Gadsden, AL – The Challenger Learning Center of Northeast Alabama has announced the naming of its dining area in honor of the Life Insurance Company of Alabama, recognizing the company’s longstanding legacy of service, leadership, and investment in communities across the state.
The naming reflects Life Insurance Company of Alabama’s support of Challenger’s public capital campaign, Building STEM Talent—Together!, an initiative designed to expand access to science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) education for students throughout Northeast Alabama.
Founded in 1952 by the late Colonel Clarence W. Daugette, Jr., Life Insurance Company of Alabama has operated in the region for more than 70 years. Colonel Daugette began his career in the life insurance industry in 1927. After serving in World War II, he returned to the profession and later established the company, emphasizing integrity, service, and long-term benefit to families and communities.
Following his death in 1988, leadership of the company continued within the Daugette family and executive team. Current leadership includes President Clarence W. Daugette, III, Executive Vice President and Chief Marketing Officer Raymond R. Renfrow, Jr., CLU, and Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer Rosalie Renfrow Causey.
“Our company’s success has always been rooted in service to others,” said Clarence W. Daugette, III, President of Life Insurance Company of Alabama. “Supporting Challenger Learning Center is a natural extension of that mission, as it helps build opportunity and talent for the future of Northeast Alabama.” Daugette also serves as a trustee for Jacksonville State University, Challenger’s university partner.
The company’s connection to the Challenger Learning Center also carries a personal element. Ren Causey, grandson of Executive Vice President Ray Renfrow, attended Space Camp as a fifth grader, an experience the family said helped inspire its decision to invest in Challenger’s mission of promoting STEM education.
“Challenger Learning Center of Northeast Alabama is exactly the kind of community partner we need to move our mission forward,” said Alie Causey, Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer and a third-generation executive of the company. “Our investment honors a remarkable legacy while directly supporting the next generation of scientists, engineers, educators, and innovators right here in Northeast Alabama.”
The newly named dining area will serve students, educators, and visitors participating in Challenger programs, providing a shared space intended to foster connection and reinforce community investment in education.
“Life Insurance Company of Alabama’s investment in Challenger Learning Center is an investment in people—our students, our educators, and the future workforce of Northeast Alabama,” said Dr. Farrah Hayes, Executive Director of Challenger Learning Center of Northeast Alabama. “This partnership honors a legacy built on service and integrity while directly supporting opportunities that inspire young minds through STEM education. We are deeply grateful to the Daugette family and Life Insurance Company of Alabama for believing in our mission and for helping us build STEM talent together for generations to come.”
Through the Building STEM Talent—Together! campaign, Challenger Learning Center of Northeast Alabama continues to invite businesses, families, and civic leaders to participate in efforts aimed at strengthening the region’s workforce and expanding educational opportunities.
More information about the Challenger Learning Center of Northeast Alabama and the Building STEM Talent—Together! campaign is available at www.challengeral.org.
