Connection - Winter 2018

CONNECTIO ONNECTION ..... .....

WINTER 2018

FRIE THE MAGAZINE FOR ALUMNI AND FRIENDS

Beeson Hall

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CONTENTS Up Front News and notes around campus

10 Featured Story Changing lives through acceptance and love

12 GC Journeys 14 Capital Campaign Professor Cynthia Orms

18 Student Profile 20 Life and Line of Duty Professor Cynthia Orms

24 Sports GC Fall Recap

28 Alumni Weekend 30 Alumni Awards 32 Class Notes Save the Date!

Save the dates to join us for Homecoming 2018.

Feb. 16 – 18, 2018 Watch Georgia College’s social media accounts for updates. More information is available in this issue of Connection and online at homecoming.gcsu.edu.

Psychology and ROTC CONNECTION Winter 2018 Vol. XXVII, No.1 Copyright 2018.

All rights reserved.

Published by University Communications.

231 W. Hancock St. Milledgeville, GA 31061

— a perfect match for top cadet Senior Lauren Hovey was recently named battalion commander – the highest-ranking position in the

Georgia College and Georgia Military College ROTC early-commissioning program. Hovey’s charged with the welfare, discipline, and academic rigor of 104 cadets. Plus, she just scored in the nation’s top

President Steve Dorman Vice President for University Advancement Monica Delisa Associate Vice President for Strategic Communications Omar Odeh Editor/Director of Marketing and Publications Victoria Fowler, ‘12 Writers Margaret Brown Brittiny Johnson, ‘15 Eric Jones, ‘08 Cindy O’Donnell Aubrie L. Sofala, ‘12, ’16 Al Weston Design Jon Scott, ‘83 Brooks Hinton Photography Anna Leavitt Aubrie L. Sofala, ’12, ’16 Tim Vacula, ‘86

20 percent for Army cadets. Her GPA, scholarship, leadership, and fitness

qualified Hovey as a “distinguished military graduate.”

“In ROTC, you put yourself to the test in ways you never thought you would," said Hovey, a psychology major and

member of the Honors Program. "I've learned to deal with criticism. I've

learned to deal with failure. I've grown in my ability to take risks – whereas, before, I was very comfortable. I

didn't want to do anything scary."

Since eighth grade, Hovey knew she wanted to be a clinical psychologist

and help people through art therapy.

Her high school soccer coach was passionate about U.S. Veterans,

Please send change of address and class notes to: University Advancement Campus Box 96 Milledgeville, GA 31061 connection@gcsu.edu

distilling in Hovey a desire to help those who give most for their country.

"And now? I've jumped out of planes and led a platoon and done research. I feel I

can do anything," she said. "The sky is the No person shall, on the grounds of race, color, sex, sexual orientation, religion, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, or genetic information be excluded from employment or participation in, be denied the benefits of, or otherwise be subjected to discrimination, under any program or activity conducted by Georgia College.

limit in this case, and I just can't wait to see where it's going to take me."

connection magazine | 4 | gcsu.edu

Using millipedes to understand global change in ecosystems A Georgia College professor is using millipedes to see if Georgia

They filter water. They provide us with timbers and fuels and

forests are losing their No. 1 soldier in “waste management.”

sometimes food,” said assistant professor Dr. Bruce Snyder, one of only a handful of scientists in the world studying the ecology

Like earthworms – millipedes are responsible for breaking leafy

of this creeping-burrowing creature.

matter into nutritious, healthy soil for trees and plants. They speed up decomposition in forests. Without them, there’s soil

Documenting various types of millipedes is an important part of

erosion and less moisture retention.

Snyder’s work. Unlike other places in the U.S. and southeast – Georgia is a “black hole.” There is little information on diversity

“Our natural ecosystems do so much for us. They filter air.

of millipedes in its forests.

Georgia College esports team sees success in first season The Peach Belt Conference (PBC) and Georgia College joined worldwide momentum creating an esport league that started in fall 2017. The Peach Belt is the first NCAA Division II conference to hold an esports championship.

This fall, 12 students attended tryouts for the first Georgia College esports team. From that, the five starters and one alternate were selected.

Junior John Bills, an early childhood education major, jumped at the chance to take his hobby of playing League of Legends to compete at the collegiate level.

“League of Legends is the most popular online game in the world,” said Bills. “It’s a five-on-five tower defense game.

Each person chooses their champion, or character, and your team battles the other team.”

The season is split between the fall and spring semester with a maximum of 11 games. All matches are played on Fridays at 8 p.m. The best two of three wins the match.

The PBC Esport Championship takes place in March 2018.

The top eight teams in the regular season standing will move on to single-elimination tournament play. The championship team will receive the same trophy and honors as all other sports in the Peach Belt Conference.

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Two alumni and a graduate student given national recognition for service Two recent graduates and a current graduate student have been recognized for their community service through “Points of Light” started in 1993 by former U.S. President George H.W. Bush.

More than 6,000 people have been awarded this honor in 24 years – about 20 of them Georgia College students.

The Daily Point of Light award “honors individuals and groups creating meaningful change in communities across America.

Every weekday, one volunteer or volunteer effort is recognized,” according to Points of Light.

“This volunteer-of-the-day award is a huge honor,” said Kendall Stiles, senior director of Community Engagement. “I would

Earlier this semester, three individuals were given their own

venture to say Georgia College is one of the organizations with

special day by Points of Light. They are: alumna Natalie Flanders,

the most honorees over the years. We work with so many

‘17, honored Aug. 15; alumni Jacob Zawoysky, ‘17, honored Sept.

students who are passionate and love to give back to their

7; and graduate student Natalia Jones, honored Sept. 14.

community and perform many hours of service.”

Play-to-learn sees surge at Georgia College Role-playing games are enjoying a surge in popularity at Georgia College. At least five professors used some form of Reacting to the Past during fall 2017. Three have developed their own mini-games, while Dr. Peggy Elliott was first in the country to conduct a Reacting game entirely in French.

“It’s going through a bit of a renaissance,” said Dr. Steven Elliott-Gower, director of the Honors Program and longtime advocate of using Reacting games to teach. “It really lends itself nicely to the liberal arts mission.”

Students make speeches, basing their positions on real facts and primary texts written by historical giants like Plato, Aristotle, Edmund Burke, Jean-Jacques Rousseau, Marcus Tullius Cicero, Margaret Sanger, Karl Marx, or Sigmund Freud.

test,” Elliott-Gower said. “In a Reacting game, you’re not going

One side wins. The other loses. That’s often a big motivator to do extra research and learn the material. Students are no longer

to cover all that material. But you’re going to cover it more deeply and in a much more engaging way.”

reading history but living it.

Only 53, or one percent, of higher-education schools belong to “In a regular history class, you’ve got a massive 400-page

the Reacting to the Past Consortium. Georgia College is one of

textbook; and you read and discuss, read and discuss, test, test,

them.

