Julia Deckman ‘03

The inviting sway of palm trees dots the harbor line of Charleston, framed by parallel backdrops of grand Georgian mansions, and sailboats skimming along the nexus of the Ashley and Cooper Rivers. It is no wonder why this magical southern city has become home to a growing set of Admiral Alumni. With its world-class cuisine, burgeoning arts and design scene, and legendary architectural eye candy, Charleston is simultaneously a place with a decadent past, and a bright future.

Alumna Julia Deckman ’03 has fully embraced the many allures of this so-called “Holy City” since her arrival in 2003 as a freshman at the College of Charleston. As a working artist in the Charleston community, Julia has found a true sense of inspiration and belonging within this environment, and it shines through in her art and her attitude.

Julia shared her joy of creativity with Severn’s local alumni and friends by hosting our fall “Paint and Sip” social, where guests took in the amazing artwork in the Redux Contemporary Art Center in downtown Charleston. When asked how her Severn foundation supports her capacity to juggle it all, Deckman smiles. “Severn instilled in me a very strong sense of work ethic. Severn helped me to become a diligent and focused student. As a result, the intense schedule, time commitment, and sacrifices necessary in building my own business aren't a problem for me; I am able to handle the challenges.”

Lauren Faust Hanzel ‘00

“Can’t Never Could” is Southern-speak for positive thinking—if you think you can do something, you will succeed. Success has been part and parcel of Hanzel’s impressive journey since her graduation from Severn in 2000. Hanzel has called Charleston her home off and on since 2008, when she was stationed there as part of the U.S. Navy JAG Corps, where she served for 10 years. The area holds a special place in her heart, as she met her husband Michael in Charleston. Her military service included a deployment to Iraq, where she supported detainee operations.

When we caught up at the Charleston social, Hanzel was delighted to have recently returned to the area after leaving the JAG Corps and joining the Navy reserves. Hanzel, her husband, and their two young children love going to the Carolina beaches, and spending as much time as possible outdoors. They are currently in the process of starting a law firm together in Charleston, and excited to be setting down more permanent roots in the Mt. Pleasant area. Her drive and motivation are inspiring, and she acknowledges Severn’s role in shaping her outlook. “Severn taught me the value of being independent and finding my own path. I spent a lot of my time in high school playing water polo and pursuing other interests, but I still had great friends at Severn. I don't remember feeling pressure to conform in high school, and figuring out that you don't have to be the same as everyone around you is a lesson I'm glad I learned early.”

Frank Rogers ‘53

Simply put: no Severn social down South would be complete without enjoying the fine company of Frank Rogers ’53 and his lovely wife Eleanor. Rogers, a longtime executive at Charleston’s Merrill Lynch branch, strolled over from his waterfront office in the Historic Rice Mill to meet us for lunch, dapper in his navy suit, red tie, and golden lapel pin. With decades of experience in financial services, Rogers relishes his work with people, many of whom are longtime clients. He radiates southern charm, and is an enthralling and very funny storyteller.

While reminiscing about his Severn days, his eyes twinkle and his face lights up. Frank grew up in South Carolina, and had a commission to the Naval Academy, but he came to Severn for a post-graduate year to shore up his grades. He credits his year with the faculty at Severn as a time when he "really learned how to study." Upon completion of his PG year, Rogers decided to return to South Carolina in 1953 to attend The Citadel (which he pronounces “SIH-duhl” in a deep southern drawl), so that he could follow in his father and grandfather' footsteps. He lives now in Charleston, because he married a woman from Charleston, and he told us with a wink and a smile, "If you marry a gal from Charleston, you will always live in Charleston."

Misi Simms ’95

Misi Simm’s magnetic smile lights up a room. When he strolled into our alumni social in Charlotte, he sheepishly admitted, “This is the first Severn event I’ve been to since I graduated!” Encouraged to attend by his friend and fellow Charlotte local Court Creeden ’97, Simms admitted he was very glad he came. In fact, Misi exudes a sense of gratitude in general—about life, his family, and his Severn experience. Simms arrived in the lovely city of Charlotte, known as “Queen City”, in 2006 when he and his wife Natisha decided to pursue Christian ministry and settle down in an area that would be comfortable for their growing family. They are now parents to four beautiful children who keep them busy, and according to Simms, “Family time is big for us…{my children} each have pursuits outside of their schooling, so we love to support them. Being a husband and caring for my wife is my first joy. Being a father and pouring into the lives of my children is my second joy.”

As an investment portfolio manager for individuals and institutions, Simms takes pride in his work, and enjoys both the interpersonal and intellectual nature of the trade. “There’s a great deal of relationship-building involved because I’m serving clients in a very important capacity. In addition to the relational component, staying abreast of what’s happening within capital markets is certainly a necessity. The balance needed to connect well with people, along with articulating the more technical aspects of personal finance and investment management are what I enjoy the most.”

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