Berry Magazine - Spring 2017

BERRY Spring 2017

Humane healer

Shelter vet Dr. Kelly Daly Grisham (03C) works to end animal suffering

Taste of success

J im Aaron (84C) cooks up entrepreneurial career with McDonald’s

VOL. 103, NO. 3 | SPRING 2017

BERRY Features

12 Humane healer Shelter vet Dr. Kelly Daly Grisham (03C) works to end animal suffering

16 Teddy talks 17 Taste of success Jim Aaron (84C) cooks up entrepreneurial career with McDonald’s

20 Never fear! Toothpaste Man is here!

Dr. Ben Popple (09C) brings creativity, passion to pediatric dentistry

Departments 2

Inside the Gate

• New lab provides new opportunities in animal science • The Rev. Luis León (67A) is Inauguration Day fixture • Facilities update: theatre, Oak Hill pavilion • Plans progress on retirement community • The day “The King of Cool” came to Berry • Readers share opinions on Berry magazine

8

Well Done!

12 student photographer Sara Leimbach

Senior Tedric Palmer Jr. finds leadership footing

16

17

10 President’s Essay

Berry proud

26 News from You 31 Thank You

20

22 The Campaign for Opportunity

• LifeReady Campaign focuses on final four priorities • Rule-breaking Rusty Bradley (71C) is serious about supporting Berry 24

Students play ultimate Frisbee in front of Mary Hall. Photo by Brant Sanderlin.

Cover photo by Brant Sanderlin

INSIDE THE GATE

BERRY magazine

Published three times per year for alumni and friends of Berry College and its historic schools Editor Karilon L. Rogers Managing Editor Rick Woodall (93C) Staff Writer Debbie Rasure Design and Production Shannon Biggers (81C) Chief Photographer Brant Sanderlin News from You and Gifts Listings Justin Karch (01C, 10G), Joni Kenyon, Jeff Palmer (09C, 11G) and Carrie Rigdon Contact Information News from You and change of address: alumni@berry.edu; 706-236-2256; 800-782-0130; or Berry Alumni Office, P.O. Box 495018, Mount Berry, GA 30149.

Editorial: rwoodall@berry.edu; 706-378-2870; or Berry magazine, P.O. Box 490069, Mount Berry, GA 30149.

BERRY ALUMNI ASSOCIATION President: Frances Richey (83A, 87C) Past President: Tim Goodwin (03C) Vice Presidents: Alumni Events, Julie Patrick Nunnelly (88C, 00G); Berry Heritage, the Rev. Valerie Loner (91C); Financial Support, Jonathan Purser (85C); Young Alumni and Student Relations, Samantha Knight Tuttle (11C); Alumni Awards, Patricia T. Jackson (82C) Chaplain: Clara Hall McRae (60C) Parliamentarian: Robert Aiken (82A) Secretary: Mandy Tidwell (93C) Historian: Dr. Jennifer Dickey (77A, 80C) Director of Alumni Development Jennifer Schaknowski Vice President for Marketing and Communications Nancy Rewis Vice President for Advancement Bettyann O’Neill President Stephen R. Briggs

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BERRY MAGAZINE • SPRING 2017

New lab provides new opportunities for animal science students STUDENTS AND FACULTY CELEBRATED the February opening of Berry’s new animal science laboratory by moving in and getting right to work.

The 4,600 square-foot facility, located near the Rollins Ruminant Research Center, is the first animal science priority funded through LifeReady: The Berry College Campaign for Opportunity.

Fundraising is now underway for a major new animal science building to be located adjacent to the McAllister Hall science center (see page 22).

Many gifts to the new lab honored the memory of the late Dr. Allen Scott, a longtime animal science faculty member whose name now graces the building entrance. Family and friends joined students, faculty and other officials in April for a ceremonial ribbon-cutting.

Features of the new facility include a research laboratory with multiple workstations and equipment for preparing samples for study, a large lab with 10 stanchions and other equipment for safely working with cattle, a flexible lab where small-animal pens can be configured as needed, a large storage room, and a veterinary support room.

The building also functions as an emergency

photos by Brant Sanderlin

Animal science major treatment and Isabella Kukor-Laureano, surgery center, all right, conducts research but eliminating the alongside Professor Jay Daniel in the new animal need for college science laboratory at veterinarians to treat Rollins. Kukor-Laureano or perform life-saving is a freshman from procedures in the Maryland whose Berry pasture. experiences include work “The new lab at the dairy and a tissue makes it easier to get preservation project. students involved in research,” said Dr. Jay Daniel, professor and department chair of animal science. “And it opens up possibilities for what can be done in terms of different types of studies and a higher level of work.”

Opportunities for advanced research allow Berry’s animal science students to build on an already strong educational experience that makes them sought after by veterinary schools, graduate schools and employers alike.

LifeReady takes on final projects

Gena Flanigen

LifeReady: The Berry College Campaign for Opportunity has exceeded $102 million in commitments and now is focused on four important final priorities.

“We are deeply grateful for this outpouring of support from alumni, parents, faculty/staff and friends,” said President Steve Briggs in February when fundraising topped $100 million.

“But the aim of this campaign has never been a specific dollar goal; rather, the emphasis is on funding projects critical to the Berry mission as identified in our strategic and master plans.”

The four projects now lined up for donor support are renova­ tion of Ford Auditorium as a first-class recital hall, construc­ tion of a major animal science facility adjacent to McAllister Hall, further development of the Berry Center for Integrity in Leadership, and expansion of entrepreneurship across all majors.

Eagle eyes WITH 6.6 MILLION STREAMING VIEWS from Jan. 1 through

early April, the Berry bald eagles once again are a bona fide hit. Generating all the attention was the arrival of two new eaglets – dubbed B8 and B9 – in the nest high atop a pine tree not far from the Berry Welcome Center.

The eagles – favorites of local, regional and even national media since the first camera was installed in 2012 – have gained new fans this nesting season through social media sites such as “Crazanimals” and “Sun Gazing,” both Facebook

Among the campaign’s many successes to date are multiple capital projects, including the new theatre at Blackstone Hall, Valhalla stadium, nursingeducation suite, animal science laboratory and campus Welcome Center. In addition, the college capitalized on its historic strengths in developing leaders and entrepreneurs through new mentoring programs, notable speakers, internships, work opportunities and other firsthand student experiences.

Last but surely not least, more than $50 million has been raised for scholarships, including commitments for 151 Gate of Opportunity Scholarships that make it possible for hard­ working students to graduate debt-free. Nearly $7 million of that scholarship support has come through annual giving. For more on the final four priorities, see page 22.

pages with millions of followers. The Berry College Eagles Facebook group also remains

Paul J. Richards/AFP/Getty Images

vibrant, with more than 120,000 followers.

Pastor to the presidents THE REV. LUIS LEÓN (67A), rector of St. John’s Episcopal Church

third president to be greeted by León, following George W. Bush and Barack Obama. León has been an Inauguration Day fixture since 2001.

FP/Getty

inauguration church service. Donald Trump is the

/A s Kamm

new president and first lady for the traditional pre-

Nichola

national spotlight Jan. 20 as he greeted America’s

Images

in Washington, D.C., once again found himself in the

Nicholas Kam

m/AFP/Gett

y Images

BERRY MAGAZINE • SPRING 2017

3

INSIDE THE GATE

Rising spires: Plans progress on retirement community THE OPENING OF A SALES OFFICE IN DOWNTOWN ROME and

ARCHITECT’S RENDERING

Facilities update: new theatre, Oak Hill pavilion new theatre at Blackstone Hall, with completion expected before summer. Meanwhile, work is ramping up on a new event pavilion at Oak Hill.

Students, faculty, staff and friends got an up-close look at the emerging theatre facility during a “topping-out” ceremony in late February. They cheered President Steve Briggs’ announcement that the facility would be completed by late spring and honored project champion Audrey Morgan for her role in spearheading the successful $6.7 million theatre campaign.

“I can say without equivocation that this building would not be here today were it not for Audrey Morgan,” Briggs praised. “And we would not be where we are in this process without her gentle pressure relentlessly applied.”

The sight of the new theatre rising on the east side of Blackstone has gener­ated excitement on campus and off,

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BERRY MAGAZINE • SPRING 2017

with faculty reporting increased interest in Berry’s theatre program among prospective students.

Also creating excitement is the Oak Hill pavilion, which will provide the perfect venue for weddings, seminars, corporate meetings and other events held at the historic estate.

Featuring a full catering kitchen and space for up to 300 guests, the 5,760 square-foot structure can be used as an open-air pavilion or a closed, airconditioned space. Its elegant design reflects the vision of craftsman Al Christopher (61c) and features donated materials showcasing his woodworking expertise. Particularly notable are the juniper beams and fulllite exterior wooden doors.

Funding for the facility was provided by an anonymous $1 million gift.

Completion is expected this fall. student photographer Jacob Bushey

CONSTRUCTION SOON WILL DRAW TO A CLOSE on Berry’s

the release of floor plans, pricing and other project details are the latest signs of progress in the development of The Spires at Berry College, a continuing care retirement community expected to provide significant work and learning opportunities for students while fulfilling a long-expressed desire of alumni and friends.

Throughout the spring, project officials have been conducting in-depth meetings with more than 400 individuals and couples – a quarter of them alumni or otherwise affiliated with Berry – who expressed initial interest in the development through participation in a priority placement program. When commitments have been secured for 75 percent of the 188 planned apartment homes and cottages, construction will begin.

The expansive community will occupy 48 acres of leased Berry property on the shores of Eagle Lake, a former limestone quarry west of main campus that now serves as a favorite fishing spot for Berry’s bald eagles. The development will feature independent residences as well as dedicated facilities for assisted living, skilled nursing and secure memory care, all in close proximity to Rome’s highly regarded medical centers. On-site amenities include an indoor saltwater pool, lakeside fine dining, and a full complement of health care and supportive services.

Completion of the facility, which will operate as a selfsustaining nonprofit with its own independent board of directors, is anticipated in late 2019. For more information, visit www.retireatberry.com or call 706-368-9955.

Fitting tribute THE HOME OF BERRY SOFTBALL has been christened Kay Williams Field in honor of a loyal and generous supporter of Berry athletics and the institution as a whole. Pictured at the Feb. 18 dedication are, from left, President Steve Briggs, Kay Williams and husband Bob (62H), and junior softball player Brittany Tuttle. Other college leaders in attendance included Berry Board of Trustees Chairman Barry Griswell (71C).

The nationally-ranked Vikings celebrated the naming with a doubleheader sweep of Emory University.

photo courtesy of Dartha Williamson (69C)

SNAPSHOT in time

The day “The King of Cool” came to Berry IT WAS NOT AT ALL LIKELY that a member of s

BERRY’S POPULATION SWELLED BY NEARLY 5,000 on Feb. 25 as Georgia’s best and brightest high school sophomores and juniors – many joined by parents and siblings – flocked to campus to compete for a spot in the 2017 Governor’s Honors Program.

This will be Berry’s first year as host site for the nation’s longest-running summer enrichment program, which is administered by the Governor’s Office of Student Achievement and previously was held on the campus of Valdosta State University.

More than 1,600 students turned out for the daylong interviews and auditions, vying to become one of approximately 650 chosen for the four-week residential program.

the infamous, hard-partying “Rat Pack” would come to call at Berry College. But that’s exactly what

JUNIOR JOSH CUTTER AND SENIOR CHRIS WHITMIRE “pitched” it out of the park in March at the Southeast Entrepreneurship Conference’s Venture Pitch Competition. The duo, creators of Ambedo, a software platform that creates files to “print” customized 3-D prosthetic hands, bested budding entrepreneurs from such notable schools as the Air Force Academy, University of Florida and Indiana State University in the three-round, two-day competition held at the University of Tennessee Chattanooga. Cutter and Whitmire won $2,000 and a free chance to compete for one of four $12,500 prizes at Nashville’s 36/86, the Southeast’s premier entrepreneurship conference for founders, technologists, investors and thought leaders nationwide.

Through his creation of the Ninja Fund for Berry’s entrepreneurship program, Jeff Jahn (07C), founder and CEO of DynamiX Web Design of Kennesaw, Ga., funded the participation of the winning team as well as a second Berry duo, Emilee Burroughs and Rob Himmelwright.

Berry magazine readers may remember Whitmire from President Steve Briggs’ spring 2016 essay, “HackBerry: Just imagine!” At that time, Whitmire had made a customized prosthetic hand with a 3-D printer for a local boy named Matthew (pictured), delivering for only a few hundred dollars what would have cost $10,000 commercially.

and other celebrities broke bread in Ford Dining Hall as part of a Rome Jaycees event to kick off a college scholarship fund for Georgia high

photo co urte

Entrepreneurial pitch

happened in 1968 when Dean Martin

sy of C ampus C arrier/B erry Arc hive

GHP interviews draw huge crowd

school students.

Organized by professional golfer and Cedartown, Ga., native Doug Sanders, the dinner at Berry was followed by a show and reception, as well as a golf exhibition the next day.

Photographed joining in the fun (above from left, lime-green dress to lime-green dress) were Miss Universe 1967 Sylvia Hitchcock, crooner Andy Williams, Sanders, a very pretty unidentified woman, Martin (with what we can only assume was a glass of lemonade in his hand), and jazz singer Keely Smith.

Other participants included golf trick-shot artist Paul Hahn, radio-comedy pioneer Phil Harris and former Georgia Gov. Carl Sanders (Doug’s cousin).

Ticket sales for the event were projected to raise $60,000 – about $427,313 in today’s dollars.

Editor’s note: In a recent survey (see page 7), Berry magazine readers told us that they just can’t get enough of Berry history.

We’re pleased to provide this first step down memory lane.

BERRY MAGAZINE • SPRING 2017

5

INSIDE THE GATE

Berry names new provost A competitive national search has resulted in Dr. Mary K. Boyd’s selection as Berry’s new provost. She takes the reins from Dr. Andy Bressette, who served on an interim basis following Dr. Kathy Richardson’s 2016 departure to assume the presidency of Westminster College.

An organic chemist with baccalaureate and doctoral degrees from the University of Toronto, Boyd comes to Berry with strong leadership experience. Her 27-year career includes service as vice president of academic affairs at St. Edward’s University, dean of the College of Arts and Sciences at the University Mary K. Boyd of San Diego and chair of Georgia Southern University’s Department of Chemistry. She currently chairs the Executive Committee of the American Chemical Society’s Division of Organic Chemistry and is an ACS fellow.

President Steve Briggs praised the “balanced strengths” of Berry’s new chief academic officer, noting that she “has a keen analytical mind and is also relationally gifted; she listens and is a person of action; she is both principled and pragmatic.” He added that “she cares deeply about student success in an increasingly diverse society and understands how to support faculty in the vital role of teachermentor-scholar.”

In her new role, Boyd will lead the Deans Council and oversee the faculty, curriculum, library and academic support services. She also will help guide the college’s strategic planning and implementation efforts.

She arrived at Berry in March to begin her transition, with Bressette continuing as interim provost through semester’s end before taking on new responsibilities as vice president for enrollment management.

Face behind the photos

student photographer Jacob Bushey

Berry readers made it clear in a recent magazine readership survey (see page 7) that they value great photography. Pulitzer Prize nominee Brant Sanderlin is now the person making sure they get what they want. He took over the post of senior photographer and mentor to our talented students from Alan Storey, who retired last year.