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Students tour farms across Georgia to understand link between sociology, food Professor Dr. Sandra Godwin teaches the unique course Sociology of Food, where she challenges students to think about the complexities that go into the creation and distribution of the food that ends up on their plates.

As part of the course, sponsored by ENGAGE, Godwin takes students on farm tours across Georgia.

“The point of the tour is to have students get out of the classroom, but also to think about how food is produced and understand the life of farmers. Not just agriculture, but farmers and how they’re faring,” said Godwin.

Students explored the local farms Babe + Sage, Rag & Frass, and Salamander Springs during the fall 2017 semester. Students were led through the farms' crops, asked questions about growing seasons, crop selection, and farming equipment, and got a glimpse at some sustainable farming techniques.

To give them a larger community perspective, students help local Lucille Harris Community Garden gardeners with their plots in the Harrisburg community of Milledgeville. The gardeners also accompany the group to the farm tours throughout the semester.

Free multi-touch, digital textbook published by Georgia College professor, students A newly-available, free, multi-touch digital textbook showcases Georgia State Parks and natural resources for K-12 teachers to use in the classroom. It came to life through the innovation and research of Georgia College Professor of Instructional Technology Dr. Chris Greer.

He and his students worked with the Georgia Department of Natural Resources (DNR) to create the first digital textbook on a state park system in the U.S.— “Georgia’s Parks and Natural Resources—a Guide for Educators.”

The book contains numerous videos as well as photographs that highlight the unique and fascinating science and history for educators throughout the state.

“Graduate students in my Technology for Teachers class traveled to places like Sapelo Island and Cloudland Canyon,” said Greer. “A lot of the students are now teaching in high schools; and a lot were already science and history teachers working on their master’s degrees, so this was right up their alley. It was a way for them to fuse technology that I was talking to them about in class with their content area.”

The book is free to download and is now available on the Apple iBook Store. It should be available on Amazon within the coming months.

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Business students raise money and awareness for homeless veterans Estimates claim that nearly 40,000 veterans are homeless on any given night, and more than 350,000 live in temporary housing.

Students led the effort to collect donations of furniture and supplies for the rooms.

Georgia College business ethics students took up the cause to help homeless veterans in Georgia by partnering with a new project called HomePortMaconGA, Inc. It’s turning a former hotel into a unique community-based housing environment for veterans.

“In class, we've talked a lot about what kinds of responsibilities we have even outside of the business world. Doing a large community service project with so many other students has really made me realize how important it is to continue to help others,” said marketing major and senior Rachel Drudy.

“Opportunities like this also help me realize that philanthropy and community service should be a lifelong endeavor, not just something you do while you're in college.”

When Assistant Professor of Accounting Dr. Cynthia Orms heard about the effort with HomePort, she knew her students could offer assistance.

“I am a retired veteran and heard about HomePort from the local American Legion Auxiliary,” said Orms. “My students are required to do 10 hours of service learning, so I decided to use this as our course project for everyone.”

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Learn more about Professor Orms in our faculty profile on page 20.

Senior starts nonprofit to help orphans in Romania MacKenzie Roux was in high school the first time she visited orphanages in Romania. The experience left her broken and angry.

“Children grow up knowing and believing ugly words about themselves,” Roux said. “Eventually, it hardens many hearts, resulting in an anger-driven, fight-for-life mentality that permeates these orphanages.”

Missionaries in Romania singled out the Georgia College senior, asking her to come back and run a summer camp.

Honored, Roux asked her parents how she – a student – could possibly raise at least $10,000 needed to begin such a venture.

Their response: Start a nonprofit.

Two weeks later, Roux had done the paperwork and gotten nonprofit status from the Internal Revenue Service.

The political science major plans to delay law school to nurture her newly-formed nonprofit, The 1:27 Project.

Based on James chapter 1 verse 27 – which focuses on looking after orphans in distress – Roux’s program will operate a weeklong camp every year for orphans around the world, starting next summer in Romania.

“My parents instilled in me you’re not just on this earth to promote yourself. You are here to love others, and you are here to make a difference,” Roux said. “If you put any type of effort towards that, you will help somebody; and that is what makes it worthwhile.

Editorial credit: / Shutterstock.com connection magazine | 9 | gcsu.edu

FEATURE STORY

Changing lives through acceptance and love connection magazine | 10 | gcsu.edu

If

ever there was an individual who was an angel

Richmond, Virginia, in 1961. She also wrote five books:

among the students, it was Dr. Isabel “Izzie”

"The Christian and World Affairs," "In Response to God,"

Rogers (1924 – 2007). She reflected selfless

"Our Shared Earth," "In Word," and "Sing a New Song."

goodness among those who knew her.

Through the years, many of her students felt she had a tremendous influence on their lives and careers.

Holding the belief that “God doesn’t make mistakes,” Rogers’ acceptance and appreciation for everyone

In 1987, Rogers reached the pinnacle of her career when

influenced all she touched.

she was elected to serve as moderator of the 199th General Assembly of the Presbyterian Church (USA)—the

She served as a Presbyterian chaplain and director of

highest elected position in the denomination.

religious activities at Georgia College from 1949 until 1961, during which time she positively influenced every

“Dr. Rogers’ zeal for others and for life serves as an

student with whom she came in contact. As the chaplain,

inspiration to all of us,” said Dr. Steve Dorman, president

Rogers taught in an informal, all-inclusive manner

of Georgia College. “Her ability to encourage others to

encouraging students of all denominations to discuss their

think for themselves is at the heart of our liberal arts

views. She frequently addressed racial segregation.

mission. We are proud to be in a position to honor her in this way.”

“We were raising questions,” she said. “I saw my task as helping these young people to think for themselves.

Today, Georgia College students take respite in the

Considering most of the students at that time were from

tranquil, third-floor, study room located in Beeson Hall. A

rural areas and small towns, they had never heard any

plaque inscribed with her inspirational message of faith

questioning of the segregation pattern, but they were

adorns the wall of the room which is dedicated to the

open.”

memory of Rogers — the 2000 Georgia College Honorary

1

Alumna.

“We had things like Bible study breakfast, then read the scripture,” said Dr. Marcia Perry, ’61, a former student of

“We were all born to live in one world, to share the same

Rogers. “What was so wonderful about this was that Izzie

global resources and, ultimately, to share the same fate

did it in a different way. She did it with giving you context

and destiny. The world today is apparently not what it is

and why this particular scripture was written. I just got a

meant to be. It has become a world of competition,

real understanding.”

injustice, and violence. We still have faith and hope in the world, but a better one. Such hope demands our dynamic

Rogers’ specialty was social ethics. She urged her

and concrete action and response and requires courage

students to find ways to apply her lessons to the quest for

to risk for a better future. Do we dare to live that dream

justice and the ethical treatment of all human beings.

and hope?”

