at national when we came in third place and earned our highest scores ever.”

Malmström described some leadership challenges the swim team experienced a few weeks before nationals. She said, “My main focus was just to get these girls through it.” She was able to remind them that their focus had to be on what they could control. Malmström said, “We cannot control what happened outside the pool, but we could control what we did inside. And they did great. We could not have done so well without the team in general.”

When asked about the people at UC who have had the biggest impact on her, Malmström said, “Definitely my team. We have been through so much together, good and bad. We have walked through very bad times. We’ve also walked through very good times. Spending about 20 hours a week in the pool … you have to rely on each other when that gets tough.”

Malmström also recalled fun memories like “dance parties in the locker rooms before meets” and dares at nationals to “cannonball into the pool or get an autograph from someone else.” She said

of her team, “I would have never made it through these four years without them. And even if people graduated and new people came in, everyone always put the team first. But especially this year, the team was very, very good. Even if you were a freshman or a senior, we were all so close and we really tried our best.”

Malmström said she is also very proud “not just of my grades, but also coming and studying in a whole different language. … I’m also proud of the newspaper and how I learned so much as editor.” She added, “I think we did a lot, and I think we really published meaningful stuff.”

Looking forward to the next phase of her life, Malmström hopes to do something creative with writing and different media content. She said, “I am excited to start new studies and find a job in Austria. I think it’s going to be very exciting to try a new language, a new culture and just have a new life.”

‘Atomic Habits’ in Action Wellness

James Clear Shares Practical Strategies for Success

BY: JILLIAN CROSS STAFF WRITER

During UC Engage, bestselling author James Clear, known for “Atomic Habits,” drew students to campus for a talk on practical strategies to build better habits and achieve lasting personal improvement. His talk focused on a central theme present throughout his work: meaningful improvement typically results from small, repeated actions rather than dramatic transformations.

Clear’s book emphasizes the concept of “atomic habits,” which refers to small changes that accumulate into significant results. As he writes, “Habits are the compound interest of self-improvement.” This idea was central to his talk, where he explained that progress is often imperceptible in the short term but becomes apparent when small efforts are sustained. Rather than prioritizing large, immediate outcomes, Clear encouraged students to consider the systems that influence their daily behavior.

“You can have a straightforward idea, but it won’t happen unless you show up every day and try,” Clear said.

The author reflected on a central theme from “Atomic Habits.” Success depends less on setting ambitious goals and more on establishing reliable routines. In the book, Clear writes, “You do not rise to the level of your goals. You fall to the level of your systems.” The distinction between goals and systems was a recurring message throughout his presentation.

“You can be more ambitious, but ambition can’t do anything if you don’t have a system,” Clear said.

Clear continued the discussion on the limitations of ambition in the absence of structure. This perspective aligns with his writing, where he contends that focusing exclusively on outcomes can be misleading. While goals provide direction, systems are the mechanisms that drive progress.

For instance, rather than simply aiming to run a marathon, Clear recommends adopting an identity-based approach, such as becoming “a runner.” In “Atomic Habits,” he writes, “The most effective way to change your habits is to focus not on what you want to achieve, but on who you wish to become.”

“You can say ‘fake it till you make it,’ but without evidence, that’s delusion,” Clear said. This viewpoint reflects his argument that confidence develops through repeated action. Each completed habit serves as evidence of a desired identity. As Clear explains in the book, “Every action you take is a vote for the type of person you wish to become.” Over time, these “votes” accumulate, reinforcing both behavior and self-perception.

Students in attendance related these concepts to their own experiences. Cambree Prewitt, a first-year biology major, described how the presentation shifted her perspective on improvement. Prewitt said she learned progress results from steady, manageable effort rather than sudden, drastic change. Rather than attempting rapid improvement, she emphasized the value of becoming “a little better every day,” observing that this approach appears more realistic and sustainable.

