Georgia College magazine

winter 2013100 Days of Listening
The Magazine for Alumni and Friends

1 Georgia College Connection | Winter 2013
by th e n u mb er s
President
Steve Dorman
Vice President for External
Relations and University
Advancement
Amy Amason
Associate Vice President
for Strategic
Communications
John Hachtel
Associate Vice President
for Development and
Alumni Relations
Bill Doerr
Editor/Director of
Publications and Marketing
Kyle Brogdon, '96
Writers
Brittiny Barber
Amanda Brodzik
Candace Morrow
Al Weston
Design
Troy Burkhart
Ashleigh Bills
Photography
Tim Vacula, '86
Video production
Chris Brown, '03
Stacey Lumley, '99
Bill Wendt, '85
Web production
Barbara Monnett, '06
Mark Misinco, '09
Please send change of
address and class notes to:
University Advancement
Campus Box 113
Milledgeville, GA 31061
connection@gcsu.edu
gcsu.edu
CONNECTION
Fall 2012, Vol. XXII, No. 2
Copyright 2013. All rights reserved.
Published by University Communications
A Division of University Advancement
231 W. Hancock St.
2012Freshmen Class
1,293
Total freshmen
enrolled in fall
2012
18
Most popular
male name
(William)
29
Most popular
female name
(Catherine,
multiple
spellings)
15
Most popular
last name
(Smith)
87
Freshmen
from Marietta,
our No. 1
hometown
192
Freshmen from
Fulton County
37
Freshmen from
Roswell High—
our No. 1 feeder
high school
25
Freshmen from
Saint Pius X Catholic
High School—our
No. 1 private feeder
high school2,278
Miles traveled
by Allyson B.,
freshman from
Ladera Ranch, CA
8,000+
Miles traveled by
Hiu Man L. and
Maochi L. from
China
7,880
Miles traveled by
Joseph O. and
Kirtankumar P.
from Kenya
1162
Average
SAT score of
all enrolled
freshmen
3.45
Average high
school GPA
of all enrolled
freshmen
2016
Anticipated
graduation date
for this year's
freshmen class!

2Georgia College Connection | Winter 2013
Contents
3
9
17
23
29
7
11
19
25
8
13
21
27
Up Front
Academy of Distinguished
Alumni and Friends
Steinway
Sports
Class Notes
1961 Fulbright Scholar
Alumni Weekend
Preview
Academic Profile:
Physics
Prowl of the
Green Towel
History & Heritage
Cover Story: Title
100 Days of Listening
Foundation
Couples

u p fr ont
Georgia College
recognized among
“Best in the Southeast”
The Princeton Review in its annual survey of
regional universities and colleges has named
Georgia College to the “Best in the Southeast”
list for the sixth consecutive year.
The university joins an elite group on the
2013 list, which includes approximately 25
percent of the nation's four-year colleges.
Georgia College is one of 136 “regional best”
colleges The Princeton Review featured
on its website list of Southeastern schools,
part of this year's “2013 Best Colleges:
Region by Region.”
A total of 663 schools from the Northeast,
Southeast, Midwest and West earned the
designation.
The profile of Georgia College on The
Princeton Review's website includes 15
campus images, background information
about the institution and ways to
connect to the university through social
media: www.princetonreview.com/
georgiacollegestateuniversity.aspx
Political science experts lectured on
presidential election
Professors Dr. Kenny Whitby and Dr. Lee Walker spoke during Georgia
College's first Alumni Distinguished Lecture Series, Oct. 18, 2012.
The Georgia College alumni and political science experts
presented “Race, Religion and Group-Based Voting in the 2012
Presidential Election.”
“The lecture focused on the effect of group-membership on turnout
in American presidential elections,” said Dr. Roger Coate, Paul D.
Coverdell Endowed Chair of Policy Studies at Georgia College.
Both alumni teach at the University of South Carolina in Columbia, S.C.
Whitby, '75, '77, is professor of political science, and Walker, '96, is
associate professor of political science.
Georgia College named among 2013
'Best Regional Universities'
Georgia College continues to rank as a best public university in the
South and in Georgia, according to U.S. News & World Report's 2013
“Best Colleges” guidebook.
Moving up two places from last year, Georgia College ranked 10th
among the top public regional universities—Georgia's only university
in that classification.
Georgia College tied for 30th among all 128 regional universities
in the South.
In the best undergraduate business programs category, Georgia
College ranked nationally 199th out of 389 ranked universities,
placing in the top five among University System of Georgia schools
and tying for third among all public regional universities in the South.
Dr. Kenny Whitby earned two degrees from Georgia College: his
Bachelor of Science in Political Science in 1975 and his Master of
Public Administration in 1977.

Dr. Lee Gillis earns 'Distinguished
Researcher Award'
Dr. Lee Gillis, chair and professor in Georgia College's Department of
Psychological Science, earned this year's Distinguished Researcher
Award from the Association for Experiential Education (AEE).
The award recognizes exemplary and long-standing research
productivity and visibility in the fields of experiential education.
AEE presented the award to Gillis during its 40th annual international
conference in Madison, Wis.
“To be honored by my colleagues from the many disciplines that
belong to AEE—educators, recreators, consultants and mental health
practitioners—is humbling,” said Gillis. “Nearly all of my research
conducted since arriving at Georgia College in 1986 has in some
shape or form involved adventure therapy.”
Gillis also earned the 2012 President's Award for Meritorious Service
for his work with the Society of Group Psychology and Group
Psychotherapy, a division of the American Psychological Association.
Dr. Cliff Towner named Atlanta Wind
Symphony music director
Dr. Cliff Towner, director of band activities at Georgia College, has
been named music director of the Atlanta Wind Symphony.
Towner became music director for the internationally respected
symphony, which includes adult musicians ranging in experience
from some of Atlanta's finest professional musicians and
composers to hobbyists.
“I'm honored to take the position,” said Towner, a professional
trumpet player. “I hope to raise the level of artistry of this fine
ensemble and increase its influence in Atlanta and the region. I
look forward to working with this talented ensemble and making
great music.”
As principal conductor and artistic leader of the symphony, Towner
is responsible for programming concerts, planning rehearsals,
overseeing personnel and creating a vision for the future ensemble.
Visit atlantawindsymphony.org for more information about the
Atlanta Wind Symphony.

u p fr ont
Student leader visits White House
In fall 2012, Georgia College senior Grace Nichols joined emerging
leaders during equality discussions at the White House.
The music therapy major attended the event with approximately
100 next generation lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT)
participants to discuss equality efforts taking place on the federal level.
“The celebration was an opportunity to connect us,” said Nichols. “John
Berry, director of the Office of Personnel Management at the White
House and highest-ranking, openly gay government official, spoke to
us and encouraged us to become a resource and support system for
one another.”
The event was part of President Barack Obama and his
administration's dedication to eliminating barriers to equality;
engaging LGBT communities across the nation; and fighting
discrimination based on gender identity and sexual orientation.
Student entrepreneurs
sell handmade shoes
Georgia College entrepreneurship students
sold handmade shoes on front campus during
Family Day and the Deep Roots Festival.
The high top sneakers were made of manta, a
traditional coarse-textured fabric originating
from South America.
“The proceeds from these handmade shoes will
support local and Peru education initiatives,
and also help other entrepreneurs on global
levels,” said Alvaro De La Torre, Georgia
College senior management major and
president of the student program, Enactus.
“They are great shoes for a great cause.”
The Enactus program encourages leaders of
today to participate in social entrepreneurship
home and abroad.