“She inspired deep thinking about life, living life, and

—DR. ISABEL ROGERS n

dealing with struggles,” said Miriam Dunson, ’52.

Showing great empathy for others and acting on it was something Rogers did often. One year, Rogers took a sabbatical to live and work at a shelter for abused women.

1

Ward, Brian. Isabel Rogers, Southern Regional Council Oral History

Collection, University of Florida, George A. Smathers Libraries. 1 March 2003, (SRC 16) p. 4.

“Her joy of life and intellectualism were so contagious,” said Perry. “She made you want to do your best. She instilled self-worth in people.”

The friends of Dr. Isabel Rogers have established a

After working at Georgia College, Rogers began teaching at Presbyterian School of Christian Education (PSCE) in

scholarship in her honor that is open for contributions.

To learn more, please contact

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FEATURE PROGRAM

GC Journeys gives students tools they need to succeed

GC

Journeys is a new program that charts powerful practices and transformative experiences to ensure students take the

right steps in college – putting them on the road to lifetime success.

“There’s a lot of data behind these practices. These are very, very well researched,” said Dr. Kelli Brown, provost and senior vice president for academic affairs.

“If you do multiple high-impact practices, you’re more likely to retain, to have better skill sets, to graduate on time; and you’re more likely to get a job or go to graduate school,” she said.

GC Journeys was launched last fall, after two and a half years of research and planning. In 2015, a group of Georgia College administrators and faculty went to an American Association of Colleges and Universities (AAC&U) workshop in Oklahoma with a goal to rethink general education.

Dr. Cara Meade Smith, director of Institutional Effectiveness, was there along with professor of secondary education Dr. Cynthia Alby, associate professor of geography Dr. Amy Sumpter, psychology professor Noland White, and others.

Most universities left the conference with an action plan for their campuses. But Brown said Georgia College left with “a plan to plan.”

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And that has made all the difference.

Students also choose at least two transformative experiences: study abroad, internships, community-

Now Georgia College is ahead of the pack – blazing a

based engaged learning, intensive leadership

trail for other state schools.

programs, or mentored undergraduate research.

“We don’t think many universities in the region or the country are mapping their whole CORE to essential learning outcomes. And we’re excited about that,” Smith said.

Many Georgia College students are already doing these things. More than six percent participate in study abroad, 40 percent do community-based engaged learning, and 60 percent conduct

GC Journeys requires students to undergo five

undergraduate research.

transformative experiences in college. For students who complete all four years at Georgia College, three

“It’s not really changing the way we operate,” Smith

precepts are mandated for graduation:

said. “It’s naturally built-in to what students are

•

already doing – but now we’re actually naming it.

First-year experience – a yearlong debut of seminar-style classes, giving students the social and practical tools needed to navigate college.

This includes Convocation and a common book students read and explore together.

•

Career Planning Milestones – which guarantees students start job exploration early and receive critical training. They set up Linked-In accounts, review resumes, and participate in mock interviews.

•

Senior Capstone – a faculty-mentored,

We’re saying: These are transformative experiences and; if you do them, these are the outcomes.”

Brown agreed. “That’s one reason we feel this is perfect for us to do, because we’re not adding anything new. We’re just packaging it together and simply saying, ‘Let’s be intentional about this. Let’s be strategic.’”

The number of students participating in transformative experiences is expected to increase, as students travel

culminating project that showcases knowledge

the calculated path. Administrators hope at least 80

learned. Now students start thinking about

percent of this year’s freshman class will graduate with

capstone their first year in college. Through a new

five or more high-impact items checked off.

software, “Portfolium,” they’re guided to reflect and connect-the-dots, transferring knowledge and

“We can’t find anybody else doing this as

experiences into skills that can be applied in the

comprehensively as Georgia College is,”

workplace.

Brown said. “I think we’re going to find out that Georgia College is in the forefront.” n connection magazine | 13 | gcsu.edu

Georgia College embarks on historic campaign connection magazine | 14 | gcsu.edu

P R E E M I N E N C E. This prestigious goal of Georgia College President Steve Dorman in 2014 has been the catalyst for achievements far and wide across the university. From Fulbright Scholars, to historic murals in Eatonton, to faculty successes in research and talks at the United Nations—Georgia College strives for preeminence in big ways, every day.

“Having this campaign creates an opportunity for us to tell our stories more effectively,” said Delisa. “It’s also an opportunity for alumni and friends of the university to share in those stories, find meaningful ways to make an impact on campus, and support those passions that they have.”

The comprehensive campaign has four priorities: rural community development, social awareness through the

Now, Georgia College is working toward that goal with the public phase of the campaign Follow your Passion.

Find your Purpose. The mission is to raise $30 million by July 1, 2020. The objective is the most ambitious fundraising goal the university has ever set in the history of the institution.

arts, southern literary and narrative arts, and leadership development. The campaign also features two additional areas for resources including expanding student opportunity and fostering the college’s world-class faculty.

“The priorities came out of a conversation that focused on what the university does better than anyone else and

“It’s the right time for Georgia College,” said Monica Delisa, vice president for University Advancement. “We have a dynamic president who has an innovative vision for the future of the college. We have outstanding faculty who are doing meaningful work, and our reputation has never been stronger.”

what do we have the potential to do better than anyone else,” said Delisa. “So, what are those things that make us the first, best, and only?”

Gregory has witnessed how the defining liberal arts designation in 1996 has transformed the university— making Georgia College a college of choice by students.

The silent phase of the campaign began in February 2014, with the university going public after three years of record-breaking fundraising—$20 million by 2017. CEO of

He said pivotal moments in university history such as these are sources of pride as an alumnus and motivates him to support the next generation of Georgia College alumni.

YKK Corporation of America and Campaign Co-Chair Alex Gregory said the underpinning of the entire

“One of the priorities that really excites and motivates me

campaign is Dorman’s challenge.

is the opportunity we all have to provide scholarships for students,” said Gregory. “The scholarships provided by

“President Dorman’s vision of Georgia College as a

the Foundation have enabled many students to attend

premier liberal arts university in the U.S. has been a

Georgia College who otherwise might not have been

source of tremendous inspiration for everyone associated

financially able to afford the cost of a college education.”

with the university, including the Foundation’s board of trustees and the Alumni Association’s board,” said

The university is also launching, for the first time, a

Gregory. “His enthusiastic call to action has created a very

scholarship fund set up to support families of Georgia

positive effect among faculty, alumni, administration, and,

College employees. The fund comes after talks Dorman

of course, the trustees.”

had with employees about how the university can better serve them. That culture of service championed by

Delisa also sees the campaign as a chance for supporters

Dorman is one that Gregory hopes extends beyond just

of the university to discover or rediscover what makes

the walls of campus.

them passionate about Georgia College.

