Aeolian 2023

2023

AEOLIAN

The Magazine of Georgia Southwestern State University for Alumni and Friends

From the President’s Desk |

"Winning is not a sometime thing; it’s an all the time thing. You don’t win once in a while…you don’t do things right once in a while…you do them right all the time.

Winning is a habit. Unfortunately, so is losing." - Vince Lombardi

T

he words “winning” and “losing” may stand out in this quote, but “[doing] things right all the time” is what should get your attention.

With tremendous effort and support from students, faculty, staff and friends of the University, Georgia Southwestern is doing things right. As a result, we have seen a lot of success in the last year, particularly in athletics, with three Peach Belt Conference Championships in Spring 2023 – a first in program history for each. That success reflects well on the entire campus. It exemplifies what is being done right in the classroom and in the community every semester.

This past year, over 100 students presented research in their chosen fields at the Undergraduate Research Symposium and 36 student entrepreneurs submitted business plans as part of the first Hurricane Pitch competition. Our nursing graduates pass the NCLEX exam at nearly 100 percent every year. GSW student-athletes completed more community service hours than any NCAA Division II program in the nation. And our students are employed throughout our region providing assistance and hospitality to patrons every day.

This issue of the Aeolian—hitting mailboxes a little earlier this year— highlights much of the good work done by our faculty, staff and students and ways in which your financial support has facilitated GSW student success. We hope you enjoy!

Neal Weaver President

m What’s in the Cup? podcast

Visit gswbookstore.com or shop on campus inside the Marshall Student Center.

2023

AEOLIAN

The Aeolian is published by the Department of University Relations at Georgia Southwestern State University.

GSW is a member of the University System of Georgia and an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity institution.

The name Aeolian is derived from Aeolus, who was appointed by the mythological god Zeus to be the keeper of the winds – both to calm and to arouse them. He was the King of the Aeolian Islands.

Continuing its mission begun in 1906, GSW serves traditional and non-traditional students across the state, the nation and the world.

Editors Chelsea Collins Sydney Scott ’17 Contributing Authors Erin Andrews ’10, ’22 Rebekah McLeod Chelsea Collins Sydney Scott ’17 Photography Shannan Blanchard Sydney Scott ’17 David Parks Photography ’14 Chris Fenn ’78 Angela Smith Layout & Graphic Design Sydney Scott ’17 Printer Burman Printing President Neal Weaver, Ph.D. AVP for Advancement & GSW Foundation Executive Director Stephen Snyder ’04, ’10 Director of Marketing and Communications Chelsea Collins Multimedia Coordinator Sydney Scott ’17 Web Content Strategist Hailey Henderson Alumni Engagement Specialist Angela Smith Annual Giving Specialist Kim Comer ’90, ’10 Development Officer Hunter Peak Foundation Accountant Tracy Taylor ’12, ’18 Advancement Services & Operations Manager Kearston Roland ’18 Cover collage by Sydney Scott ’17 with photos by Chris Fenn ’78 : Golfer Chase McLain, baseball player Garrett Bradley and basketball player Jojo Williams all celebrated conference championships this year, each of which has contributed to GSW's evolving championship culture.

See pg. 12 for full story.

Forty years ago, the Hurricanes' played their first intercollegiate football season in 1983. The 1986-87 team is pictured here.

IN THIS ISSUE Campus Updates 2 Upcoming Events 5 Presidential Challenge Coins 8 Faculty & Staff Awards 9 Athletics Features 10 Cover Story 12

5

Gold Force Gala 18 Outstanding Alumni Awards 19 Alumni in the News 22 Family Tradition 24 2024 Alumni Events 26

12

Alumni Scene 28 In Memoriam 31 Class Notes 32 Future Hurricanes 33 2022 Giving 34

24

CAMPUS UPD College of Arts and Sciences

College of Business and Computing

NEW CHEMISTRY TRACKS

HURRICANE PITCH

The Department of Chemistry, Geology, and Physics now offers two new interdisciplinary concentrations starting Fall 2023. The forensics concentration, offered in conjunction with GSW’s online criminal justice program, prepares students to understand the basics of criminal justice and evidence. The biochemistry concentration, in conjunction with the Department of Biology, provides an in-depth background in human biochemistry while maintaining a strong foundation in all areas of chemistry.

GSW hosted its first-ever Hurricane Pitch Competition in April for entrepreneurial students with dreams of starting their own small businesses. Kameisha Smith of Albany, Ga., an online pre-marketing major with an entrepreneurship certificate, took home the grand prize of $7,500, which she will use to get her small business off the ground. Winning the $3,000 People’s Choice Award was Jacquelyn Levay ’23 of Tampa, Fla., a management major with an entrepreneurship certificate.

HUMANITIES SYMPOSIUM

MBA GROWTH

The 2nd Annual Humanities Symposium in November 2022 featured student presentations, discussions, and panels surrounding topics across the humanities, including history, English, and visual arts. Over 30 students participated by presenting original research.

Organized by Associate Professor of History Dr. Susan Bragg, the event also featured keynote speaker Sam Mahone, who was an activist in the Americus Movement as a member of the Student Nonviolent Coordinating Committee and serves as chairman of the AmericusSumter County Movement Remembered Committee.

GSW's Master of Business Administration (MBA) program has continued to build on its strong foundation and commitment to excellence in education at an affordable price. The accredited program is competitive nationally and attracts students from coast to coast as well as across the globe. Current GSW undergraduate students are also now eligible to enroll in MBA courses through the accelerated Double Canes Program. As a result, the MBA student population has been steadily increasing, with 175.8% growth from 2019 to 2022 with 171 students and well over 200 for Fall 2023.

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ATES College of Education

College of Nursing and Health Sciences

ESOL ENDORSEMENT

ASN PROGRAM

The College of Education now offers a new online postbaccalaureate English to Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL) endorsement for certified teachers. The program, consisting of three online courses, provides Pre-K through 12th grade teachers with the knowledge and skills necessary to meet the needs of their students and prepares teachers to respond to the increasing number of English language learners in classrooms. Two ESOL courses are taken in the summer and one in the fall.

After a 22-year hiatus, GSW’s Associate of Science in Nursing (ASN) program was revived to help combat the nursing shortage. This allows students to complete a degree and apply for RN licensure in a shorter period of time than a baccalaureate program. The program surpassed its goal, admitting 52 students to the first cohort. Current ASN students range in age from 18 to 52, with 52% being non-traditional students by age and 46% of ASN students are minority status by race or ethnicity.

OUTSTANDING SCHOLAR

HEALTH SCIENCES PROGRAMS

Charles Doswell, III, a special education graduate from Blakely, Ga., was named GSW's 2023 Outstanding Scholar, the University’s highest academic honor.

Doswell graduated with a 4.0 GPA, which put him among the top of his class. The Outstanding Scholars, recognized by the University System of Georgia, represent the system’s highest scholastic ideals and are selected by each individual institution. These students have a high GPA, strive for excellence and have the ability to share knowledge in various areas of expertise.

Doswell graduated summa cum laude.

The School of Health Sciences launched two new stand-alone exercise science programs in Fall 2023, in addition to the existing bachelor’s degree in exercise science, based on feedback from the regional workforce.

The Exercise Physiology Endorsement is a 9 credit-hour program, while the Exercise Science Certificate is an 18 credit-hour program. Both expand the offerings and possible career paths for either aspiring or practicing exercise physiologists, exercise specialists, physical therapy assistants, rehabilitation technicians, and fitness/ wellness trainers.

AEOLIAN MAGAZINE 2023 | 3

Campus updates |

NEW PROVOST

LIBRARY RENOVATION

Jill Drake, Ed.D., was named GSW's provost and vice president for Academic Affairs (VPAA) after serving as interim for just over a month, beginning her full-time duties on July 1, 2023. She has 23 years of experience in higher education and is an accomplished academic, having published eight books and held a tenured, full professor rank in education. Drake previously served as the associate vice president for Academic Affairs at the University of West Georgia in Carrollton.

The Fiscal Year 2024 state budget, signed by Gov. Kemp in May 2023, included $5 million to renovate the James Earl Carter Library. The project will reestablish the Library as a destination for all students to study and access resources. Plans include updates to the HVAC system, electrical, bathrooms and furniture, as well as an open floor plan for the first floor. The Library has not undergone an extensive renovation since its construction in 1971.

RESEARCH SYMPOSIUM

SPECIAL OLYMPICS

GSW hosted its 5th Annual Undergraduate Research Symposium on April 28, 2023. The event featured student research on topics such as politics, history, marketing, psychology, biology and issues in nursing.

With more than double the participation as last year's event, a total of 89 students took part in the Symposium: 16 presented their research in an oral presentation, 70 displayed their work on posters, and three served as moderators for the oral presentations. First through third place and Provost's Choice accolades were awarded.

For the first time in three years, GSW welcomed over 60 athletes from Sumter County Schools, Dooly County Schools, Furlow Charter School and The Opal Project for the Area 11 Special Olympics. Special education teacher candidates in the College of Education organized the event as an opportunity to learn how to support students with disabilities in our area. The athletes, ranging in age from 5 to 62, had the opportunity to compete in activities that were led and cheered on by GSW student-athletes, coaches and members from student organizations.

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| Campus Updates

Save the Date!

5th Annual Day of Giving Thursday, September 21 GSW’s fifth annual Day of Giving is an opportunity for Hurricanes around the world to join together and show support for Georgia Southwestern.

This year’s focus is on scholarships and increasing our overall number of donors to 400. Additionally, we are challenging donors from each of the 50 states (and beyond) to light up their state and Turn the Map Gold.

Visit gsw.edu/DayOfGiving to learn how you can participate.

Homecoming Week & Family Weekend Monday, October 9 - Saturday, October 14 Celebrate GSW and revisit campus this fall. Former Hurricane football players, cheerleaders and band members are invited to attend a special reunion and recognition on Saturday, October 14, which also coincides with Family Weekend.

For details, visit gsw.edu/Homecoming.

TEDxGeorgiaSouthwesternU Friday, October 20 GSW’s second annual TEDxGeorgiaSouthwesternU will feature eight dynamic speakers who will share their personal stories of “Leaving Your Mark” - this year’s theme - and will participate in an exclusive, in-person panel following the main event. VIP ($100) and general admission ($25) tickets are on sale now.

Follow along at gsw.edu/TEDx for more details.

AEOLIAN MAGAZINE 2023 | 5

Campus updates |

Make an impact for GSW students.

Propel: GSW’s Campaign for Scholarships is well on its way to meeting the $1 million goal for scholarship funding. This fundraising effort will provide incoming and continuing students more scholarship opportunities to obtain an affordable and quality education without years of debt. The campaign will conclude at the second annual Gold Force Gala on January 27, 2024.

Make a gift today to propel our students forward so they can make their mark on the world.

as of August 8, 2023

Leave your legacy by starting theirs!

For more information, contact the GSW Foundation at (229) 931-2014, visit gsw.edu/Propel, or make your gift via mail using the envelope attached in this magazine.