Clear’s focus on gradual improvement is a defining feature of “Atomic Habits.” He writes, “If you get one percent better each day for one year, you’ll end up thirty-seven times better by the time you’re done.” Although the precise calculation is less significant than the underlying principle, the concept illustrates how incremental gains can lead to substantial change. This perspective challenges the common belief that success requires breakthroughs, instead suggesting that consistency is often more important than intensity.

The presentation also addressed the challenges of maintaining habits over time. Clear acknowledged that motivation is variable and therefore unreliable as a foundation for change. Instead, he advocates for designing environments and routines that facilitate positive habits. In his book,

he states, “Environment is the invisible hand that shapes human behavior.” By modifying surroundings, such as removing distractions or placing cues for beneficial habits in visible locations, individuals can reduce the effort required to make better choices.

Throughout the event, Clear maintained a practical and measured tone, emphasizing strategies over inspiration. His ideas are grounded in behavioral science yet presented in accessible language, which may contribute to the widespread popularity of “Atomic Habits.” Rather than promising rapid results, he consistently emphasized the importance of patience and repetition.

Ultimately, Clear’s message focused on a fundamental principle: lasting change requires consistent action. While goals can provide motivation, they are insufficient on their own. Systems, habits and daily choices play a more significant role in shaping outcomes over time. As he summarized in both his book and his talk, improvement results not from a single major decision, but from making many small decisions repeatedly.

Senior Spotlight

Years in the Making

Senior Exhibition Showcases Artistic Evolution

BY: JILLIAN CROSS STAFF WRITER

At the University of the Cumberlands, the senior art exhibition is less a farewell and more a culmination, an intentional pause that allows each artist to define what their time here has meant. Rather than presenting a unified theme, the exhibition embraces difference, offering a collection of deeply personal works that reflect not only technical growth but also emotional and conceptual development.

Each senior was given the chance to group their work together and present it at different times. Instead of being arranged into one continuous exhibition, the show shifts depending on whose work is on view. This approach gives each artist space to shape how their work is seen, highlighting their individual choices without competing for attention all at once.

While every artist contributes something distinct, Madison Turner, a senior from Lexington, Kentucky, stands out for the quiet strength of her work. Her oil paintings center on family life, not in a dramatic or staged way, but in moments that might otherwise go unnoticed: people sitting together, sharing space and existing in comfortable silence. Using muted, earthy tones, she builds a sense of warmth that feels both intimate and familiar. For Turner, that focus is intentional.

“I’ve always been drawn to the in-between moments,” Turner said. “The times when nothing big is happening, but everything still feels important. Sitting in a room with people you love, not even talking, that’s the kind of connection I want to capture.”

Her work doesn’t demand attention; it holds it. The stillness in her paintings invites viewers to slow down, to linger and to recognize the emotional weight carried in ordinary experiences. In a space filled with bold experimentation and varied approaches, her pieces offer a kind of grounding presence.

That attention to subtle, lived experience is echoed in the work of Megan Reynolds, a senior

from Williamsburg, Kentucky. Her photography centers on self-portraiture and candid images of friends, capturing moments that feel unposed and immediate. Rather than constructing elaborate scenes, Reynolds leans into authenticity, allowing small gestures and expressions to carry meaning. Her images resemble paused memories — quiet, reflective and deeply personal offering a glimpse into moments that might otherwise pass unnoticed. Elsewhere in the gallery, Isabelle Roach, a senior from Stanford, Kentucky, brings a completely different energy. Her collection is vibrant and emotionally charged, filled with figurative characters rendered in bold, expressive color. Drawing from personal experiences, her work transforms internal emotions into something visible and tangible. The intensity of her palette and form creates a striking contrast to the softer tones found in Turner’s and Reynolds’ work, reinforcing the exhibition’s wide emotional range.

Kirstin Skidmore, a senior from Williamsburg, Kentucky, expands the conversation further through her use of mixed media. Working on raw canvas, she incorporates fabric and sculptural elements that push her pieces beyond traditional two-dimensional boundaries. Her work explores the relationship between nature and humanity, encouraging viewers to engage not just visually but also physically with texture and form. There’s a tactile quality to her pieces that slows the viewing process, asking for closer attention.