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“My hope is that this capital campaign will

dark rooms in Ennis Hall—students, faculty, and

provide the motivation for more alumni to

staff work tirelessly in the pursuit of following their

support our university in all the obvious,

true passions. Delisa said turning those passions

important roles associated with education, but

into a sense of purpose is where Georgia College

also as an economic engine for this region

has always been at the forefront.

addressing many community issues, challenges, and opportunities for greater prosperity for

“When we thought about what we as a

everyone,” said Gregory. “I wish all our alumni

university fundamentally stood for—the word

and friends would visit the campus and witness

passion kept coming up. We are passionate

firsthand the transformation that has already

about education; our students are passionate

taken place and imagine the university President

about helping the community and about

Dorman has envisioned in the very near future.”

changing the world for the better,” she said.

“The magic happens when supporters find out

Across campus, there are moments happening

what they’re passionate about and see that

that spark change. From the top of the

they can change lives—that’s true philanthropic

observatory tower in Herty Hall, to photography

magic.”

M E E T C A M P A I G N

Alex Gregory, ‘78, ‘79

Susan Stewart, ‘70

T H E C A B I N E T

Chandler Tagliabue, ‘64

Patti Samprone, ‘88

Joe Samprone, HA ‘17

Pierre Clements, ‘86

Amber Bennett, ‘09

Morgan Stalings, ‘03

Max Crook

Ellen Goodrich

Stan Wilson, ‘77

Coreda Shaw, ‘58

TO EXPLORE WAYS TO HELP GEORGIA COLLEGE STUDENTS FIND THEIR PURPOSE,

VISIT CAMPAIGN.GCSU.EDU.

By the numbers

101

NEW SCHOLARSHIP ENDOWMENTS

7,347 DONORS WHO HAVE PARTICIPATED

119

NEW ENDOWMENTS

$920.58 $20,237,972.48 CURRENT DOLLARS RAISED

AVERAGE GIFT SIZE

STUDENT PROFILE

Sister’s cancer inspires Hall siblings to choose health fields Senior Duncan Hall and junior Brianne

to major in fine arts. Inspired by an art

route. Recalling how nurses provided

Hall of Macon were in high school when

therapist she met while visiting Kelsey at

quality and personal care for his sister, he

they got the news: Their younger sister’s

a hospital in Atlanta, Brianne now plans

wants to be totally immersed in caring

knee pain was “osteosarcoma,” a rare

to get a master’s in art therapy at

for the sick. He already does this as a

and potentially-deadly form of bone

Georgia College.

student nurse, working with people who have kidney failure at Navicent Health in

cancer.

“I really love art, and I wanted to do

Macon. Duncan helps patients out of

It was hard seeing the 9-year-old in pain.

something that would really make me

bed, bathes them, changes bandages,

Kelsey lost weight. She lost her hair. And,

happy for the rest of my life,” she said. “I

and performs other bedside duties.

in the end, she lost her leg.

think my life experience definitely sets me apart from other art therapists,

“I’m always trying to think from the

Her older siblings could have said:

because I can relate to what’s happening

patient’s perspective – as if it was my

Enough.

with them and how their families feel.

sister who’s being taken care of,”

Telling them my sister’s story would give

Duncan said. “It challenges me to

them a brighter outlook and hope.”

provide the best care possible.”

lead to health care jobs. Both are

Art therapists help children interpret

“Nursing’s much more difficult than I

dedicating their lives to help other families

repressed feelings through drawing,

originally expected, making me

through the fear and pain illness brings.

painting, or sculpting. Brianne especially

appreciate the field even more,” he said.

Instead, they both enrolled at Georgia College. Both are pursuing majors that

likes to work with clay. “Pounding clay is

“My favorite part is the effect a good

“I don’t think it’s a coincidence Brianne

an effective way for children to release

nurse can have on a patient. The most

and I have both chosen the medical

frustration and anger that accompanies

impactful moments are when I do

field. We both have a desire to help

illness,” she said.

something small for a patient, and it brightens their entire day. The little

others that was brought to the surface by Kelsey’s illness,” said Duncan, who

Art was her sister’s favorite part of the

things are crucial for people who are

graduates in May with a Bachelor of

day when hospitalized. Brianne recalls

sick.”

Science degree in nursing. He hopes to

seeing only happy paintings of

work in a neonatal intensive-care unit.

butterflies, self-portraits, and kids with

Duncan said he “matured significantly”

their families.

during the disruptive trauma of Kelsey’s cancer. His father lost his job and took

“We’re both pursuing that desire, using our unique talents,” Duncan said. “I

“I’d see all the art hanging up on the

Kelsey to most of her medical

honestly have no idea what I would’ve

children’s floor, and it was so inspiring to

appointments. His mother financially

done, if I hadn’t chosen nursing. I can’t

me” Brianne said. “Art is a good thing,

supported the family, teaching at St.

imagine not living my life as a nurse.”

because it makes everyone happy.

Joseph’s Catholic School in Macon.

People don’t realize how important it is.

At one point, Brianne dreamed of

We can use art as a conduit to express

It was left to Duncan to get himself and

becoming a physical therapist or marine

emotions.”

Brianne to school. He made sure their

biologist. But her sister’s illness led her

Duncan chose a different health care

homework was done and dinner cooked.

connection magazine | 18 | gcsu.edu

He took Brianne to afterschool activities and went to her cross

now in 8th grade. Her prosthetic leg doesn’t keep her from playing

country and track meets.

softball or swimming for Mount de Sales Academy in Macon.

Kelsey’s perky, upbeat attitude and humor keep her family strong

Others aren’t so lucky. Brianne broke down crying, when talking

in the two years of her illness. “Now knowing this illness is

about her sisters’ friend – a 16-year-old who died this fall of the

unpredictable and can strike at any moment — I make an effort

same cancer.

to spend time with the people I love. To this day, I’m grateful for the time I have with family and friends,” Duncan said.

“It pains me,” Brianne said, “but I’m not afraid to make it my life’s work, because I know I can make a difference and help as

In 2014, they got the news her cancer was in remission. Kelsey’s

many people as possible.” n

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FACULTY PROFILE

Business professor challenges students to find purpose through service

connection magazine | 20 | gcsu.edu

Orms’s dedication to service was in part inherited and is a virtue that has even been passed down to her own children—one who is a cadet in the U.S. Coast Guard Academy and the other a newly minted U.S. Marine.

“Service was always part of my life from my involvement in 4-H and onward,” said Orms. “It’s a huge passion of mine and now my children’s lives.”

Orms was the first female to ever be elected as chairman of

|

Texas 4-H during her senior year of high school. That

Professor Cynthia Orms grew up on a 500-acre cattle ranch in Texas, where her former Marine Corps father gave her and her brother two simple rules.

E

experience paired with her work on the family cattle ranch, groomed her into understanding the necessity to give back.