A longtime Atlanta Journal-Constitution photographer, Sanderlin has a quartercentury of photojournalism experience, including three months as an embedded combat photographer in Iraq. His impressive Brant Sanderlin portfolio includes images from some of the biggest news and sports events of the last two decades. Now his photographer’s eye is trained squarely on Berry.

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BERRY MAGAZINE • SPRING 2017

Edward M. Pio Roda

BERRY PEOPLE Rewis named marketing and communications VP

Nancy Rewis has joined Berry’s administra­tive leadership team as vice president for marketing and communications.

In this role, she is responsible for developing a comprehensive marketing strategy to tell the Berry story across multiple channels including public relations, digital marketing, Nancy Rewis print, video, multimedia and photography.

Rewis came to Berry from the Gem Shopping Network in Atlanta, where she served as vice president of marketing and e-commerce.

Previously, she excelled in a variety of posts during a 20-year career with Turner Broadcasting, including vice president of marketing and brand development. She also worked for Turner Classic Movies in the roles of senior director of brand partnerships and director of marketing.

Rewis holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in broadcast journalism from the University of Mississippi and is a member of the American Marketing Association and Women in Cable and Telecommunica­ tions. In addition, she has served as executive mentor for Turner Women Today.

“Nancy is a strategic leader who has consistently delivered results by developing integrated partnerships,” said President Steve Briggs.

“She built a portfolio of five businesses generating more than $70 million in gross sales using multi-platform marketing. We are excited to have her in Berry’s corner.”

Tenure, promotions and retirees Dr. Kristen Diliberto-Macaluso (psychology), Dr. Kirsten Taylor (government and international studies) and Dr. Ron Taylor (mathematics and computer science) were promoted to professor during the February meeting of the Board of Trustees. Dr. Lindsey Davis (chemistry) was granted tenure and promoted to the rank of associate professor.

In addition, emeritus status was awarded to the following retirees: Dr. Timothy Biggart, associate professor of accounting and finance; Dr. Ruth Ference, associate professor of teacher education; and Dr. Vanice Roberts, dean of the Division of Nursing.

Legacy of leadership Karen Holley Horrell (74C) and Sheryle Junelle Bolton (68c) have moved to emeritus status on the Berry College Board of Trustees after many years of distinguished active service.

Horrell, a trustee for 18 years, made history in 2010 as the first woman to be elected chair. She spent a total of six years in that role, during which time the board adopted a new strategic plan and initiated LifeReady: The Berry College Campaign for Opportunity.

Bolton joined the board in 2006, enthusiastically contributing her expertise in the areas of strategy, marketing, management and educational technology. She also championed entrepreneurial activity and ambition and was instrumental in guiding the college’s market research and rebranding efforts.

“

” The survey says To no fault of the magazine [class notes] continue to shrink in volume. Wish I knew how to help that!

“

BERRY magazine survey results

I just finished the most recent issue with the thought, ‘Wow, I went to a great college.’

W

”

e asked, and you answered! The comments above are just a few of the hundreds of thoughts and opinions shared by more than 1,200 Berry magazine readers – alumni, donors, faculty/staff, parents and friends – who took part in our 2016 online survey hosted by the Council for Advancement and Support of Education.

Overall, feedback was extremely positive with respondents expressing strong appreciation for how the magazine makes them feel. They like the sense of connection, pride and nostalgia the magazine engenders and enjoy the opportunity to keep up-todate with Berry, often mentioning insight gleaned from the essays of President Steve Briggs. And they want to get the magazine in print; interest in an electronic version or additional online content is low.

We were honored to discover just how often and how thoroughly Berry is read. Ninetythree percent of respondents reported reading every or most issues, with 75 percent reading most of the content.

Not surprisingly, what some people like most – such as our oversized design, increased coverage of athletics and penchant for focusing on

positive news (there is so much of it!) – others like least. Still, some very clear opportunities emerged for further improvement.

PHOTOGRAPHY & MAGAZINE SIZE

High-quality photography is the single most-often praised magazine characteristic and, as such, is the main reason why Berry will remain oversized – like our beautiful campus – despite 16 negative mentions about our larger-than-average dimensions. We are thrilled to have access to the services of Berry’s new photographer, Brant Sanderlin (see page 6), and anticipate no problems keeping our standards high and our photos large.

CLASS NOTES

Also appreciated in a big way by readers is the opportunity to keep tabs on classmates through class notes and death notices.

Unfortunately, we have watched class notes submissions dwindle over the years. Sometimes we’re asked if we choose not to run all the class notes we receive. That’s not the case, and we regret it if any note submitted hasn’t made its way into print. Let’s be clear: We want class notes – recently retitled “News from You” – to grow, and our readers do too.

It’s easy. Email your news (weddings, births, jobs, awards,

from your magazine staff

“

Although I like the photography and appreciate the layout, the size is a little cumbersome sometimes.

But I also appreciate that the size makes it unique, so would not change it.

honors, special life events) to alumni@berry.edu or mail to the alumni office. Consider sending a photo too.

ALUMNI PROFILES

Features about Berry alumni proved to be very popular, but suggestions about which of our thousands of alumni to include in the magazine were wideranging. Understandably, some readers would like us to focus only on older alumni, while others prefer younger graduates.

There also were differing opinions about business leaders versus those following unique life paths versus folks focused on changing the world. We’ve absorbed the input provided and pledge to continue our quest to offer quality stories about interesting and inspiring alumni of all ages; from all of our historic schools; and in all walks, stations and stages of life.

STUDENT STORIES

We have worked to include a good amount of information on student success and involve­ ments in each issue, but our readers want more. We are looking at ways to do that; you’ll

”

find a first attempt in this issue.

See page 16.

HISTORY THROUGH THE YEARS

We haven’t done a lot in the magazine on Berry history, and it came through loud and clear that you want more. We are seeking creative ways to travel back in time. You’ll find a trial run on page 5.

SINCERE APPRECIATION

Thanks go to the many who took time to share thoughts, opinions, criticisms and accolades about the product we are honored to produce. Our goal always is to generate a magazine that does justice to Berry and those associated with it, is read thoroughly, and is displayed proudly. One reader told us that Berry magazine “truly captures the essence of Berry,” and another noted, “It’s kind of like a letter from home.”

When both are true, we have succeeded.

If you have thoughts, ideas, opinions or suggestions, please feel free to share them with us at magazinestaff@berry.edu.

BERRY MAGAZINE • SPRING 2017

7

WELL DONE!

Trumpeting excellence SOPHOMORE LEIF ATCHLEY WAS ONE OF ONLY 40 UNDER­ GRADUATE SOLOISTS NATIONALLY

– and the first-ever from

Berry – to reach the semifinal round of the National Trumpet Competition. Two years ago he made the semifinals in the high school division. Both times he has done so under the tutelage of Berry faculty member Dr. Adam Hayes.

Brant Sanderlin

BERRY’S WHITEHEAD SCHOLARS PROGRAM was highlighted in a

recent Lettie Pate Whitehead Foundation webinar attended by 249 higher education profes­ sionals representing 202 colleges and universities receiving foundation scholarship support.

President Steve Briggs was invited to discuss the success of the Berry program, launched in 2014 as an extension of the college’s longstanding partnership with the Whitehead Foundation.

Modeled after similar Berry 8

BERRY MAGAZINE • SPRING 2017

scholarship “cohorts” such as Bonner, WinShape and Gate of Opportunity, the initiative helps students remain in college and find success by combining scholarship assistance with work and service opportunities, peer mentoring, and other types of support.

The Lettie Pate Whitehead Foundation has provided scholarships for female students across the Southeast for decades, including hundreds of women at Berry College.

Zane Cochran

Presidential presentation

BERRY’S REPUTATION as an ideal location for such major motion pictures as Remember the Titans and Sweet Home Alabama has drawn the attention of state tourism officials seeking to develop a “Georgia film trail.”

Representatives of the Georgia Department of Economic Development visited campus in February to explore future opportunities.

Portions of Sweet Home Alabama were filmed in 2002 on Martha Berry’s 170-acre Oak Hill estate.

student photographer Jacob Bushey

You ought to be in pictures!

Upward ‘Trend’ BERRY’S HISTORIC FOCUS ON WORK and recent innovations such as the creative technologies major and Gate of Opportunity Scholarship Program earned prominent mention in the January issue of Georgia Trend magazine. Additionally, four individuals with Berry ties made the publication’s annual “Notable Georgians” list: Savannah Mayor Eddie DeLoach (74C), Southern Center for Human Rights Executive Director Sara Totonchi (99C), Trustee Roger Tutterow (84C) and Board of Visitors member Maria Saporta.

BERRY Winter

2015-1

6

Down o n the fa rm

Evans goes international HISTORIANS FROM NINE COUNTRIES ON THREE CONTINENTS gathered in Birmingham, England, for “The End of

Empire: European Popular Responses,” an international conference co-organized by Associate Professor of History Matthew Stanard (pictured) and co-sponsored by Berry’s Evans School of Humanities, Arts and Social Sciences. The three-day event, held at Woodbrooke Quaker Study Centre and the University of Birmingham, featured such noted participants as Wm. Roger Lewis, a prolific author and past president of the American Historical Association.

Service to Europe

DANA PROFESSOR OF

GUND PROFESSOR OF BIOLOGY

GOVERNMENT PETER LAWLER’S

BRUCE CONN has been invited to

reputation as an author, scholar, teacher and commentator played a key role in his selection as the sixth editor in the 60year history of Modern Age, a quarterly review published by the Intercollegiate Studies Institute.

Lawler also serves as a blogger for National Review Online and is executive editor of another quarterly journal, Perspectives on Political Science.

serve a three-year term on the European Science Foundation’s College of Expert Reviewers.

This new role builds on previous ESF experience, including work with an on-site panel in Brussels, Belgium, to review European Space Agency research projects for deployment on the International Space Station.

CASE for Berry BERRY MAGAZINE HAS DONE IT AGAIN, winning its 14th

award for publication excellence in the Southeast district of the Council for Advancement and Support of Education (CASE). The latest accolade is a Special Merit Award for “Down on the farm,” a profile of Jeff Manley (88C) featured on the cover of the Winter 2015-16 issue. The writer was Rick Woodall (93C), with photography by Mary Claire Stewart (14C).

Dynamic defender AFTER LEADING NCAA DIVISION III IN SOLO QUARTERBACK SACKS

and finishing in the top 10 in forced fumbles, fumble recoveries and tackles for loss, Berry’s Mamadou Soumahoro was a finalist for the national Cliff Harris Award, presented annually to the nation’s best smallcollege defensive player. He also was named Berry’s first

Brant Sanderlin

student photographer Jacob Bushey

Modern Age editor

Mary Claire Stewart (14C)

Jeff Man cultivate ley (88C) s agritou rism

football All-American and Southern Athletic Association Defensive Player of the Year after

Peerless patron TRUSTEE MARTHA BERRY “MARTI” WALSTAD’S STEADFAST COMMITMENT to Oak Hill and The Martha Berry Museum has earned her recogni­ tion as the Georgia Association of Museums and Galleries “Patron of the Year,” an award that often goes to a foundation or corporation. The namesake and great-niece of Martha Berry, Walstad is a tireless advocate for the historic facility, providing direction and support for its activities and actively engaging and encouraging the students who work on site. She personally was responsible for many improvements to the estate and museum over the last year. Berry and Oak Hill will host the GAMG conference in 2018.

helping the Vikings to a 9-1 finish.

Georgia Association of Museums and Galleries representatives present Berry Trustee Marti Walstad, center, with the award for Patron of the Year.

BERRY MAGAZINE • SPRING 2017

student photographer Russell Maddrey

9

PRESIDENT’S ESSAY

BERRY PROUD Just five years after Berry was founded, the New York Stock Exchange fell almost 50 percent from its peak of the year before in what became known as the Panic of 1907. The national economic turmoil that ensued hindered donations to Berry and left the school almost penniless. Although destitute themselves, Berry students stepped forward in this moment of crisis.

Between semesters, they worked extra to provide Miss Berry with 71 envelopes containing $1 each, about a day’s wages. A group of recent graduates – the earliest from the Boys’ Industrial School – joined in the effort and presented her with an additional purse of $53.

No one student or new graduate could offer much, but collectively they made a gift that in today’s wages would amount to more than $5,000. This contribution did not resolve the school’s financial burdens, Dr. Stephen R. Briggs but it demonstrated convincingly that the students valued their Berry education.

Although Berry is blessed today with financial stability, alumni gifts remain a tangible indicator of institutional pride and affirmation. And not just the splendid ones that everyone notices. All of us appreciate the major gifts that change the face of Berry with new programs and buildings, but most of us do not have that capacity. It is important to understand that smaller gifts are signifi­cant in their own right. A gift of $100,000 has the same monetary benefit as 1,000 gifts of $100, but the 1,000 gifts show a breadth of interest and enthusiasm that one gift can never match. That is why philanthropic foundations and rating organizations (e.g., US News & World Report) pay attention to the percentage of alumni who make an annual gift as well as to the total dollars given.

CONFERENCE STANDINGS

I will admit to feeling overtly competitive on matters related to Berry. It was hard not to be excited when the Vikings softball team earned the No. 1 national ranking midway through this spring season.

Magnificent also has been the string of national championships (three in five years) by the Berry equestrian team in western saddle competition. And it was a splendid fall afternoon when the football team defeated Centre College in the last game of the 2016 season to clinch its first-ever conference championship.

You should not think that my competitive nature is limited to sporting endeavors. I am thrilled by the trumpeting excellence of sophomore Leif Atchley (see page 8) and the award-winning entrepreneurial pitch delivered by junior Josh Cutter and senior Chris Whitmire (see page 5). What a delight also to celebrate the continuing 10

BERRY MAGAZINE • SPRING 2017

success of forensics team members at the national championships.

That is why it rankles so when I look at the scoreboard regarding alumni annual giving. Berry lags behind our peer and aspirant list, including six other schools in the Southern Athletic Association.

Alumni Annual Giving Rates 0%

10%

20%

30%

Centre College*

40%

50%

46%

36%

Rhodes College*

34%

Sewanee: University of the South* 26%

Hendrix College* Wofford College

24%

Furman University

24% 23%

Millsaps College* Birmingham-Southern* 18% Berry College*

16%

*SAA institutions

The percentages shown are from numbers compiled by US News & World Report. It is difficult to know whether they represent a truly apples-to-apples comparison; some schools may use creative means to determine who is counted as a donor (numerator) relative to how many alumni are included in the base as a whole (denominator). It also is the case that schools with a historically affluent student base tend to have higher rates of alumni giving.

Even so, it is troubling that Berry should trail the others because Berry students have always been distinguished as much by their gratitude as by their work ethic. Visitors to campus regularly comment on the maturity of students and their sense of belonging and pride of place. They observe how adept students are at handling challenging responsibilities and praise their professionalism. In a curious way, students themselves do not always recognize how much they have accomplished, perhaps in part because the general level of engagement is so high at Berry and the fullness of an education of the head, heart and hands is so great. Visitors, however, are intrigued by

the Berry culture and often assume that the percentage of annual alumni giving must be especially high.