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| Campus Updates

GSW BY THE NUMBERS

GSW Foundation Scholarship Funds 2022-23 Nearly 70 percent of GSW students receive some form of financial assistance from the state of Georgia, federal grants, or private scholarships. The numbers listed below reflect funding from GSW Foundation scholarships.

$1,119,003.42 796

640

scholarships distributed

students received scholarships

Top Events Raising Funds for Scholarships

606

Propel: GSW’s Campaign for Scholarships

Homecoming 5K and Fun Run

scholarships available

92

endowed scholarships

scholarship donations

*83% increase over the last 5 years

334

Day of Giving Gold Force Gala

139

in scholarships distributed to students

scholarship donors

*68% increase over the last 5 years

Total scholarship funds distributed *22% increase over the last 5 years

6 Scholarships Newly In Use: Magnolia Manor Employee Recognition Endowed Scholarship Americus & Sumter County Hospital Authority Endowed Scholarship Fort Family Scholarship

Horne-Starlin Family Scholarship Victoria Ondo Burnfin Endowed Scholarship Dr. Kenneth Wurtz Biology Scholarship

142

first-generation students awarded scholarships AEOLIAN MAGAZINE 2023 | 7

Campus updates |

Presidential Challenge Coins allow

graduates to thank those who made an impact At the start of their freshmen year, GSW students receive a silver Challenge Coin from President Weaver to signify the start of their college journey. Upon finishing their degree, students are asked to give their silver coin to someone who had an impact on their life while at GSW, and they receive a gold coin at Graduation in its place. This tradition, which began in Fall 2018, has taken root and made an impact on more than just the students. Watch the heartwarming videos at gsw.edu/Coins.

Chase Harper ’23 gave his coin to Dr. Joseph Comeau for being an amazing advisor and friend, helping Chase to navigate school and also life.

Emily McClure ’23 gave her coin to athletic trainers Marissa and Stone Collins for their support personally, academically and athletically.

Kaitlyn Evans ’23 gave her coin to Doug Moses ’97 after a chance meeting in a drive-through line led to an internship at his accounting firm.

Leigh Swords ’23 gave her coin to Dr. Paula Bryant who inspired, motivated and advised Leigh through her MSN and always had an open door policy.

Carrie Harris ’23 gave her coin to Dr. Leisa Easom for always believing in her and providing motivating words that pushed her to keep going.

Deep Patel ’23 gave his coin to his parents for their support, including four years worth of homemade vegetarian meals made by his mom.

Tiwanna Bryant ’23 gave her coin to Dr. Debaleena Ghosh for being the “best professor" she’s ever had and “making the biggest impact” on her.

Kristin Stokes ’22 gave her coin to Zach Ward ’17, ’18, ’19 who taught and mentored her through her M.Ed., first year of teaching and having a newborn.

Nathan Gibson ’22 gave his coin to Chelsea Collins, who he interned with for a year and who showed him that marketing was his true passion.

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2022-2023 Faculty and Staff Awards Dr. Robert Bennett receives a plaque from Alumni Engagement Specialist Angela Smith at the annual Faculty and Staff Awards Ceremony on May 4, 2023.

FACULTY AND STAFF RECOGNITION FOR YEARS OF SERVICE: 5 YEARS Maurice Barron Dr. Laura Boren Connie Hammack ʼ99 Joni Hammond Trevor Jennings Nicki Levering Josh McDonald ʼ06 Brittany McKenzie ʼ15 Andrea Pinckard Dr. Jesse Russell Sydney Scott ʼ17 Dr. Thelma Sexton Jenn Smith Dr. Neal Weaver 10 YEARS Daniel Allegood Dr. Robert Bennett Darcy Donaldson Dr. Michael Moir Dr. Michele Ragsdale ʼ90, ʼ94, ʼ97 James Scott 15 YEARS Dr. Carol Bishop Angie Christmas ʼ12

Whitney Ford ʼ10, ʼ22 Dr. Kailash Ghimire Dr. Charles Huffman Dr. Cecilia Maldonado Keith Michlig Dr. Dongwen Qi Dr. Rebecca Short ʼ04, ʼ06 Dr. Rhonda Slocumb ʼ91, ʼ08 Morris Smith Ru Story-Huffman 20 YEARS Jennifer Dickens April Dodson Dr. Elizabeth Gurnack Dr. Stephanie Harvey Darlene McAfee Charles Wells 25 YEARS Kay Bell Dr. Gary Fisk Dr. David Jenkins ʼ00, ʼ07 Bob Slenker ʼ04, ʼ06 45 YEARS Deborah Standridge

RETIREMENTS Polly Conger ʼ91

Grants/Travel Accountant, Office of Accounting Services

Mary Cooper

Central Stores Supervisor, Office of Materials Management

Beth Morris

Dr. Cecilia Maldonado Associate Professor, College of Business and Computing

Michelle Underwood ʼ99, ʼ11 Director, Office of Purchasing

2023 PROFESSOR OF THE YEAR Dr. Robert Bennett, professor of management, was voted Professor of the Year by graduating seniors. The award was presented by the GSW Alumni Association.

FACULTY AND STAFF EXCELLENCE AWARDS 2023 Staff Excellence in Customer Service and Personal Interaction Award Michael Lewis 2023 Staff Excellence in Achievement and Performance Anthony Lasiter ʼ10, ʼ22 2023 Faculty Excellence in Scholarship Award Dr. Mohammad Dehzooei 2023 Faculty Excellence in Advising Award Dr. Jim Aller 2023 Faculty Excellence in Service Award Dr. Nellie Iordanova 2023 Faculty Excellence and Commitment to Teaching Award Dr. Susan Bragg STUDENT GOVERNMENT ASSOCIATION AWARDS Oris Bryant Staff Member of the Year Dominique Smith Faculty Member of the Year Dr. Nellie Iordanova

Buyer, Office of Purchasing

Laughlin named Dean of the College of Arts and Sciences Mark Laughlin, D.M.A., was named dean of the College of Arts and Sciences in March 2023 after serving as interim dean since July 2022. As a member of the GSW faculty since August 2008, Laughlin previously served as a professor of music and chair of the Department of Music, Communication, and Emerging Media.

AEOLIAN MAGAZINE 2023 | 9

At h l e t i c s

The Lady Canes had a record-breaking season in 2022-23. They closed out the regular season with a 24-6 overall record and as Peach Belt Conference (PBC) regular season champions. The team also won the PBC Tournament and advanced to the NCAA Tournament Sweet 16. Guard Ava Jones was named MVP of the PBC Tournament and was also named to the All-Southeast Region Team by the DII Conference Commissioners Association. Head Coach Justin Payne was named the 2022-23 Peach Belt Conference Women's Basketball Coach of the Year.

GSW won the 2022-23 Peach Belt Presidents' Academic Award at the league's annual awards dinner in May 2023. The award recognizes excellence in academics concerning all of an institution's student-athletes. The Hurricanes had an average GPA of 3.01 for the academic year while the undergraduate student body had a 2.75 average GPA. That is a ratio of 1.0945, which is the highest in the conference this year. This is the third Presidents' Academic Award for GSW, with the first coming in 2008 and the second in 2018.

Junior infielder and pitcher Zoe Willis earned several recognitions for her 2022-23 season performance. She was named NCAA Division II National Player of the Year by both the National Fastpitch Coaches Association and Southeast Region Player of the Year by the Conference Commissioner's Association. Willis was also named the DII Honda Athlete of the Year finalist for softball, one of 11 finalists for the prestigious national award.

Josh McDonald ’06 was named the 2023 Peach Belt Conference Baseball Coach of the Year. McDonald led the Hurricanes to a 22-8 conference record as the program captured its first PBC regular season and tournament championships, made its first NCAA Tournament appearance, and broke several other program records.

Nicki Levering, associate director of athletics for studentathlete development, senior women's administrator, and head softball coach, was selected to participate in the 202324 NCAA Pathway Program, a yearlong initiative designed to prepare senior-level athletics administrators for the next career step as directors of athletics or conference commissioners.

In their 2022-23 season, the golf team won two events, were PBC Champions, and finished the season ranked in the Top 10. The team returned to the NCAA National Championships for the third season in a row, where they finished 12th. Chase McLain tied for 11th, Eric Fogel tied for 18th. McLain and Nicolas Escobar received All-American honors from the Golf Coaches Association of America.

GSW's baseball team broke numerous program records and had their best NCAA-era season in 2023. With a 22-8 conference record, the Hurricanes finished first in the regular season, won the PBC Tournament, and made an appearance in the NCAA DII Southeast Regional. Several players were recognized by the American Baseball Coaches Association and Rawlings for their outstanding seasons, including first baseman Paul Hegeman, who won a Gold Glove Award, and pitchers Nick McCollum and Rijnaldo Euson, who were both named to the DII All-Region First Team.

In April 2023, GSW hired Hana Haden as its new head women's basketball coach. She led the women's basketball program at Moberly Area Community College in Moberly, Mo. for five seasons, where she accumulated an overall record of 118-36 and a Region 16 record of 47-15. This past year, MACC finished with a record of 29-4 and advanced to the second round of the national tournament.

Haden has been named to the Women's Basketball Coaches Association Thirty Under 30 list four times in her career and was named the embRACEus Women's Coach of the Year in 2022 and 2021.

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AEOLIAN MAGAZINE 2023 | 11

SEIZING VICTORY A Championship Culture Unleashed Fueling the Fire of Success

By Erin Andrews ’10, ’22

The 2022-23 academic year witnessed an exhilarating ascent of GSW Athletics that surpassed expectations and shattered many previous records.

Not one, not two, but three Peach Belt Conference (PBC) championships—the first in GSW's history—were secured by the golf, baseball and women’s basketball teams. These victories have brought immense pride to the University and sent school spirit surging through every corner of the campus community.

proof of their ability to compete at the highest level.

"The Hurricanes' victory in the PBC Championship is a testament to the dedication and hard work of the team," stated Mike Leeder, director of GSW Athletics, expressing his excitement. "They have set a new standard for GSW golf."

Senior Chase McLain and junior Nicolas Escobar were recognized as PING All-American, adding to the team's success this last season. Under the guidance of Head Coach Darcy Donaldson—the 2020 and 2021 NCAA DII Southeast Region Coach of the Year—the golf team's meteoric rise has become a hallmark of excellence, setting the bar for GSW's future golfing legends.

This tremendous success resonates with President Neal Weaver's belief that GSW gives individuals the opportunity to compete on any level, as is the case for former GSW All-American Vincent Norrman, who captured his first PGA Tour victory in the 2023 Barbasol Championship.

The Drive to Succeed

The Diamonds of Triumph

It is a time of unparalleled excitement and electrifying energy at Georgia Southwestern State University. Over the past five years, the landscape of GSW has been transformed into a powerhouse of triumphant victories, unyielding determination and an unquenchable thirst for greatness—both in and out of the classroom. The Hurricanes are leading the charge towards a new era of championship glory!