MSU Commons opens to campus,
community
Georgia College's Maxwell Student Union (MSU) welcomed
several new additions to the remodeled lower level.
That includes to-go meals for lunch, a full-service Einstein
Bros. Bagels restaurant, lounge space and a new mail
services area.
The renovation also provides access from the patio side of
MSU to the rest of the building, including The Max, the GIVE
Center and the Bobcat Food Court.
“Guests will no longer have to walk around the building to
access the various inside offices and services,” said Kyle
Cullars, assistant vice president for auxiliary services and
enterprise development at Georgia College.
The Bobcat Card Office, MidSouth Community Federal Credit
Union and Office of Auxiliary Services continue to operate in
the new space as well.
“MSU Commons is a convenient one-stop shop,” said
Cullars. “Students have expressed great excitement about
the new space.”
Old Governor's Mansion
conservation project complete
The Old Governor's Mansion at Georgia College underwent
a 10-week conservation project to help preserve its
174-year-exterior.
“The project was part of Georgia College's ongoing
commitment to preserve the mansion by conserving its
historic exterior,” said Matthew S. Davis, '02, '04, mansion
curator. “The process was to ensure the mansion's
overall sustainability.”
The approximately $300,000 conservation project was made
possible through state and donated funds.
“The preservation of the Old Governor's Mansion is truly an
important undertaking,” said Jim Turner, mansion director.
It took two months to complete, and during that time the
mansion remained open to the public.
GC Poet-in-Residence publishes
'The View from Saturn'
Alice Friman, Georgia College's poet-in-residence, will soon
have her sixth full-length collection published.
“The View from Saturn,” to be published by Louisiana
State University Press, is her third book since coming
to Georgia College.
“The book endeavors to look at life objectively, from a distance,
before focusing in on the emotional reality of the every day
and what it means to be human,” said Friman.
The internationally acclaimed poet received the 2012 Georgia
Author of the Year Award in Poetry. Friman also is a recipient
of a 2012 Pushcart Prize.
Her work has been published in such prestigious venues as
“Poetry,” “The Georgia Review,” “The Southern Review” and
“The Best American Poetry 2009.”
The collection is scheduled for release fall 2014.

fulb r ight
Ann Jane Yarbrough Parr, '61, had never left
the United States. She had never traveled
west of the Midwest. It seemed inevitable that
she would stay in her home state of Georgia
after graduating from Georgia College, then
known as Georgia State College for Women.
This all changed shortly after commence-
ment in 1961. Parr was accepted to the
Fulbright Scholar Program, an international
educational exchange program sponsored by
the U.S. government.
As the first Fulbright Scholar from Georgia
College, she was unsure of what to expect of
the experience.
“I was apprehensive about the unknown, but
excited about the possible,” Parr said. “The
possibilities won.”
Parr sailed to Spain on the U.S.S. Constitu-
tion in September 1961 to begin her aca-
demic and cultural reciprocate opportunity at
the University of Salamanca.
In Salamanca, she lived among Spanish and
international students and studied Spanish
culture and literature, her true passion.
“My experiences certainly improved my
Spanish language skills,” she said, “as well
as my ability to adapt to a new culture.”
Her time in Spain also gave her a taste of
international relations during a major shift
in history.
“Construction on the Berlin Wall had just
begun a few months before my arrival to
Europe,” she said. “In a time when the United
Nations was relatively new and admired by
many students, we were especially aware
of the importance of understanding other
cultures and fostering an exchange of ideas,
particularly if we hoped to avoid another
world war.”
After her return to the United States, Parr's
academic achievements continued as she re-
ceived a National Defense Foreign Language
Fellowship from the Department of Health,
Education and Welfare.
She then enrolled at Tulane University to
study Latin American literature and history to
obtain her master's degree.
“I wanted to become a college professor of
any kind of literature, but I was interested in
encouraging Americans to try the literature
of Spain and Latin American because few
seemed to know much about it,” she said.
After receiving a Master of Arts from Tulane
in 1964, Parr went on to marry, become a
mother and, eventually, a businesswoman.
Today, she lives in Maryland and continues
to pursue her education as a lifetime learner.
“Now that I have retired, I attend classes
three days a week at the Johns Hopkins
University branch of Osher Lifelong Learning
Institute,” Parr said.
“Always the student, I continue to enjoy
reading and discussing great literature along
with expanding my knowledge of many
relevant things.”
Ann Jane Yarbrough Parr
1961 Fulbright Scholar
*Editor's note: In the fall 2012
issue of Connection, we
published a story on Lisa Baer,
thought at the time to be the
first Georgia College Fulbright
Scholar. It was through this
story we discovered Ms. Parr
and the fact that Georgia
College had indeed an earlier
Fulbright Scholar in Ms. Parr.
Your information is extremely
valuable to us. Please contact
us with any notes, corrections
or interesting alumni
stories. Thank you for your
contributions.

histo ry Her itage
Chair of the Department of Music from
1935 to 1965, Dr. Max Noah developed
and directed the university's touring
group of singers, the Milledgeville
College A Cappella Choir.
Because of Noah's efforts, the
music department of the Georgia
Educators Association created its own
organization, Georgia Music Educators
Association, and affiliated with the Music
Educators National Conference.
“Dr. Noah had a combination of high
standards and enthusiasm that students
could not resist,” said Dr. Richard
Greene, professor of music at Georgia
College. “He also brought together
a faculty whose legacy inspires a
continuing high standard to all areas of
the music department.”
Today, Georgia College's Department
of Music reconnects with Noah and
the A Cappella Choir through its choral
ensemble, the Max Noah Singers,
directed by Dr. Jennifer Flory.
“Named in honor of Dr. Noah's legacy,
the Max Noah Singers perform on
campus and tour off campus annually,”
said Flory, who has directed the
group since 2005. “Dr. Noah was a
demanding conductor and stern father
figure to generations of Georgia College
students.”
Built during 1939, Porter Hall serves as
home to the Department of Music. The
building is named after Anthony Porter,
a wealthy Savannah, Ga., planter and
merchant.
Porter Hall was built around a 1912
steam plant, partly with Public Works
Administration funds and a donation
by Louisa Porter Gilmer Minis. Great-
niece of Anthony Porter, Minis wanted
the building to be named after her
great-uncle.
The building featured a dozen practice
rooms, a band room and small
auditorium called Porter Auditorium.
In 1987, Porter Auditorium was renamed
Max Noah Recital Hall in honor of Noah.
The renovation was paid for with funds
raised by A Cappella alumni, led by
Jackie Bell, '51.
“Max Noah is the person who changed
my whole life and made me who I
am today,” said Bell. “He demanded
perfection out of poor little country girls.
He would make you feel like you were 1
foot tall, but then make you feel like you
could do anything.”
Porter Hall/Max Noah Recital Hall
Max Noah was the chair of the Department
of Music from 1935-1965.
Construction of the steam physical plant under Porter Hall taken circa 1938.
The smoke stack on Porter Hall was a part of this original system.