Why this is not the case is a puzzle. My own hunch is that we have not yet persuaded alumni of the substantial value of regular gifts, even those that seem ordinary in size.

annually to coincide with “Pennies for Martha” on Mountain Day or as part of their other year-end (December) giving.

RECENT GRADUATES MATTER

We know that alumni giving rates vary with age and stage of life and that Berry’s alumni base is growing younger.

WHY ALL GIFTS MATTER

Signature gifts are certainly needed when constructing a new theatre or endowing a major program such as the Berry Center for Integrity in Leadership. Many other initiatives, however, can be achieved with more modest gifts – initiatives that improve the campus experience generally or in a particular way but do not fit readily into the college’s regular budget given our commitment to curb the cost of tuition.

Recently, BerryFunder, the crowdfunding portal for Berry College, has served as the means for collecting many gifts to a specific end. In August 2016, 24 donors raised more than $9,000 to purchase two pieces of technical equipment – a Vertical Laser XL and a Printrbot Crawlbot – to increase the prototyping and production options for creative technologies student projects. Also in August, 35 donors provided more than $3,100 to purchase Kindermusik materials for the South Rome Early Learning Center, a developmental program sponsored by Berry’s Charter School of Education and Human Sciences in partnership with Anna K. Davie Elementary School.

Additional Berry projects are posted regularly on the BerryFunder website (www.berry.edu/funder), allowing alumni to choose for themselves how to direct their gifts. And many donors long have chosen to earmark their annual gifts for student scholarships or the Work Experience Program.

Regardless of personal preference about what to support, allow me to offer four reasons why I hope all alumni will consider a gift to Berry each and every year.

PARTICIPATION MATTERS

The average annual participation rate for alumni giving at our peer and aspirant schools is 30 percent, nearly double the rate for Berry.

Observers might be inclined to think that alumni at these other schools are more satisfied than Berry graduates with their educational experience, but I find that hard to believe. Berry graduates typically have fond memories of their college experience, and it is time to affirm that through a pattern of participation.

CONSISTENCY MATTERS

Over a five-year span, more than 32 percent of Berry alumni give. Thus, the ability to double our rate of annual giving is entirely possible. All that is needed is annual attention. A new pattern could quickly be established if alumni would choose to make a gift

Berry Alumni Participation by Graduation Decades 0%

10%

20%

30%

50%

43%

’40s & ’50s 24%

’60s & ’70s 13%

’80s & ’90s ’00s &’10s

40%

10%

One-quarter of Berry’s living alumni have graduated in the 10 years since 2007. That may explain, in part, why Berry’s alumni giving rate has decreased in recent years; it was 24 percent in 2011-12, for example. Recent alumni are in the midst of starting their careers and families. Some are still paying on their college loans. And yet, recent graduates also have fresh memories of their college experience and can appreciate the difference that targeted gifts can make. Even in the first years after Berry, most graduates can afford a small gift to help support a particular project for the students following close behind.

PRIDE MATTERS

Brenda and I graduated from Wake Forest University decades ago, and our degrees have functioned much like a great “growth stock” ever since. The university is better now in many ways than when we attended, but we are certainly grateful for having received a first-rate educational experience during our years there and acknowledge that experience with regular gifts. Wake Forest met our needs, prepared us for our adult lives and helped us become better people.

In the same way, Berry has changed dramatically since the days of the Panic of 1907. It was meaningful and special in the lives of those who graduated decades ago, yet its reputation continues to grow and its offerings improve with time. Berry’s trajectory is as remarkable as its enduring character and identity.

In the last several years, Berry students have added a new cheer to their repertoire at sporting and other events that emphasizes the power and excitement of pulling together to make Berry great. Chanting and motioning together, they demonstrate, “We all row!”

If you, like them, are Berry proud, I invite you to row with us by becoming a regular annual donor. B

BE BERRY

“A gift of $100,000 has the same monetary benefit as 1,000 gifts of $100, but the 1,000 gifts show a breadth of interest and enthusiasm that one gift can never match.“ BERRY MAGAZINE • SPRING 2017

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Humane

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BERRY MAGAZINE • SPRING 2017

healer

T

here are a lot of reasons why Dr. Kelly Daly Grisham (03C) chooses to use her veterinary skills in humane society medicine – 2.6 million of them this year and every year.

by KARILON L. ROGERS photos by BRANT SANDERLIN

That’s how many dogs and cats are euthan­ ized in shelters annually according to the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals.

But there’s more. As enormous as that figure is, it doesn’t begin to compare to the incalculable number of cats and dogs forced to live harrowing lives as homeless and often hungry strays. Estimates of stray cats alone in the U.S. go as high as 70 million.

The problem is pet overpopulation and the amazing number of offspring that animals left to their own pursuits can produce. Conservatively, a fertile cat can deliver two litters a year with an average of

four to six kittens per litter. That’s as many as 12 new fertile cats annually that might together produce 144 new fertile cats … that might create 1,728 new fertile cats … and so on. A frequently cited – if often debated – statistic is that one fertile female cat and her offspring can lead to 420,000 cats in just seven years.

As medical director and surgeon at the Greenville (S.C.) Humane Society, Grisham does more than her share to address this complex problem. When she heads to work in the morning, 60 to 120 dogs and cats await low-cost spay or neutering by two of the three veterinarians on staff. In 2016, that

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Greenville Humane Society Medical Director Kelly Grisham, D.V.M., personally performed 4,800 spay or neuter procedures in 2016.

added up to 13,920 sterilizations, with Grisham personally handling 4,800. When you do the math, the positive impact on the animal population is staggering.

“Surgery starts at 9 after we have examined each patient, and we go until we’re done or it’s 3:30, because owners start to pick up their pets at 4:30 and need discharge instructions and medications,” she said. “You have to be fast and able to multitask.”

Grisham is, indeed, fast, having been trained in “High-Quality, High-Volume Spay/ Neuter Surgery” procedures originally developed through the national Humane Alliance spay/neuter education center and now disseminated by the ASPCA. These guidelines have enabled veterinary clinics across the country to perform large numbers of safe, high-quality surgeries at low cost.

At GHS, one of the largest no-kill animal shelters in the Southeast and one of South Carolina’s most active low-cost spay/neuter clinics, all fertile dogs and cats relinquished by their owners are automatically spayed or neutered, and sterilization services are provided to family pets at a cost of just $25 to $100, depending on species, age and size.

“No matter how many surgeries we do, though, we won’t quickly solve the animal overpopulation problem in the United States – and the U.S. is better than most countries,” said Grisham, who also performs spay/ 14

BERRY MAGAZINE • SPRING 2017

neuter procedures one day a week at the nearby Anderson County Humane Society.

“We are making some progress that is apparent at certain times of the year, like at Christmas when we don’t have enough puppies for everyone who wants one. But I believe it will be a couple of decades before real progress becomes apparent.”

ABOVE AND BEYOND

Grisham’s responsibilities as medical director include such duties as establishing isolation and disinfection protocols, training veterinary technicians, and spending one day a week caring for the general needs of the animals in the facility. But her involvement with GHS goes beyond her job description, due in part to the size and breadth of the operation.

At any one time, 250 to 300 dogs and cats are sheltered in GHS’s highly-rated facility, which was built in 2011 but already is being expanded. It is not that Greenville has an unusually large number of unwanted puppy litters or more pets than usual being relinquished by owners. GHS’s numbers are so large because the organization is so successful in adopting out animals. GHS partners with 35 high-euthanasia shelters in five states, pulling cats and dogs from these facilities and then keeping and caring for them until new homes are found. Adoptable

animals at GHS do not stay long. On average, puppies are adopted in just one day, kittens in two to three days, dogs within a week and cats within a month. In 2016, a total of 6,405 animals were per­manently adopted into their “forever” homes.

“The longest it has taken to adopt out an animal was six months for one cat,” Grisham said, explaining that the facility and its work are high profile in the Greenville area because of the organization’s extensive programming, goal-oriented leader and staff, and energetic social media and word-ofmouth marketing. A low-cost vaccine clinic draws many to the facility, and an extensive network of community volunteers makes it possible for 1,000 dirty food bowls and 64 loads of laundry to be washed daily and literally scores of dogs to be walked.

GHS also runs an active outreach and education program for schools, hospitals and retirement centers, visiting 44,000 individuals last year. Grisham participates – along with her rescued hound mix, Lexie – teaching responsible pet ownership and offering insight on the path to becoming a veterinarian.

HARD WORK HISTORY

Grisham’s schedule at GHS certainly can be described as intensive, but working hard is part of who she is. It started when she

M

EET LILLY, A THREE-LEGGED PIT BULL MIX WITH A SWEET SPIRIT AND A NURTURING SOUL. If millions of stray animals weren’t enough to lead Dr. Kelly Daly Grisham

Courtesy of Kelly Grisham

Lilly’s leg and legacy to humane society work, Lilly could have tipped the scales all by herself.

When Grisham came across the dog while in private practice, Lilly seemingly had had no previous care – no vaccinations or deworming, no heartworm or flea control. Worst of all, Lilly suffered from a badly broken leg that her young owner could not afford to have repaired. Week after week, a concerned Grisham called to check on Lilly, but neither the dog’s condition nor her owner’s ability to provide care improved. Before long, Grisham offered to pay for surgery by a veterinary specialist herself – if the woman would relinquish ownership and allow Grisham to find Lilly another home.

The owner agreed, but it was too late for Lilly’s leg. After a local veterinary surgeon pronounced the shattered leg unsalvageable, Grisham amputated it and then nursed the dog back to health. Sweet and good, Lilly needed no other home. She became a beloved member of Grisham’s family and today is a frequent three-legged guest at the Shriners Hospital for Children in Greenville, where she visits children who also have lost limbs.

It wasn’t long after Grisham acquired Lilly that she began volunteering with the humane society. In 2013, she became medical director.

“There was frustration and stress for me in private practice when owners were unable or unwilling to do what was best to care for their pets,” she said. “I felt bad for the animals. I want to help all of the animals under my care, which I can do at the shelter. We will fundraise to pay for advanced diagnostics and treatment so that animals get what they need.”

worked five hours after school each day as a vet tech in Cumming, Ga., for a high school externship in addition to holding a part-time job as a barn worker and side jobs exercising horses, pet-sitting and babysitting.

At Berry, she worked all four years at the Gunby Equine Center and vacuumed stairwells in her dorm as part of the house­ keeping staff. And she hit the books hard.

“Berry was the first time I ever really had to study,” she said. “High school was easy – even the AP classes were not that challenging.

But Dr. (George) Gallagher – and those yellow pads he had us write notes on – taught me to put my heart into something and study it. And work taught me to get up and do what had to be done even if it was icy or cold and I didn’t want to feed horses at 6 a.m.

“Berry prepared me for vet school. Some other vet students met the entry requirements of having good grades and certain classes, but they didn’t have the hands-on experience in palpating cows, breeding horses, shearing sheep and clipping hooves that we got working with Dr. (Martin) Goldberg, Dr. Gallagher and Dr. (Judy) Wilson. They were great.”

Grisham’s study habits and Berry experiences served her well. She was accepted by the University of Georgia’s veterinary program on her first application, an accomplishment generally considered

harder to achieve than getting into a “human” medical school. And although advised not to have a job while in vet school, Grisham worked first at McAlister’s Deli in Athens and then as a transcriptionist for the medical and surgical staff at UGA’s veterinary hospital.

HAPPY WIFE WITH A HAPPY LIFE

Grisham’s husband, Dr. Matthew Paul Grisham, is a 2002 Berry alumnus who was accepted to one of those “human” medical schools. A graduate of the Medical College of Georgia, he is now a pediatrician working with the Greenville Health System. The two met at Berry but didn’t date until she was starting her second year in vet school.

After conducting a long-distance, Athensto-Augusta relationship, they married in 2007 and moved to Greenville where he would serve his residency. Their D.V.M./M.D. union allows them to understand much of what the other faces at work.

“We can talk to each other about cases,” she said. “We understand each other.”

Today, the couple has two sons: Garrett (6) and Ben (3). They also have three dogs: Lexie; Stella, a timid rescued Great Dane/ Labrador mixture; and Lilly, a three-legged pit bull mix (see box above).

Life is good, and Grisham feels blessed.

“I’m thankful for where God has taken

Lifelong gratitude

O

NE OF THE FIRST THINGS Dr. Kelly Daly

Grisham mentions when asked about Berry is the scholarship she received from Mitch (37H, 41C) and Cleone Elrod and the influence the couple had on her life.

Grisham got to know them while a student at Berry after sending a note of thanks for her scholarship. They met first on campus, and she later made visits to their home in Asheville, N.C., often taking along a roommate or other friend.

“After all these years, I still visit them twice a year,” she said. “Our boys love those trips! The Elrods are wonderful people, and they are one of the reasons why Matt and I donate to a Berry scholarship every year.”

me,” she said. “I feel like I went to Berry for a reason. I appreciate the quality of life I have now and that I’ve been able to accomplish so many of the goals I was asked to write down as a Berry freshman. The four years there were so impactful to my life.” B BERRY MAGAZINE • SPRING 2017

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TEDDYTALKS

student photographer Sara Leimbach

© Henry Clay Center for Statesmanship

W

hat do Helen Keller, Theodore Roosevelt, Mahatma Gandhi and other inspiring leaders across history have in common? In many cases, a puzzling lack of confidence. In fact, according to a study published by the Harvard Business Review, the strongest leaders typically are the quickest to underestimate their own abilities.

They also share a never-ending desire to do more.

That certainly describes senior business major Tedric “Teddy” Palmer Jr., who came to Berry as an unsure freshman but graduates as a leader among his peers who overcame injury and adversity while earning the respect of his football coaches and team­ mates, college administrators, and the many students who elected him president of the Student Government Association.

Palmer’s journey into leadership began with a 2013 phone call from assistant coach Nate Masters recruiting him to play offensive line on Berry’s first-ever football team.

Though unsure about joining a first-year program, he decided to go for it. He recalls now that his first lesson in leadership actually was a lesson in failure.

“My freshman year we won one game, and that was against a junior varsity team,” he said. “That was really hard.”

Compounding the team’s on-field struggles was a severe knee injury that prematurely ended Palmer’s season. Still, he remained true to his Berry commitment and began to find his niche through experiences in men’s ministry and as a summer orientation leader

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by KATHERINE EDMONDS, student writer

for incoming students. He describes his acceptance into these positions as inspiring, if a little daunting, and remembers wondering whether he could be successful as a studentathlete, orientation counselor and spiritual leader all at the same time. The answer turned out to be an emphatic YES! And these experiences played a key role in unlocking his strong passion for leadership and service.

“These positions put the belief in me that I could do things,” he said. “They inspired me to believe in myself and to pursue positions in which I could help others and serve with the head, heart and hands.”

Palmer also helped to reverse Berry’s fortunes on the football field. The team’s record improved to 2-8 his sophomore year and 7-3 the following season, setting the stage for the program’s first-ever Southern Athletic Association championship in 2016.

Though his senior season also was cut short by injury, Palmer earned praise from head coach Tony Kunczewski for the example he set over four years.

“Despite suffering a season-ending knee injury as a freshman, he became a starter and key contributor in our quest for a conference championship,” Kunczewski said. “He showed resiliency time and time again on the field and in the classroom.”

Success on the football field in 2015 inspired Palmer to seek new challenges and opportunities to make a difference on campus. He decided to run for SGA president.