Conquering New Heights

The GSW men's golf team has battled their way to three consecutive appearances in the NCAA Division II National Championship. Glory was almost within their grasp in 2021, as they missed the national title by a mere stroke. Their most recent PBC championship win is

1 2 | G SW. E D U

The GSW baseball team scripted an unforgettable chapter during the 2022-23 season with 30+ wins, leaving a lasting mark on the program's narrative with a flourish of unprecedented achievements. In a heart-stopping showdown, the Hurricanes clinched the

| Cover Story

program’s first-ever PBC Regular Season Championship, securing a coveted spot in the NCAA Southeast Regional Tournament.

Led by Head Coach Josh McDonald—2023 PBC Baseball Coach of the Year—the team's accomplishments were further emphasized by numerous player accolades. Four players earned spots on the 2023 All-PBC teams. Nick McCollum was named the 2023 PBC Baseball Pitcher of the Year. McCollum and teammate Rijnaldo Euson made the prestigious American Baseball Coaches Association and Rawlings NCAA DII All-Region First Team, and first baseman Paul Hegeman earned a Golden Glove Award, another first for GSW. The team’s relentless pursuit of excellence and historic achievements earned them a well-deserved ranking in the Collegiate Baseball NCAA DII Poll.

A Slam Dunk of Success The success of the GSW’s women's basketball team set the campus ablaze on the path to victory. In a groundbreaking triumph, the team secured their firstever PBC Championship victory. With the momentous win, the team secured their bid to the NCAA Tournament, where they reached the Sweet 16.

Ava Jones, the PBC Tournament’s Most Valuable Player, played a vital role in the Lady Canes' success, leading the team with double-digit scoring. Jones was recognized by the NCAA DII Conference Commissioners Association and earned a spot on the All-Southeast Region Women's Basketball Second Team. Jones and teammate Kayla Langley were also named to the Southeast Regional All-Tournament Team.

The Lady Hurricanes have ignited a championship culture and, with each victory, rallied the GSW campus and community-at-large, creating dedicated new fans along the way.

Line Drive to Victory Earning multiple All-Conference selections and producing the first PBC Player of the Year in program history, GSW softball added its own brilliance that reflected a level of ferocity that left opponents trembling. The team had a record-breaking 39 overall wins, the highest number of PBC wins in a season (19) and a staggering home record of 22-1.

Marching into the PBC Tournament as the #3 seed, the team left no doubt they were a force to be reckoned with. As they celebrated their first postseason victory since 2019, they set their sights on a future that held nothing but triumphs.

Second baseman and pitcher Zoe Willis shined bright on the softball diamond with numerous honors and distinctions which rewarded her talent on and off the field. She led the NCAA DII in home runs and slugging percentage and was recognized as the DII Conference Commissioners Association Southeast Region Player of the Year, Ron Lenz Player of the Year and PBC Player of the year—the first for the GSW softball program—sealing her legacy in the GSW softball history books.

Willis's accolades extend beyond regional borders.

On the national stage, she was heralded as the TUCCI and National Fastpitch Coaches Association NCAA DII Player of the Year and was the softball finalist for THE Collegiate Women in Sports Awards DII Athlete of the Year presented by Honda.

Willis is an ideal example of a student-athlete succeeding on and off the field. Her 4.0 GPA reflects academic prowess and a commitment to her dream of becoming an orthopedic surgeon.

AEOLIAN MAGAZINE 2023 | 13

Cover Story |

Molding Strong Minds and Bodies GSW also celebrates victories inside the classroom with a commitment to academic excellence. GSW studentathletes achieved an impressive cumulative 3.14 GPA. These stellar achievements were recognized with the prestigious 2022-23 Peach Belt Conference Presidents' Academic Award, an accolade that speaks volumes to GSW Athletics' unwavering dedication to the pursuit of knowledge.

The essence of GSW Athletics goes beyond grades and championships.

It's about making a lasting impact on the world. GSW student-athletes have demonstrated their commitment to community service, ranking #1 in the 2021-22 NCAA Helper Helper Challenge.

Category 5, a new campus initiative, will reach the local K-12 students educating on 5 dimensions of well-being to make a lasting impact by promoting holistic development and well-being.

Building a Solid Foundation Thanks to the unwavering support of private donors, corporate sponsors and the GSW Foundation, GSW Athletics has ignited a fire of success that burns brighter than ever. State-of-the-art facilities and strategic branding have set the stage for an extraordinary transformation that fuels the passion of players and the entire GSW community. Signature fundraisers like Canes 360, the President's Golf Classic and the legendary Hail Storm have attracted record numbers, ensuring sustained financial support for the program.

Facility enhancements aim to create an unparalleled experience for studentathletes and sports enthusiasts alike. The construction of the $1.2 million Baseball and Softball Indoor Training Facility, Canes 360 Hospitality Suite, Athletics Weight Room, Basketball Film Room, Recruiting Room and more lead to a competitive edge on the field and court.

Beyond athletics, the University

1 4 | G SW. E D U

remains devoted to academic excellence and fostering a holistic student experience. This is evidenced by the $3.4 million renovation of Canes Central, the $3.5 million renovation of Florrie Chappell Gymnasium, the upcoming $5 million renovation of the James Earl Carter Library and the $6.4 million future renovation of the Griffin Bell Golf and Conference Center.

Through private donations and state funding, GSW has invested more than $25 million over the last five years to enhance campus facilities and infrastructure.

The power of this collaboration and the vibrance of the GSW community has unleashed a revolution of excellence.

Fostering Quality Talent Attracting exceptional talent is crucial in pursuing athletic excellence and academic distinction at GSW. The infusion of talented student-athletes and accomplished professionals enhances the institution's quality and enriches the overall campus experience. Creating genuine connections, embracing shared values and providing opportunities for growth are vital aspects to this endeavor.

Dr. Jill Drake, GSW’s newly-appointed provost and vice president for academic affairs, shared that the size of the University offered her a unique opportunity to form personal connections and make a lasting, positive difference in the lives of others. “It was a genuine commitment to a community that shared my passion for education and dedication to uplifting others."

The appointment of Women's Basketball Head Coach Hana Haden demonstrates the institution's commitment to excellence. Haden's track record and dedication to nurturing young athletes aligns perfectly with creating a championship culture. Reflecting on her decision to join GSW, Haden remarked, "The vision our leadership has for this University, along with the investment they have made in athletics, makes GSW

| Cover Story

a place where students can thrive as people, have a tremendous collegiate experience, as well as outstanding playing careers."

GSW is also nurturing its own talent and developing leaders from within.

Several GSW alumni and longtime faculty and staff members now fill important positions on campus, including those of associate vice presidents, deans and directors.

Georgia Southwestern is positioned for growth and success, reflecting the University's dedication to empowering students to thrive in all aspects of their lives. GSW is a place where outstanding talent can flourish, making a profound impact on the world around them.

speaks volumes about the supportive and thriving work environment cultivated by the institution. This positive atmosphere directly translates to a more engaged and motivated faculty and staff, whose commitment to excellence is reflected in their outstanding contributions to academia and beyond.

GSW's dedication to academic excellence serves as the cornerstone of its championship culture. By continually fostering a learning environment that celebrates achievement, innovation, and growth, GSW creates leaders and changemakers who make a positive impact in the workforce and their communities.

Academic Excellence Fuels a Championship Culture

As the embers of success continue to burn bright, Georgia Southwestern stands at the helm of greatness. This revolution of champions has sparked a blaze that will never be extinguished, exceeds the boundaries of the field and inspires generations to come.

From the courts to the fields, from the classrooms to the community, Georgia Southwestern has forever altered the course of its history, leaving a memorable mark on the hearts and minds of all who come to know it.

So, let the flames of victory burn brighter, let the hurricanes of triumph surge higher and let the spirit of GSW soar beyond the realms of possibility.

Together, as one united force, we shall embrace greatness and etch a legacy of success that shall stand the test of time.

As Hurricanes march towards the future, every day is a new chapter in this epic journey—a journey that shall see Georgia Southwestern State University rise to the pinnacle of glory, and beyond. s

The pursuit of academic excellence is the driving force behind the institution's winning culture. This commitment to fostering a dynamic and vibrant learning environment has resulted in numerous accolades and left students, faculty and staff inspired to achieve greater heights.

GSW’s first-ever Hurricane Pitch Competition drew in 36 aspiring student entrepreneurs with business plans to turn their innovative ideas into reality.

Additionally, over 100 students presented research at the annual Undergraduate Research Symposium. This emphasis on research enhances students' academic experience and prepares them for successful careers and postgraduate studies. Such experiential learning opportunities have become an integral part of GSW's educational approach, empowering students to explore and apply their knowledge beyond the classroom.

GSW's championship culture extends beyond athletics and academics to encompass other notable achievements.

The University's recognition as the Best Place to Work in Sumter County for two consecutive years (2021 and 2022)

Embracing Greatness

AEOLIAN MAGAZINE 2023 | 15

Choose a graduate degree that fits your budget and your schedule.

GSW’s accredited graduate programs are among the most affordable in the state and are flexible enough to fit your busy schedule.

Master of Business Administration • Business Administration ?

• Executive Business Administration s Education Specialist • Elementary Education s • Middle Grades Education s • Teacher Leadership s

Master of Science • Computer Science ?

Master of Education • Elementary Education s • Middle Grades Language Arts s • Middle Grades Mathematics s • Special Education s ? Available 100% online

Master of Science in Nursing • Nursing Education ?

• Leadership ?

• Informatics ?

• Family Nurse Practitioner ?

Graduate Certificate • Nursing Education ?

• Healthcare Informatics ?

• Computer Information Systems ?

s Hybrid online with some on-campus instruction

Learn more and apply at gsw.edu/Graduate 1 6 | G SW. E D U

| from the alumni association

H

ello Canes Nation! The GSW Alumni Association is gearing up for another exciting year, expanding on the extraordinary firsts experienced over the last 12 months. For the first time, Homecoming was hosted in the fall during soccer season. Attendance was outstanding, deeming the change a success. This year, we plan to add to the Homecoming festivities with a reunion of former football players, band members and cheerleaders. The Alumni Association also spearheaded the inaugural Gold Force Gala, recognizing outstanding alumni and raising thousands of dollars to support student scholarships. Most exciting is the ongoing success of GSW Athletics, with three Peach Belt Conference championships for the first time in women’s basketball, men’s golf and baseball. Additionally, GSW hosted the Hurricane Pitch competition for student entrepreneurs for the first time.

Like a hurricane, GSW continues to break barriers and rise to new heights. Student enrollment is breaking records, campus facilities such as the Griffin Bell Golf and Conference Center and the James Earl Carter Library are receiving multimillion-dollar renovations, and students are receiving national accolades for their contributions inside and outside the classroom.

When you cross the stage on your graduation day, you become a GSW alum, joining the ranks of others who crossed before you. You have begun your legacy and will be forever connected, near or far, to your GSW family. I encourage you to stay engaged with your alma mater, nurture the friendships made while at GSW, and participate in alumni events. Consider investing in students by providing financial support for scholarships, helping enrich the college experience by offering jobs or internships, or simply giving up your time and sharing your knowledge.