acad emy
The Academy of Distinguished
Alumni and Friends
On Nov. 10, 2012, the Georgia College State University Foundation hosted the inaugural Academy of Distinguished
Alumni and Friends induction ceremony, held at the InterContinental Buckhead Atlanta Hotel.
The inaugural inductees were Max Crook, Mike Garrett, Alex Gregory, Sherrilyn Kenyon, Dave Perkins and Jackie Ward.
“Establishing the Academy of Distinguished Alumni and Friends was an opportunity to recognize those who have excelled
in their chosen fields,” said Jeff Wansley, '87, academy committee chair and Foundation Board of Trustees member.
Wansley thanked fellow trustee Melba Cooper, '73, '75, for her work on this important event.
“These inductees have accomplished amazing work throughout their careers,” said Wansley, who also serves as vice
president of government affairs for the Metro Atlanta Chamber.
Through the Academy, the foundation plans to annually recognize those who have impacted the campus or their
communities in meaningful ways.
Back row (l-r) Dave Perkins, Alex Gregory, Max Crook, Mike Garrett. Front row (l-r) Sherrilyn Kenyon, Jackie Ward

Max Crook worked in the field of finance for 40 years. He recently retired from Morgan
Keegan Co. in Macon as a financial adviser. In the middle Georgia community,
Crook has been extensively involved with the Macon Civic Club, Wesleyan College and
Museum of Aviation at Robins Air Force Base. Crook chaired the Foundation from 1996
to 1997, leading efforts to keep the Old Governor's Mansion as part of the campus.
He received the William Bone Golden Key Award, reserved to honor friends who have
rendered outstanding service to both the university and its community..
Mike Garrett, '76, spent 40 years with Southern Co. He served as president and CEO of
Georgia Power, Southern Co.'s largest subsidiary. Garrett earned his bachelor's degree
in business administration from Georgia College. He and his wife, Karen, have devoted
themselves to a number of endeavors, including Georgia 4-H. Garrett also has chaired
campaigns for the Georgia Chamber of Commerce, Woodruff Arts Center and United
Way of Metropolitan Atlanta. In 2004, he received Georgia College's Executive of the Year
Award from the J. Whitney Bunting College of Business. In 2009, Georgia Trend Magazine
named Garrett its “Most Respected Business Leader.”
Alex Gregory, '78, '79, currently serves as the chair, CEO and president of Marietta-
based YKK Corporation of America. Gregory oversees 13 companies located in North
and Central America, the West Indies and Colombia. He served as a member of the
Foundation Board of Trustees for more than 20 years, twice serving as chair. Gregory
is also a longtime supporter and mentor to students participating in the university's
Georgia Education Mentorship Program. In 2001, he received the Georgia College Alumni
Achievement Award, and in 2002, he was honored as Georgia College's Executive of the
Year, presented by the J. Whitney Bunting College of Business.
Sherrilyn Kenyon, '90, a science fiction and fantasy writer, says while studying in
the GC library, she wondered what it would be like to have her writing published like
alumna Flannery O'Connor, '45. Sixty books and 25 million copies later, Kenyon is an
international sensation. Best known for her “Dark-Hunter” series, Kenyon's books have
reached the top of best-seller lists in the New York Times, Publishers Weekly and USA
Today. In the past three years, her work has reached the top of the Times list 16 times.
She cites Georgia College as an integral part of her career. In 2012, she received the
Georgia College Alumni Achievement Award.
Dave Perkins, '71, a renowned guitarist and music producer, has worked with a legion
of legendary artists, including Ray Charles, Carole King and Willie Nelson. After 25
years on the road and in the studio as a musician, Perkins' earned a Master of Divinity
degree and a doctorate from Vanderbilt University. Perkins currently serves as Vanderbilt's
associate director of the Religion in the Arts and Contemporary Culture program. He has
also released a critically acclaimed blues-rock album, “Pistol City Holiness,” and he has
written the score and performed all the music for the 2012 feature film, “Deadline.”
Jackie Ward, '59, is considered one of the nation's most respected and admired
executives, as well as a trailblazer for women in business. She co-founded the data
technology company Computer Generation Inc. in 1968, at a time when few women
were starting their own businesses, particularly in the field of technology. Ward became
the first woman to lead the Metro Atlanta Chamber of Commerce, and she was the first
woman to receive the Entrepreneur of the Year Award from her fellow Atlanta 100 CEOs.
She currently serves on the board of directors of Flowers Foods, Wellpoint Inc., Sysco
Corp. and Sanmina-SCI Corp.

ALUM NI WEEKEND
Homecoming and
Alumni Weekend 2013
February 19-23
It's not too late to register!
Registration price of $12
includes entrance to
most events below, and
discounted rates to others.
To register, visit
gcsu.edu/alumni or
call 478-445-5771.
Tuesday, Feb. 19
Office and spirit board
decoration contest
Faculty and staff go all out to represent
school spirit by decorating their offices,
while students decorate spirit boards for
the Homecoming parade.
Paws on a Cause
Paint a Bobcat paw print in your
organizations style to raise money for a
children's literacy programs.
Wednesday, Feb. 20
Blue and Green Trivia College Bowl
Teams compete in Georgia College trivia
for big prizes!
Women's Softball vs. Anderson
Thursday, Feb. 21:
GC's Got Talent!
A talent show that gives the GC
community the chance to show
off their skills.
Comedian: Laughing Skull Lounge
Friday, Feb. 22:
Special Collections and Old Governor's
Mansion open for tours
Visit these areas for an in-depth trip into
Georgia College history.
Peabody School Reunion Luncheon
Peabody alumni enjoy lunch, music,
and special presentations while
reconnecting with old friends.
Alumni Welcome Reception
Enjoy cocktails while you mingle and
network with other GC alumni. Meet with
old friends and make some new ones!
Theatre Production
GC Theatre presents the off-Broadway
musical “I Love You, You're Perfect, Now
Change.” (Registered alumni get tickets
at a discounted rate)
Highlights of the week

Homecoming Concert
All alumni are invited to attend the
Homecoming Concert. 2013 Headline
Acts: Gloriana and Jerrod Niemann.
(Registered alumni get tickets at a
discounted rate)
Saturday, Feb. 23:
Black Student Alliance / NPHC
Reunion Cookout
Old School vs. New School Dance
Blue Green Day
Wear blue and green to represent your
Bobcat pride!
Bobcat Ramble 5K and Fun Run –
Register at homecoming.gcsu.edu
Homecoming Parade
GC organizations decorate floats
according to this year's theme to
exemplify their Bobcat pride.
“A History of Georgia College,” with Dr.
Bob Wilson
Alumni Luncheon
Reunion groups, fraternities and
sororities, and more will be recognized
as we welcome the 50th class reunion
into the half-century club.
Tailgating at Tent City!
Campus Tours and Open House, Tours
of Wellness and Recreation Center
Basketball vs. Montevallo (Women
and Men)
Crowning of Mr. and Ms.
Georgia College
Dessert Reception in the
Peabody Garden
Athletics Hall of Fame inductions
Additional performance of “I Love You,
You're Perfect, Now Change”
Concert: Third Eye Blind at
Homecoming/Alumni Weekend 2012
Basketball: Thunder gets the crowd
pumped up during the Homecoming/
Alumni Weekend basketball games.
Dr. John Lounsbury greets alumni,
students and friends in the parade.
Alumni celebrate a new piece of art,
“Kernel,” at the dedication of the newly
renovated Peabody Garden.
The Bobcat Ramble 5K, run in memory
of John Bruner, funds an academic
scholarship for a Baldwin County
student to attend Georgia College.
Alumni lunch: Old friends enjoying
lunch together.
Members of the class of '60 and '62
on the steps of the Old Governor's
Mansion
A group of alumni at the Alumni
Welcome Reception.