“While I was nervous and didn’t think I’d be good enough, I knew I wanted to continue to help others and inspire other athletes to take on roles like this,” he related.

“I finally decided that sometimes you need to inspire yourself.”

Palmer’s experiment in self-confidence resulted in a decisive victory in the student government election, setting the stage for him to spend his senior year working hard on behalf of a student body that now includes his brother, Brandon, a freshman on the football team.

“Teddy is a thoughtful, positive leader who is deeply considerate of the student body and strives to represent each voice,” said Debbie Heida, dean of students and vice president for student affairs.

With graduation upon him, Palmer is seeking additional opportunities to serve others even as he dreams of eventually becoming an entrepreneur and, perhaps, starting his own nonprofit. His leadership experiences on campus and through a 2016 summer internship at the Kentucky State Capitol have equipped him well and given him confidence that he can inspire up-andcoming leaders to believe in themselves, just as others inspired him.

“Berry taught me that you’re never alone,” he declared. “When you struggle, there’s someone struggling with you. You won’t always be on top of the mountain.

Sometimes you’ll be deep in a valley. But believe in yourself, and you’ll achieve new heights.” B

Taste of success

by RICK WOODALL

photos by student photographer JACOB BUSHEY

Jim Aaron (84C) wasn’t looking for a career when he took his first job at McDonald’s at the age of 16 – he just hoped to earn enough money to buy a car. Today, he has four McDonald’s restaurants of his own, one just a mile north of the Gate of Opportunity.

Not bad for a guy who almost didn’t survive his first week on the job.

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Jim Aaron with General Manager Carla Hammons at the Mount Berry McDonald’s.

T

he orders were coming fast and furious on Jim Aaron’s first Friday night at the West Rome McDonald’s in September 1977. Just days into his tenure working in the shadow of the famed “Golden Arches,” the new kid was struggling to keep pace with his task of assembling Big Macs, Quarter Pounders and other menu items when the shift manager delivered an ultimatum: “If you mess up another sandwich, you’re done!”

“That struck me,” laughed Aaron, now 56.

“Apparently, I didn’t mess up another one because they didn’t fire me, and I’m still here 40 years later.”

No one, least of all Aaron himself, would have believed he was bound for franchise ownership the day he applied for that first job. Back then, the Rome native’s sole focus was a Datsun B210 and the $150 he needed to buy it. He eventually got the car – towing it home and rebuilding the engine with help from his father just to get it roadworthy – but that was only the beginning.

In the years that followed, McDonald’s became the means by which Aaron helped pay his way through Berry, met his wife and built a reputation as a hardworking, detailoriented company executive destined for even greater success. Now he’s dedicating

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BERRY MAGAZINE • SPRING 2017

himself to providing similar opportunities for others, particularly the 200 employees working in his four McDonald’s restaurants in Georgia and Tennessee.

“I never thought that it would turn into what it is,” Aaron said of his career journey.

“But oh my gosh, what a joy! What a ride!”

OWNING THE OPPORTUNITY

As he approaches his fifth decade in the fast-food industry, Aaron is proud to be both a company man and an entrepreneur. He is fiercely loyal to the brand he’s represented his entire career but not afraid to change the status quo when he sees an opportunity to improve the product or better meet the needs of his customers and employees.

“I view myself as an entrepreneur,” he stated. “I’m a leader who’s charged with driving the business. I can’t change how the Big Mac is built, obviously, but within the operating platform of how products are made, I’ve got a lot of latitude to figure out how to do that the best way possible and how to inspire my people to perform at the highest level.”

His ingenuity in using that “latitude” – from resurrecting an old company recipe for scratch-made biscuits that have fast become a customer favorite in his restaurants to offering competitive benefits meant to motivate and empower employees – is reflected in the bottom line. In the three

years since he purchased his first two franchises in the Tennessee towns of Vonore and Charleston, business has jumped 50 percent at breakfast and 25 percent overall.

Similarly, sales at the Mount Berry location increased 23 percent in the months after he assumed ownership in fall 2016.

Other owners, many of whom worked with Aaron during his years as a corporate executive, are taking notice.

“People I’ve known forever call me and ask, ‘What are you doing?’ How are you doing that?’” Aaron related. “And that excites me, because one of my passions as a franchisee is to make a difference in many ways, including the brand.”

WILLING TO WORK

Aaron’s success is anchored in the work ethic he inherited from his father, Doug, who earned his engineering degree from Georgia Tech before beginning a long career with General Electric in Rome. The example he set continues to provide inspiration for Aaron, who lost his mother at the age of 6.

“I bust my tail every day,” Aaron said. “I don’t know any other way.”

That willingness to work hard not only helped him overcome his rocky start building sandwiches, but also paved the way for his first big break – an offer to serve as nightshift manager in West Rome that came just as he was starting college. He sought advice from his father, who quickly responded, “That’ll look great on a resume. It’s a great development opportunity for you.”

With his father’s blessing, Aaron poured himself into the new job, routinely clocking 40 or more hours a week to help pay for his education, first at a local junior college and then at Berry. On weeknights, that often meant working until closing – there were no 24-hour McDonald’s in those days – and then heading across town to study with friends.

“If I needed to cram, we’d go to Sambo’s, Krystal or Waffle House – the only places that were open overnight,” Aaron said. “And

Ringing endorsement

that was very often where we’d find ourselves until 2 or 3 o’clock in the morning, studying and doing what we needed to do to get ready for a test. We didn’t get a lot of sleep.”

LEARNING BY DOING

Though the hours could be exhausting, Aaron saw his busy schedule as “fun and a challenge,” and he steadily accepted new responsibilities at work while still finding time to enjoy life as a college student.

“They had me doing scheduling, statistical variances, food costs – lots of functions that maybe assistant managers and above would be doing,” he noted. “But they knew I could do it, and I enjoyed it.”

Aaron’s work experience dovetailed perfectly with the business education he was receiving at Berry, so much so that professors sought his insight in class.

“My business professors valued what I did off campus,” he said. “They knew I was an hourly shift-running manager at McDonald’s, so they would call on me and say, ‘What does McDonald’s think about that? What is McDonald’s point of view?’ It was very, very cool to be in those case-study kinds of scenarios.”

Despite his growing knowledge and experience, Aaron saw McDonald’s more as a stepping stone than a final destination until his supervisor encouraged him to consider the possibility of a career with the company.

It didn’t take long for the soon-to-begraduating business major and accounting minor to recognize the value proposition before him.

“I guess that’s when I started realizing that I was working for one of the biggest and most iconic brands in the entire world and knew it like the back of my hand already – and at a young age,” he expressed.

“Somebody’s got to run this thing, right? So I’m like, ‘Hey, why not me?’ And that set a great career in motion.”

FINDING HIS NICHE

At the same time Aaron was beginning his climb up the corporate ladder, he also found success at home by marrying Terri Beam (84c), a one-time co-worker at the West Rome McDonald’s. They were granted permission to date as long as their relationship didn’t

YOU CAN ALWAYS LOOK FOR ONE OF TWO RINGS on Jim Aaron’s right hand – one a gift from McDonald’s commemorating his 30th anniversary with the company and the other his Berry class ring.

He’s equally proud of both.

“When I started moving up through my corporate career and overseeing broader areas of the business and having greater responsibility, oh my gosh the knowledge from Berry that I was able to apply!” he exclaimed. “I believe it gave me an advantage, quite honestly. I value my education from Berry tremendously. It helped me so much.”

interfere with work, and romance bloomed.

Terri – a longtime nurse – now serves as vice president of quality at Redmond Regional Medical Center. The couple has two grown children, Christa and Matt.

While serving as a husband and father at home, Aaron was gaining an ever-broadening perspective on all aspects of business operations at McDonald’s. He worked in a variety of roles, beginning with in-store management and later progressing to corporate oversight of multiple restaurants, leadership of a team of franchisee consultants, and, as deployment manager, coordination of new menu items across the Southeast. As his sphere of influence grew, so did his opportunity and desire to make a difference in the lives of others, ultimately motivating him to apply for franchisee status.

His long track record of success ensured swift approval.

Three years after taking the ownership plunge, Aaron is a man who absolutely has found his niche. An unabashed cheerleader for his employees and his product, he is quick to name members of his management team in whom he sees future ownership potential and is pleased to offer such competitive benefits as paid vacation, health insurance, dollar-for-dollar 401K matches and college tuition assistance, among others.

A strong believer in rewarding outstanding performance, Aaron also stresses employee accountability. Using a computer dashboard monitoring on-site electronic sensors, he and Director of Operations Jess Brown can check speed-of-service at any of his four locations in real-time. He’s also known to drop by his restaurants regularly, sometimes in the middle of the night. Any visit begins with a trip through the drivethrough so he can get a firsthand look at the customer-service experience.

Aaron’s hope is that employees will take

inspiration from his story and work hard like he did to make the most of their opportunity.

“The idea that I can help their dreams come true and make a difference in their lives is in great measure what drives me,” he said.

MAKING IT

Experience has taught Aaron that “everything in life is what you make it,” and he still has dreams of his own, including acquiring more McDonald’s restaurants; his immediate goal is 10 to 15. He also wants to take on an increasing leadership role among the approximately 3,000 McDonald’s franchisees nationwide. Recently, he was voted into a national body of owners responsible for providing advertising direction.

Within his restaurants, Aaron will continue to seek new ways to build on McDonald’s already considerable brand, such as serving those scratch-made biscuits each morning while many other locations offer what he describes as a “good-quality” frozen biscuit.

“I talk to my fellow owners, who I’m great friends with, and say, ‘Come on now, we’re in the South. You’ve got to serve biscuits from scratch!’” he chuckled.

It all adds up to a very busy work life at a time when others might be tempted to consider retirement. Aaron comes from a serious golfing family – first-cousin Tommy Aaron was the 1973 Masters champion – but he’s much more likely to be found staying up late to complete paperwork or check on his restaurants than setting aside time for an afternoon on the links.

“I’m good with staying up ’til 1 in the morning,” he laughed, reflecting back on all those late nights working his way through Berry. “I’m just not studying at Krystal now.” B

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lin

Sander Brant

by DEBBIE RASURE

orget zombies. Forget aliens. Forget pirates. When

F

Halloween rolls around, there’s only one costume Dr. Ben Popple (09C) wants to don. It’s the one that transforms him into a superhero beyond the wildest imaginings of even the most creative folks at Marvel Comics: Toothpaste Man! That’s right. When darkness descends on All Hallows’ Eve, the pediatric dentist with a thriving practice mobilizes his team of tooth fairies to take to the streets preaching the gospel of good oral hygiene. Community volunteers provide back-up, handing out toothbrushes from their front porches, while Popple, wife “Deanna the Tooth Fairy” and son “Baby-Tooth Landon” wait patiently to bestow the secret to a healthy smile upon all the ghosties and ghoulies who come to their door.

This high level of creativity and passion is Popple’s trademark, and it shows in everything he does, from orchestrating a fun-spirited public service effort to helping a child with special needs become comfortable with dental care.

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Brant Sanderlin

PATIENT-FOCUSED CARE FOR PINT-SIZED PATIENTS

Popple took a leap of faith two years ago when he started his own practice immedi­ ately following his dental residency at Yale University. Although setting up a business on his own without a patient base was a risky move, Popple knew it was the right one.

“I had shopped around for places to work and realized my personality didn’t fit with working for someone else,” he said. “I have a particular way I like to do things. It just made sense to do my own thing.”

While finishing his residency in Connecticut, Popple began working with contractors to renovate an existing dental office in Newnan, Ga. Every few weeks, he would fly down to check on progress and then return home the following day. With the dual pressures of finishing his work at Yale and having a baby on the way, it was a grueling experience, but his instincts were spot on. White Oak Pediatric Dentistry grew quickly following its August 2015 grand opening.

His approach, no doubt, is one of the secrets to his success.

“I am prevention-focused,” he said. “If kids never get cavities, we don’t have to deal with the aftereffects.”

He’s onto something: Nearly 20 percent of Americans experience so much anxiety about visiting the dentist that they only go when it is absolutely necessary, and for many, fear is rooted in an unpleasant childhood experience.

Popple and his staff focus on helping their young patients have a positive experience by creating a comfortable, fun, family-oriented atmosphere that goes far beyond kid-sized furniture and pictures of cute animals on the walls. Basing each first visit on a child’s comfort level, he welcomes parents into the exam room, establishing trust by showing them exactly what is going on and explaining how he can fix the problem.

But he doesn’t stop there. With his emphasis on prevention, Popple helps parents identify and address the causes of their children’s dental issues. He also uses his website (www.WhiteOakKids.com) as a repository of educational slideshows and videos for parents to access at home to continue or reinforce what they learned in the office. Using technology to improve oral health is something he became interested in during his residency when he worked with a team at Yale Child Study Center. In their study, Remotely Delivered Video Modeling for Improving Oral Hygiene in Children with ASD: A Pilot Study, they used technology to teach good oral hygiene practices to patients with autism spectrum disorders.

SPECIAL CARE FOR SPECIAL NEEDS

Popple learned about the challenges of treating patients with autism while pursuing his doctorate in dental medicine at the Medical College of Georgia. He wondered if prevention could make a difference for these special patients but had to wait until his residency to explore the idea. As providence

would have it, waiting was the best thing he could have done.

The Yale School of Medicine’s Child Study Center is a hub of autism research with one of the nation’s foremost experts at its helm: Fred R. Volkmar, M.D. Drawing on lessons learned at Berry about the importance of mentors and how to find them, Popple reached out.

“I sent Dr. Volkmar an email asking to meet with him,” Popple said. “I didn’t expect him to respond, but he replied immediately. I met him the next day and pitched my idea.

He took me under his wing, introduced me to a team at Yale Child Study Center led by Fred Shic, Ph.D., and we worked together to make it happen.”

Popple’s idea was to create a technologybased presentation using both spoken and written communication to teach children with autism how to properly brush their teeth. By using the audio-visual approach, he could help children understand, regardless of their learning styles.

The results of his small study were promising, and the educational tool he created for it formed the basis of his teaching technique today.

A NEW CHAPTER

While at Berry, Popple distinguished himself as a student-athlete playing soccer throughout his four years, an artist whose paintings of campus landmarks still hang in Berry offices, and a leader who served as president of his class and Athletes Bettering the Community his senior year.

Now a busy husband, father and business owner, he has little time for recreational pursuits but still makes time to serve his community with efforts such as the Halloween toothbrush campaign.

And how did all those toothbrushes go over?

“They were a hit,” he said, laughing. “As it got later in the evening, kids started coming to the door asking for them more than for candy. At first, we wondered what was going on. Then we realized that the toothbrushes were glowing in the dark.”

What a way to promote a neighborhood of bright smiles. B

BERRY MAGAZINE • SPRING 2017

21

Campaign Priorities Expand opportunities for students to invest in their own success Develop leaders and entrepreneurs with character and compassion Create places and spaces that spur student achievement Meet current needs and fund future opportunities

The path to LifeReady: Berry’s “Final Four” When LifeReady: The Berry College Campaign for Opportunity was envisioned in support of strategic and master planning projects deemed critical to the Berry mission, its goals were ambitious. Now many of those goals have been achieved and more than $102 million given in support of Berry students, including $50 million in commitments for scholarships.

