Taking Pride in Our Institution and Alumni
T here are many characteristics of Georgia Southwestern College that give us pride. A highly qualified faculty; a diverse, ambitious student body; attractive physical facilities, and an extremely hardworking staff are among the many things of which we can be proud. I hope each of you shares my pride in our college. What gives me the most pride about our college are the continuing accomplishments of our Georgia Southwestern graduates. This issue of the AEOLIAN focuses upon Southwestern alumni who have made recent achievements, but those profiled here represent only a small number of the many
marks of excellence made by our alumni. We can boast among our former students a former President and first lady of the United States, a former U.S. attorney general, and numerous physicians, optometrists, dentists, nurses, attorneys, teachers, educational administrators, ministers, and businessmen, all of whom make us proud to be associated with their alma mater.
While most of these former students would have been successful regardless of where they received their education, I am proud they chose to study at Georgia Southwestern College; and I am extremely pleased that our faculty and staff have had the opportunity to contribute to their successes. I am proud to be associated with the institution on whose campus they have sludied.
Again, we are pleased to bring to your attention in this spring/summer issue of the AEOLIAN a few recent accomplishments of GSW alumni who give us all pride in the success of our College and the role it plays in higher education.
WILLIAM H. CAPITAN
Dr. Hosezell Blash Publishes Poetry Book
''My Teaching Shall Not Be In Vain" may be an incongruous title for an individual who has recorded such a distinguished and successful teaching career in the same Georgia school system.
For Dr. Hosezell Blash, a 1974 Georgia Southwestern College master's graduate, not only has taught for 54 years in the Jeffersonville school system in the Middle Georgia county of Twiggs near Macon, but is a native of the same county. He not only obviously gets along well with individuals he perhaps has known his entire life, but also enjoys their confidence in his instruction and administration regarding their children. And that says a great deal.
Dr. Blash's first book of poetry (Carlton Press, Inc., N.Y., $9.95) contains a variety of poems including love poems, religious poems, and poems that relate to the educational institution.
According to one reviewer, Dr. Blash is a "very unique and stimulating author who plays upon different emotions with words. This first poetry book is just an
example which shows that Dr. Blash can be realistic as well as optimistic - a clear sightedness not often found."
Born 54 years ago on December 12, 1959, Dr. Blash registered an early interest in poetry. "I was greatly influenced by an older sister who was a teacher and used to read and write a great deal. I don't think I could have been more than seven or eight years old after having watched her continue to always be reading and writing, that I began to put lines together and write."
Dr. Blash laughed as he recalled answering an advertisement at that then young age, to write a brief statement and answer the question of "Why do you like Oxydol washing powder?" He also has plans for several other books, but is
presently actively working on an unusual biography about a late sheriff of Twiggs County who reportedly served longer than any other sheriff in the nation - a consecutive total of 48 years.
Dr. Blash is eager to complete the story of Earl Hamrick, who was elected by the people of his county to 12 four-year terms in a row. He certainly appears to have been a great favorite of this constituency.
How did Dr. Blash ever come to decide on attending Southwestern for his master's degree in the first place? "I first learned about the programs at Georgia Southwestern through a brochure I'd obtained about the school," Dr. Blash answered.
He said he was "especially impressed with Dr. William Tietjen and Dr. Jack Carter of the GSW biology department while I was attending GSW, and their important help in my educational process has never been forgotten and is much appreciated, I can assure you."
GSW is now a tradition in the Blash family because a daughter, Kimberly Michelle, is a business graduate of the institution and a son, Rajyumar Deshawn, will a]so be graduated from the school in August.
"My other child didn't see the light and decided to attend Valdosta State University, but three out of four of us chose GSW, and I think that's pretty good," laughed Blash, who has one grandchild.
Rosa S. Blash, Dr. Blash's late wife, died in October of 1995. "She taught the sixth grade for many years at Jeffersonville and was wellloved and respected by everyone," said the widower.
After 54 years in the teaching profession, is Dr. Blash considering retirement?
"I threatened to retire but my people were so insistent on my remaining as principal of our elementary school that I have decided to continue working indefinitely, perhaps another five or six years. After all, I really like what I do," said Dr. Blash.
Obviously - and that's good for everyone in Twiggs County.
Kim Raybon Named "Student of the Year"
itting the books has really paid off for one Georgia Southwestern College student. Kim Raybon, 22, of Buena Vista is graduating and has received a full scholarship to Georgia Southwestern College since the first quarter of her freshman year.