“Great universities celebrate
who they are. They celebrate
their history and extol
their greatness.”
—Dr. Steve Dorman

President Steve Dorman begins to cast his vision
for the future of Georgia College.
Historians often search for beginnings – for the genesis of trends
or movements that started with the first articulation of an idea or
the formulation of a theory. History tends to recall the events that
began with large, sweeping pronouncements, such as Martin
Luther's Theses posted on the castle church door at Wittenberg
or Abraham Lincoln's Emancipation Proclamation. Sometimes,
though, change is heralded in other ways. A significant, but yet
unwritten, chapter of Georgia College's history began more
quietly. It started with 100 days of listening.
100 Days of Listening
Dr. Steve Dorman, Georgia College's 11th president,
began his tenure on Sept. 1, 2012. And starting
with his first official day on the campus, Dorman
embarked on an extensive listening tour that
introduced him to hundreds of the university's faculty,
staff, students and stakeholders. As a long-time
teacher and administrator, Dorman understood the
value in conducting research, gathering data and
being deliberate and methodical in assessing the
university's strengths and challenges.
Dorman began his academic career at the University
of Florida, where he joined the faculty in 1986. His
appointment followed undergraduate work at Lee
College (now Lee University) and graduate studies at
the University of Tennessee, from which he received
his doctorate in health education in 1984. Following
14 years at Florida, Dorman accepted a faculty
appointment at Texas AM University, where he
served as professor and head of the Department of
Health and Kinesiology. After six years in the Lone
Star State, he was called back to the University of
Florida as professor and dean of the College of Health
and Human Performance.
“My experience at both Texas AM and Florida gave
me a great perspective on the important role of public
universities and their value to their host communities,
regions and states,” said Dorman. “So much of what
I remember from my service at those two schools
is focused on the multiple and beneficial points
of contact between the academic institution and
the community.”
It was his broad experience as an academician,
researcher and administrator that made Dorman
a strong candidate for the presidency of Georgia
College. Dr. Ken McGill, professor and chair in the
Department of Chemistry, Physics and Astronomy,
led the institution's search committee through the
process of finding a new president. McGill articulated
the hopes of the committee when the announcement
of Dorman's appointment was made.
“We're looking forward to Dr. Dorman being the
right person for the university during this time,”
said McGill.
Prior to his arrival on campus, Dorman made it
clear he was interested in hearing from a wide range
of university stakeholders. In discussions with the
university's senior leadership team, the newly named
president announced his intention to spend the first
100 days of his tenure listening carefully to Georgia
College's many constituencies.

Georgia College Connection | Winter 201315
“I wanted to hear from all segments of the campus
community — undergraduate and graduate students, staff,
faculty and alumni,” he said. “I also needed to spend time
with community leaders, ranging from business owners to
government officials and members of the faith community.”
And listen he did. In the initial 100 days of his presidency,
Dorman heard from hundreds of people who are engaged in
and care deeply about Georgia College. Often, during those
discussions, he would be asked for his opinion about an
issue or opportunity facing the university. Unless the item
needed an immediate decision, Dorman would often remind
his audience that he was there to listen.
“When it's time for me to talk,” he said, “you'll hear from me.”
The time for talk turned out to be Friday, Jan. 11, when
Dorman strode to the podium at Russell Auditorium
and provided the campus community with his State of
the University Address. He began by noting numerous
accomplishments, honors and awards garnered by members
of the campus community. Among other exemplars, he
cited the successful completion of the Pillars for the Future
campaign, the thousands and thousands of community
volunteer hours by Georgia College students and the
outstanding graduation rate of the university's student
athletes. The nearly 900 attendees applauded the examples
of Georgia College excellence.
His message continued clear and unequivocal.
“Yes, Georgia College is indeed a special place,” he said.
“We have much to be proud of and celebrate. Our students
are bright and successful, our alumni are supportive of
the institution and give back, and our faculty and staff are
leading their disciplines in their accomplishments. We have
a lot to celebrate. And it is clear that we have a bright future
ahead of us as an institution!”
Dorman noted that his listening tour had reinforced his belief
in the exceptional strengths and character of the campus
community. And so when he turned his conversation to the
challenges that face Georgia College, he did so with the full
confidence that the people who serve the institution are up to
the task of turning challenges into opportunities.
According to the president, the primary issue facing the
university is one that is being felt across the nation — how
do public institutions of higher education cope with a
significant decline in state funding coupled with hitting the
ceiling regarding tuition increases?
“Our state appropriations have decreased over the last five
years,” said Dorman. “Our tuition and fees have doubled. And
our headcount has dropped in the last two years, resulting in
a loss of revenue.”
He went on to propose a number of possible solutions to the
perfect storm of cost, funding and access, leading with a
confirmation of the university's mission.
“Let me reaffirm to you today that our primary goal is
to continue in the niche as the state's public liberal arts
institution,” he said.
At the same time, he stated that the university will have
to examine and review each of the academic and support
programs it currently operates. Additionally, Dorman stressed
the need for increased philanthropic support and increased
external funding for research and academic scholarship.
Dorman also observed that Georgia College isn't alone in
feeling the economic pinch.
“I don't need to tell you how the recent downturn in the
economy has impacted our area,” he said. “It has been
made very clear to me that community leaders and others
are thankful that Georgia College is here, and how equally
thankful they are for the economic impact that the university
provides for the region.”
Apart from economic impact, Dorman told the university
community to be prepared to bring intellectual capital to the
table to serve our host community.
“It is my belief that we do have an obligation to our
community,” Dorman said. “We need to engage our public
schools and assist with their efforts to improve. We have
an obligation to the community in which we live to do what
we can to assist with efforts to stimulate the local economy.
Indeed it is in our own self interest as an institution to have
a thriving Milledgeville. We want our town to be one that
students and new staff and faculty members want to come
to. We desire a community that has the kinds of activities
and venues that they are accustomed to having in their
hometowns.
“If we believe that we are a marketplace of ideas and that
we are a fount of new knowledge, then we should fully
embrace our role as a contributor and stimulator for the
local economy.”

Georgia College Connection | Winter 2013 16
Dorman also believes there's more work to do in the area of
diversity and inclusion.
“The ethnic diversity of our faculty, staff and students does
not match the state or the region of the state in which we
are located. This should leave each of us with a level of
dissatisfaction,” the president said as he outlined a number of
initiatives to address the issue. He announced the reassignment
of the Office of Equity and Diversity to supervision by the Office
of the Provost and the establishment of the Georgia College
Legacy Fund.
“The Legacy Fund will focus primarily on efforts to recruit
and enroll students from first generation college families
and students with financial need, many of whom are from
diverse backgrounds,” Dorman said. “This fund will provide
scholarships for promising students who are the first in their
family to attend college and who are financially unable to
attend Georgia College without this assistance.”
Dr. Dorman concluded his first State of the University Address
by focusing the crowd's attention on tradition and school pride.
“Great universities celebrate who they are,” said Dorman.
“They celebrate their history and extol their greatness. Great
universities enjoy traditions that allow students across the
generations and faculty, staff and community to relate to and
cheer for the greatness of their experiences.”
He then introduced Dr. Wendy Mullen, interim chair of the music
department, to lead those in attendance in singing the Georgia
College alma mater, a long-forgotten tradition now reborn. Ruth
Sandiford Garrard, '65, wrote the music for the alma mater in
the 1960s, and was now an honored guest in singing it with a
new generation.
The past, present and future of Georgia College resounded
clearly throughout Russell Auditorium.
To read the entire State of
the University speech, visit
connection.gcsu.edu.
The presidential team of Steve and Jane Dorman announced a $10,000 personal gift to the Legacy Fund, a new scholarship
program to recruit and enroll students from first generation college families and students with financial need, many of whom
are from diverse backgrounds.