Alumni and friends have stepped up like never before to expand opportunity for students to experience a life-changing education of the head, heart and hands through new scholarships, programs and facilities. The impact of this support can be seen across campus and will be felt by generations of students.

1

The campaign focus now aims squarely at four important projects that await funding. Each one builds on Berry’s historic strengths and offers new opportunity for the future.

Architect’s Rendering

ANIMAL SCIENCE BUILDING $14.6 million remaining

ANIMAL SCIENCE, BERRY’S LARGEST MAJOR, IS RECOGNIZED

facilities are all that remain for the program to truly shine; a new academic “home” for the program will be transformational.

Through this campaign priority, Berry will invest in a program that has more than tripled in size over the last 10 years, moving it from the aging and undersized Westcott Building into a top-notch science facility. Planned is a 23,000 square-foot building that will feature state-of-the-art teaching labs, technology-enhanced classrooms, and research labs for faculty and student projects.

The building will connect to McAllister Hall science center, facilitating Berry’s growing and distinctive emphasis on “One Health,” which studies the ecosystem factors that connect the well-being of humans, animals and the environment. In conjunction with the recently completed animal science laboratory near the Rollins Ruminant Research Center (see page 2), this new building will significantly expand capacity for students to participate in research and experience firsthand what they hear in class or read in textbooks.

22

Jason Jones

NATIONALLY for its distinctive character and quality. Outstanding

2

RENOVATION OF FORD AUDITORIUM $4.1 million remaining

Architect’s Rendering

HENRY AND CLARA FORD HIRED THE FINEST CRAFTSMEN TO BUILD FORD AUDITORIUM for Berry students because

3

they knew that exceptional facilities would inspire exceptional performances. Nearly a century later, we will revitalize this venerable space as a first-class performance and recital hall for Berry’s music program.

Scientific understanding of acoustics has improved dramatically since the auditorium was constructed, and today we know that the shape and resonance of its vaulted ceilings create auditory challenges for musicians and audiences alike. A plan developed by one of the nation’s premier sound engineering firms will enable us to address these issues acoustically and aesthetically even as we restore and preserve historic architectural elements that provide visual splendor. Plans also include an enlarged stage, new seating, a redesigned balcony, digital lighting and sound systems, new mechanical and curtain systems, climate-controlled instrument storage, and a renovated lobby.

Berry parents Rick and Barbara Gaby have created a fund that will match new commitments to the Ford project dollar-for-dollar up to a total of $300,000, doubling the impact of donors’ gifts.

4

ENTREPRENEURSHIP

BERRY CENTER FOR INTEGRITY IN LEADERSHIP $1.3 million remaining

PERSONAL RESPONSIBILITY AND CHARACTER HAVE ALWAYS BEEN AT THE HEART OF A BERRY EDUCATION, preparing

graduates to serve as principled leaders in the communities where they live and work. The Berry Center for Integrity in Leadership builds on these strengths to provide students of all majors with an even deeper grounding in values and integrity as they discuss and practice the difficult, real-life decisions that shape integrity in leadership in all aspects of life.

Already in its fourth year, a distinctive and key part of BCIL is its Carper Mentoring Program, which matches Berry students with experienced leaders from the local professional community. Students also now have the opportunity to earn a leadership certificate from the college, and the Cecil B. Wright III Integrity in Leadership Lecture Series brings national speakers to campus.

At press time, details were being finalized and plans made to announce an important $2 million commitment to endow a much-needed BCIL directorship. The director will oversee and expand BCIL initiatives beyond the mentoring program. He or she will work with Berry faculty as they incorporate integrity-in-leadership modules into a wide range of new and existing courses thanks to BCIL faculty development funds, including a very generous fund recently established by Buzz and Barbara Mote (61C) McCoy. Also on the drawing board is a BCIL Fellows Program to bring leaders from diverse professions and backgrounds to campus for extended interactions with students.

$2.5 million remaining

INNOVATIVE THINKING, PROBLEM-SOLVING AND THE ABILITY TO TRANSITION

FROM IDEA TO ACTION are Berry students win “venture pitch” at the heart of entrepreneur­ competition. (See page 5.) ship. They’re also at the core of Berry’s expanding efforts to spark development of an entrepreneurial mindset in all its forms – from launching a business to social innovation to leading organizational change – in students of all majors.

The goals of Berry’s developing Center for Entrepreneurship focus on integrating principles of innovation and creativity across the curriculum, providing opportunities for students of all majors to test the waters of entrepreneurship and compete for growing levels of support, and facilitating mentoring relationships between budding entrepreneurs and those with solid experience.

Number one on the list of current priorities is endowed funding for a director to oversee and expand entrepreneurship initiatives. One of those initiatives – and also a LifeReady Campaign funding priority – is Berry’s exciting student venture fund, which provides competitive grants in support of students’ entrepreneurial ideas.

Creating a culture of entrepreneurial thinking is highly entrepreneurial by nature, and numerous exciting ideas and initiatives are on the drawing board, many of which will go beyond the auspices of the LifeReady Campaign.

Expect to hear more about them in the not-too-distant future!

For more information on the LifeReady Campaign’s final four priorities go to www.berry.edu/lifeready or contact Scott Breithaupt (91C, 96G), assistant vice president for campaign and leadership giving, at 706-238-5897 or sbreithaupt@berry.edu.

BERRY MAGAZINE • SPRING 2017

23

Brant Sanderlin

Guess who supports Berry?

by KARILON L. ROGERS WHEN “ROWDY” RUSTY BRADLEY (71C) DRESSED HEAD-TO-TOE IN TOILET PAPER and marched in the Ford quad with a group of male merrymakers boisterously spelling out Martha Berry’s name to the tune of Mickey Mouse, no one expected the tale to be told in print more than 40 years later. And surely no one who participated in or witnessed the revelry ever expected the fun-loving, naysaying, rule-breaking rascal to one day become a champion for his alma mater.

Surprise!

Bradley’s unauthorized – if harmless – exploits at Berry may not be legendary, but they surely are remembered by more than a few because they were so public. Like the time he joined upperclassmen William Todd (69C) and David Lewis (69C) in planning and executing a rush of the Ford Gymnasium floor dressed as Berry cheerleaders, a daring act at the time that “real” Berry cheerleaders are rumored to have assisted. And although Bradley insists no flips, cartwheels or dance moves were involved, the trio was successful in revving up the basketball crowd.

“Someone said, ‘Let’s put on our white Levi’s and navy sweaters and go be cheerleaders!’” he laughed, remembering the party-style planning session in which the idea was hatched.

There was no doubt back in those days

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BERRY MAGAZINE • SPRING 2017

PRANKSTER

RUSTY BRADLEY! that then-President John Bertrand knew exactly who to look for when a prank had been pulled or that “Bad Boy Bradley” was not particularly appreciative of the education he was receiving. Oh, how times have changed!

Today, Bradley is owner of Property Advisory Corp., an Atlanta-area firm that appraises commercial property nationally.

His wife of 37 years, Priscilla, is secretary of the corporation, and the couple has two grown children and one granddaughter, with a second grandchild expected in August.

Bradley also is a dedicated volunteer, actively serving Emory St. Joseph’s Hospital in Atlanta as director of courtesy cart operations and the National Park Service at Kennesaw Mountain National Battlefield Park as a historian.

And Bradley today is a major supporter of Berry College, contributing financially, providing internships for students, and attending every home football game.

“I didn’t appreciate the school when I was there,” he confessed. “It was years later that it dawned on me what a wonderful school I went to. I love visiting now; it is like going home.”

A donor since 1985, Bradley has focused on supporting athletics (he ran track for two years as a student) in addition to the general fund and has made an unrestricted gift of life insurance. For just the price of the policy premium each year, he will ensure that Berry

receives a much greater gift – $100,000 – upon his death.

“I knew of someone who gave a gift of life insurance to Georgia Tech and remembered it for years as a great thing to do,” he said. “I did it for Berry when I could, and it was a wonderful feeling.”

Thinking back on the vastness of the Berry campus and the knowledge he gained working on the farm crew – “There should have been credit for it because I learned so much!” – Bradley asked and then answered an important question: “Where else can you get the kind of education you get at Berry?

Nowhere!”

His advice for fellow alumni is simple: “Reflect on all you received at Berry, the MAKING A GIFT of life great things we learned insurance is easy and over and above school enables donors to give work. That is worth much larger gifts in more than your degree. support of Berry students So support Berry. Start than they ever thought small and build. Don’t possible. And, if Berry forget where you came from. Give a little bit owns the policy, premium every month or every payments are considered year. It is a satisfying, charitable gifts for tax good feeling.” purposes. For more Somewhere up in information, contact heaven, John Bertrand Helen Lansing at has a smile on his face – hlansing@berry.edu or and Martha Berry likely 706-238-2867. does too.

Helping students become LifeReady These generous alumni and friends made LifeReady Campaign gifts, pledges, bequests and estate commitments of $10,000 or more from Oct. 8, 2016, to Feb. 10, 2017. We extend sincere thanks to them and all who make a gift to Berry of any size. It is our privilege to recognize all donors annually in the online Berry College Honor Roll of Donors (www.berry.edu/honorroll).

Clinton G. Ames Jr., $20,000 to support Gate of Opportunity Scholarships Anonymous, $20,000 for the general fund ARAMARK Corp., $35,644 for the general fund Bobbie Bailey Foundation, $1 million for the new theatre and Blackstone Hall Billy (58C) and Carol Buchanan (56H, 58c) Blair, $25,000 to establish the Billy and Carol Blair Endowed Scholarship Andrew and Jennifer Bressette, $20,000, with $10,000 for the new theatre and Blackstone Hall and $10,000 for the renovation of Ford Auditorium Vaughn and Nancy Bryson, $10,000 addition to the John R. and Margaret Weaver Faison Endowed Gate of Opportunity Scholarship Jerry H. Bullock (66A), $25,000 addition to the Emily and Jerry Bullock Endowed Scholarship Callaway Foundation, $15,798 to fund the F.E. Callaway Professorship Chick-fil-A Foundation, $25,000 for the Truett and Jeanette Cathy Expendable Scholarship Larry (69C) and Nadine NeSmith (71C) Covington, $10,000 for the Class of 1969C Endowed Gate of Opportunity Scholarship Ouida W. Dickey (50C, FFS), $10,000, with $5,000 for the Angela R. Dickey Endowed Scholarship and $5,000 for the Jennifer W. Dickey Endowed Scholarship William H. Ellsworth Foundation, $15,000 for the new theatre and Blackstone Hall Angi Evert, $15,000 in-kind gift of a Steinway piano for Berry’s music department Richard and Barbara Gaby Foundation, $300,000 for the renovation of Ford Auditorium William R. Gaines Jr. (93C), $15,000 to fund a student scholarship in memory of his father Georgia Independent College Association, $28,769 for the general fund Georgia Power Foundation, $10,000 in support of the Georgia Power Endowed Entrepreneurial Faculty Fellowship

Walter K. Gill (63C), $21,000 for the Class of 1963C Gate of Opportunity Scholarship Greene-Sawtell Foundation, $100,000 for the new theatre and Blackstone Hall Darrell E. Gunby (81c), $12,000 for the Gunby Equine Center Debbie and Steve Heida, $10,200, with $10,000 supporting student leadership awards, $100 for the Cross Country/Track Team Booster Club Fund and $100 for the Football Team Booster Club Fund LeBron J. (60C) and Kay Davis (60C) Holden, $14,332 addition to the LeBron and Kay Holden Endowed Gate of Opportunity Scholarship Jimmie Andrew Johnson Jr. (85C) and Jennifer Smith Johnson (85C), $25,000 for the Jim and Jennifer Johnson Endowed Entrepreneurial Internship Fund Virginia Kelley, $25,000 to establish the James H. Cammon Endowed Scholarship Lee Jones Lance (53C), $38,513 charitable gift annuity that ultimately will become an unrestricted gift Bowen H. and Barbara Mote (61C) McCoy, $200,000 for Berry Center for Integrity in Leadership faculty development William E. and Janette D. Melson, $16,000 for the Baseball Team Booster Club Fund Nature Conservancy, $10,000 for the Longleaf Pine Project Joe (65C) and Nelda Parrish (64C) Ragsdale, $10,000, with $5,000 for the Class of 1964C Campus Carrier Editor-in-Chief Work Endowment and $5,000 for the Class of 1965C Endowed Gate of Opportunity Scholarship Virgil P. Warren Foundation, $15,000 for the Gunby Equine Center Lettie Pate Whitehead Foundation, $557,000 for the Lettie Pate Whitehead Scholars Fund Robert H. (62H) and Katherine C. Williams, $125,000 for the new theatre and Blackstone Hall WinShape Foundation, $282,602 in support of the WinShape Scholarship Thomas Guy Woolford Charitable Trust, $50,000 for the new theatre and Blackstone Hall BEQUESTS The Estate of Maria L. Barlieb, $46,123 in-kind gift of property to fund an unrestricted bequest The Estate of Mable Cox (50C), $26,710 to establish the Mable Emily Cox Memorial Endowment Fund for renovation, restoration and maintenance of the Berry College Chapel

BERRY MAGAZINE • SPRING 2017

25

News from you CLASS NOTES – THE ORIGINAL SOCIAL MEDIA

1940s

1970s

Genelle Tant Bobo (49C) has been honored for her second book, It Rained On My Parade, by Book Expo America, a national convention in New York.

She has three other published books, including Driven by a Dream, a historical book about missions.

Daniel Huff (71C) is working for Mayo Medical Clinical Laboratories in Jacksonville, Fla. He retired in 2001 from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention in Atlanta.

Dale Schwanbeck (72C) and wife Susan Culberson Schwanbeck (77C) announce the Aug. 13, 2016, marriage of daughter Dr. Anna Schwanbeck to Spencer Davis, son of Chris and Lisa Sparks Davis (97G). The couple was married at Frost Memorial Chapel.

1960s Billy Townsend (62H, 66C) and Marvalee Lord Townsend (65C) celebrated their 51st anniversary on Dec. 19, 2016.

C. Randall Clark, Ph.D. (67C) is professor of medicinal chemistry in the Harrison School of Pharmacy’s Drug Billy and Marvalee Discovery and Lord Townsend Development Department at Auburn University.

He is primarily involved in research related to the forensic chemistry of designer drugs and related substances. Much of his work is done predicting “next generation” trends of synthetic drugs. His research is performed in cooperation with a number of government agencies, and his work has been published many times in professional publications. He attended Ole Miss for his graduate work, prior to joining Auburn.

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BERRY MAGAZINE • SPRING 2017

Kim Landes Manget Kim Landes Manget (77C) will retire in June after 29 years as an elementary educator. She is a past recipient of the Rockdale County (Ga.) Teacher of the Year award and is married to John Manget (77c).

The couple has three children and five grandchildren.

Roger W. Lusby III (79C) has been named 2017 chairman of the Greater North Fulton Chamber of Commerce in Alpharetta, Ga. A Berry trustee and chairman of the college’s Planned Giving Council, Lusby is managing partner of the Alpharetta office of the Frazier & Deeter CPA and advisory firm.