Kim is a political science major with a cumulative GPA of 4.0. While at GSW, Kim participated in many organizations and received several prestigious awards.
She held the position of president of Zephyr, a student organization that gives tours to visitors and prospective students. She also served as president of Gamma Beta Phi Honor Society and was a member of the Blue Key Honor Society, the Alpha Chi Honor Society, and former captain of the GSW Orientation Team.
Kim was a recipient of the Roney Scholarship at Southwestern and was selected to be in the Who's Who inAmerica's Colleges. She was also named the 1994 Georgia Southwestern College Student of the Year by Dr. William Capitan, president of GSW. When asked to describe her experience at GSW, Kim replied, "The one-on-one relationship with the faculty was very helpful. I enjoyed the closeness of the smaller classrooms because it provided a lot of opportunity for involvement."
Kim plans to attend law school at Mercer University where she received yet another full academic scholarship. She is the daughter of Willie and Sue Raybon and the sister of Susan, Jennifer, Kacie, and Mandi.
''H
ow gra nd to h ave b een a part of Georgia Southwestern College!"
This was the summing up of Mrs. Mildred Tietjen, associate dean of Academic Affairs, as she concluded a 30-year career at the Americus institution June 30 that can only be described as "significantly outstanding" in the view of her colleagues.
Mrs. Tietjen, long one of the most popular administrative officials on campus, had mixed feelings about ending a career that was so personally satisfying and fulfilling for her. However, she felt it time to "slow down" and enjoy some of the things she has been planning to do for a long while, such as traveling.
A native of Armuchee, Georgia near Rome, Mrs. Tietjen was educated in the Floyd County School System. Afterwards, she attended Berry College in Rome and earned a degree in English, later receiving a master's in library science from the George Peabody College in Nashville, Tennessee.
Following two years in her first position as librarian in the Chickamauga, Georgia school system, Mrs. Tietjen then came to Georgia Southwestern College in 1964, serving as librarian. At that time the library was located in what presently is the Media Center and Nursing Department.
Associate Dean Mildred Tietjen Retires After 30
Years at GSW
The situation was a far cry from today in the GSW library, smiled Mrs. Tietjen. "In 1964, (the late) Miss Macy Gray and I were the GSW library staff. Then in 1984, when I left the James Earl Carter Library to become associate dean for Academic Services, the library staff consisted of seven librari-
ans, six support personnel, and approximately 25 parttirhe student assistants."
She explained that the "Board of Regents' funding had moved the library collection from 30,000 volumes to 201,000 volume equivalents, housed in a spacious, attractive facility completed in 1971. This growth, however, did not in my opinion, diminish the attitude of service established by Macy Gray and fostered by the current librarian, Gwen Creswell, and her capable staff."
When Mrs. Tietjen arrived on the GSW campus, former President Dr. William B. King had just assumed his office the previous year. He had succeeded the late Dr. Lloyd A. Moll.
Ele v ation to the status of a four- y ea r degree-awarding institu ti on in the 1980s brought gr e atly increased funding to GSW and resulted in a larger staff, recalled the educator.
She was married in 1968 to Dr. William L. Tietjen, who is department head and professor of biology at Georgia Southwestern. He w ent to junior college in Americus, going on to the University of Tennessee where he became the first to be awarded his doctorate in that field from the institution.
The two had met here in 1966, and were wed two years later. They have one son, Tres, who graduated from Georgia Tech and will go on to study medicine at Emory University Medical School.
Mrs. Tietjen is a member of Delta Kappa Gamma, a national teachers organization for women. She has served as president of the local Alpha Epsilon Chapter and is a member of the National Society of the Daughters of the American Revolution, where she is the History Chair. She has also served as an elder in the First Presbyterian Church of Americus.
She greatly enjoys walking, averaging about five miles daily, including a stint during her lunch hour most days. Reading and travel are her other primary interests.
Although retiring from her full-time duties, Mrs. Tietjen plans to continue working part-time at Georgia Southwestern College.
About her ten-year career in her present capacity, Mrs. Tietjen said: "As associate dean for Academic Services, I have had the opportunity to work with many fine students and to take pleasure in their accomplishments. The GSW faculty and staff are dedicated and talented individuals - how fortunate I have been to know and work with them!