All-Steinway
Designation holds prestige for Georgia College
Department of Music
Georgia College is designated as an All-Steinway School, one of five
universities in the state of Georgia. The university provides 18 Steinway
pianos—seven grand pianos and 11 uprights—across the campus for
practice, rehearsal and performance. The grand pianos in Max Noah
Recital Hall, Russell Auditorium and Magnolia Ballroom are featured in
recitals, concerts and musicals.
Steinway

Section Title
According to Steinway Sons Inc., All-Steinway Schools
demonstrate a commitment to excellence by providing their
students and faculties with the best equipment possible for the
study of music.
To achieve the designation, Steinway requires its products
represent 90 percent of the university's piano inventory.
The university completed the process with the purchase of
10 Steinway “Boston” upright pianos for practice rooms in
Porter Hall.
Previously, the university purchased a 7-foot Steinway
Concert Grand piano in 2009. During 2006, donations
helped purchase an earlier 7-foot Steinway Concert Grand.
The university's oldest Steinway, circa 1890, is still in use in
Chappell Hall.
“As students learn a piece, they must consider the musical
phrasing, dynamics, tempo changes and subtleties that
combine to make a complete musical interpretation,” said Dr.
Wendy Mullen, interim chair of the Department of Music. “Our
students develop skills and techniques that prepare them for
graduate school or accompanying work in schools, churches
or other organizations.”
Alumnus Robert Valentine, '08, attended Georgia College
when the university started its All-Steinway School
designation process.
“It was a terrific idea to make the switch, because Steinway
pianos are drastically different,” said Valentine. “These pianos
give the pianist the ability to express more and really show off.
I didn't know how big of a deal being an All-Steinway School
would become until I played on one for the first time in my
performance class.”
Like Valentine, music majors training on the university's
Steinway pianos gain the necessary skills to become
professional pianists.
Valentine earned a Bachelor of Art in music with a
concentration in piano performance at Georgia College.
Throughout his undergraduate studies, he practiced and
performed on the university's Steinway pianos.
After earning his bachelor's degree at Georgia College,
Valentine earned a Master of Music degree in piano
and choral conducting from Southern Illinois University,
Edwardsville (SIUE).
Today, Valentine takes the piano lessons he learned
from Georgia College professors and applies them to his
current pursuits.
Valentine works on staff at SIUE as director of the music
outreach program for elementary schools and accompanist
for student and musical productions.
He also serves as music director for a local Lutheran church
and sings for the St. Louis Symphony Chorus.
“My most recent accomplishment has been with Winter Opera
St. Louis as rehearsal pianist for their upcoming production,
Giacomo Puccini's 'Tosca,'” said Valentine. “Georgia College's
Department of Music faculty helped broaden my horizons in
music. I learned how to play better with character and bring
something new to whatever I played.”
In November 2012, Georgia College celebrated its designation
as an All-Steinway School with nearly 125 supporters at a
recital and dedication ceremony in Max Noah Recital Hall.
As part of the prestigious recognition, several Georgia College
music faculty members performed during the dedication
ceremony. Dr. Richard Mercier, a former Georgia College
music chair, also accompanied several of the artists at
the event.
“It was an honor to have our new president, Dr. Steve
Dorman, in attendance to receive the All-Steinway plaque for
Georgia College,” said Dr. Wendy Mullen, interim chair of the
Department of Music.
“I enjoyed sharing that moment with patrons, donors, the
university and community. Several years ago, many of those
in attendance responded to a fund drive for a Steinway piano,
planting the seed that blossomed into a reality.”

acad em ic pr ofile
What was only a dream four years ago has grown into the state's third largest physics program.
Until the fall semester of 2009, Georgia College had not offered a physics degree since 1972, when it was
phased out due to budget cuts and lack of interest.
E=mc2
@ GC
Georgia College physics program is beginning to make waves
“One of my goals when I took my current position
in 2000 was to get the physics program back,”
said Dr. Ken McGill, chair of the Department of
Chemistry, Physics and Astronomy. “It was a
very lofty goal.”
After years of planning and petitioning, the
University System of Georgia Board of Regents re-
approved the physics program in March 2009.
“We were very happy to get it back,” McGill said.
“Since then, we have gone from less than 10
students to more than 120.”
The Georgia College physics program now
offers students a variety of coursework and
degree options.
A popular choice among students is to pursue
a dual degree as a part of an agreement with
Georgia Tech. The program allows students to
complete a three-year physics degree at Georgia
College, followed by a two-year engineering degree
at Georgia Tech.
As appealing as this option is, many students
choose to stay in the Georgia College physics
program for four years.
Evan Sand, '10, (left) demonstrates the reality of physics by tossing a football to one of his students in the gym.

“I had a great adviser and all of the teachers and faculty
were great as well,” said Evan Sand, '10. “I liked Georgia
College and the program so much, I stayed there.”
Sand, who now teaches all levels of physics classes at
Mountain View High School in Lawrenceville, was one
of the first to graduate with a physics degree after the
program was reinstituted.
“The program offered me a lot,” Sand said. “I got to
conduct and present research around the country. I also
got to be a supplemental instructor at Georgia College,
which gave me my first taste of teaching.”
Although many of the program's graduates go on to
graduate school or begin a physics-related career, Sand
recognized the demand for teaching the subject to youth.
“When we first proposed the return of the physics
program, the entire state of Georgia graduated only two
qualified high school physics teachers,” McGill said.
“Georgia ranked 48th in the United States in per capita
degrees conferred in physics.”
Realizing this, Sand knew that his days spent in the
classroom would not end at graduation.
“I could have continued to go the research route, but
I have always aspired to teach,” Sand said. “I am one
person, but I can make a lot of kids fall in love with
physics, like I did, and do something with it.”
McGill and other department faculty hope the program
will increase the awareness and support of physics
programs in the K-12 education system through
graduates like Sand.
Two prospective May 2013 graduates of the program
intend to go on to teach in Georgia high schools,
matching the entire state's production of physics
teachers five years ago.
“We hope to increase the degrees conferred in physics
for Georgia and bring our state to a more respectable
ranking,” McGill said.
As the physics program cements itself as an integral part
of Georgia College and the University System of Georgia,
it can only be expected that the program will continue to
grow and gain notoriety.
“Things are just starting up,” McGill said. “We are just
getting our feet wet.”
To learn more about the physics
program at Georgia College,
visit gcsu.edu/physics
Evan Sand is a physics teacher at Mountain View High School,
where he also serves as the offensive line coach for the
football team and the head coach of women's lacrosse.