C,c College G,g Graduate school A,a Academy H,h High school FS Faculty/Staff FFS Former Faculty/Staff SEND YOUR PERSONAL NEWS, which is subject to editing, to: alumni@berry.edu. Photos of sufficient quality will be used at the discretion of the magazine staff. News in this issue was received Oct. 8, 2016 – Feb. 10, 2017.

Beth Collins Earnst (93C) has joined AkzoNobel in High Point, N.C., where she leads communica­ tions for the global wood coatings firm. Beth is a member of the Berry Board of Visitors and a past winner of the college’s Outstanding Young Alumni Award.

Rick Woodall (93C, FS) earned a Special Merit Award in District III of the Council for Advancement and Support of Education for his Berry magazine feature on Jeff Manley (88C). Rick and wife Tracy live in Dallas, Ga., with son Jackson (13) and daughter Kaitlyn (6).

Don Wesley Thompson (95C) has been appointed superior court judge of Georgia’s Lookout Mountain Judicial Circuit by Gov. Nathan Deal. He and wife Erica

have one child and reside in Summerville, Ga. Karen Barr Hersey (98C, 05G) was named the elementary recipient of the 2016 Award for Excellence in Teaching of Mathematics presented by the Georgia Council of Teachers of Mathematics.

She teaches fifth grade at Nicholson Elementary Karen Barr Hersey School in Cobb County. Karen and husband Curt Hersey (93C, FS) have one son, Griffin.

1980s Alissa Giddens Lovely (80A) works with disabled individuals and resides in LaGrange, Ky.

1990s Celeste Creswell (93C) has joined Kabat, Chapman and Ozmer, a law firm with offices in Dalton, (Ga.), Atlanta and Los Angeles that handles commercial, labor and employment, intellectual property, and class action litigation matters.

Best Self Atlanta Photography by Social FotoFly

1950s William Howard Speegle (54H, 58C) is retired and resides in Pula, Croatia. He also has lived in Ireland, France and Germany and invites class­mates planning a trip to Europe to contact him at hspeegle@ William Howard gmail.com.

Speegle

CLASS YEARS are followed by a letter that indicates Berry status. Uppercase letters denote graduates; lowercase letters denote attended/attending and anticipated year of graduation.

Rob Carver (88C) made the “Best of 2016” list of Atlanta’s Best Self Magazine for his work as a tennis instructor. He owns Rob Carver Tennis in Marietta.

Rob Carver

NEWS FROM YOU

‘Super’ show!

NICK PILGER (15C) KNOWS HE CAN ALWAYS COUNT ON SUNDAYS OFF as a participant in

Chick-fil-A’s Leadership Development Program, so when his hometown Atlanta Falcons qualified for Super Bowl LI in Houston – where he was serving as an interim restaurant manager – he took the plunge and bought a ticket. Though the Falcons ultimately lost the game in overtime, Pilger enjoyed his “super” experience. He’s since left Houston to continue his progression through the two-year program, which has taken him to more than 13 different cities thus far. His eventual goal is to earn a position as a consultant in Chick-fil-A’s corporate office.

Jeffrey Woodard (98C) serves as senior vice president and chief legal officer for Erlanger Health System in Chattanooga, Tenn.

Common threads WHEN LAURA MCINNIS MONK (79C) SPENT THREE SUMMERS AS A

2000s

BERRY STUDENT WORKING AS A COUNSELOR at

Camp Dixie in

Clayton, Ga., she had no idea how the small mountain

Kaylee Jane and Carson Allen Carter

The Sherrod family John Sherrod (03C) and Jessica Holmes Sherrod (04C) announce the Oct. 10, 2016, birth of daughter Campbell Elizabeth Sherrod, who joined siblings Noah Paul (6), Martha Abigail (4) and Gloria Elizabeth (2) at the family home in Murfreesboro, Tenn.

Sarah Norton (04C) and Justin Peters were married at Frost Memorial Chapel on Nov. 12, 2016.

The wedding party included Amy Herendeen Dobbs (03C) and Suzie DeWeese Kimmel (04C).

Kerri Taylor Carter (06C) and husband Jeff announce the Dec. 30, 2016, birth of their second child, Kaylee Jane, who joined big brother Carson Allen at the family home in Alpharetta, Ga. Kerri is employed by Travelers Insurance as an automobile liability claims professional.

Shannon Kraft Lenz (07C) and Brian Lenz announce the Feb. 2, 2016, birth of daughter Cecilia Megan. Shannon graduated with her Ph.D. from the University of Georgia in December 2016. The family resides in Aiken, S.C. Jessica Cook Powell (07C) and Kirk Powell (07C) announce the July 18, 2016, birth of son Kai Nelson. The family resides in Christiansburg, Va.

community would impact her life.

Years later, she would return to the area made famous by the Foxfire stories of life in the Appalachian South, this time as a member of the first band to shoot a music video on the property of the Foxfire Museum and Heritage Center in Mountain City. That distinction earned her placement in a 50th anniversary book celebrating the Foxfire phenomenon, and she continues to perform there, now with her new band Pickxen.

“Berry and Foxfire share so many common threads,” Monk said. “Both cherish history and

Sarah Norton and Justin Peters

stories. Learning and doing are a part of both Kai Nelson Powell

institutions. I consider myself blessed to have been a part of both.”

BERRY MAGAZINE • SPRING 2017

27

NEWS FROM YOU

this is Da

rren

Jamie Hanson photography

he will be first in his the to gradu family ate from college

Opportu nity. Pas s it The Gat

e of Oppor

tunity Sch

olarship

Program

Jesse Demonbreun-Chapman (08C) has been named executive director and riverkeeper for the Coosa River Basin Initiative, responsible for leading and soliciting sup­ port for the organization’s advocacy, education, water monitoring and Jesse Demonbreunrestoration Chapman programs. He resides in Rome with wife Ashley Demonbreun-Chapman (10C) and daughter Lilliana.

on.

Going Hollywood!

ONCE UPON A TIME, DARREN BARNET (13C) WAS A “FACE” OF BERRY,

appearing on billboards and brochure covers

promoting the college. Now he’s in a much different spotlight as an aspiring entertainer who recently landed a cameo on the hit NBC drama

This Is Us, playing the role of young Jack. Other productions in which he has or will appear include the CBS drama Criminal Minds, the original MTV pilot Loosely Exactly Nicole and the awardwinning horror short Safe and Sound. When he’s

Ashley McAlister and D. Allan Raulerson II Ashley McAlister (08C) and D. Allan Raulerson II (06C) were married Nov. 12, 2016, at Slatersville Congregational Church in Rhode Island. The wedding party included Sarah Cline (07C, 13G), Shannon Kraft Lenz (07C), Derrell Hood (07C) and Adam Massey (06C). The couple resides in Maine.

Emily Baird-Chrisohon

2010s Emily Baird-Chrisohon (10C) was named a New Leaders Council Nashville Fellow for 2017. She holds a master’s degree in divinity from Vanderbilt University and works as a regional organizer with Religions for Peace USA. She resides in Nashville, Tenn.

Amelia Heine (11C) works as a visual services specialist for the University of West Georgia.

Elliott Echols (13C) was ranked No. 2 on a Newsmax list of the “30 Most Influential Republicans Under 30” in recognition of his work as director of the Republican Leadership Initiative overseeing the mobilization and training of political field staffers during the 2016 election. Prior to his current role with the Republican National Committee, Echols Elliott Echols served as national youth director for the RNC and, during his college days, as state chairman of the Georgia Association of College Republicans.

Maggie Williamson (14C) hiked the entirety of the Appalachian Trail in five months. She resides in Lilburn, Ga.

Jilli Leonard (15C) spent 10 months serving in the Ameson Year in China Program. She now works in the Ameson Shanghai Office as cultural liaison and program coordinator.

not acting or developing scripts, he also writes and composes original hip hop music under the stage name “Charlie Sound.”

“I love the journey,” said Barnet, one of Berry’s inaugural Gate of Opportunity Scholars. “There are no guarantees in life, regardless of what you choose to do. I am blessed that I have the opportunity to pursue a career that I am incredibly passionate about and one that constantly keeps me guessing, reflecting and seeking out new perspectives at every corner.”

Jilli Leonard

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BERRY MAGAZINE • SPRING 2017

NEWS FROM YOU

Home for Christmas FESTIVE MUSIC BY THE BERRY JAZZ ENSEMBLE provided the

perfect holiday soundtrack for the inaugural Young Alumni Christmas Party. More than 100 alumni and friends returned “home” to Oak Hill for the December celebration hosted by the Berry Alumni Council’s Young Alumni and Student Relations Committee. If you graduated in the photos by Brant Sanderlin

last five years, we hope you’ll make plans to join us for this year’s party, to be held Saturday, Dec. 9.

Email alumni@berry.edu or call 706-236-2256 for more information.

student photographer Sara Leimbach

AlumniAuthors Berry magazine has been notified about the following new alumni-authored books since our last listing. Congratulations!

Information for all titles is available through a variety of booksellers online. n Tim

Goodwin (03C), Exponential Wealth: How to Create Sustainable Income for Life, 90-Minute Books, September 2016.

Viking tribute A “WHO’S WHO” OF BERRY SPORTS HISTORY from the 1950s to the

n Jennifer

Marston William (92C), Cognitive Approaches to German Historical Film: Seeing is Not Believing, Palgrave Macmillan, January 2017.

1970s gathered Feb. 10 for a special dinner honoring former coaches Larry Taylor and Jerry Shelton (58C).

Some in the crowd of 125 traveled from as far away as Indiana, Kentucky and Ohio to celebrate the men who made such a huge difference in their lives. Afterward,

If you have a newly published book (2016-2017) you’d like us to include, please send your name and class year, book title, publisher, publication date, and a Web address for a synopsis and/or order information to jkenyon@berry.edu with the subject line “Berry Alumni Authors.”

many in the group made the short trek from Krannert Center to the Cage Center to see the current Vikings defeat Millsaps in men’s basketball.

Pictured from left are John Dixon (67C), John Shahan (64A, 69C), Don Law (67C), Taylor, Berry Board of Trustees Chairman Barry Griswell (71C), Shelton and President Steve Briggs.

BERRY MAGAZINE • SPRING 2017

29

NEWS FROM YOU

don't forget to send your photos

The next time you’re typing a status update or tweet, be sure to share with us as well. Send your news (and digital photos!) to alumni@berry.edu for inclusion in News from You. Be sure to include your class year. If you’d rather put pen to paper, simply mail to the Berry College Alumni Office, P.O. Box 495018, Mount Berry, Ga., 30149.

Condolences

BERRY COLLEGE EXTENDS SINCERE CONDOLENCES to family and friends of the following alumni and faculty/staff. This list includes notices

received Oct. 8, 2016 – Feb. 10, 2017.

1930s

Winifred Moody Fowler (35H) of College Park, Ga., Aug. 31, 2015.

Marvin E. McKee (37H) of Pinson, Ala., Sept. 11, 2016.

Alta Smith Barger (39H) of Chattanooga, Tenn., Feb. 14, 2016.

Lola Coleburn Stubbs (39C) of Carrollton, Ga., Dec. 26, 2016.

1940s Theresa Hallmark Smith (40C) of Macon, Ga., Jan. 16, 2017.

Talton W. Jones (41C) of Snow Hill, N.C., Dec. 7, 2016.

Jane Daniel Nettles (42C) of Dalton, Ga., Jan. 25, 2017.

John H. King (43H) of Decatur, Ga., Oct. 12, 2016.

Tasker H. Russell (43c) of Atlanta, Jan. 19, 2017.

Cecil Clyde Harvell (45H) of Mobile, Ala., Dec. 6, 2016.

Ray C. Cates (46c) of Kernersville, N.C., Jan. 12, 2017.

Thomas H. Westmoreland (46c) of Elgin, S.C., Dec. 23, 2016.

Eugene Defreese Whatley (46H, 50C) of Wrightsville, Ga., Oct. 18, 2016.

Lewis C. Spruill (47c) of Carrollton, Ga., Dec. 25, 2016.

Mary Mason Winsbro (47c) of Oak Ridge, Tenn., Sept. 8, 2016.

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BERRY MAGAZINE • SPRING 2017

James W. Carter (48H) of Baxley, Ga., Nov. 26, 2016.

William D. Segrest (48H, 51c) of Amissville, Va., Nov. 25, 2016.

Frances T. Stribling (49c) of Woodbury, Ga., June 9, 2013.

1950s Thelma York Morris (50C) of Dallas, Ga., Nov. 22, 2016.

Virginia Harrell Williams (50c) of Ringgold, Ga., June 3, 2016.

Mescal Johnson Knighton (51c) of Decatur, Ga., Feb. 20, 2014.

Ryan H. Seawright (51C) of New York, July 16, 2015.

Robert Nathan Smelley (51C) of Suwanee, Ga., Nov. 24, 2016.

William J. McCain (52c) of Franklin, Tenn., Dec. 17, 2016.

Bobbie Hayes Wilson (52c) of Jacksonville, Fla., Dec. 25, 2016.

Ellender Fish Lee (53C) of Lebanon, Tenn., Nov. 6, 2016.

Dewitt Sheffield (54c) of Indianapolis, Nov. 16, 2016.

Wallace M. Tarpley (54C) of Birmingham, Ala., Dec. 13, 2014.

J. Dale Pass (56C) of Marietta, Ga., Dec. 1, 2016.

George H. Wynn (56H, 63C) of Lake Park, Ga., Oct. 15, 2016.

Ray Bonner Jeffers (57C) of Cedartown, Ga., Jan. 3, 2017.

Marjorie Jackson LaBarge (57c) of Windermere, Fla., Nov. 16, 2016.

Albert Eugene Wilson (57H) of Flintstone, Ga., Sept. 21, 2016.

1960s

Jan C. Goble (77C) of Calhoun, Ga., Jan. 31, 2017.

Brenda A. Ayer (79C) of Riverside, Calif., April 23, 2015.

1980s

Lonnie M. Tapley (60C) of Milledgeville, Ga., Nov. 21, 2016.

Mary Sapp Rackley (64c) of Moultrie, Ga., May 22, 2016.

Douglas Clyde Toineeta (64A) of Cherokee, N.C., Oct. 14, 2016.

Robert Clinton Dorety (65A) of Canton, Ohio, Feb. 17, 2016.

Linda Glover Taylor (67C) of Bainbridge, Ga., June 19, 2016.

Frances Buckley Hobdy (69C) of Rome, Nov. 27, 2016.

Tina Spalding Richter (86C) of Rockledge, Fla., Jan. 7, 2017.

1970s

Natalie Henderson Bates (07C, FFS) of Rocky Face, Ga., Dec. 3, 2016.

Lisa Marie Chastain (09C) of Jefferson City, Mo., Nov. 18, 2016.

Kassie Parker Caldwell (70c) of Birmingham, Ala., Nov. 12, 2016.

Lynn O. Rogers (70C) of Crossnore. N.C., Dec. 25, 2016.

John B. Myrick (72A) of Rowlett, Texas, Dec. 19, 2015.

Agetha Branton Lindsey (74C) of Silver Creek, Ga., Oct. 27, 2016.

Hoyt L. Gamblin (75C) of Kempner, Texas, May 20, 2016.

Johnny Warren Riles III (76C) of Savannah, Ga., May 11, 2013.

David Eric Gant (77c) of Plantation, Fla., Sept. 28, 2015.

1990s Jeffry Norman Dyer (92C, FFS) of Sevierville, Tenn., Dec. 30, 2016.