Josie Thomas, a senior from Libertyville, Illinois, approaches storytelling through digital media. Influenced by film noir, graphic novels and animation, her work blends cinematic elements with illustration, creating narratives that feel both familiar and imaginative. Her pieces shift between realism and stylization, reflecting a willingness to experiment with both technique and subject matter. In a gallery rooted in physical materials, her digital work introduces a different kind of space, one shaped by light, motion and narrative structure.

Meagan Snodgrass, a senior from Kingsport, Tennessee, presents fluid compositions that merge the feminine form with natural elements. Her process is guided by emotion, allowing shapes

and movement to develop intuitively rather than through rigid planning. The resulting pieces feel organic and dynamic, balancing structure with spontaneity. There’s a sense of motion within her work, as if each piece is still evolving even as it hangs on the wall.

Caroline Paul, a senior from Williamsburg, Kentucky, turns her attention to childhood, using naturalistic and trompe-l’oeil techniques to reflect on memory and perception. Her work highlights the innocence and creativity of youth, but it also invites viewers to reconsider those experiences with a more reflective lens. By recreating familiar imagery with careful precision, she blurs the line between reality and illusion, prompting a second look.

Despite their differences, these artists are connected by a shared commitment to growth, something that becomes especially evident when viewing the exhibition as a whole. The work on display is not just a collection of final pieces, but the result of years of experimentation, revision and discovery.

UC professor Russell Weedman, department chair, emphasized that progression.

“The work of these seniors is a testament to the sheer creative energy and talent that the students who come to UC to major in art possess,” he said. “It has been an honor to work with all of them and to watch their work grow over the past four years.”

That growth is visible not only in technique but in confidence. Each artist has made deliberate choices about what to show and how to show it, shaping an exhibition that feels both cohesive and individual.

As these seniors prepare to leave the University of the Cumberlands, their work remains as a record of who they are at this moment, artists shaped by both personal experience and collective learning. The exhibition doesn’t attempt to define them moving forward, but it does make one thing clear: they are leaving with a strong sense of voice.

If this exhibition is any indication, there’s a lot more to come from them.

Senior Spotlight

The Final Performance

Seniors Lead Honors Recital

Performance

BY: ELI DUNN STAFF WRITER

The honors recital at the University of the Cumberlands highlights some of the Music Department’s top performers each year and serves as a showcase of what student musicians have focused on over the past year.

Faculty select students for the annual performance, which features some of the Department of Music and Fine Arts’ standout student musicians and also opens the music department’s awards day, when winners of the Harold Wortman Scholarship, the Gwynn Cornell

Scholarship, the Phyllis Richardson Woods Scholarship and the Outstanding Senior Award are announced.

This year’s recital was to feature Mickee Stevens, Jaden Rea, Hayden Huff, Georgia Smith, Lauren Carroll, Lauren Gray, Christian Dingus, Mitchell Dawson, Spencer Hart and Michaela Grooms.

Multiple seniors were among this year’s featured performers. Over the past four years, they have worked to perfect their craft with the help of departmental music instructors. These seniors will be recognized for their ability to develop their skills while producing an impressive sound. Vocal and instrumental music will be featured at the recital.

Lauren Gray, a sophomore, spoke about what the seniors have taught her since arriving on campus.

“In our department, we watch videos of the seniors when they were freshmen. I think it’s very inspiring and interesting how someone’s voice can improve in just four years. It gives me continual hope. The seniors have taught me not to let my nerves show, even if I am nervous beforehand, so I can let that roll off my shoulders before I’m on stage. I’ve learned so much, really,” Gray said.

The seniors connected to this year’s recital are entering a wide range of fields, from teaching music and working with children in classrooms to careers in pharmaceuticals, among others. They will go their separate ways as they begin their careers. While some may not continue performing as frequently, their abilities, dedication and talent remain evident.