Her need to enter the military was an obvious next step, the DNA passed down from her father that no one could see.

“I went into the Air Force Academy and lost my pilot

1. Don’t watch other people work.

qualification due to a head injury. At that time, there were

2. Never neglect an animal.

very few opportunities for women so I decided to finish civilian university and went Marine Corps JAG,” said Orms.

lements of those rules have guided her throughout her

She went on after her service to practice law, where she

career first at the Air Force

carved a niche for herself in environmental law. The

Academy, then a Marine turned

regulatory aspect of the industry fascinated her, and she still

environmental attorney and

maintains an environmental consulting practice with clients

consultant, and now as a professor in

all over the U.S.

the College of Business. She teaches business ethics and hosts study

Orms’s life experiences and lessons serve as a blueprint for

abroad programs in India, Russia,

how she approaches academia. For her business ethics

Costa Rica, and Australia.

course, she specifically knew that community outreach projects had to be a feature. For two years, classes hosted

“My dad was a Marine, and so he

Project Stand Down, which involved delivering services to

raised us as his recruits essentially. We

at-risk working poor, precariously housed and homeless in

had a very strong sense of what was

Milledgeville. During the fall semester, the class worked with

right and what was wrong,” said

the organization HomePortMaconGA, Inc, to turn a former

Orms. “I had responsibility at a very

Macon hotel into community-based housing for veterans.

young age, and I think it has definitely led into the way I live my life now. I

“Students have to understand that they have responsibilities

expect a lot, and I’m very demanding.

to society; and as future members of corporations, they also

If you’re going to commit to

have responsibility to the communities that they are a part

something—do it all the way.”

of,” said Orms.

connection magazine | 21 | gcsu.edu

“ �

Sttuuddeenn have to SStudents understand that they have responsibilities to society; and as future members of corporations, they also have responsibility to the communities that they artt of ar oof.f.f. are a part

connection magazine | 22 | gcsu.edu

Hesitation to work with vulnerable populations

would once just hand out a flyer to someone,

is common among Orms’ students. But

now engage with the person they’re handing it

according to Orms, once they understand the

to. That’s a good feeling.”

“why” behind their service—attitudes shift. To show students the holistic “why,” she teaches them about the triple bottom line: corporations

Throughout the semester, students work

being responsible financially, environmentally,

toward addressing the outcomes these

and socially.

disabilities sometimes create: homelessness, less access to education, battling

“I don’t think students think too much about the social and environmental aspects so the service learning requires them to look at it.

They go out and engage with people, and they’re shocked that poverty exists right outside our campus,” said Orms. “They kind of

unemployment, and more. Orms knows firsthand the very tolls these injuries exact. She’s lived with pain since 1991 from an injury that caused her to become disability retired from the Marines Corps.

live in a bubble here on campus, but they need to understand how the world works and simply

“My very early years, I can remember people

sitting in a classroom doesn’t give that to

coming back from Vietnam; and they were being

them.”

treated so poorly,” said Orms. “I can remember

Giving back to veterans was an obvious starting point for Orms’ community outreach. As a

to this day how upset my parents were, and I think that impacted me. I knew that we needed

retired military professional and a member of a

to treat these individuals differently. We owe

third generation military family, she knows the

them everything.”

scars both seen and unseen that veterans come back home with. According to 2015 disability statistics, nearly 24 percent of all veterans reported having a service-connected disability.

These injuries range from posttraumatic stress disorder, traumatic brain injuries, vision or

Orms said her goal to get students to think larger than themselves and their immediate social groups makes that difficult at times—but she’s optimistic about their future impact on the

hearing loss, and more.

world.

“The southeast makes up a great percentage

“They get it,” she said. “They care about things

of the military, so we see the issues that

like the environment, and a large portion of

veterans face so much in our area of the country,” said Orms. “The idea is to not only get students to understand why we should help homeless veterans but why we have a responsibility to. During the course of the

them understand the value of service. I think they’re going to change the world drastically, and I think they’re going to do it in a way we’ve never seen.” n

semester, I see real growth. Students who

connection magazine | 23 | gcsu.edu

SPORTS

GC SPORTS FALL RECAP Georgia College Athletics recently wrapped up one of the most successful fall semesters in program history. Each of the four fall sports had program firsts, record finishes in the Peach Belt Conference (PBC) and beyond, as Georgia College has gotten the 2017-18 season off to a great start.

connection magazine | 24 | gcsu.edu

Men’s Cross Country

Soccer

The Bobcats took third

nine regular-season

at the PBC

matches, including a

Championship, their

victory over then-No. 8

best finish since a

Columbus State. Head

runner-up spot in 2006.

coach Hope Clark hit

The Bobcats got wins in eight of their last

For the first time in program history, the GC

the 100-win mark for her career Oct. 21 at

Men had three runners earn All-PBC status,

Young Harris College, and Amanda

as three Bobcats took spots in the top-15.

Bartholomew broke the school's 10-year-old

Sophomore Collin Silliman was ninth,

single-season goals record in the same

classmate Shawn Olmstead took 12th, and

match as part of one of the most decorated

freshman Brennan Silliman 14th. Junior Brian

seasons in school history [see sidebar on

Skoglind brought in one of the league’s top

next page]. Georgia College matched the

academic honors, being named the Elite 15

school record for conference wins set in

Award winner for top GPA among the teams

2015, despite two fewer teams in the PBC

competing in the PBC Championship.

this year than there were that season. The 11

Skoglind will graduate early with 3.96 in

victories are also the third-best single-season

Physics.

total for a Bobcat soccer team. Bartholomew and defender Unnbjorg Omarsdottir earned

Women’s Cross Country

All-PBC status.

Volleyball Bobcat Volleyball

These Bobcats took

finished the season as

third at the PBC race as

the best team in

well, their best finish

program history, setting

since a runner-up spot

a school record for wins

in 2009. Katherine Yost

both overall (24) and in

dazzled all season long, being named the first PBC Runner of the Year in program history and winning the Bobcats’ first individual PBC Championship by breaking the tape in the 5K race Oct. 21 in Columbus.

Yost went on to earn All-Southeast Region status for the third time by finishing fourth at Regionals, qualifying as an individual to run at the NCAA Division II National Championship for the second-straight year.

She posted a 74th place finish in the massive 247-runner field, a 26-slot improvement over last year’s finish at the NCAA Finals.

conference (8). Georgia College picked up its first NCAA Tournament win, its first Peach Belt Conference (PBC) Tournament win, and advanced to the PBC Tournament Championship for the first time.