Don't hesitate to contact any of our board members or the Office of Alumni Affairs to get involved, participate in our activities, or assist committees with upcoming alumni events. We love connecting with our alumni, so take advantage of all the opportunities and benefits we have to offer!

Andrea Ingram ’91, ’94, ’15 President, GSW Alumni Association

Alumni Association Board of Directors

Pictured are (front row L to R) Kathleen Lang-Tucker, Cheryl Fletcher, Andrea Ingram, Pam Carswell, and Sedrick Swan (second row) Renee Mays, Amy Benton, and Ryan Garnto, (third row) Sonja Duggar, Katherine Tondee, Jessica Reese, Lamar Radford, Angela Smith, and Tim Brooks, (fourth row) Robert Moss, Beau Barrett, Jimmy Peel, Luke Ellis, Royce Hackett, and Mark Blalock, (fifth row) Ervin Anderson, Billy Bolton, Tracy Law, and Jonathan Hobbs.

Andrea Ingram ’91, ’94, ’15

Ryan Garnto ’13

President

Vice President

Cheryl Fletcher ’93

Amy Benton ’90

Treasurer

Past President

Ervin Anderson ’93

Marcus Johnson, Jr. ’08

Beau Barrett ’14

Tracy Law ’99

Mark Blalock ’95, ’03

Renee Mays ’89, ’92, ’93

Billy Bolton ’13

Robert Moss ’76

Tim Brooks ’17

Jimmy Peel ’80

Pam Carswell ’78

Lamar Radford ’00

Sonja Duggar ’79

Jessica Reese ’19, ’21

Luke Ellis ’08

Sedrick Swan ’09

Royce Hackett ’01

Katherine Tondee ’14

Jonathan Hobbs ’17

Alejandro Espitia Ex-Officio, SGA President

AEOLIAN MAGAZINE 2023 | 17

Inaugural Gold Force Gala raises funds for scholarships Georgia Southwestern hosted the inaugural Gold Force Gala on Saturday, January 21, 2023 in the Storm Dome with over 230 guests present to help raise money for student scholarships as part of the ongoing Propel campaign.

The sold-out event began with a cocktail reception and silent auction followed by dinner, the Outstanding Alumni Awards ceremony and live music. The second annual Gold Force Gala is scheduled for January 27, 2024.

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Outstanding Alumni Awards One of the main events at the Gold Force Gala was the recognition of Georgia Southwestern's 2023 Outstanding Alumni Award winners. These awards, which were developed to honor the distinguished personal accomplishments and professional achievements of GSW alumni, are given based on nominations from fellow community members. This year's GSW Athletics Hall of Fame inductee was also recognized during the ceremony.

Leon Holloway ’73 2023 Aeolian Award

After earning his degree in political science in 1973, Holloway went on to become a premier florist and caterer known across the state and beyond. In 1977, Holloway purchased Gatewood’s Flower Shop from his aunt Bette Duke, and he remains owner-operator to-date. He is a member of and has served in key roles with the Southwest Georgia Florist Association and the Georgia State Florist Association. In 1975, he and his cousin, Jane Slappey Kelly, formed Cousins Catering. Holloway also served on the decorating committee at the White House for President Jimmy Carter’s inauguration in 1977 and for the opening of the Carter Center in Atlanta in 1982.

Holloway has been a member of the Andersonville Guild and served on its board of directors since its inception; is on the Board of Trustees for the Phoebe Sumter Foundation, where he is a member of the Wheatley Society; and is on the Board of Trustees for the GSW Foundation, where he is a Patron and member of the President’s Circle.

The Turner Family 2023 Family Legacy Award recipients

Terrell Turner brought his teaching skills to GSW in 1967 as an instructor of mathematics. His presence, along with that of his wife, the late Janie Turner ’74, was the catalyst that would sow the seeds for future generations of Hurricanes, both kin and colleague.

In 1974, Terrell, the patriarch dubbed “Grandaddy” of the Turner family, and his department cohorts created the University’s annual High School Mathematics Tournament which is the longest running math competition in Georgia to-date. Janie, Terrell’s wife of nearly 70 years and “Granny,” also made her mark as a member of the first class to graduate from GSW’s Master of Education program in 1974.

The couple’s three children and a couple of their spouses also boast GSW alumni status: Dr. Jim Turner ’83, Dr. Bobby Turner ’79 and his wife Lisa Turner ’80, Cheryl (Turner) Fletcher ’82, ’91 and her husband Mike Fletcher ’78 are all Hurricanes. Mike and Cheryl’s two children Michael Fletcher ’08 and Maggie (Fletcher) Moore ’12, ’20 received degrees from GSW as well. Cheryl serves as a member of the Alumni Association Board of Directors. They invest their gifts, talents and treasures and have created both a GSW bloodline three generations strong and an impressive academic lineage that invokes Hurricane pride which is sure to impact the next generation.

AEOLIAN MAGAZINE 2023 | 19

Qaijuan Willis ’15 2023 Young Alumnus of the Year

Willis, who earned his BBA in management in 2015, has quickly made a name for himself in the Americus community at only 30 years old. He has served as program coordinator for the City of Americus and was promoted to Director in 2019. In this role, Willis has taken the Main Street Program to a new level and has brought the downtown vacancy rate to below 10%. He works tirelessly to push for the necessary improvements that are creating a vibrant downtown. Under his leadership, the program has maintained an upward trajectory; the most recent community impact report reflects over $1.2 million in total public and private investment and can boast nearly 700 jobs in the downtown district alone.

Willis is also a passionate community advocate. He is a youth pastor and a member of the Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Committee at Furlow Charter School. He serves on the Georgia Downtown Association Board of Directors, is a member of Rotary Club of Americus and is chairman of the Board of Directors for the Sumter County Chamber of Commerce.

Amy Benton ’90 2023 Leewynn Finklea Award recipient

In addition to serving as the 2021-23 president of the Alumni Association Board of Directors, Benton has a long resume with the Rotary Club of Peachtree City, including Rookie and Rotarian of the Year, and will serve as its next president. She earned a BS in biology in 1990 and received a teacher certification in grades 7-12 science, teaching 28 years of high school science in three states. She has won numerous awards in both teaching and in competitive cheer, serving as a coach for 23 years.

She has served faithfully on the Alumni Association Board for eight years and has led the charge for nearly two years as president, unifying the board and fostering an environment of service to the University. She met her husband Jeff ’92, ’96 at GSW and has a family full of GSW alumni.

She and her husband, who are both members of GSW’s President’s Circle of donors, can often be found at Kappa Sigma events or hosting reunions and events at their own home.

Barry Blount ’78 2023 Canes Community Champion

A lifetime resident of Americus and 1978 GSW graduate, Blount was the recipient of the first-ever Canes Community Champion Award. A 44year veteran of the banking industry, he has served customers at SB&T Bank, People’s Community Bank and Citizens Bank of Americus. He may argue his most important constituents were those he served as mayor of Americus during his 16 years in office. During his tenure as mayor, Blount was a champion for GSW and higher education, helping lead both GSW and South Georgia Technical College in the “Two Great Choices – One Great Community” campaign.

Now a life trustee for the GSW Foundation, Blount has served as treasurer, secretary, vice chair and chairman. Additionally, he has served as chairman of the Sumter County Chamber of Commerce and the Sumter County Development Authority. In 2008, he received the Aeolian Award for his distinguished service to GSW and achievement within his own career.

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Hugh Yaughn ’72 2023 Visionary Award recipient

Yaughn may be retired, but he is working harder now than ever for foster children, at-risk youth and families in need in the Bulloch County community. A 1972 education graduate, he played baseball for GSW and was member of Pi Kappa Phi fraternity. With a background in education and a desire to coach, Yaughn spent years doing both and was named 2001 Tattnall County Teacher of the Year.

Now in retirement and despite an auto-immune health challenge, he works tirelessly to serve needs in the Statesboro community with Fostering Bulloch, a Christian-based organization started by his son Chris that supports children in crisis situations. As part of that organization, Yaughn has been part of projects like Hope Chest, a 1,500 square foot emergency clothing closet that serves over 2,000 children annually, and 7th Mile Farm, a planned 30-acre outdoor recreation facility that will serve foster children and at-risk youth.

Brennon Sewell ’74 2023 Hall of Fame inductee

Sewell earned his Bachelor of Science in business administration with an accounting option in 1974. He served as the head coach for GSW Tennis from fall 1995 until his retirement in 2022. Throughout his 27 years of service to GSW, Coach Sewell put competitive programs on the court for both men’s and women’s tennis. He coached 20 National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics (NAIA) All-Americans, six NAIA Academic All Americans and players who held 13 individual national rankings. He was named Conference Coach of the Year four times and in 2001, he led the Hurricane men’s tennis team to a NAIA National Runner-Up finish.

Individually, Sewell has been ranked in the top 10 in the state of Georgia for players aged 35-45 and was a past Georgia State Men’s Singles Champion. He was also a winner in the Father/Son Doubles Championships.

Over 20 of Sewell's former GSW players accepted the award on his behalf, as he was unable to attend.

Nominations are now open for 2024

Nominate GSW alumni who have distinguished themselves as community leaders, innovators, and civic-minded individuals at gsw.edu/AlumniAwards. s Aeolian Award: This award is chosen based on outstanding lifetime achievement as a distinguished alumni and community leader.

s Family Legacy Award: This award recognizes a family with a multi-generational tradition of attending GSW and continued interest in and support of GSW.

s Visionary Award: This award is given to an entrepreneur/innovator for significant contributions to the advancement of a business or enterprise.

s Leewynn J. Finklea Award: Named in honor of our first alumni director, this award recognizes outstanding alumni service to GSW.

s Young Alumni of the Year: This award is given to an emerging leader making waves in their field as a positive role model and reflection on the University.

AEOLIAN MAGAZINE 2023 | 21

Alumni in the news Eric Holland ’00, ’03

Anthony Aikens ’98, ’00 was named

was named superintendent of Rome City Schools in Rome, Ga. by the Board of Education.

Holland has been an educator for 23 years and previously served as principal of Rome High School and of Marietta High School in Marietta, Ga.

superintendent of Crawford County Schools in Roberta, Ga. (WGXA)

Andrea Dozier ’04,

and the new city president for the Cordele, Ga. and Vienna, Ga. markets at South Georgia Banking Company. (Cordele Dispatch)

Albany State University’s interim Chair and Associate Professor in the Department of Nursing, was selected for the University System of Georgia's Executive Leadership Institute, a six-month program designed to develop high-performing and high-potential leaders across the USG. (Albany Herald)

Jennifer (Martinez) Walls ’15, head softball

Natasha Walden ’95, who retired from the U.S.

coach at Abraham Baldwin Agricultural College in Tifton, Ga., was named the 2022 Georgia Collegiate Athletic Association Coach of the Year. (Albany Herald)

Army after 20 years with the rank of first sergeant, was included in Marquis Who's Who for her service to veterans as outreach director of The Steven A. Cohen Military Family Clinic at Endeavors, a nationwide system of mental health clinics. (24-7pressrelease.com)

(Donalsonville News)

Frank Posey ’82 was named senior vice president

Jeremy Ellenberg ’14, film teacher and theatre coach at Dublin High School in Dublin, Ga., was named 2022 Beginning Teacher of the Year by the Georgia Association for Career and Technical Education. (WGXA)

Lisa (Smith) Perry ’96 was profiled as the owner and director of the Advocates for Autism Resource Center in Dawson, Ga. (Albany Herald)

Dean Burke ’77 resigned his state senate seat to become chief medical officer at the Department of Community Health, which manages public health programs and state health benefit plans. Burke, a retired obstetrics and gynecology physician, was first elected to

Anna (Zaldivar) Paller ’15 was recognized as one of the Atlanta JournalConstitution's 10 Nurse Excellence Award winners. A registered nurse in Marietta, Ga., Paller helped a 16-yearold girl who called the hospital looking for someone to talk her out of harming herself.