foun dation u pdate
From writing stories for a national magazine to writing thank-
you letters to Georgia College alumni, Dorrie Neligan, '65, '88,
always enjoys expressing herself using the written word.
This year her children surprised her by endowing a
scholarship in her name—the Dorrie Neligan Creative Writing
Scholarship. The scholarship will be awarded annually to an
undergraduate student pursuing creative writing.
“It's one of the most awesome things to happen to me in
my twilight years,” she said. “I hope it continues to enhance
Georgia College's liberal arts mission and the talents of our
young writers. I was able to connect with writing students as
an instructor, and now I am able to do so again through this
great scholarship.”
Neligan, a mother of five children, earned a bachelor's degree
in English and art history at Duke University in 1951. She
moved to Milledgeville soon afterward when her husband, Pat,
accepted a job at Central State Hospital.
She earned a Master of Education at Georgia College in
1965, and a Specialist of Education degree in 1988. After
graduating, she became a part-time English instructor
teaching journalism.
Then President J. Whitney Bunting asked her to serve as
part-time alumni director. She served in that position from
1970-1985.
“I helped with fundraising and coordinated events with alumni
groups,” Neligan said. “I probably wrote 60 to 70 thank-you
letters in a day to alumni after fundraising events.”
“Those were wonderful years,” she said. “Today, Georgia
College's future couldn't be brighter.”
We invite friends of Dorrie's to contribute to this endowment.
For more information, contact Bill Doerr at bill.doerr@gcsu.edu
or 478-445-1236.
Writing scholarship honors Neligan
Throughout his undergraduate experience
at Georgia College, Robert Betzel, '98,
worked full time while earning a bachelor's
degree of business administration in
management information systems (MIS).
He attributes his success in and
completion of the program to professors
like Dr. Harry Glover and Dr. Tanya Goette
of the university's J. Whitney Bunting
College of Business.
At age 37, Betzel decided to give back
to his alma mater by establishing a
scholarship endowment—The Infinity
Network Solutions Continuing Education
Scholarship—named after the information
technology company he started right
after college.
“The scholarship supports dedicated
students who have a passion for
accomplishing their dreams in the field and
using their skills to make their communities
better,” said Betzel.
Through the GCSU Foundation, the annual
scholarship awards $500 to a student
working full time while pursuing a MIS
degree in the College of Business.
“This scholarship supports the college that
supported me,” said Betzel. “I want it to
become an ongoing experience and help
as many students as possible down the
road who are engaged in the classroom
and field.”
Betzel endows scholarship to support
business students

Rogers gives to create nursing
scholarship
Dianne Rogers, '79, '89, '00, dedicated 32 years to
providing care to patients at Central State Hospital. She
credits Georgia College for preparing her for a successful
career in nursing.
“The professors were flexible, and the courses were
challenging,” Rogers said. “I developed strong critical
thinking skills; learned how to deal with various people
and circumstances; and became prepared for leadership
roles on the unit.”
This year, Rogers decided to endow a scholarship to her
alma mater in appreciation for the extensive education she
earned. Rogers gave $10,000 to create the Dianne M. Rogers
Minority Nursing Scholarship, given to an undergraduate
student pursing a nursing degree.
“I want to help those who may need a little extra financial
help,” she said. “I truly understand how hard it can be to earn
degrees, and I've been blessed in so many ways.”
To contribute to the Foundation,
visit foundation.gcsu.edu or call
478-445-5400.
Raines challenges young alumni
to give back
Butler Raines, '99, arrived to Georgia College a shy guy.
But his undergraduate experience transformed him into a
confident, determined leader.
“Georgia College literally changed the course of my life,”
said Raines. “The small classes and mentoring from
professors and administrators gave me the opportunity to
grow and develop the leadership skills needed to succeed.”
Because of his experiences at Georgia College, he has
decided to donate $10,000 to the university's Heritage
Fund. The donation is a challenge gift. Raines will match,
dollar-for-dollar, any new and increased contributions up to
$10,000 from donors who have graduated in 1996 or later.
Raines now works as a web developer for News Distribution
Network, a leading digital video and advertising solutions
company based in Atlanta, Ga.
“I work for one of the hottest companies in digital media,”
he said. “The job requires me to use the analytical skills
I developed while studying chemistry at Georgia College.
Because of this strong foundation, I was able to teach
myself the skills necessary to switch directions and start a
new career.”

s p o rts
Connection: Where are you now?
Carr: I live in my hometown of Taunton, Mass. I am currently in
my fourth year teaching at Taunton High School, and am coaching
baseball at Bishop Stang High School in South Dartmouth, Mass. I
also coached basketball for five years at Bristol Plymouth Technical
in Taunton, culminating in a 2009 coach of the year award from
the Taunton Daily Gazette. My family is Debbie (mom), Brian (dad),
and Matt (brother) who I love spending time with along with my
dog Barkley. I have spent many weekends traveling the country on
a USSSA national softball team.
Connection: What attracted you to Georgia College?
Carr: It was baseball. Georgia College was the only school that
offered me a scholarship and I figured if they were willing to take a
chance on me, then I was willing to do the same with them. One of
the best moves I ever made.
Connection: How did your role as a student-athlete help shape
you as a person?
Carr: Being a student-athlete taught me how to be an adult and
take responsibility for my actions, both positive and negative. It
taught me to stick to a schedule, budget my time wisely and be
responsible and accountable to my coaches, my teammates, my
instructors and myself. And when I did make mistakes, whether it
was on the field or in the classroom, it taught me to face it straight
on. These values stick with me to this day.
Connection: What was your favorite place to be on the Georgia
College campus?
Carr: My favorite place was the Centennial Center. It had everything
for me. Some of my classes were there, the trainers were there,
we lifted weights there and I used to play basketball there on the
weekends (don't tell coach Mrowka, that was forbidden!). And one
of my favorite things to do was go to the basketball games. I used
to play in high school and loved the atmosphere.
Connection: What is your fondest memory of being at
Georgia College?
Carr: It was after our last game my junior year in the regional
tournament. We needed one more win to go to the world series…
Armando Aversa, Mike Joyce, Ryan Avery and myself sat in left field
after coach had finished his post game speech and cried. We had
worked so hard, played so hard, and given everything for almost
70 games and were overcome with feelings of disappointment, but
we knew we left it all on the field
Connection: What advice would you have for future GC student-
athletes to get the most of their experience at Georgia College?
Carr: Don't be afraid to take chances. Meet new people, develop
relationships, volunteer your time in the community, try to get to
know your professors, do things out of your comfort zone, budget
your time wisely and most of all be proud to say you're a GC
Bobcat. The years that you spend in college you will remember for
the rest of your life. Make the most of it and be all you can be.
Where are they now? Chris Carr
A slugger in the truest sense, Chris Carr, '01, powered the Georgia College baseball offense for two years in 2000 and 2001,
amassing accolades and making his mark on the Bobcat record books.
A transfer from Massasoit Community College, then-head coach Steve Mrowka brought Carr down to fill the middle of
the order and a gap at first base.
Carr did more than fill, he shone—earning a pair of All-America honors, as well as the only Region Player of the Year trophy in
school history, that coming in Carr's senior season in 2001. Carr finished seventh in school history in home runs with 32 and
hit .395 over his two years, good for fourth all time. Carr still leads Georgia College in career slugging percentage at a .723 clip,
an amazing 34 points ahead of fellow Hall of Famer Phil Arp.