Kayla Brockway won Setter of the Year in the PBC, and Gretchen Krumdieck won the PBC's Coach of the Year award. Brockway, Taylor Svehla, and Ebony Powers took home All-PBC honors. The team also was chosen for the PBC Team Sportsmanship Award for the second-straight season, as voted on by their peers. Brockway and Svehla also earned All-Southeast Region honors, the first in Bobcat Volleyball history.

connection magazine | 25 | gcsu.edu

Amanda Bartholomew had the best fall season for any Bobcat Soccer player, ever. Check this out: Sept. 1 - Scores first goal of the season for the Bobcats against King, adds another later in the match for a 2-1 Bobcat victory.

Oct. 11 – Scores four goals at Converse, including three by halftime. Snaps school record for goals in a single match.

Oct. 21 – Breaks school’s single-season record for goals scored with her 17th of the season as part of the 2-0 win at Young Harris.

Broke record set by Hayley Ferrell in 2007. Earns first PBC Player of the Week, finishing the seven days with four goals and an assist over two games.

Oct. 30 – Earns second PBC Player of the Week for her part in team wins over Lander and No. 8 Columbus State.

Nov. 2 – Named first PBC Player of the Year in school history, earns Gold Ball Award [conference’s top scorer] for leading PBC Regular Season with 19 goals.

Nov. 29 – Named All-Southeast Region First Team by United Soccer Coaches and Division II Conference Commissioners Association.

Nov. 30 – Named All-American by United Soccer Coaches Association, the second All-American in school history.

connection magazine | 26 | gcsu.edu

PBC All-Academic Team Selections 3.30 and above cumulative GPA, starter or significant reserve, sophomore status or better Women’s Cross Country Madison Bowers Katilyn Griffith Maddy Howe Grace Lynch Brittney Schwind Anna Tipton Sarah Wilder Rebecca Winslow Katherine Yost

Men’s Cross Country Andrew Cowick James Galvin Shawn Olmstead Conner Reynolds Daniel Sexton Brian Skoglind

Soccer Ragnheidur Bjarnadottir Savanna DeValle Erin Ferris Ashlee Graham Sofia Lekas Anya Mancinelli Sarah Miller Maddie Stephen

connection magazine | 27 | gcsu.edu

Volleyball Kayla Brockway Emily Crowell Chandler Ewaldsen Taylor Svehla

Alumni Weekend

in Photos

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Friday, Feb. 16 2 - 5 p.m......................Alumni Registration – Magnolia Ballroom 2 p.m. ...........................SGA Senate Meeting and Reunion - Maple Conference Room 7 p.m. ..........................Homecoming Concert Doors Open – Centennial Center 7:30 p.m. ....................Homecoming Concert – Centennial Center Featuring: T-Pain, B.o.B, and Ben Provencial

Saturday, Feb. 17 Blue and Green Day 9 a.m. .........................Tent City opens – Centennial Center Parking Lot 10 a.m. .......................Parade Line-up – Irwin St. Parking Lot 10 a.m. - noon..........Alumni Registration - Magnolia Ballroom 11 a.m. .......................Homecoming Parade Begins 11 a.m. ........................Tailgating Begins at Reunion Tents – Centennial Center Parking Lot Noon............................Community Stage Entertainment – Centennial Center Patio Noon............................Tent City Family Zone - Centennial Center 2 p.m. ..........................Cornhole Tournament (RecSports) – Centennial Center Patio 2 p.m. ...........................Amici’s Alumni Tent at Tent City - Centennial Center 3:30 p.m. ....................Women’s Basketball vs. North Georgia – Centennial Center Women’s half-time: Intro of Duke and Duchess Courts 5:30 p.m. ....................Men’s Basketball vs. North Georgia – Centennial Center Men’s half-time: Intro of King and Queen Courts After Men’s Game ..................Parade Winners SGA Election Results Georgia College Early College’s King and Queen Intro Duke and Duchess Winners King and Queen Winners 7:30 p.m. .....................A Taste of Milledgeville - Front Campus

For more information about Homecoming 2018 and to register for events, visit alumni.gcsu.edu/HC18

ALUMNI AWARDS

Five alumni honored The Alumni Awards Ceremony, held Nov. 4, was a highlight of Alumni Weekend. Five individuals were showcased for their dedication and, or service to others and their community.

Laura Willis received the Heritage Award for a

committee. During her tenure, she received the following awards for her

lifetime of service to others. The Heritage Award is

outstanding service to the organization: The Santa Fe College Women

presented to an alumna who, in four or more

of Distinction Award, the Girl Scout Women Who Make a Difference

decades of service, has demonstrated in her own

Award, and the Fourth Annual National March of Dimes Russell

life, those ideals that best exemplify the traditions

Award for Outstanding Staff Leadership. She also served as president

and heritage of the university.

of the Junior League of Gainesville, Florida, member of the St. Francis House Shelter for the homeless, and member of the Advisory

Willis discovered her drive to put others first at a very young age when her mother informed a sad Willis, who could not

Committee for the Sidney Lanier Center for developmentally challenged students.

afford a birthday gift for her friend, that giving the gift of helping someone else with chores was priceless. That special moment was the

“Being at Georgia College gave me opportunities that I would’ve never

catalyst for her service to others.

gotten being at a large school,” she said. “When I went into my career, I was able use those things; and it was only later that I was able to reflect

“Over the years, I have not forgotten that lesson,” she said. “I get such

on it—the value of working as a team and the skill of working together

pleasure when I am doing for others—especially if they’re not aware of

to better the whole.”

it, and I love to see how lives are impacted in a positive way.”

Knight earned her Bachelor of Science degree in home economics. She Prior to attending Georgia College, Willis was an introvert. However,

also received her Master’s Degree in home economics from the

this changed when her professors asked questions and listened to her in

University of Georgia after teaching home economics and family life

and out of the classroom. It was then that she realized how the

skills in the Colquitt County and Athens-Clarke County school systems

professors cared about the individual student.

of Georgia.

“That realization helped me to enjoy my time in college, learn the

Sandra McCall Rosseter, ’62, was the recipient of

importance of listening, as well as provide the impetus to help me

the Ethel Rae Mozo-Stewart Alumni Community

develop relationships with fellow students.”

Service Award. This award is presented annually to honor alumni with a history of service that has

She attended Georgia College from 1960 to 1962, then graduated from

resulted in visible improvements within the

Southern Baptist Seminary with a diploma in religious education. She

community. The award was established to honor an

served as the assistant manager of Baptist Towers in Louisville,

alumna from the class of 1946.

Kentucky, then as a social service assistant at Baptist Village in Waycross, Georgia, prior to assuming the role of president/CEO for

Rosseter served as an English teacher and department chair in the

Baptist Retirement Communities. Today, she serves on the Board of

Atlanta City and DeKalb County school systems. Rosseter also was the

Directors for NETworks Cooperative Ministry in Tucker, Georgia, to

coordinator of Educational Affairs for Georgia Perimeter College and

help find long-term solutions to those living in poverty. Willis also

the director of Academic Resources at Mercer University.

serves as a deacon and volunteers to aid nursing home residents through her church.

