Life Insurance Company of Alabama Names Dining Area at Challenger Learning Center of Northeast Alabama
GADSDEN, Ala. — Challenger Learning Center of Northeast Alabama proudly announces the naming of its dining area in honor of the Life Insurance Company of Alabama, recognizing the company’s long-standing legacy of service, leadership, and commitment to investing in the future of Alabama’s communities.
This naming reflects Life Insurance Company of Alabama’s support of Challenger’s public capital campaign, Building STEM Talent—Together!, an initiative focused on expanding access to science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) education for students across Northeast Alabama.
Founded in 1952 by the late Colonel Clarence W. Daugette, Jr., Life Insurance Company of Alabama has been a cornerstone of financial security and ethical leadership in the region for more than seven decades. Colonel Daugette entered the life insurance business as an agent in 1927 and, after serving in World War II, returned to the industry where he excelled in both field and management roles. His vision culminated in the founding of Life Insurance Company of Alabama, built on principles of integrity, service, and long-term benefit to families and communities.
Although Colonel Daugette passed away in 1988, his legacy continues through the leadership of 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. Together, they have guided the company into the modern era, maintaining financial strength while positioning Life Insurance Company of Alabama for continued growth.
“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.” Mr. Daugette also serves as a Trustee for Jacksonville State University, Challenger’s university partner.
The Daugette family’s connection to Challenger Learning Center is also deeply personal. Ren Causey, grandson of Executive Vice President Ray Renfrow, attended Space Camp as a fifth grader, an experience that left a lasting impression and helped inspire the family’s decision to invest in Challenger’s mission. That moment of inspiration reflects the very purpose of Challenger Learning Center—sparking curiosity, ambition, and a lifelong interest in STEM among young learners.
“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 third generation executive of LICOA. “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 that symbolizes community, connection, and sustained 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 join in shaping a stronger workforce and brighter future for the region.
For more information about Challenger Learning Center of Northeast Alabama or the Building STEM Talent Together campaign, visit www.challengeral.org