Dorothy Faye Hall (92c) of Silver Creek, Ga., Nov. 27, 2016.

Renay Rogers Wattenbarger (99G) of Rossville, Ga., June 21, 2015.

2000s

2010s Corey Wayne Godfrey (14G) of Cartersville, Ga., Jan. 3, 2017.

Faculty and Staff Gwendolyn B. Murdock (FFS) of Rome, Feb. 2, 2017.

Glenda Orloff (FS) of Rome, Feb. 15, 2017.

Thank y ou

SPECIAL THANKS FOR: Memory and Honor Gifts and Gifts to Named Scholarships and Work Endowments. The following gifts were made in memory or honor of an individual and/or to named scholarships or work endowments Oct. 8, 2016 – Feb. 10, 2017.

MEMORY GIFTS

Ms. Frances Berry Bonnyman Frances Evans Mr. Ray C. Cates Carol Atkins Caron Everhart Catherine Hylands Mr. and Mrs. A. Milton Chambers Joey and Jennifer Tucker (93C, 00G) Beard Becky Nunnery Covington (91C) Emily Anthony Mullis (53C) Mary Sexton Reg (51C) and Maxine Strickland Steven Strickland (83C) Rick Woodall (93C) Mrs. Irene Uptain Christian Anonymous Mr. George H. Clark Paul Clark (88G) Mrs. Lori Cobb Julia Blake Mrs. Martha Page Cousins William Cousins Mr. Everett Jackson Cowart Glenn Wallace (59C) Dr. Loy V. Crowder Eloise Cooper Crowder (43C) Mr. Michael Lester Degner Brian Krueger (03C) Mr. Russell Franklin Dickey Jim (64C) and Charlotte Ray (64C) Williams Ms. Carolyn De Dionisio DAR – Don Jose de Ortega Chapter Mrs. Mildred Morton Durden Vera Lowery Pennington (48H) Dr. and Mrs. J. Kenyon East Sr. Louis East Mrs. Mary C. Fitzhugh Maria Parra Peyramaure (01C) Mr. James R. Fletcher Lamar Fletcher (66A) Jim Hairston (68C) Mr. George Foster Elaine Foster Mrs. Sandra Gresham Frost Leon Frost (63C) Mrs. Betty Williams Gass Loyd Gass (60C) Mr. and Mrs. Thomas C. Glover Jeanette Justice Fleming (72C) Ellen Free Lueck (73C) Dr. Jorge Gonzalez Karl Lehman and Ondina E. Gonzalez (76A) Mrs. Grace Gray Cliff Gray (55H) Mr. Daniel E.M. Greenway David and Jill Whitesell Mrs. Edna F. Hetsko Jeffrey Hetsko Mr. Jimmy E. Hinton Velma Mitchell Hinton (66C) Mrs. Frances Buckley Hobdy Daughters of Berry Mr. Robert E. Holland Jr. Pat Barna Holland (69C) Mr. James T. Howell James Howell Mr. Robert L. Huff Bill and Faye (92c) Fron

Mr. Jack A. Jones Richard and Diane Byers Louis and Marilyn Dwarshuis Bill and Faye (92c) Fron Frances Busha Hart (58C) Peter (53H, 57C) and Emmaline Beard (55H, 59C) Henriksen Bill and Sara Hoyt Buford Jennings (58C) Henry and Norma Kummer Robert McAnnally Barbara Pickle McCollum (79C) Jay and Carol McNamara Buddy and Sally Phillips Robert Schaefer Shirley Tenney Bill (57C) and Mary Charles Lambert (58C) Traynham Kathleen Valenti John (61C) and Ann Fite (61C) Whitaker Mr. Walter O. Maine Glenn Wallace (59C) Mrs. Lorene Mashburn Amy Hunter Rich (04C) Mrs. Geraldine Wood McClure Jane Ward Smith (59C) Mrs. Rebecca McKinley Hall McKinley Mrs. Thelma York Morris Lamar (62C, 76G) and Glenda York (62c) Cook Mr. Mort Myerson Ross Magoulas Mrs. Nan Lipscomb Nelms Frank Nelms Mr. Hoyt C. Patterson Frances Busha Hart (58C) Buford Jennings (58C) Mr. and Mrs. Neal Q. Pope Dick and Bobbie Pope Jim and Joanna Pope Mr. A.E. “Art” Pugh Stewart Fuqua (80A) Mrs. Sandra K. Robinson H.C. Robinson Dr. William Harden Robison III Samuel (80C) and Lisa Reibel (80C, 89G) Cash Rudy Wilson (79C) Dr. Marion A. Sanders Bobbie Brown Sanders (53C) Mr. William Schoppy John and Tracy Schoppy Mrs. Patsy B. Self Franklin Self Mrs. Laura Sexton Elaine Foster Mr. R. Wayne Shackelford Anna Shackelford Dr. Gloria M. Shatto Sandra Ayers The Rev. DeWitt B. Sheffield Dewey Bernard Robert and Brenda Sheffield Jeanette Sisson Memorial Fund, Indiana State Police, town of Rome City, Ind. Mr. Robert Nathan Smelley Billy Blocker (52C) Reg (51C) and Maxine Strickland

Mr. Mark Stephen Smith Edward Smith Mr. Dina Sok Paul Som (01c) Mrs. Evelyn Spradlin Standridge Donald Rhodes Mrs. Kitty Taylor Lynn Paul Owen (78C) Mr. Douglas Clyde Toineeta Charles Downey (64A) Mrs. Mary Lee Cowart Wallace Glenn Wallace (59C) Mr. J. Lee Waller Frances Busha Hart (58C) Buford Jennings (58C) Charlie (57C) and Keitha Davis (58C) Weatherford Ms. Virginia R. Webb Reg (51C) and Maxine Strickland Lynn Wilkes (77C) Daughters of Berry Dr. Darwin G. White Samuel (80C) and Lisa Reibel (80C, 89G) Cash Mr. Joshua Bradshaw-Whittemore Brian Krueger (03C) Mrs. Lucy Williams Jeffrey Hetsko Mr. Jeff Wingo Valerie Loner (91C) Mr. Jimmie W. Witherow Frances Busha Hart (58C) Buford Jennings (58C) Mr. Armin Wolf Charles Downey (64A) Ms. Jessica Rae Yates Anita Bearden

MEMORY GIFTS TO NAMED SCHOLARSHIPS

Perry Anthony Memorial Scholarship Emily Anthony Mullis (53C) Beatrice Lockerman Bollam Memorial Endowed Scholarship Richard Bollam Raymond J. Bowen Scholarship Jerry Bullock (66A) Frank Campbell Memorial Fund Mildred Campbell Tietjen (61C) A. Milton and JoAnn Chambers Endowed Scholarship Larry Adams (56H, 60C) Martha Perkins Aubel (48C) Karen Bachus Starr Wright Boylan (93C) Brian (97C) and Susan Wells (97C) Brodrick Tom and Betty Carver Allyson Chambers (80C, 84G) Brian and Diane Chambers Susan Chambers (77C) Tommy and Norene Chambers Harlan (58C) and Doris Reynolds (57C) Chapman Marsha Dempsey Jennifer Dickey (77A, 80C) Ouida Word Dickey (50C) Sammy (77C) and Holly Wood (73C) Freeman Terry Frix (86C)

Stewart Fuqua (80A) Kathy Rogers Gann (91C) Michael Garland (84C) Verna Chambers Hayes (59c) Betty Higgins Herman Higgins (74A, 79C) Holly Low Hodge (88C) Merita Zipperer Humphrey (74C) Cayce Jacobson Brenda Geraldson Jenkins (97C) Janna Johnson (81C) Joy Padgett Johnson (73C) David Kelly Wayne and Ann Lipham Karen Bourland McCarthy (78C) Jacqueline McDowell Roy Miller (58C) Kerry (72C) and Gloria Noles Teri Oberg Bettyann O’Neill Larry Osborn (63C) Leigh Otting (09C, 13G) Kathy Robinson Ray (79C) Charles and Ann Seeger Sheilah Robison Shealy (80C, 84G) Edward Smith Steve (79C) and Cindy Yarbrough (78C) Story Reg (51C) and Maxine Strickland Jason (88C) and Melinda Mitchell (90C) Sweatt Larry and Betty Jane Taylor Steve (80C) and Cindy Snead (80C) Wherry Ralph White (70C) Bob (62H) and Kay Williams Teresa Pearson Lumsden Insurance Agency Salem Baptist Church Adult Choir Salem Baptist Church Senior Adult Sunday School Class Ray F. Faulkenberry Scholarship Milton (60C) and Evelyn Cureton (60C) Sowell Tom and Ruth Glover Memorial Scholarship Brenda Vaughn Melton (74C, 84G) Jorge A. and Ondina S. Gonzalez Family Endowed Scholarship Georgette deFriesse Ondina Santos Gonzalez Larry A. Green Endowed Scholarship Janna Johnson (81C) Melanie Green Jones Debbie Richardson Teal (85C) Lewis A. Hopkins Endowed Scholarship Aaron and Amy Britt Howard Richmond Ruby Hopkins Outstanding Student Teacher Award Howard Richmond Percy Marchman Scholarship Emily Marchman (75C) Lawrence E. McAllister Endowed Scholarship Frances Busha Hart (58C) Frank Miller Memorial Scholarship Ron (65C) and Evonne Dyer (65C) Dayhoff

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Dr. R. Melvin and Sarah E. Rozar Endowed Scholarship Melvin Rozar (57C) Alexander Whyte Whitaker III Endowed Scholarship Whit (81C) and Maria Crego (85c) Whitaker Nell Gilreath Williams Scholarship Chance New Jeff Wingo Memorial Scholarship Janna Johnson (81C) Kirby Peden (93C) Kay Wingo Craig Allyn Wofford Scholarship Ron Dean

HONOR GIFTS

1976 Women’s Basketball Team Deborah Rice Parker (78C) 2016 Football Team Debbie Heida 2016 Women’s Cross Country Team Debbie Heida Dr. and Mrs. John Franklin Adams Jim and Theresa Neason Miss Madeline Birdie Banks Wayne (61C) and Madeline Banks (63c) Canady Mr. Lorenzo C. Canalis Debbie Heida Mr. Paul B. Deaton Debbie Heida Ms. Kelley Aileen DeLacey John DeLacey and Sharon Van LoweDeLacey Ms. Gena Flanigen Billy Grimes Mrs. Megan Stone Fullgraf Fullgraf Foundation Ms. Hannah Faith Greene Chris Greene and Marianne Hart Greene Dr. Vincent M.L. Gregoire Mary Sattari (95C) Ms. Melanie Wynne Gregory Lynn Hicks Mr. Hudson Spencer Harris Halbert and Judith Harris Mr. Christopher Robert Hayes Lee (08C) and Makaila Hite Ms. Bethany Hannah Hunt DeWayne and Gina Hunt Katherine Wyrosdick Ms. Olivia Nicole Iobst Joseph and Karen Iobst Dr. Janna S. Johnson Melanie Green Jones Mr. and Mrs. Richard A. Knox Kellie Knox (89C) Mr. Anton Z. Kunczewski Debbie Heida Dr. Peter A. Lawler David Ramsey (01C) Miss Jennifer Ann Leahy Michael and Luann Leahy Ms. Jordan Nicole Leitch David and Janice Leitch Ms. Stephanie Lowitt Bruce Lowitt Mr. Amos Montgomery Jr. Darcie Kemp Ivey (90C) Mr. Nicholas Steven Murphy Jim and Heather Hall Mr. Russell Hughes “Clay” Nelson IV Russ and Lisa Nelson Mr. Charles Cameron Newman Lynn Felder Charles Newman Phillip and Laurie Newman Mr. Bryce Prather Darren Prather Mr. and Mrs. Robert Daniel Price Jeffrey Horn (87C) Dr. Robert R. Richardson John (04C) and Jackie Feit (05c) Coleman Mrs. Mika Sampson Robinson Ashley Weider (09C)

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BERRY MAGAZINE • SPRING 2017

Ms. Paton Michelle Roden Jean Beeland Mr. David Anthony Rowland Jeffrey Horn (87C) Mrs. Susan L. Tarpley Jeffrey Horn (87C) Mr. Maurice B. Thompson Malinda Pennington Mr. and Mrs. Robert C. Wade Kailey Rhodes Mr. Michael Joseph Wenclawiak Michael and Margaret Wenclawiak Mrs. Joy Bernice Ogle Whaley Betty Sue Cook (48C) Charlie (53H, 57C) and Hazel Guthrie (59c) Underwood

HONOR GIFTS TO NAMED SCHOLARSHIPS

Julie Ann Bumpus Endowed Scholarship Kevin and Jenny Kleine Marcia Rary McConnell (83C) Laura Phillips Katherine Powell Carol Story Bank of America Foundation, Charlotte, N.C. Dr. Harlan L. Chapman Scholarship funded by the Class of 1958C Frances Busha Hart (58C) Ms. Angela Renee Dickey Endowed Scholarship Ouida Word Dickey (50C) Dr. Jennifer W. Dickey Endowed Scholarship Ouida Word Dickey (50C) Dr. J. Paul Ferguson Endowed Scholarship Kathryn Martin Dr. Robert L. Frank Legacy Scholarship Steven Hames Diane Land (88C) Jerry Shelton Endowed Scholarship funded by the Class of 1958C Hazel Weaver Bagwell (58C) Robert M. Skelton WinShape Scholarship Niel Brown (90C) Melissa Fairrel (90C) Greg (91C, 05G) and Michelle Beavin (90C, 01G) Major Mark Moraitakis (91C)

OTHER GIFTS TO NAMED SCHOLARSHIPS AND ENDOWED WORK POSITIONS

Dr. Frank and Kathryn Adams Endowed Scholarship Frank (54H, 58C) and Kathy Adams Tina Bucher Jim Watkins African American Alumni Chapter Scholarship Melissa Ransby Hunt (91C) Agriculture Alumni Endowed Scholarship Walter (95C) and Malinda Perritt (94C) King H. Inman Allen Endowed Gate of Opportunity Scholarship Inman and Tricia Allen Leo W. Anglin Memorial Scholarship Karen Kurz Jacqueline McDowell Bank of America GICA Scholarship Georgia Independent College Association Barton Mathematics Award Ray Barton (77C) Glenn W. and Hattie McDougald Bell Scholarship Robert Thesing Berry Family Gate of Opportunity Scholarship Al and Jean Bonnyman