Christian Dingus, one of the seniors

associated with the recital, shared his thoughts on the opportunity.

“Yeah, it’s really an honor to be able to sing at this event,” Dingus said.

Dingus currently works in a job that does not involve music daily, yet his appreciation for the arts remains clear in his willingness to perform on campus.

For many seniors, the honors recital represents the culmination of four years of discipline and learning and marks the end of another successful year for the music department.

As of press time, this year’s recital was planned for 10:50 a.m. Friday, April 24, in the recital hall of the McGaw Music Building on campus.

Graduation Word Search

Campus Life

Big Ideas, Real Advice

UC Hosts Annual Business Forum

BY:

Since April 2009, the University of the Cumberlands has hosted professionals from various business areas to inspire UC students.

Agnes Brown-Oliphant is the administrative assistant for Cumberlands’ Hutton School of Business and played an instrumental role in the success of the event. She said the overall goal of the forum each year is “to prepare our young professionals to be able to enter the workforce seamlessly.” She also said that the Business Forum is helpful to prepare students to confidently register for conferences and meet with professionals.

Kori Lyons was a member of the Business Forum 2026 Student Subcommittee. This was her third year attending the forum and second year working it. She said, “Even though [preparing for the Business Forum is] stressful, it’s really rewarding after you see everything set up and all the students coming in.” When asked if she felt the guest speakers have been helpful for her as a student, she said, “Yes. Last year we had Secret Service and accounting, but each year we try to pick different backgrounds, majors; all or most are alumni.” She said it is interesting to hear the success stories from people “that each student can relate to and show what you can expect in the future, like how they’ve grown from graduating to CEO or wherever they might be today.”

Communications and marketing major

Kurstyn Ison attended Kaelyn Query Caldwell’s session. Ison said that Query Caldwell encouraged her to “just keep pushing through because trials will happen, but perseverance and planning ahead pays off.” To Ison, it was inspiring how Query Caldwell went from bankruptcy in 2019 to now being so successful and having $1,000,000 in revenue.

Savannah Ward is a business administration major at UC. She said that listening to McKenzie Hines was “really good.” Hines spoke about her roles in HR, and Ward said this was especially good for her to hear about because she is also intending to go into a role in HR.

Jonathan Westbrook, CEO of East & Westbrook Construction Co., Inc., was the forum’s keynote speaker. He described working his way up from mowing lawns and as a construction laborer to becoming CEO.

Westbrook recalled a time when his school had a guest speaker come in from a really large company. Westbrook said that this speaker “had an opening line that he still remembers more than 26 years later. He said, there are two kinds of people in this world. The first type wake up and take a shower before going to work. The second type have to take a shower when they get home from work. And you don’t want to be in that category.” Westbrook said that he “didn’t listen to anything else [the speaker] said” because his superiority “didn’t align with how [Westbrook] grew up.”

He said, “Part of why that comment rubbed me the wrong way is for as long as I had known, my dad was in construction. He grew up extremely poor, but smart and worked really hard. He would come home and he would take his pants that were so coated with concrete that he could stand them up, and hose them off in our backyard. My dad was my hero, and he took showers at the end of the day.”

Westbrook said that the advice that he believes has helped him achieve success has a lot to do with networking. He encouraged UC students to remember that “opportunities move through people, not through job postings.” He said that getting to know people and build authentic relationships with them is crucial to success. Westbrook said to “be respectful of other people, have gratitude, thank people who are generous with their time, their advice, their wisdom. That’s critical, all right? It’s not about collecting business cards. It’s not about collecting LinkedIn connections or Facebook friends or followers or any of that kind of stuff, right? It’s about building and maintaining the relationships. There’s got to be something that makes it a transformational interaction, not a transactional interaction.”

Westbrook concluded the session by saying, “You never know exactly where this journey is going to end up, but you’ve got to be open to it. Because regardless of what happens with technology, people are still going to be at the center of it. Whatever the economy looks like, you all are going to be part of that solution.”