New members added to
athletics Hall of Fame
The Georgia College Athletics Department is excited to honor
three exceptional former Bobcats during Homecoming and
Alumni Weekend 2013. These new members will be inducted
on Saturday, Feb. 23.
Dr. Stan Aldridge—Administration
On the Mount Rushmore of Georgia College Athletics, Aldridge would be firmly positioned
next to Dr. Michael Peeler. Where Peeler set the foundation for future athletic and academic
successes, Aldridge set the framework for the move to NCAA Division II and joining the Peach
Belt Conference (PBC).
Aldridge came to Georgia College to coach the men's basketball squad in 1975, and prior to
joining the administrative ranks in 1986, brought in Georgia Intercollegiate Athletic Association
(GIAC) Coach of the Year honors twice.
He served as director of athletics for the Colonials and Bobcats for 17 years, taking over
after the passing of Dr. Peeler. Just as comfortable mowing the outfield grass as he was in
university board room meetings, Aldridge fostered the culture of community in the Georgia
College Athletic Department, everyone coming together for a common goal, graduating student-
athletes, developing them to be contributors to society while fielding competitive programs.
The back-to-back PBC Commissioner's Cup titles are a direct correlation to the foundation that
Aldridge laid throughout his career.
Luiza Biktyakova—Tennis
Sister of fellow Hall of Famer Lilia, Luiza Biktyakova, '04 played two seasons for the Bobcats
from 2002-2004 after transferring from Abraham Baldwin Agricultural College. A member
of the Peach Belt Conference (PBC) Champions in 2003, she earned Intercollegiate Tennis
Association (ITA) All-America status in both of her two seasons.
Luiza Biktyakova twice earned All-PBC status, and was ITA/Rolex Region Doubles Champion
twice with two different partners. Her pairing with Mia Paavilainen earned the duo national
runners-up as well in 2002. A testament to her abilities as the complete student-athlete, Luiza
Biktyakova is Georgia College's lone recipient of the ITA National Arthur Ashe Sportsmanship
Award, that coming in 2003.
Chris Carr—Baseball
Chris Carr, '01, a Massachusetts native, played two seasons for the Bobcats in 2000 and
2001 after transferring from Massasoit Community College. Carr was named All-American in
both of his seasons at Georgia College, adding All-Peach Belt Conference (PBC) honors twice
and the first PBC Player of the Year trophy in school history.
He remains the lone Region Player of the Year in school history, earning that honor also in
2001 while leading his squad to the NCAA Regional Tournament.

Pr owl of the gr een towel
Javier Becerra, '12, at the capitol building in
Havana, Cuba
(l-r) Audrey Smith and Katherine Walsh, GC students in
Santiago, Chile
Benedict Esposito, GC student in Newport, Rhode Island at
the Old Colony House
Ben Wilkerson, '12 at the highest peak in Yaounde,
Cameroon
(l-r), GC student Amanda Brodzik with mass communication
faculty Dr. Mary Jean Land, Macon McGinley, Amanda
Respess and Pate McMichael at Gino's East in Chicago, Ill.
Dr. Paul Jahr and Diane Jahr at the Berlin Wall's East Side
Gallery in Berlin, Germany

Share your Prowl of the Green
Towel with us by emailing
alumni@gcsu.edu.
Carlos Marques, GC graduate student and men's tennis
graduate assistant coach at the Cristo Redentor statue in
Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
GC students studying abroad in the Galapagos Islands in
May 2012
GC student Alex Allison in Jerusalem, Israel
Kirsten Cornay, GC student studying abroad in France
(l-r), June Jones Willis '46, Wanda White '60 and Lorien
Campbell '11 at Athens Area Happy Hour at the Hilltop Grill
in Athens, Ga.

Love on Front Campus
Dennis Barassa, '07 and Amira (Abdulhafid)
Barassa, '07
Sam '80 and Susan '78 Burch (Buttram)
Susan was very involved with the Baptist
Student Union and Alpha Delta Pi, and lived
in Adams Hall. Sam is currently the owner
of J. Sam Burch and Associates Real Estate
Appraisal in Fayetteville. He lived in Napier
Hall and remembers life guarding at Walter
B. Williams pool.
Robert Burch, '06 and Carly '06 (Buttram)
both lived in Napier Hall while at Georgia
College, but now reside in Fayetteville near
his parents Sam '80 and Susan '78 Burch.
They currently have two children, Andrew
(4) and Kendall (2), and are expecting!
Carly is a registered nurse specializing in
wound care, while Robert is in real estate
with Prudential Georgia Realty and also a
residential appraiser.
Jonathan Chancey, '12 and Amanda (Cobb)
Chancey, '12. They met their freshmen year,
starting dating their junior year, and were
married in September 2012.
Charles Cheek, '84 and Cyndi (Goodloe)
Cheek, '86 met at Georgia College in fall
1982 and were married in 1985.
Trey Cherry, '10 and Whiney (McCullough)
Cherry, '10 met during their freshman year.
They lived two doors down from each other
in Parkhurst Hall. At their wedding in June
2012, they had a table named “Parkhurst”
as one of the places that had meaning in
their lives.
Jason Chitwood, '04 and Jennifer (Meeks)
Chitwood, '07. Jennifer is a kindergarten
teacher at Riverside Primary in Mableton and
Jason is an assistant professor of Political
Science at Georgia Military College-Atlanta
area campus, and an adjunct professor
of Political Science at Georgia Highlands
College in Marietta.
Michael Ewing, '05 and Paige Armstrong
Ewing, '05. Met their junior year (2003) at
the old white house on the corner at 331 W.
Montgomery Street. They live in Buford and
have a daughter, Avery Anna (3), and are
expecting a second daughter in May.
Daniel Gilland, '88 and Deena (Williamson)
Gilland, '88. They live in Conyers and have
two children (21 and 17). Dan is in human
resources with Acuity Brands Lighting and
Deena is a nurse executive with Emory
Healthcare.
In the spirit of Valentine's Day, here is a sampling of just a few
alumni couples who met while at Georgia College.

Adam Hammond, '10 and Lauren
Hammond, '10, started dating their senior
year of high school and both were headed
to Georgia College. They dated throughout
college and got married two years after
graduation in October 2010. They now live in
Memphis, Tenn. and are expecting their first
child in February.
Heath Hawkins, '07, and Nicole (Akins), '08
Their relationship began “officially” in front of
Bell Hall, and were married in May of 2008.
They currently reside in McDonough where
Heath is a real estate developer and Nicole is
a program development director for SunCrest
Healthcare.
Jeremy Hawkins, '00 and Tracie (Odum),
'97, '99 currently reside in Thomaston with
their three children Luke (8), Whit (7) and
Hampton (4). Tracie is a third grade teacher
at Upson-Lee South Elementary and Jeremy
is an assistant principal at Lamar County
Middle School.
Matt Hopkins, '07, '08 and Kasey (Minyard),
'08 began dating at Georgia College in 2007.
They were married in June 2008 and now
have a 20-month-old daughter, Ellie.
Kelly Mann, '86 and Nancy (Gilstrap) Mann,
'85 were married in 1989 and now reside in
San Antonio, Texas.
Jonathan '10, '11 and Kristi (Cantrell)
Mcbryar, '10 were married in 2012 in
Dahlonega.
Mark '85 and Pam (Harris) Williams, '87
currently reside in Jesup and have two
daughters, Mary Katelyn and Miranda. Mark
currently serves as commissioner of the
Georgia Department of Natural Resources and
Pam has taught kindergarten for 26 years.
Stan Wilson, '77 and Debi (Toulson) Wilson,
'77 were married the summer of 1975 after
their second year at Georgia College. The
two currently reside in Atlanta near their sons
Chris, and Matt and his wife Abby who have
a son,Oliver (17 months). Matt and Abby are
also expecting a second child.
Blake Hawkins, '04 and Melanie (Fulghom)
Hawkins, '06 first date was in '02 at
the Brick in Milledgeville. Both were
cheerleaders at Georgia College. Blake is
now the corporate director of Sales Training
for SunCrest Home Health and Melanie is
working on her M.A. at Reinhardt University
and will graduate in May 2013. They have
two children, Weston (3) and Morrell (2).
Seth '01 and Heather (Williams) Hudgins, '01.