She served as president of the Atlanta Symphony Youth Orchestra Parents Association and the Tri Delta Mothers Association at the

Lynda Rogers Knight, ’67, was given the Alumni

University of Georgia. Rosseter also chaired the volunteer team that

Achievement Award, which is presented annually

guided the formation and development of the Old School History

to a graduate who has excelled in a professional

Museum in Eatonton, Georgia. She has been a member of the Georgia

field and attained prominence by having a positive

College Alumni Association Board of Directors for six years, chairing

effect on either the state, regional, or national level.

Alumni Weekend for the past three years.

For 20 years, Knight served in different roles at the

Rosseter’s spirit of volunteerism resonates with others as evidenced by

March of Dimes including community director,

the recognition given her. She has received the Professional and

executive director, and as a member of the president’s advisory

Administrative Leadership Award at Georgia Perimeter College and

connection magazine | 30 | gcsu.edu

the Golden Eagle Service Award from the Boy Scouts of America. She

“It’s a competitive world these days,” said Samprone. “When you think

was also honored as the Putnam County Woman of the Year and was

about what these kids have to come up with in order to stay debt free,

selected as Citizen of the Year by the Eatonton-Putnam Chamber of

that’s a lot of money. So, we would like to do whatever we can to help.”

Commerce.

He received a Bachelor of Arts degree in economics and chemistry “For me, volunteering has many benefits,” said Rosseter. “It keeps me

from the University of Massachusetts at Boston and earned a Master of

connected to my community, allows me to interact with interesting and

Arts degree and Ph.D. in economics from the University of California

creative people, and helps me stay young … at least in spirit.”

Santa Barbara.

She received her Bachelor of Arts degree in English from Georgia

The Outstanding Recent Alumni Award was given

College, then a Master of Arts degree in English from Georgia State

to Sean Jacob “Jake” Allen, ’08, ’10, who is a senior

University.

national sales executive for Coca-Cola. The Outstanding Recent Alumni Award is presented to Dr. Joe Samprone was awarded with the Honorary

an alumnus who has graduated within the past 10

Alumnus Award. The Honorary Alumnus Award

years. It was established to honor the achievement

is reserved for nongraduates of Georgia College

of notable recognition in a professional or business

who have rendered outstanding service to the

career and promise for continued success.

university through work in support of Georgia College.

During his seven years with the company, Allen has received several awards including the Atlanta Marketer of the Year for web and

Samprone served as an assistant professor at the

interactive marketing, the 2016 Coca-Cola Woodruff Cup winner for the

University of Michigan-Dearborn, then Purdue University. He became

best performing business unit in the global market, and Vendor of the

a teacher at Georgia College where he educated and mentored students

Year by the National Food Service customers.

for over 20 years. During his tenure, Samprone served as head coach of the Cross Country athletic team for 16 seasons.

Allen earned his Bachelor and Master of Business Administration from Georgia College. He is the acting Coca-Cola Georgia Restaurant

“When Patti and I arrived at Georgia College in 1983, we never thought

Association representative, serving as the voice of Georgia’s restaurants

that we’d remain so long. However, we quickly realized how happy we

in advocacy, education, and awareness. Allen credits his success to the

were to be part of the GC community. Because of how important

opportunities offered to him at Georgia College.

Georgia College has been in our lives, we believe it’s time we gave back to an institution that has given us so much.”

“My experience at Georgia College prepared me for my career and for life outside of my career,” he said. “Through interactions with

Together, Samprone and his wife Patti offer scholarships for Georgia

professors, students and coworkers, I not only gained critical thinking

College students and are co-chairing Georgia College’s capital

skills but also people and social skills. I also learned the power of

campaign.

creative, out-of-the-box thinking to create win-win solutions for my customers and Coca-Cola.” connection magazine | 31 | gcsu.edu

1970s John H. Bailey Jr., ’70, of Elberton, Georgia, retired as chief judge of Superior Courts, Northern Judicial Circuit of Georgia. He served in this capacity for 18 years.

CLASS NOTES

1990s Nicole Thurston, ’97, married Tim Kirksey Feb. 25, 2017 in Preston, Georgia.

The wedding reception was held in Plains, Georgia. The couple honeymooned in Paris, France. Nicole is the director of Tourism for Americus and Sumter County, Georgia. In the year and a half that she has been there, Americus was listed as the number three place to visit outside of Atlanta; and Plains was selected as the Prettiest Tiny Town in the South, according to Southern Living. Nicole began her career in television, won a few Associated Press awards as a producer, transitioned into nonprofit communications/marketing, then was the executive director of the Cannonball House Historic Museum in Macon, Georgia, prior to her new role.

Nicole Pair Andriello, ’98, and Daniel Andriello of Alpharetta, Georgia, welcomed baby Annabelle into the world Aug. 15, 2017.

Annabelle could be the third generation of Georgia College alumni—Nicole’s mother Andrea McCall, ’66, graduated from GC the last year it was the Woman’s College of Georgia.

2000s

Jodie Cain Ruch, ’06, recently celebrated her six-month mark as a communications specialist at Emory University. Prior to this position, she spent three years in a marketing role at a large law firm in Atlanta. In April 2018, she will celebrate two years of marriage with husband Christopher Ruch, whom she met at Georgia College when he was visiting mutual friends in 2006.

Sarah Low Jett, ’07, of Duluth, Georgia, was nominated to the National Trial Lawyers Top 40 under 40 attorneys and chosen to be a member of the 2018 Georgia Bar Association Young Lawyers Division Leadership Academy.

2010 s Lilly Engleman, ’10, became a mitigation specialist with the Georgia Capital Defender office in August 2017. She is on the legal defense team of individuals who are facing the death penalty. Toward the goal of sparing the lives of death-row inmates, Lilly’s role is to investigate clients’ mental health, substance abuse, history of abuse and neglect, and other mitigating factors.

Megan Moss, ’12, is pursuing a master’s degree at Harvard Graduate School of Education and will graduate in the spring of 2018 with a Master’s of Education with a concentration in learning and teaching.

Lauren Clark, ’16, is a marketing assistant with Varonis, a data security company, author of the book “Falling,” and an entrepreneur in photography with her company Lauren Clark Photography. “The best part of my career is working with people from all over the world,” she said.

Chad Lunsford, ’00, was named head football coach at Georgia Southern University Nov. 27, 2017. He was originally promoted from assistant head coach to interim head coach in October 2017 before entering into his current role.

Lunsford was named the 10th full-time head coach in the modern era Nov. 27, 2017.

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Nicole Wagner Hannah, ’11, and Daniel Hannah, ’10, welcomed Lillian Faye Hannah Feb. 25, 2017.