"As associate dean, I have served under Vice President Jerry Williams, administrator extraordinary. And during my thirty years of
employment at Georgia Southwestern, I have valued the leadership and vision of two accomplished presidents, Dr. William King and Dr. William Capitan. How grand to have been a part of GSW!"
President William Capitan praised the retiring Mrs. Tietjen, saying: "Every organization has a few persons who can see to many details, but GSW has the best of them.
She has served this college faithfully for 25 years, directing our library and commencements, and every activity where the college must shine. And shine we have because of her. She always interacts with people courteously and when need be, says 'No' gracefully. She has a way of making one feel grateful that she denied your request."
Newman Named Outstanding Alumnus of 1994
J erry B. Newman, Columbus businessman, was named recipient of the 1994 Leewynn Finklea Outstanding Alumni Award given annually by the Georgia Southwestern College Alumni Associalion.
The award was presented by Mrs. Leewynn Finklea, Americus, who served as the firsl GSW alumni director, and Ms. Liz Smith, present alumni direclor of Lhe college.
Ben Daniel, Columbus, presidenl of Lhe association, presided al Lhe presentation during Lhe last GSW Alumni Weekend awards luncheon held on the Americus campus.
Newman, a 1959 graduale of Georgia Southwestern College, is the founder and owner of Park Properties in Columbus. The award he received was instituted nine years ago to honor Mrs. Finklea for her outstanding
work as alumni director from 1977 Lo 1984. Those who are accorded the honor are recognized for their outstanding and distinguished service to Georgia Southwestern College and the GSW National Alumni Association.
The Alumni Office is sending out a , message for HELP. Many communities O ;I are instituting Emergency 913 I Name----------services which necessitate:changing 11 5 , rural route addresses to street names '1 pouse s name and numbers. If your address has 0 0 , (if alumnus)recently changed for this or any other New reason. please use the form at dghj ri I to notify us. If you notify us, ij woa,'t :~ Address cost GSW anything. If the post office notifies us, it will cost $.35 andyqli will miss your alumni newsletter. ••jil Please help us keep our mailing list •fC up to date. You may also call in yodr address change to the Alumni:Offi~ at 912•928•1373, .A
The prominent Columbus businessman is a member of the Georgia Southwestern College Foundation and is active in numerous local and regional groups and organizations. Newman is also a member of the GSW Heritage Club, which honors those who have made the highest level of alumni financial support for their alma mater. He also made scholarships available to members of the Georgia Southwestern ROTC unit on their returning to campus afler having been called to active duty for service in Desert Storm and received a commendation from the Army in 1993 for this service.
Newman is married and has two sons.
Mrs. Leewynn J. Finklea is shown presenting the award to Jerry B. Newman
GSW Internationalizing Student Body
G eorgia Southwestern College alumni will be interested to learn that significant progress is being made in their alma mater's goal of internationalizing the student body.
Through a continuing successful effort led by President William I-1. Capitan, GSW recorded a fall enrollment of about 100 students representing 30 nations from throughout the world, and the phenomenon appears unceasing.
The location of countries represented on campus ranges from the Far East to South America and Europe, with the largest number coming from the Far East, such as Japan, Taiwan, Korea, and Thailand.
This resulted largely because of Dr. Capitan's visits to the Orient in which ties were made with "Sister Colleges" and bringing about some student enrollment from these institutions and others.
Primarily because of this association, Georgia Southwestern was selected by the University System Board of Regents to become The Center for Asian Studies for the entire 34-unit system.
As a result, a number of programs are now in place which emphasize Asian studies, including the following.
The Japanese Language Teacher Training Program brings Japanese graduate students to this country for an intensive two-month training program. Afterwards, they move on to institutions over the U.S. to continue their own studies with a scholarship in exchange for teaching Japanese through the host institution's curriculum.
The English Language and Intercultural Program for Japanese Businessmen provides specialized training for international business
Georgia
Southwestern College serves as the Center for Asian Studies for the entire University System of Georgia.
corporations. The businessmen come to GSW for intensive work in business English, American business practices, and cross-cultural understanding between the U.S. and Japan. Many of them return to this country as representatives of their parent companies. The training they receive enables them to better function within the American and international economic community. Whi]e in Americus, the businessmen visit in homes of local citizens.
The Center's English Language Institute allows international students to learn English in a traditional collegiate setting. They also receive special counseling to help with cultural differences and to eliminate any possible feelings of isolation. When their language studies are completed, they enter the regular curriculum at institutions in the University System of Georgia.