Paller reassured the girl, gained her trust, and got her to the hospital, where Paller met her with a hug and praise for reaching out for help. (Atlanta Journal-Constitution)

Michelle (Sealy) McGowan ’89, ’93 was

the state senate in 2013. (Atlanta Journal-Constitution)

promoted to Assistant Vice President for Academic Affairs at South Georgia Technical College's campus in Cordele, Ga. (Cordele Dispatch)

Quentin Fulks ’12 was profiled for his work as

Jay Jones ’12 was named principal of Houston

Sen. Raphael Warnock’s campaign chief. (AP News)

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County High School in Perry, Ga. (Middle Georgia CEO)

| alumni in the news

Patricia Starck ’59 was honored at the United Nations in May 2023 by the Nurses With Global Impact for her work producing the documentary Caring Corrupted: The Killing Nurses of the Third Reich. The film is required viewing for freshmen nursing students at several universities, including the University of Texas Health Science Center in Houston, Tex., where Starck is Dean Emerita. (Nurses With Global Impact)

Justin Neal ’17 was named general manager of Theatre Albany in Albany, Ga., a position that was vacant for the previous five years. (Albany Herald)

Charles Plant ’74, a veteran photographer who spent 30 years as President Jimmy Carter's go-to photographer in Georgia, developed a documentary to preserve some of his photos and memories with the Carters over the years. (WALB)

Chris Hosey ’87 was appointed director of the Georgia Bureau of Investigation by Gov. Brian Kemp. He has been with the GBI since 1987 and previously served as a narcotics agent, investigator, deputy directory of investigations, and, most recently, assistant director.

(Atlanta Journal-Constitution)

Wes Shiver ’03 was named head baseball coach at Lee County High School in Leesburg, Ga. (WALB)

Maggie Davidson ’13 was named director of Moultrie-Colquitt County Parks and Recreation after having been with the recreation authority since Jan. 2019 as its associate director and serving as interim director twice. (Moultrie Observer)

Craig Dowdy ’04 was promoted to East Atlanta

Lisa Harrell ’12 was named vice president of academic affairs at Albany Technical College in Albany, Ga. She has been at Albany Tech since 2012, previously serving as the department chair and an instructor for the hotel, restaurant and tourism management program.

(Albany Herald)

Alicia (Morgan) Ledbetter ’14 was named executive director of the One Sumter Economic Development Foundation in Americus, Ga. by the Board of Directors. (Albany Herald)

Patrice Little ’07 was profiled by Minority Nurse for her accomplishments and career in nursing. She is a senior policy advisor for the Future of Nursing: Campaign for Action, an initiative of AARP Foundation. Little has also advocated for the nursing workforce on Capitol Hill, has worked as a content producer for GPB, and is CEO of NP Student, a digital lifestyle and educational resource for nurse practitioner students. (Minority Nurse)

Grace (Hatcher) Adkins ’75 retired on her 95th birthday after teaching for 70 years at Westwood Schools in Camilla, Ga. and Deerfield Academy in Albany, Ga. (Simplemost)

The Hurricane Connector Stay up-to-date with alumni news, get early access to alumni events, and participate in exclusive giveaways with The Hurricane Connector, our monthly email newsletter for GSW alumni!

Subscribe at gsw.edu/AlumniUpdate.

President for United Community Bank in Atlanta, Ga. (Equipment Finance Advisor)

AEOLIAN MAGAZINE 2023 | 23

F a m i ly t r a d i t i o n |

Celebrating the Life and Legacy of

Ann Pittman Cook

By Rebekah McLeod

At age 102, Ann Pittman Cook was the oldest living alum at the time of this interview in September 2022, when we had the privilege of sitting down with her in her home in Cordele, Ga., to ask her about her life, her family and her time as an award-winning athlete in college. Mrs. Cook graduated from Georgia Southwestern College in 1939. She and her husband, Kenneth, had two sons, five grandchildren and nine great grandchildren, with a total of nine family members over three generations who either graduated from or are currently enrolled at GSW. Sadly, Mrs. Cook—affectionately known as Mema to her family—passed away on May 31, 2023 prior to the Aeolian’s release. Her legacy of faith, kindness and dedication to family will continue to impact all those who knew and loved her.

“A

nn Cook made the world a better place and had fun doing it,” said Lee Guerry, Mrs. Cook’s friend and the former associate pastor at Cordele First United Methodist Church, in a letter read at her funeral. Ann was a devoted, lifelong member of the Methodist Church, and it was where she first met her husband, Kenneth, whose father was the pastor at First United Methodist in Americus, Ga. Ann and Kenneth met at the church’s youth program when Ann was 17, but they did not begin dating until after Ann finished college in 1939.

While at GSW, Ann played on the All-Star Speedball team during her freshman year (1937-38) and the All-Star Basketball team during her sophomore year (1938-39). When asked about her years as an athlete, Ann said, “Those were my serious years…I won the high jump! There’s a picture in my album of me running the hundred yard dash…”

Kenneth attended GSW for a short time in 1942 until he joined the military. Ann recounted the story with her natural exuberance and an uncanny memory for details at age 102: "We married in 1941; Ken [Jr.] was born in 1943. The draft board in Americus told Kenneth they would not draft him until Ken was born. About a month

Above: Ann's family attend her funeral in May 2023. Top right: Ann and Kenneth, Sr. in Atlanta on his first day back stateside after World War II. Middle right: Ann at her home in Cordele. Bottom right: Kenneth, Sr. (standing) and Joe (seated) in Joe's office at the family electrical company.

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| f a m i ly t r a d i t i o n

Left: Ann reminisces about her time at GSW. Middle: Ann is pictured here during her in the 1939 Gale, her sophomore year at GSW. Right: Ann crosses the finish line at a 1939 race.

before he knew he would be drafted, Kenneth enlisted in the Navy. He left when Ken was about three months old and served on a [patrol torpedo] boat in the South Pacific. We didn’t see him again until the end of the war in 1947. I wrote to him every day.

There's a picture of me and Kenneth walking down the street in Atlanta; I couldn’t drive, so my brother, Dale, took me to Atlanta to meet Kenneth after he was released from the Navy."

Ann and Kenneth had two sons, Kenneth, Jr. ʼ63 and Joe ʼ69, both of whom became GSW alumni and successful businessmen. Kenneth, Jr. worked in sales for Metropolitan Life Insurance in Albany, Ga., and Joe became CEO and owner of the business his father started, Cook Industrial Electric Company. Ann tells the story of how she and Kenneth moved to Cordele in 1963 with little money and the hope of building a business: "I was ready to go until the actual move date came. Joe was 17 at the time and he was very shy; I was shy back then too, if you can believe it! [laughter] Kenneth asked me to give him a year in Cordele, and if we didn’t adjust he would move us back to Americus. But in that year, Cordele became home. We redid that building, which had been a cotton warehouse. I had never worked before, but I did work for ten years helping Kenneth get established. He worked real hard; he wanted to amount to something, and he made a success of that business. But then when his health was bad, he turned the business over to Joe, and Joe has done a wonderful job."

Joe and his wife, Diane, have two children. Kenneth, Jr. and his wife, Rachael — a 1967 GSW graduate — have three children, Cary, Rebecca, and Kenneth “Ross,” who carried on both his mother and grandmother’s legacy and graduated from GSW in 2001.

Ann’s grandson, Cary, and his wife, Julie, have four children, three of whom have attended or are currently attending GSW as well: Ellie ’19 who inherited her great-grandmother’s athletic ability and played softball while at GSW; Hannah ’23 who, as a member of the President Jimmy Carter Leadership Program, was involved on campus like her great-grandmother; and John, a pre-accounting major with a wicked sense of humor, just like Ann. David, their fourth son, has plans to take over the family electrical business in Cordele.

As grandson Cary noted in her eulogy, Ann was funny, loving, kind, meticulous, intelligent and witty. “She lived her life with a smile, a quick wit and a listening ear.”

“Mema was really proud of her time at GSW. She fondly remembered her time at Southwestern and, the week before she passed, talked about playing basketball, the high jump record she set, [breaking] her own record,” Cary recalled.

“You know,” Ann told Cary, “I had really long legs.”

In the 84 years since Ann was a student, Georgia Southwestern has undergone dramatic growth. On this, Ann can attest: “The campus is entirely different now. It was just the main building and a gym when I was there. I lived on Hancock Drive, and we all walked to GSW every day. We walked back home at noontime and then back after dinner — we called lunch 'dinner' back then — and thought nothing of it.”

Times have certainly changed, but the values that Ann held dear—friendship, laughter and family—continue to resonate with those who have benefited from knowing her. She couldn’t contain her pride when reminiscing on the role GSW has played in so much of her family’s life: “Georgia Southwestern is a first-class college. You’re proud to say you’re a part of it.”s

AEOLIAN MAGAZINE 2023 | 25

ALUMNI EVENTS 2024

Irish Splendor October 24-31, 2024

Homecoming & Family Weekend

Explore Dublin, the Rock of Cashel, Blarney Castle, the Dingle Peninsula and the majestic Irish coast. The $3,049 per person (double rate) pricing* includes 8 days/7 nights and nine meals. This includes a $400 discount per person for bookings made before April 24, 2024.

ft. Football, Cheer & Band Reunion October 9-14, 2023 Celebrate GSW and revisit campus this fall. Former Hurricane football players, cheerleaders and band members are invited to attend a special reunion and recognition on Saturday, October 14. For details, visit gsw.edu/Homecoming.

Greece Island Hopper April 25 - May 5, 2025 Tour historic sites including the Acropolis in Athens and the excavation site of Akrotiri. Enjoy island living on Mykonos and Santorini. The $5,049 per person (double rate) pricing* includes 11 days/10 nights and 14 meals.

Gold Force Gala January 27, 2024 This black tie fundraiser for student scholarships includes dinner, a silent auction, live band and dancing, and will honor our 2024 outstanding alumni. Sponsorships and tickets are available at gsw.edu/GoldForceGala.