1930s
Carol Reed, '33 marked her 100th
birthday on Dec. 22, 2012. She
graduated with a double major in
chemistry and home economics. Her
career was that of homemaker with
extensive volunteer and civic activities
over the years.
1960s
Nancy T. Alford, '63, was given the
inaugural Honorary Alumnus Award
from LaGrange College in October
2012.. Nancy held teaching and
administrative positions for 38 years
at LaGrange before retiring.
1970's
Stan Wilson, ' 77, was recently named
to the Legal Elite by Georgia Trend
magazine.
James '71 and Bertha '73 Carter,
owners of Rockingham Pecans LLC,
recently made a generous donation to
support the Georgia College Student
Ambassador Team. They are pictured
here with Clint Burkett of the Student
Ambassador Team. The three are from
Alma, Ga.
1980s
Shaina McGill, '84, '02, senior
academic adviser at Georgia College,
became the recipient of the 2012
Customer Service Excellence Award,
presented by University System of
Georgia Chancellor Hank M. Huckaby.
Pierre Clements '86, member of the
Board of Trustees for the Georgia
College State University Foundation,
was inducted into the 100 Black Men of
Atlanta organization, class of 2012.
Col. John Cooksey, '89, recently retired
from active duty in the U.S. Army where
he has served for more than 20 years.
He is now employed with the U.S.
Government Civil Service as the chief of
operations and plans, Joint Personnel
Recovery Agency in Ft. Belvoir, Va.
1990s
Christy Surrency Ellerbee, '97, a current
member of the Georgia College Alumni
Association Board of Directors, was
recently selected for Leadership Georgia.
Jeffrey Scott Hall, '91 '95, completed
his Ed.D. in May 2012 from the
University of Georgia in Workforce
Education. Jeff is currently a high
school principal with Gwinnett County
Public Schools.
Butler Raines, '99, recently joined
News Distribution Network as a
Drupal developer.
Dr. Ivan Allen, '96, has been appointed
as president of Central Georgia
Technical College. Previously he served
as interim president of CGTC, and had
been the president of Middle Georgia
Technical College.
2000s
Bridgette Pidel, '08, finished her
master's of Physician Assistant degree
at Medical College of Georgia in 2011.
She now works at Medical University of
South Carolina as a PA in their kidney
transplant program.
Tamra Hellams Wright, '04, recently
graduated with a Master of Science in
criminal justice degree from Southeast
Missouri State University (August,
2012). She is now a government and
leadership performance analyst for the
mayor of Indianapolis (Greg Ballard) in
his Office of Education Innovation.
Ralph Staffins, '06, '08 is the new
executive director of Forward McDuffie
where he will be leading the economic
development efforts for McDuffie County.
Ajayi Monell, '09, '10. Monell's
commitment to educating sixth graders
at Anita White Carson Middle School
in Greene County earned him Greene
County Schools Teacher of the Year
for 2013—after just his third year
of teaching.
Kyle Hood, '06, '08, is the new town
manager for Tyrone, Ga. Before taking
this position, Kyle had been the county
manager for Upson County since 2008.
Cl ass notes

Clifford Turner, '09, passed the July
2012 Georgia Bar Exam and opened
his law firm, Turner Bowerman, LLC,
with his partner Anne Bowerman, in
Palmetto, Ga. They do criminal defense,
personal injury and family law.
Wylly Harrison, '06, '07, was recently
recognized by Gov. Nathan Deal's
office for his work in helping to
bring a manufacturing plant owned
by automotive industry supplier
voestalpine Metal Forming to
Cartersville, Ga. It is anticipated that
the plant will bring an estimated 220
jobs to that area.
Brandon Holcomb, '06, has been
named Apalachee High School Teacher
of the Year.
Deitrah Taylor, '09, was hired as
program assistant at the new Gerogia
College cultural arts center, the Sallie
Ellis Davis House. She previously
served as acting curator for the Georgia
Music Hall of Fame and visitors
services associate and collections
assistant at the Museum of Arts and
Sciences in Macon, Ga.
Roger Harrison, '09, of Monticello,
is the first ever Governor's Honors
Program Alumni Association Chair.
The Association was formed
this year.
Will Thompson, '07, of Atlanta,
recently passed the Georgia
Bar Exam.
Amber Bennett ’09, ’10, member
of the Georgia College Alumni Board
of Directors, recently received the
2012 Emerging Leader Award from
the Georgia Society of Association
Executives.
Michael Marks, '08, produced an
exhibit called “Passages” that was
displayed in Blackbridge Hall at
Georgia College during fall 2012.
2010s
Zach Mullins, '11, has accepted a new
position at Cox Media Group as digital
media specialist. He will work with
media consultants and clients to help
design and implement digital strategies.
Scott Howard, '10, who is currently
attending graduate school at Georgia
State University, was recently honored
by United Cerebral Palsy of Georgia.
He was given UCP's Advocacy Award
for his role in the creation of the
public service announcement film
“People First.”
Stephanie Jergel, '10, obtained
her Master of Education in student
affairs higher education with a sports
management certificate from Wright
State University in Dayton, Ohio, in
June 2012. She also recently got
engaged to Mr. Andy Holtzapfel, an
Ohio State University graduate.
Stephanie was recently hired in higher
education as the director of parent
programs at High Point University in
High Point, N.C.
Andrew Shealy, '10, received his
Master of Science in mathematics
and will be pursuing a Ph.D. in
mathematics education in Summer
2013. He currently holds an instructor
of mathematics position.
Stuart Wilkonson, '11, started in August
2012 as county and local government
affairs liaison for the office of Gov.
Nathan Deal.
Weddings,
Engagements,
and Births
Justin Harrell '08, and his fiancé Carli
Ferris are planning to wed in June 2013
in New Jersey.
Adam '08, and Lauren Hammond of
Cordova, Tenn. are expecting baby girl
Kinney in February.
Chelsea Thomas, '11 and Charles
Sandusky, '11, were married on Sunday,
Oct. 7, 2012, at Wolf Mountain Vineyards
and Winery in Dahlonega, Ga.
Lainey Schmidt Washburn, '06, and her
husband Brad Washburn were blessed
with the birth of their son, William Ryan
Washburn, on May 10, 2012.
Justin Adeyemi, '10, '11, and Andréa
Walker, '09, would like to announce
their engagement. Andréa is currently
attending optometry school at Indiana
University. Justin is currently attending
Valdosta State University to obtain his
doctorate of education in Curriculum
Leadership.
Kenneth, '10,'12, and Kimberly,'10,
Morris were married in September 2012.
Blake, '10, and Maggie, '10,'12,
Denna are new parents to Will Denna
(3 months).
Brian Crain, '11 and Brittany Durkee,
'11, were recently engaged in New York
City. The wedding is planned for spring
2014. The couple moved to Decatur,
Ga., after graduation.
Jessica Louise Wilbanks ’10, daughter
of Jo Slade Wilbanks ’69, was married
to Nicholas Bennett ’09 on Oct. 20,
2012. Jessica works with Stardis
Healthcare as a project manager, and
Nicholas works for the Newton County
School System.

University Advancement
Campus Box 96
gcsu.edu/alumni
Georgia College is Georgia's designated public liberal arts
university, combining the educational experience expected
at esteemed private liberal arts colleges with the affordability
of public higher education.
Homecoming Alumni Weekend
February 19-23, 2013
To register, visit gcsu.edu/alumni, or call 478-445-5771.

Georgia College magazine

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