Berry High Schools and Academy Work Scholarship Stewart Fuqua (80A) John Lundy (67A) George McLean (64A) Cleo Leonard Ray (44H) John R. and Annabel Hodges Bertrand Endowed Scholarship Frederick and J’May Rivara Dan Biggers Distinguished Actor Award Reed (77A, 82C) and Shannon Walburn (81C) Biggers Billy and Carol Blair Endowed Scholarship Billy (58C) and Carol Buchanan (56H, 58c) Blair Frances Berry Bonnyman Scholarship Bonny Stanley Joshua Bradshaw-Whittemore Memorial Endowed Scholarship Alfred and Gloria BradshawWhittemore Horace Brown Chemistry Scholarship Horace Brown (39C) Louise Paul Brown Work Scholarship Horace Brown (39C) Emily and Jerry Bullock Endowed Scholarship Jerry Bullock (66A) James H. Cammon Endowed Scholarship Virginia Kelley N. Gordon Carper Endowed History Scholarship Rob (92C) and Wendy Quagliano (92C) Harber Kathryn Roseen (76C) Daniel Sprinkle (00C) Truett and Jeanette Cathy Expendable Scholarship Chick-fil-A Foundation Dr. Harlan L. Chapman Scholarship funded by the Class of 1958C Hazel Weaver Bagwell (58C) Elizabeth Ashe Cope (58C) Edward Swartz (58C) Betty Connell Waller (58C) Judge Thomas A. Clark Endowed Scholarship Lem (63C) and Gayle Miller (64C) Sumner Class of 1951C Memorial Endowed Scholarship Reg (51C) and Maxine Strickland General Mills Foundation Class of 1953H Staley/Loveday Gate of Opportunity Scholarship Nadine Parsons Hilderbrand (53H) James Stamey (53H) Charlie (53H, 57C) and Hazel Guthrie (59c) Underwood Bernice Ogle Whaley (53H) Class of 1954C Endowed Scholarship Dorothy Walraven Craig (54C) Leon Elder (54C) Dewitt Sheffield (54c) Jean Mitchell Sheffield (54C) Class of 1955C Scholarship Martin (54C) and Barbara Camp (55C) McElyea Ed Parkerson (55C) Class of 1956C Endowed Scholarship Ginny Atkins (56C) Jean Adcock Curran (56C) Russ Evans (56C) Bobby Walker Fulmer (56C) Sue Hegwood Howel (56C) Bill Keith (56c) Wallace McDowell (56C) Tillie Marlowe Parker (56C) Class of 1957C Scholarship Tom Mullis (57C) Ellen May Partridge (57C) Class of 1960C Gate of Opportunity Scholarship Loyd Gass (60C) Thompson (61c) and Carolyn Bradberry (60C) Holloman

W.C. (60C) and Sylvia Davis (60C) Rowland Wayne Stevenson (60C) Class of 1961C Gate of Opportunity Scholarship Naomi Douglas (61C) Class of 1962C Dairy Milk Quality Manager Endowed Work Position John (62C) and Geraldine Johnson (62C) Bridges Class of 1963C Gate of Opportunity Scholarship Sara Peel Fallis (63C) Walter Gill (63C) Don (65c) and Hiawatha Banks (63C) Henry Edward Jones Co. Class of 1964C Campus Carrier Editor-inChief Work Endowment Carl Goodman (65C) Joe (65C) and Nelda Parrish (64C) Ragsdale Penny Vaughn (64C) Class of 1965C Endowed Gate of Opportunity Scholarship James (65C) and Susie Cook (65C) Campbell Barbara Dawson Clinedinst (65C) Don (65c) and Hiawatha Banks (63C) Henry Herb Jones (65C) Joe (65C) and Nelda Parrish (64C) Ragsdale Larry (65C) and Jerry Sculley Guy Sims (65C) Koji (65C) and Reba Nichols (67C) Yoda Class of 1966C Assistant Gardener Endowed Work Position Daniel (66C) and Joyce Lemons (68c) Bius Rufus Cantrell (66C) Lois McAllister Hatler (66C) Werdna Hill (66C) Cecil (66C) and Sallie Moore (66C) Keith John Provine (66C) Sam Turner (66C) Class of 1967C Endowed Gate of Opportunity Scholarship Bob Cash (67C) Ben Cason (67C) Randall (67C) and Margaret Cochran (68c) Clark Carl Franklin (67C) Gayle Graviett Gmyrek (67C) Bill (67C) and Diane Harris (66c) Holden Arthur (69c) and Peggy Brown (67C) Howard Jean Benoy Lacey (67C) Eileen Wages Newman (67C) Johnnie Noles (67C) Marti Sheats Perkins (67C) Don Presley (67C) Andrea Boyd Stanley (67C) Michael (67C) and Penny White (69C) Walker Koji (65C) and Reba Nichols (67C) Yoda Class of 1969C Endowed Gate of Opportunity Scholarship Larry (69C) and Nadine NeSmith (71c) Covington Raiden Sherman (69C) Ray Tucker (69C) George W. Cofield Memorial Scholarship Fund Lois White Garner (57C) Thomas Partridge (57C) Melvin Rozar (57C) Charlie (53H, 57C) and Hazel Guthrie (59c) Underwood Jerry Young (57C) Edward Gray and Doris Cook Dickey Endowed Scholarship Anne Cook Neal (52C)

Dr. Ouida W. Dickey Endowed Scholarship Kerry (72C) and Gloria Noles Jessiruth Smith Doss Scholarship Calvin Doss (49C) Edwards Endowed Scholarship Scott Edwards (70C) B. Leon Elder Endowed Scholarship Leon Elder (54C) Joe (63C) and Shirley Bowen (63c) Elder Ed and Evelyn England Endowed Scholarship Ed (57C) and Evelyn Quarles (57C) England John R. and Margaret Weaver Faison Endowed Gate of Opportunity Scholarship Vaughn and Nancy Bryson Bryson Foundation Ltd. First Families of Georgia Expendable Scholarship First Families of Georgia Jimmy R. Fletcher Memorial Endowed Scholarship Glynelle Cook Rowland (68C) Robert W. Gardner Endowed Scholarship Kay Gardner Pamela Gardner Gate of Opportunity Scholarship Charles and Virginia Greene (52H) Mosby George M. Glover Endowed International Scholarship Dwight Glover (84C) Ed and Gayle Graviett Gmyrek Scholarship Gayle Graviett Gmyrek (67C) Lyn Gresham Endowed Scholarship Eddie (63C) and Rosa Nutt (64C) Fite Larry Osborn (63C) Matt and Kelly Grisham Scholarship Fund Matt (02C) and Kelly Daly (03C) Grisham Hamilton/Smith Scholarship Gary (77C) and Hermanett Pruitt (73C) Ford Evelyn Hamilton (68C) Hamrick Family/Aunt Martha Freeman Scholarship Karen Kurz Jonathan Randall Hardin Endowed Scholarship Fund Bobby and Robbie (94C) Abrams Jonathan Baggett Dan (94C) and Christel Harris Boyd Dale Canada Daniel Carpenter Lee Carter (76c) Laurie Hattaway Chandler (95C) Donna Childres Amanda Cromer (12C, 16G) Penny Evans-Plants (90C) Jonathan Floyd (04C) Cindy Gillespie Randy and Nita Hardin Marvin Howlett (72C) and Annette Axley Jeff Smith Monica Willingham Heneisen Service Award Laurie Hattaway Chandler (95C) LeBron and Kay Holden Endowed Gate of Opportunity Scholarship LeBron (60C) and Kay Davis (60C) Holden Howell Hollis Scholarship Howell Hollis Hollywood Chapter DAR Scholarship DAR – Hollywood Chapter Ruby Hopkins Outstanding Student Teacher Award Aaron and Amy Britt Becky Musser Hosea Scholarship Susan Parker

Tim and Odetta Howard Endowed Scholarship Tim Howard (82C) William R. and Sara Lippard Hoyt Scholarship Harriette Hoyt Bill and Sara Hoyt Nancy Lippard Charles Schwab Institutional Services Barbara Ballanger Hughes Scholarship Barbara Ballanger Hughes (71C) Stacey Spillers Emily T. Ingram Endowed Scholarship Emily Thomason Ingram (47c) Walter B. and Flossie R. Jennings Memorial Endowed Scholarship Buford Jennings (58C) Amy Jo Johnson Scholarship Fund Malisa Hagan Walter and Mabel Johnson Scholarship Walt Johnson (41H) H.I. “Ish” Jones Endowed Agriculture Scholarship Harold Jones (81C) Joy Jones Neal (83C) Kerry (72C) and Gloria Noles Joseph R. Jones Endowed Spanish Scholarship Kay Gardner Kappa Delta Pi Endowed Award Mary Clement Keappler Family Gate of Opportunity Scholarship Mark (82C) and Judy Howard (82C) Keappler R.F. Knox Company Scholarship R.F. Knox Co. Lois and Lucy Lampkin Foundation Gate of Opportunity Scholarship Lois and Lucy Lampkin Foundation Dr. Peter A. Lawler Endowed Scholarship Rob (99C) and Katie Dillon (00C) Crowe Dave Rowland (87C) Fred H. and Mary Loveday Endowed Scholarship Bob Campbell (60H) Jerry Davis (61H) Everett (61H, 65C) and Donna Solomons Earl Tillman (52H) Ross Magoulas Endowed Scholarship Darlene Daehler-Wilking Judy Peal Williams (70C) Dr. Charles Scott Markle Award Douglas and Faye Owens Martha! Centennial Scholarship Reg (51C) and Maxine Strickland Dr. L. Doyle Mathis Endowed Scholarship funded by the Classes of 1957C and 1958C Hazel Weaver Bagwell (58C) Mary Alice Ivey Blanton (58C) Harlan (58C) and Doris Reynolds (57C) Chapman Elizabeth Ashe Cope (58C) Kay Davis Dunn (57C) Ed (57C) and Evelyn Quarles (57C) England Buford Jennings (58C) Donald Norman (58C) Melvin Rozar (57C) Dorit Leonard Teeters (58C) Dee Robinson Turner (55H, 58C) Charlie (53H, 57C) and Hazel Guthrie (59c) Underwood Charlie (57C) and Keitha Davis (58C) Weatherford Jerry Young (57C) Typhnes Fish and Donald Midkiff Gate of Opportunity Scholarship Donald (57C) and Typhnes Fish (57C) Midkiff John Gideon and Diona Fordham Miller Endowed Scholarship Jim Miller (53C)

Amos Montgomery Scholarship J.C. Albritton (15C) Amos Montgomery Juanita Scurry (97C) Beverly Philpot Smith (69C) Lee-Anda Hutchens Uter (92C) Graden Mullis Scholarship Tom Mullis (57C) Mary and Al Nadassy English Scholarship Tina Bucher Mary Nadassy Mark Taylor Jim Watkins Lara Whelan Al and Mary Nadassy Scholarship in Memory of Mrs. Ralph Farmer Mary Nadassy Mary Finley Niedrach Endowed Scholarship Mary Finley Niedrach (75A, 97G) NSDAR Scholarship Elizabeth Garner (00C) DAR – Anna Stickney Chapter DAR – Ashmead Chapter DAR – Atascosa Chapter DAR – Beaver Chapter DAR – Brunswick Town Chapter DAR – Canton Chapter DAR – Captain Nathaniel Mills Chapter DAR – Columbine Chapter DAR – Commodore John Barry Chapter DAR – Dancing Rabbit Chapter DAR – Daniel Cooper Chapter DAR – Fort Severn Chapter DAR – Francis Nash Chapter DAR – Hawkinsville Chapter DAR – Jacob’s Well Chapter DAR – James Breckinridge Chapter DAR – Kan Yuk sa Chapter DAR – Mahoning Chapter DAR – Mary Butler Chapter DAR – Mary Chesney Chapter DAR – Mason City Chapter DAR – Michigan DAR – Nancy Anderson Chapter DAR – Olathe Chapter DAR – Overwharton Parish Chapter DAR – Pelican Chapter DAR – Sam Houston Chapter DAR – San Antonio de Bexar Chapter DAR – Sauk Trail Chapter DAR – Smith-McMillan Chapter DAR – Texas Society DAR – Tulsa Chapter DAR – Vieux Carre Chapter DAR – Washington-Lewis Chapter DAR – Whidbey Island Chapter NSDAR Neal Quitman Pope and Emily Lowe Pope Scholarship Fund Neal Pope Kelley Bennett Poydence Endowed Scholarship Raytheon Co. Amber Prince Endowed Gate of Opportunity Scholarship Madalyn McLeod Amber T. Prince Education Graduate Student Award Karen Kurz Amber T. Prince Memorial Scholarship Janna Johnson (81C) Jamie (97C) and Elisha Wright (98C, 04G) Lindner Julian (98c) and Melanie Williams (98C, 11G) Weber Vesta Salmon Service Scholarship Angie Reynolds Jason (00C) and Ashley Harp (01C) Sheppard Charlie (57C) and Keitha Davis (58C) Weatherford Silver & Blue Save a Student Scholarship A total of 184 current students and recent graduates contributed to this scholarship through Berry’s Silver &

Blue student philanthropy program.

Visit berry.edu/silverandblue/donors to see their names.

Michele Norman Sims Endowed Scholarship Bobby (92C) and Amy Tuten (96C) Bergman Tom and Barbara Slocum Gate of Opportunity Scholarship Thomas and Barbara Slocum Dr. Sam Spector Endowed Scholarship Kerry (72C) and Gloria Noles Sam and Virginia Spector Mary Alta Sproull Endowed Math Scholarship Jim Ann White Stewart (48H, 51C) William B. Stokely Jr. Foundation Scholarships in Honor of Pamela Collins William B. Stokely Jr. Foundation Maxine Strickland Endowed Nursing Scholarship Jean Miller Hedden (52C) Deborah Hill Reg (51C) and Maxine Strickland Student Scholarships Rhea Clemmons Aronhalt (07C) Emily Bagwell (07C) Emily Baird-Chrisohon (10C) Jeff Boring (97C) Eve Funderburk Brantley (93C) Kristen Diliberto-Macaluso David Eliason (78C) Susan Fitton (88C) Alex Foshee (12C) Dennis (64C) and Ella Mae Miller (63C) Hodges Monica Byrne Holmes (04c) Robert Howren (85C) Chris Hyer (95C) Jackie Cox Inman (53C) Erin Baldwin Kaminsky (00C) John (54H) and Debra Lie-Nielsen Phyllis Wills Lloyd (71C) Michael and Leeta McDougald Martin (54C) and Barbara Camp (55C) McElyea Diane Andrews McMains (63C) Aaron Pickering (00C) Edith Purcell (00C) Matt Ragan (98C) and Shelly DriskellRagan (96C) Cathy Deyton Winner (76C) Price/Blackburn Charitable Foundation Study Abroad Award Vincent Gregoire Grace and Maurice Thompson Scholarship Bryan Thompson The Trey Tidwell Experience: A Scholarship for Musical Discovery Mandy Tidwell (93C) Jane Anna (Hopp) Tola Endowed Service Scholarship James and Janice Owens Ted Touchstone Endowed Work Position Bill and Martha Collins Beth Collins Earnst (93C) BASF Corp.

Troy/Gardner Endowed Art History Award Virginia Troy Courtney M. Urquhart Endowed Communication Scholarship Randy and Judy Mozen Urquhart James Van Meerten Study Abroad Scholarship Jim Van Meerten (70C) Virginia Webb Endowed Scholarship Bettyann O’Neill Lettie Pate Whitehead Scholars Fund Lettie Pate Whitehead Foundation WinShape Scholarship WinShape Foundation Richard Wood Scholarship David (68A, 72C) and Alta Breeden (70C) Wood

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Berry magazine P.O. Box 495018 Mount Berry, GA 30149-5018

Animal magnetism Deer may be the most photographed animals at Berry, but some visiting alpacas gave them a run for their money during this spring’s celebration of Agriculture Week. Senior Enrique “Quique” Garcia was one of many who seized the opportunity for a “selfie” with the friendly creatures. Photo by student photographer Jacob Bushey.