Alumni Reunions NPHC Greek Reunion February 9-11, 2024

GSW Baseball & Softball Reunion April 12-13, 2024

Iceland's Magical Northern Lights Fall 2025 Chase the Northern Lights as you drift along on an evening starlit cruise and explore Iceland's natural wonders. Dates and pricing* coming soon. *Pricing for all international trips includes air fare, hotels, ground transportation, tours, and a set number of meals.

For more information about upcoming alumni events and trips, visit gsw.edu/Alumni or contact Angela Smith, Alumni Affairs Specialist, at 229-928-1373 or at angela.smith@gsw.edu.

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Nearly 40 explore Italy on GSW Alumni Association trip to Tuscany and Rome 38 alumni and friends traveled to Tuscany in March 2023. The group, ranging in age from 21 to 77, explored the rolling hills of Tuscany over their seven-night stay in the famous resort and spa town Montecatini Terme. Highlights of the trip included a Tuscan cooking class and visits to Florence, Lucca, Pisa, San Gimignano and an excursion to Cinque Terre in the Italian Riviera. Twelve also traveled early on an four-day extension to Rome.

Ready to book your international or domestic getaway?

Travel with the GSW Alumni Association

Book your own adventure with Collette

Check out upcoming international trips hosted by the GSW Alumni Association at gsw.edu/AlumniTravel.

All GSW alumni and friends are invited!

Book any Collette Tours trip by calling 800.437.0235.

Mention code U001.AX1.918 and group name Georgia Southwestern State University to support scholarships.

AEOLIAN MAGAZINE 2023 | 27

ALUMNI scene SGA Presidents Reunion

Nine former Student Government Association presidents visited campus and were recognized by the current SGA members at the Blue & Gold Week basketball games on Feb. 18, 2023.

New Year's in Costa Rica Nine alumni and friends rang in 2023 in Costa Rica, with tour highlights including the tropical wildlife, the food and the culture.

River Dragons in Columbus

Sigma Chi Beach Trip

Alumni enjoyed dinner at Smoke Bourbon & BBQ before watching the River Dragons take on the Port Huron Howlers in Feb. 2023

In May 2023, 1970s and 1980s Sigma Chi alumni and spouses gathered for their 8th annual beach trip.

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NPHC Reunion Over 300 NPHC alumni gathered on campus Feb. 10-12, 2023. The weekend included a banquet honoring charter members of each organization, a tailgate prior to Hurricanes basketball games, an alumni stroll off and a brunch.

Baseball & Softball Alumni Weekend Baseball and softball alumni gathered on campus Mar. 24-26 for games, the new softball locker room ribbon cutting and a salute to 50 years of Title IX by recognizing Lou Chase and the 1979 GSW softball team, the first to compete in college play at GSW.

AEOLIAN MAGAZINE 2023 | 29

Alumni Scene |

Atlanta Braves at Truist Park Over 60 alumni and friends enjoyed the private rooftop cabanas before cheering on the Braves on Jun. 10, 2023.

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IN MEMORIAM |

COLLECTED THROUGH JUNE 2023

Annie Mae (Barber) Rolt, ’36 Thomasville, GA

Jack Lester Kennedy, ’59 Register, GA

Larry L. Underwood, ’70 Americus, GA

Bertie Maxine (Hancock) Lincoln, ’37 Centralia, MO

Jewel (Beauchamp) Torbert, ’59 Smithville, GA

Johnnie (Teate) Williams, ’70, ’80 Americus, GA

Ann Pittman Cook, ’39 Cordele, GA

James Lee White, ’59 Ochlocknee, GA

Mary Meng (Askew) Hayes, ’71 Vienna, GA

Lois Ann (Jackson) Colvin, ’41 Sandy Springs, GA

Frederick N. Dorminy, ’60 Thomasville, GA

Neil Bowen McGahee, ’71 Pinehurst, GA

Tim Furlow Gatewood, ’42 Americus, GA

William Douglas Grubbs, ’60 Savannah, GA

Thaddeus Jefferson Wallis, II, ’71 Americus, GA

Grace (Carswell) Bell, ’43 Macon, GA

Amelia Patton Cohen, ’61 Americus, GA

Joseph Wayne Wilson, ’71 West Point, GA

Sybil (Horne) Crawford, ’43 Jacksonville, GA

Joyce (Cheek) Dunmon, ’61 Americus, GA

Marijane (Johnson) Woodward, ’71 Americus, GA

Robert P. Bright, Jr., ’47 Cordele, GA

Mary Eloise Green, ’61 Leesburg, GA

Royce B. Inlow, ’72 Albany, GA

Daniel E. Rhyne ’47 Americus, GA

Susan (Gleaton) Thompson, ’61 Coleman, GA

Robert Allen Maddox, ’72 Cordele, GA

Louis Bridges, ’48 Americus, GA

John Gordon Barksdale III, ’62 Madison, GA

John Timothy "Tim" Matthews, ’73 Weston, GA

William J. Freeman, ’48 Jacksonville, FL

Herman Fletcher, ’62 Newnan, GA

James Ernest Medlin, ’73 Montezuma, GA

Joyce (White) Easterlin, ’49 Americus, GA

Gaye Nell (Peavy) Gibbs, ’62 Dexter, GA

Donald Lee Easom, ’73 Vienna, GA

Hollis Elbert Cherry, ’81 Valdosta, GA

Sara Frances (Horne) Harrington, ’49 Ann (Nettles) Downer, ’63 Homewood, IL Dawson, GA

Ronald Duain Newsome, ’73 Dublin, GA

Wardlow Augustus Johnson, ’49 Macon, GA

Mabel (Smith) Keene, ’68 Oglethorpe, GA

Douglas Nelson Stanford, ’73 Cordele, GA

Mittie Carter (Wallace) Sellars, ’49 Ellaville, GA

Jean (Baxter) Parker, ’68 Marietta, GA

Bobby H. Strange, Sr., ’49 Americus, GA

William Scott Wheeless, ’68 Thomaston, GA

Bert (Lewis) Beisel, ’50 Americus, GA

John Arthur Albritton, ’69 Cobb, GA

Earnest Earl Gammage, ’50 Americus, GA

Sandra Jo (Mathews) Greene, ’69 Americus, GA

Sara Lou (Anderson) Stevenson, ’50 Americus, GA

Robert J. Powell, ’69 Cordele, GA

Ruth (Marshall) Thomas, ’51 Albany, GA

Willie Clyde Raybon, ’69 Americus, GA

Sylvester McCorkle, ’52 Buena Vista, GA

Randy Deryl Tucker, ’69 Spring Hill, TN

Gloria (Callahan) Robinson, ’52 Atlanta, GA

Thomas Duane Wichman, ’69 Savannah, GA

Joseph Earl Slappey, Sr., ’52 Marietta, GA

Sandra (Hodge) Farnsworth, ’70, ’75 Americus, GA

Florence (Bridges) Thompson, ’52 Fort Walton Beach, FL

Richard Bryce Folger, ’70 Lilburn, GA

Cecil S. Hanner, ’54 Columbus, GA

Ed Thomas Fulford, ’70 Albany, GA

Bruce Edwin Hatcher, ’55 Jacksonville, FL

Anthony Noble Lancaster, ’70 Oakwood, GA

Johnnie Myrle (Maddox) Hatcher, ’55 Jacksonville, FL

Samuel David Mason, ’70 Americus, GA

Nancy Jane Kuykendall, ’55

Mary (Williams) Middlebrooks, ’70 Anderson, SC

Billie Bruce Jones, Jr., ’57 Albany, GA Franklin H. Hardin, ’58 Americus, GA Frances (Dillard) Chappell, ’59 Americus, GA

Ronald A. Reed, ’70 Pinehurst, GA Norris D. Steavens, ’70 Albany, GA

J. Brennon Sewell, ’74 Nov. 23, 1947 - Mar. 13, 2023 Sewell retired from GSW after 27 years as Head Coach for men’s and women’s tennis teams in June 2022. At GSW, he earned Wilson’s Men’s NAIA National Coach of the Year and was Conference Coach of the Year four times.

He was inducted into the GSW Athletics Hall of Fame in 2023.

Sewell earned his bachelor's degree at GSW after serving a tour of duty in Vietnam.

Robbie L. Ray, ’83 Vienna, GA

Sherry (Settles) Middleton, ’86 Blakely, GA Helen Virginia (Owens) Blomeyer, ’74 Kevin Douglas Wille, ’86 Buena Vista, GA Americus, GA Gwendolyn (King) Butler, ’74 Linda Pheil Johnson, ’91 Americus, GA Cordele, GA Opal (Rogers) Cannon, ’74 Russell Dean Mathis, ’91 Albany, GA Albany, GA Freddie Tom Abernathy, ’75 Bonita Fran (Batey) Pullin, ’92 Albany, GA Cordele, GA Gerry Scott Busby, ’75 Dian (Hufstetler) Tomlin, ’96 Unadilla, GA Dawson, GA Howard W. Andrews, ’76 Robbie L. Ray, ’98 Cuthbert, GA Vienna, GA Cheryl Anne (Swinney) Couturier, ’76 Byron Clark Jakes, ’00 Savannah, GA Columbus GA Sarah F. (Morgan) Pride, ’76, ’79 Katrina Latrice (Workman) Jakes, ’02 Americus, GA Columbus, GA William Arthur Adair, ’77 Lori (McGlamory) Hoffman, ’03 Albany, GA Americus, GA Jeffrey P. Couturier, ’77 Antoinette Charise Jenkins, ’14 Savannah, GA Albany, GA John Benson Dorsey, ’77 Amy Michelle (Nelson) Conner, ’19 Americus, GA Fayetteville, GA Rhonda C. (McInvale) Sanders, ’78 Margaret (Hunt) Brown Cordele, GA Kill Devil Hills, NC Jennifer "Jenny" Barfield, ’79 Shirley Elaine Claxton Macon, GA Swainsboro, GA Annie Lucille (Murphy) Lynch, ’79, ’90 Martha (Driskell) Hawkins Albany, GA Port Orange, FL Marian C. (Chandler) Bowen, ’80 Betty (Hawkes) Todd Vienna, GA Americus, GA Andy David Dykes, ’80 Reynolds, GA

AEOLIAN MAGAZINE 2023 | 31

CLASS NOTES |

SUBMITTED THROUGH JUNE 2023

1950s

1990s

2000s

1958 Sidney Brown is a retired professor and administrator from the University of Georgia and is living in Statham, Ga.

1992 David Roach was named chief strategic projects officer for Flowers Foods, Inc. in Thomasville, Ga.

2000 Jessique Kelly is married with two children and living in her home country of Aruba, where she is a pulmonary function technician.

1970s 1972 Mary (Wade) Hosley is a retired registered nurse living in Columbus, Ga. 1977 Calvin McWilliams lives in Columbus, Ga.

1980s 1981 William H. Pate currently lives in Valdosta, Ga. 1982 Bonnie Yvette Jones is a retired information technology manager for the State of Georgia and current adjunct instructor for Georgia Piedmont Technical College. In addition to her BBA from GSW, she holds an MS in administration from Central Michigan University. She lives in Conyers, Ga. with her husband, Donald, Sr., and son, Donald, Jr. (DJ).