The Asian Studies Consortium of Georgia, as designated by the University System of Georgia Board of Regents, was established to develop Asian language and cultural programs for the entire University System. An advisory committee meets regularly and directs the course of other activities of the Consortium.
These include the promotion of Japanese language training in Georgia and the invitation of visiting professors from the Far East.
The Outreach Program of the Center for Asian Studies hosts conferences and workshops which bring together diverse groups of people to promote the development of international understanding and growth. For example, the Center sponsored a conference to help American businessmen understand the importance of cultural factors involved in doing business with the Japanese. Service is also provided to public school systems in Georgia to aid teachers in understanding the Asian culture, Asian children, and their language problems.
The Studies Abroad Program provides American students an opportunity to visit Far Eastern nations to study their languages and cultures. This began because of a friendly and cooperative relationship between Hokkaido International Foundation in Hokodate, Japan and Georgia Southwestern College. The Center has sent students, faculty, and other interested persons from Georgia to Hokodate for an intensive summer program to study Japanese language, culture, and business. The Center for Asian Studies has brought international recognition to Georgia Southwestern for its leadership role in helping to bring closer ties between nations.
International Student Chiharee Takeuchi
hiharee Takeuchi of Nobeoka, Miyazka, Japan is one of the many international students presently studying at Georgia Southwestern College and is typical of the Japanese students enrolled on the Americus campus. Arriving in Americus for the Fall 1992 quarter, Chiharee entered the Japanese Language Teachers Master's Program.
The preceding year, Chiharee had graduated from Chuo University with a degree in.American .literature.
Earlier she had spent one of her college years at Illinois Benedictine College, outside Chicago, as an exchange student. ·
One day at the Illinois college a teacher asked Chiharee to teach.her Japanese privately because she was going to take Japanese as the. third language for her doctoral degree. That's why she began teaching the J apaneseJanguage twice a week to two teachers.
"Although lwas very happy to see their progress in Japanese, I also regretted that it was not enough time to make them feel completely comfortable with the Japanese language. Since that time, I started to think about being a Japanese language teacher.in the United States in the future," said Chiharee.
"After Illinois Benedictine College, I returned to Japan for three reasons: to finish my undergraduate degree, to get a job in order to save money to go to an .American graduate school in the U.S., and.to know more. abQut Japanese society so that I could be a good Japanese teacher," explained Chiharee.
After attaining these goals in her life, Chiharee set about returning to the United. States for her master's degree program. She was employed for a time at an advertising agencywhile searching for a good graduate program, ultimately choosing Georgia Southwestern College.
"I decided to apply to the GSW program because it is the most suitable one for my future," said the international student. "I can get both a master's degree in Asian studies and the .teaching assistant's position. I sincerely would like to be an excellent Japaneselanguage teacher for the American students who wantto learn Japanese. I want to take advantage of this program to make my dreams come. true," said Chiharee.
lumni Weekend 1994
T he Alumni Association deeply thanks everyone who had a part in making possible one ojthe greatest alumni weekends we have ever had at GSW We have a great team and look forward to many other such events. The Associationforesees GSW continuing to be the BEST small college in the USA.
Ben Daniel '5 8, President Alumni Association
Photo 1: Members of the class of 1944 enjoy their recent 50th reunion. Pictured are Nell Robinson Smalley, Ruth Anderson Prescott. (Back) "Willie" Grace Greene Pace, Jack F. Benson, and Mattie Fussell Everett.
Photo 2: Classmates meet to plan the 45th reunion of the 1949 class in 1995. Pictured are (standing) John Peterman, Willis Hall, Tom Gregory, and Carol Jane Hardage in front. If you are interested in helping plan this reunion, call the Alumni Office.
Photo 3: Friends enjoy meeting on the steps of the Marshall Student Center following the Alumni Luncheon on April 30.
Photo 4: (front) Billie Tillman Davis '54, Sandra Wardell '59, Eva Jeanette Croft Jackson '54; (second row) William C. Allen '59, Clifford Robertson '58, Harmon B. Mock '57, and Jane Pritchett Mock '58; and (standing) Ben Daniel enjoy seeing old friends during Alumni Weekend festivities. Billie Tillman Davis won the fantastic getaway weekend sponsored by the Windsor Hotel and Castle Gates Restaurant.
Photo 5: Alumni scholar Luisa Guerrero is shown speaking during the Alumni Luncheon in which she stated her appreciation for the scholarship the Alumni Association has provided.