Maxwell Pichan, ’12, married Laura Thomas, ’12, June 3, 2017, at St. Peter Chanel Catholic Church in Roswell, Georgia. They met at Georgia College in front of Wells Hall in 2012. Laura is a donor relations and database manager at Atlanta Ronald McDonald House Charities. Max manages the enterprise accounts for a San Francisco-based software firm.

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CLASS NOTES

Matt Robinson, ’12, married Meghan Calhoun at the Duke Mansion in Charlotte, North Carolina, Sept. 23, 2017. The couple honeymooned at Sandals in Jamaica. Members of the wedding party included Sam Hobgood, ’13; Ryan Petrina, ’12; and Tommy Warren, ’12.

CLASS NOTES

Mary Kathryn Willis, ’13, married Drew Huggins, ’12, ’14, Aug. 19, 2017, at Big Canoe located in Jasper, Georgia. Members of the bridal party included Nicole Brooks, ’13; Amy Burke, ’13; Heidi Carroll, ’13; Jenn Holley, ’13; Jenny Nicholson, ’13; Grace Nowicki, ’16; and Patty Williams, ’13.

The groomsmen were Ben Dieterich, ’12; Beckett Johnson, ’12; and Daniel Moore, ’12, ’13.

Julienne White, ’10, married Niclas Johansson, '10, April 13, 2017, at Casa Ybel Resort on Sanibel Island, Florida. They met as freshmen at Adams Hall in 2006. Julienne graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Nursing and is in her final semester of a Master in Health Informatics at Karolinska Institute in Stockholm. Niclas graduated with a Bachelor of Business Administration in Management with a minor in International Business and was a four-time All American on the Georgia College Golf Team. Niclas is playing professional golf on the European Tour. The couple resides in Malmö, Sweden.

Please submit your news for Class Notes at: webforms.gcsu.edu/classnotes

connection magazine | 34 | gcsu.edu

In Memoriam Eris Kitchens Perkerson, ’26

Marlon Peterman Page, ’44

Sandra Harris Morrison, ’62

Sarah Bates, ’28

Margaret Ennis Tucker, ’44*

Marcia Smith McDuffie, ’67

Sarah Christopher Walthall, ’28

Betty Summerford Kickliter, ’45

Claire Short Herrin, ’68

Alice McCormick Young, ’33

Geina Andrews Stanton, ’46

Virginia Brown Stokes, ’69

Martha Franklin Mann, ’37

Charlotee Conn Ferris, ’47*

Charles Batchelor, ’73

Vittoria Righini, ’39

Sara Devane Lanford, ’47

Patricia Hardeman, ’74

Julia Horne Adams, ’40

Elizabeth Brooks Marshall, ’47*

Carol Adler Baxter, ’75

Ruth Almand, ’40

Alice Avery, ’48*

Peggy Ison Brett, ’76

Ruby Beck Beebe, ’40

Carol Cason Farr, ’48

Sandra Hensley Glaser, ’77

Marie Slade Brandenstein, ’40

Ann Hodges Kinnett, ’49

Letha Braucht Morris, ’78

Nell Corry Burgeson, ’40

Lynda Lambeth Milton, ’49

Bernice Perkins, ’78

Dorothy Taylor Clark, ’40*

Mary Jordan Cook, ’50

Randy Woodard, ’82

Bobbie Freeman Escoe, ’40

Jean Brown Jones, ’51

Linda Zagar Baggott, ’83

Jessie Anton Mitchell, ’40

Claire Strawn, ‘51

James McGinnis, ’83

Elizabeth Sitton O’Neal, ’40

Wanda Bryant Crumbley, ’53

Brenda Hutchenson Cobb, ’84

Dorothy Holman Penn, ’40

Peggy Sutton Gilmore, ’53

John Fish, ’94

Florine Ray Rountree, ’40

Gray Malcom, ’54

Michael Smith, ’96

Janette Hogg Santoro, ’40

Jane Rider Newsome, ’54

Cheryl Hayes Ogle, ’98

Mary Rice Cleveland, ’41

Dido Christian Mills, ’55

Linda McCrary Ellison, ’99

Laurette Bone Smith, ’41*

Gloria Timmons Stover, ’55

Jessica Ryfun Wilson, ’00

Mary Morris Gibson, ’42

Helen Johnsa, ’56

Chad Andrews, ’02

Cornelia Harris Greene, ’42

Doris Harris Almgren, ’57

Frances Ward Bird, ’02

Greta Bell Scruggs, ’43

Evelyn Noble Towson, ’57

John Lamon, ’08

Myrtle Keel Tillman, ’43*

Julia Wood, ’57

Ballard Shearer, ’09

Marlon Peterman Page, ’44

Mazie Hamlin Dillard, ’58

*Denotes alumni of Peabody School.

This list recognizes deceased alumni that the university has been made aware of as of Nov. 29, 2017.

University Communications Campus Box 97 Milledgeville, GA 31061

CHANGE SERVICE REQUESTED

gcsu.edu/alumni facebook.com/georgiacollegealumni

Georgia College afforded new beginning for nontraditional student In the early 1950s, Gloria Evans Smith, ’69, ’76, and her husband had the perfect family life. However, when a fatal car crash tragically took the life of her spouse, she was alone at age 24 and raising three children, one of whom was just seven weeks old.

Despite having a full-time job and caring for her children, Smith rose to the challenge of pursuing her degree at Georgia College to become a dietician.

“It was a privilege to be able to take care of my children and go to school,” she said. “However, my children always came first. After work, I would spend time with them. Then, I studied after they went to bed. I loved to learn.”

Smith completed her bachelor’s degree in home economics in six years—working full-time and taking two courses a semester. She then began working towards her master’s degree, during which time she was also a graduate assistant.

“Being a grad assistant was memorable,” she said. “I’ve always loved research,” said Smith, who was an avid reader. “From the time I could read, I read every book I could get my hands on.”

Even though she had little free time while going to school, working, and raising her children, Smith felt grounded.

“I learned so much from Georgia College,” she said. “This helped me do a lot of things that I never dreamt of doing. I also developed my self-

confidence, because professors like Ann Smith, who was the head of home economics, believed in me. The fact that they believed I could do anything instilled in me to not displease them and prove them right.”

After graduating with her master’s degree, Smith worked for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) teaching nutrition and breastfeeding. She also taught nutrition at Georgia College to nurses and those studying to be dieticians.

“I feel that nurses need to know nutrition,” Smith said. “Sometimes they can recognize things due to poor nutrition that doctors can’t.”

“I love this university, so I wanted to have a little something there that might help someone who needs it considering everything is so expensive now,” Smith said.

“And, I’m in a position to help somebody else.

I just give because my heart wants to do it.”

Gloria has established a scholarship honoring her family and has left Georgia College a legacy gift in her trust.

You can also leave a legacy of learning and create opportunities for future generations. Contact Elizabeth Hines at 478-445-1944 or elizabeth.hines@gcsu.edu to find out how.