1986 Barbara (Smith) Godwin taught 35 years in the Grady County School System before retiring.

1989 Julie Higgins retired from Sumter EMC after 33 years.

3 2 | G SW. E D U

1995 Shakira Rice is the director of community Engagement for Clayton County Schools in Jonesboro, Ga. She was a speaker in an 11Alive program focusing on Atlanta's Black youth and safety, mentorship and resources.

1998 Anntoinette Briley wrote "Welcome To...," an inspirational phrase book.

She is currently a licensed professional counselor, national certified counselor in mental health and a juvenile sexual offender counselor. She maintains a private practice and volunteers at the YMCA of Columbus, Ga. and Child Advocacy Center of LaGrange, Ga. Shelisa Henley is an educational psychologist living in Warner Robins, Ga. 1999 Turner Floyd was named principal of Early County Middle School in Blakely, Ga., where he and his wife Brandy (Smith) Floyd ʼ99 currently live.

Lisa Sullivan is a crisis responder with the Department of Veteran Affairs in Albany, Ga. She earned a Master of Social Work in 2022.

2004 Ashleigh (Spence) Butler serves as the Marion County Middle High School marketing teacher. She was a 2023 Gold Apple recipient and coach for several winning Georgia Movie Academy teams, including the 2023 State First Place team for Grades 6-8 and the 2022 State First Place teams for Grades 6-8 and 9-12.

Waliek Copeland released his first children's book, "Lewis and His Three Wishes," in Nov. 2022.

Mike Enfinger retired from South Georgia Technical College in Americus, Ga. as an industrial electrical and air conditioning technology instructor after 30 years.

2008 Jacqueline Horsley of Preston, Ga. was hired as an accounting technician for South Georgia Technical College's Americus campus. She and husband, Alfred, have two daughters, Chelsea and Tamika, and two grandchildren, Zoe and DJ. Christopher Webb serves as vice president for strategy and analytics of The Honey Pot Company.

He graduated with dual BBAs in marketing and management and has

earned an MBA from the University of Georgia. He now resides in Naples, Fla. 2009 Jake Fountain is currently an assistant professor of mycotoxicology and postharvest pathology at the University of Georgia's College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences in Griffin, Ga. Fountain received his M.Sc. from Louisiana State University in 2013 and his Ph.D. from UGA in 2017.

2010s 2012 David Bradshaw currently lives in Irvine, Calif.

Stephanie (Brooks) Schriefer is a human resource associate for Belk department stores and a training coordinator at the Marine Corps Logistics Base in Albany, Ga. 2015 Kelli (Morrow) Ward was named Rookie Referee of the Year for Georgia High School Association basketball. She is an 8th grade science teacher at Georgia Military College Preparatory School in Milledgeville, Ga. Ward is a breast cancer survivor and founder of the Survivor On Purpose, LLC clothing brand, which helps inspire and encourage all breast cancer survivors.

2016 Jason Maxwell is a system administrator for Capital City Bank in Tallahassee, Fla. He earned his BS in information technology at GSW.

FUTURE HURRICANES BORN JULY 2022 - JUNE 2023

2017 Carrie (Turner) Bachhofer is currently working as a nursing lecturer in GSW's School of Nursing and as a part-time RN at the Phoebe Sumter Medical Center oncology clinic. She worked for five years in emergency room nursing with a specialty in pediatric emergency. Bachhofer earned her MSN at GSW in 2020 and was named Georgia Association of Nursing Students (GANS) Advisor of the Year at the GANS convention in Oct. 2022. She and husband Michael have two children, Maelynn and Greyson.

Shawn Burnette was named coordinator of student activities at Abraham Baldwin Agricultural College in Tifton, Ga. He earned his BA in history with teaching certification in 2017.

Kristina Money works in case management and earned her master's degree in forensic psychology. She lives in Americus, Ga. William Searcy is an actor and graphic designer living in Albany, Ga. with husband Jack Zumwalt.

2018 Jonathan Hobbs graduated with his D.Sc. in information technology from Middle Georgia State University in May 2023. He is an assistant professor in GSW's College of Business and Computing.

Cortney King is the STOP school violence project director with United Way SWGA in Albany, Ga.

2019 Alexia Chambers is a finance analyst in Acworth, Ga. She also earned her MBA from GSW in 2023.

Several proud GSW alumni welcomed little Canes this past year! Send us a photo of your Future Hurricane to be featured in next year's magazine by submitting a class note at gsw.edu/AlumniUpdate.

2020s 2020 Haley Exum works in information technology in Tallahassee, Fla. Destany Ware is a research associate at Augusta University's Medical College of Georgia Department of Neuroscience and Regenerative Medicine studying Alzheimer's. She is a graduate of the University of Georgia with an MS in epidemiological public health and was chosen as the College's national ambassador for the This Is Public Health association.

2021 Kamryn Owens joined Thomas & Hutton as a project administrator.

2022 Brandon Blue serves as a success coach and retention specialist for Chattahoochee Community College. He and wife Lauren (Sawyer) Blue ʼ22 live in Columbus, Ga. with daughter Anna Jo'el.

Lauren is a family support specialist with Healthy Families Columbus.

Haley (Strickland) McGuire of Leesburg, Fla. married Bryce McGuire ʼ20 on May 25, 2023.

2023 Mark Ingrassia is a talent acquisition manager living in Alpharetta, Ga.

1

2

3

4

5

6

7

8

1. Zachary Royal ’07 and Rebecca (Stephens) Royal ’10, ’11 welcomed Emilia Lee on Jan. 13, 2023. She joins big brother Elijah.

5. Chandler Wright ’22 and Katie (Carver) Wright ’22 welcomed Austin Shiloh on Jun. 6, 2023.

2. Jon Arthur ’21 and Lily (Ingle) Arthur ’21 welcomed Margot Sloane on Mar. 22, 2023.

3. Drew Flanders ’20 and Kate (Arnold) Flanders ’20, who met on campus just two days after freshman Move-In Day, welcomed Riley Andrew in May 2023.

4. Savanna (Hufstetler) Hamilton ’20, ’22 and her husband, Daniel, welcomed Wesley on Oct. 27 2022.

He joins big brother Dean.

6. Savana (Arwood) Jones ’22 and her husband, Braxton, welcomed Ella James on Apr. 29, 2023. Baby Ella underwent open heart surgery at three days old and has since been diagnosed with Williams Syndrome, a rare genetic disorder.

7. Tyler Small and Aubrey (Tinklepaugh) Small ’12 welcomed Lydia Grace on Aug. 3, 2022.

8. Emily (Abell) Waters ’18 and her husband, Levi, welcomed Dawson on Jul. 13, 2023.

AEOLIAN MAGAZINE 2023 | 33

2022 GIVING

s President’s Circle ($1,000 +) Abbott Laboratories Margaret & Sam Adams Advent Business Interiors Vivian & Newton Allen Christine & James Aller Allstate Construction Americus Civitan Club Sigma Chi Alumni, Americus Americus Times-Recorder Debra & Ervin Anderson Michelle & Ben Andrews Jane & Ricky Arnold Troy Athon Andrew Austin Deborah & Dwight Bales George Banketas Abby & Richard Baringer Amy & Jeff Benton Jan & William Bird Carol & Joe Bishop Susan & Allan Bonagura Laura Boren Shay & William Bradshaw Christie Bryant Joyce Buchanan Jean & James Buchanan Everett Byrd Calhoun Landscaping Regena & Charles Callaway The Canterbury Kitchen Joyce & Douglas Carreker Center for Educational Adventure Century 21 Americus Realty Bennieta & William Chappell Lou Chase Chattahoochee Turf Products Gaynor & Mike Cheokas Katherine & William Chester Citizens Bank of Americus Dana & Tommy Clark Marilyn & William Cleveland Janice Cliett Clinic Drug Store Coca-Cola Bottling Co. Jane & Larry Comer Foundation Sandra & John Coombs

Cooper Lighting Solutions Timothy Cranford Joe Daniel Sandra & Arthur Daniel Marie & Jimmy Davis Mary Kathryn & Rick Davis Kelsie & Cam Deiter Susan & George Dieckmann Draw Products Ashli & Joshua Drew Hellen & Walter Driggers Leila & James Dudley Catherine & Terrence Duncan Charles Eames Mary Elizabeth & Will Easterlin Eaton Corporation Elisabeth & Thomas Elder Enterprise Holdings Foundation First State Bank of Americus Charles Fitch Angela & Rob Fletcher Cheryl & Mike Fletcher Flint Energies Foundation Mary & Walt Foegelle Darrell Ford Lisa & Allen Fort Tamlin Fortner Merrit & Ryan Garnto Gatewood's Flower Shop Georgia Power Foundation Georgia United Methodist Foundation Carol & Tom Giddens Sandra & Harold Gillis Ginger Starlin Agency Sue Musselwhite Gorski Jane & Adam Graft Lauren & Dan Grahl Kay Dee & David Green Melinda & Royce Hackett Lindsay & Jeff Hall Ann & Bill Harris Gaye & John Hayes Anne & Dan Helms Hewitt Charitable Giving Lana & Len Hicks Leon Holloway Catherine & Lee Holman Thomas Holman Reba & Sam Hunter

Innovative Senior Solutions David Jenkins Johnson Controls Security Bill Johnston Christine & Wally Joiner Junior Service League of Americus K & S Transportation Kappa Kappa Chapter of Kappa Sigma Fraternity Alumni Foundation Sandra & Billy King Sharon & Cody King Janet & Hulme Kinnebrew Thomas M. & Irene B. Kirbo Charitable Foundation Charlotte & Harry Kitchen Kayla Langley Annie & Walter Lanter Lisa & Tracy Law Jodie & Mike Leeder Teresa MacCartney Magnolia Manor, Inc. Elaine & Brian Mallett Mary Marshall Mattie Marshall Foundation Martin A. McDonald State Farm Laura & Barry McConatha Christi & Josh McDonald Dianne & Edison McDonald Paula & Marty McDonald Susan & Benny McLendon Charles Mix Memorial Fund Jennifer & Billy Mix Jan & Larry Moore Yolanda & Doug Moses Jamey Mullin Susan & Roger Myers Marjorie Ann & Jerry Newman Mark Pace David Parker Roy Parker Family Foundation Parker's Heating & Air Conditioning Brett Payne Ravae & Justin Payne Peach State Depression Glass Club Anne & George Peagler Marianne & Jimmy Peel Brook & William Peterson

Tammye Pettyjohn Jones Alice & Benny Phillips Phoebe Sumter Medical Center Ann & Clifford Pierce Lisa & Lee Pinnell JoAnn & Ed Pope Brenda & Bobby Potter Susan & Allen Potter Richard Price Candice & Michael Pruett Spence Pryor Lynda Lee & Frank Purvis Beth Ragan Michele & Mike Ragsdale Shirley & Richard Reese Candy & Lou Riccardi Glenn Robins Rotary Club of Americus Liz & Joe Ruf Jim and Judy Rylander Foundation Karen & Randy Sanders Kristi & Daniel Sanders Sharon & John Sanders Katha & Michael Scott Megan & Jonathan Scott Leonard Sendek Gay & Bill Sheppard Simplex Nails Angela & Rene Smith Charlie and Eugenia Smith Foundation Libba & Michael Smith Pam & Herschel Smith Suzanne Smith & Brett Lloyd Brandy & Steven Snell Leah & Stephen Snyder Southern Company Foundation Southland Academy Foundation Jesse Storr Amber & John Stovall Jane & Rolan Sumner Sumter Electric Membership Corporation Sumter Historic Trust Synovus Financial Krystal & James Terry Thirteenth Colony Distillery Dianna & John Thomas Russell Thomas Jr. Mildred & Hap Tietjen Betty Tillery

Tina & Mark Todd Mary & Dan Torbert Shay & George Torbert TSG Resolute TSYS Marianne & Alf Tuggle Terrell Turner Alex & Wesley Turner Carla & Ty Turner University System of Georgia Foundation Tonya & Neal Vickers Douglas Vines Judy & Jody Wade MaryLen & Carson Walker Walmart Foundation Astrid & Carlyle Walton Betty Anne & Eddie Ward Augusta Howard Warren Fund Lettie Watford Elaine & Butch Watts Kristi & Neal Weaver Diane & Bill Weldon Michelle & Scott Westbrook Janet & Michael Weston Kelley & Rick Whaley Jean & Wes Wheeler Liz Wilson Frances Wood Wilson Foundation Wine & Spirits Wholesalers of Georgia Wolf Creek Plantation Mandy & Ryan Young

s Southwestern Society ($500 - $999 ) Rachel Abbott Americus Police Benevolence Fund Kathy & Alan Anderson Arrow Exterminators, Inc. Karen & Gregory Austin Carolyn & David Barlow Pat Barnard Kathy & Greg Barnetson Marc Besso Mark Bowen Kristen & Tim Brooks Brown Processing Inc. Robert Bunch Carter's Fried Chicken Ann Cofer

*Every attempt has been made to ensure the accuracy of these giving records for the 2022 calendar year. We apologize if any names are omitted or listed in error.

3 4 | G SW. E D U

| 2022 GIVING

Chelsea & Logan Collins Larry Cooley Kristin & Les Cromer Richard Culpepper Chad Davis Dina Deason Sonja & Kevin Duggar Michelle Dykes Kerry Edwards Amy & Marty Edwards Diane & Douglas Filer Jim Fleming Flint Equipment Co. Fredrick Ford Fraternal Order of Police Raffle Account Friends of Downtown Americus Destiny Garrett Gatewood, Skipper & Rambo, P.C. Linnie & Randy Gilliam Kimberly Gramling Pamela & Mark Grimes Cherilyn & Buddy Guth Rene & Boyd Hagerson Dawn Hart Cara & Darryl Hawkins Paul Hegeman Industry Visuals Lee Johnson Nancy & Randy Jones Ann & Eddie Landers Louis A. Riccardi D.D.S., P.C.; N. Alex Riccardi D.M.D Jimmy Lunsford Cecilia Maldonado Elizabeth & James McDonel Mark Minick Jake Mobley William Morgan Kelvin Moses Christopher Mukes Susie & Rufus Payne Connie & Junior Peeples Dusty Peppers Jeryl Pinnell Rebecca & Charles Pryor R & S Sports, Inc. Cindy & Thomas Rachels Emmy & Blake Reid Brenda & Dick Robbins Allison & Rocky Roquemore Diane Ryan Seafood Center, Inc. Mike Self Susan & William Seth

Wesley Shiver Jane & Don Sibler Barbara & Dennis Smith Steven-Kaye II, Inc. Jennifer & Jay Stevens Hayley & Cody Stripling Steven Sumner Sumter Partners, LLC Julie & David Suppes Beverly & Milton Sutherlin Tamarack Foods, LLC John Tankersley Francie & Mark Taylor Lionel Thomas Harrison Timberlake Mandy Timmons Kathleen & Dave Tucker U.S. Screen Printing and Signs, LLC Jeff Van Coney Watts Family Charitable Fund Wells Fargo Bank, N.A. Whaley Realty, Inc. Mary Anne & Freddy Whitacre Wes Wicker Ashley & Greg Williams Windsor Hotel James Wolfe

s Tower Club ($250 - $499 ) Adkins Rental Holdings, LLC Scott Adkins AECI Karin & Aubrey Allen Vicente Amaya Riley Anderson Juan Anderson Ashley & Taylor Austin Larry Bachle Sherrell Bailey Martha & Jim Bailey Lynn Bailey Mikela Barlow Ashley & Justin Beauchamp Beck, Owen & Murray Attorneys at Law Kathleen & Robert Bolton Booger Bottom Chris & Hary Bottka Mimi & John Bridge John Brooks Vanna Brown Allen Brown

Diane & Charles Cagle Tabatha & Wesley Cameron Brian Campbell Chambliss, Sheppard, Roland & Associates, LLP Colony Bank Suzanne Conner Carla Cook Dianne & Donald Cook Signe & Aaron Coombs Santita Coon Debra & James Craig Adam Crawford Danielle & Eric Crawford Dottie Cummings Faye & Jim Curry Bryan Davis DBA Roundball Round-Up Decorating Unlimited Darcy Donaldson Diane Dottorey Gene Dunmon Edward Jones - Mark Hayes Edward Jones - Roland Hancock, III Luke Ellis Joan & Allen Erkhart Denise & Brad Etter Ugo Ezema Farmers Seed & Feed Lynda & John Fields Randy Fulford G & C Thurmond Enterprises, LLC Marilyn Ganter George's Men's Wear Georgia Power Kenneth Gillam Linda & Dave Glatz Kris Goff Catherine Goodwin J. Michael Greene, P.C. Shannon GreeneSpanolios Patti & Jimbo Griffith Desiree & Allen Grimsley Linda Grimsley Gisele & John Gunderman Joanna & Larry Gurchiek Gyro City Mediterranean Grill Connie & Mike Hammack Courtney Harmon Jerry Hillhouse Jonathan Hobbs Haley & Landon Hobgood Hyvonda & Steve Holmes Brenda & Ted Horton

Theresa & Courtney Houston Donna & Ron Hudson Ramona & Slade Hunt Kevin Jackson Phil Jennings Jessica S. Brown DMD, LLC Susan & David Johnson Terri & Jeff Joiner William Kell Carol & Kyle Kennon Barbara & Stephen Kieran Daniel Kimball Jamie Kinsley L & L Real Estate L&S Construction, Inc. La Hacienda of Americus Lacy Paint & Body Shop, Inc. Lanier Capital Management, Inc. Diane & Wade Law Nicki Levering Deborah & Dennis Levering Judy Lloyd Brittany & Brett LutherJones David Luvin Page & Daniel Lynn Julieann & Jeff Mamatas Mane Focus, Inc. Nicole & Pat McCarthy Carley & Justin McDonald Mollie McGowan Ashley & Jason McGuire Brittany & Matthew McKenzie Mark McKoy Minick Interiors, Inc. Sallie & Danny Minick Holly & Jason Mitchell Mike Monduy Monroe's Hotdogs Lou Ann Moord Kathryn & Brent Moore Michael Morgan Virginia & Joseph Mortillaro Toni & Brent Mueller Deidre & Daniel Nelson North Florida Notifier, LLC Lynn & James Norton Betsy Olson Sharon & Eddie Owens Brannon Parks Eloise Paschal Paul Carter Insurance Agency

Samuel Peavy Sheila & Carlos Phillips Mavis Phillips Andrea & Keith Pinckard Donald Pinette Beverly Pressley Protective FORCES, Inc. Madison Ragan Wilma Ragan-Martin Becky & David Ragsdale Nick Ray Allene & Sparky Reeves Lindsey Roberts Missy & Jamie Roland Pam & Rick Ross Mandy & Alex Saratsiotis Dimitris Saratsiotis Shelia & Rodney Saunders Delaine Savoy Scott's Jewelry Jane & Joey Sellers Luanne & JB Sewell Shannon & Dane Shepard Shiver Lumber Company Susan & Joseph Slappey Debra Sloan Rhonda Slocumb Emily & Justin Smith Nancy & Wilkie Smith Jontu Solomon Stay Better Vacation Greg Stock Sumter Broadcasting Company Sumter County Chamber of Commerce Melanie & John Sutton Synovus Bank John Taylor Teresa & Keith Teasley The Maze Darrin Theriault Traci & Rusty Tondee Katie & Josh Tondee Total Truth Restoration Ministries Irina Toteva Tree Toppers of Georgia, Inc. Mike Verner Shannon & Marcus Wainright Brenda Gail & Daniel Wall Christie Ward Barbara & John Watford Paula & Nick Weaver Morgan & Jimmy Whaley Rusty Whaley Betsy & David Whitaker

*Every attempt has been made to ensure the accuracy of these giving records for the 2022 calendar year. We apologize if any names are omitted or listed in error.

AEOLIAN MAGAZINE 2023 | 35

2022 GIVING |

Jeremy Wicker Chan Winget Wolf Creek Sod, Inc. Shannon & Steve Wood Valerie & Rusty Wynn Stephanie Young Danny Zarzutzki

s Century Club ($100-$249) 1800 Mexican Restaurant, Inc. 2 Dukes Bar-B-Que Lewis Adams Annette & Brian Adler Advantage Sport & Fitness, Inc. After Hours Care of Americus, Inc. AJLC Enterprises, LLC Tiffany Aldridge Lester Alexander Valarie Alexander Alex's One 4 All Americus Veterinary Hospital Marianne & Shelton Anderson Mary & Kent Anderson Joan Andrews Peter Andrews Joanne & Anthony Angelino Appraisal Services Alice & John Argo Phyllis J. Arthur Tom Ascolese Kyle Bachle William M. Bailey Mike W. Bailey Bales Financial Group Inc. Leroy Banks Taylor & Reagan Barksdale Doug & Traci Barnes Natalie & Beau Barrett Christy & Scott Barry Teri Beasley Linda & Ron Bell Tara & Robert Bennett Carol K. Bentley Jason Berggren Jerrie Berry Willie Bible Su Ann & Mike Bird James C. Birdsong Mary & Al Black Colby B. Blackburn Connie & Kendall

Blanchard Zoey Bock Karl A. Bond Louise Bonin Ellie Bonnett David R. Boone Sally D. Bowman Carol & James Boyd Brent Bradley Mary & Burton Bridges Susan Bridges Paula & Curtis Bryant Greg Buschmeyer Jennifer & Rodrigo Bustamante Bill Butler Pearl Cadena Joyce & John Caldwell David B. Calhoun Troy Campbell Peggy & George Carson Cary Johnson Insurance, Inc. Ron L. Chaffin Peggy Chandler Virginia & Archie Chatmon Damarcus Chenier Julie & Matt Christian Jennifer Christie AJ Clark Clovis & Raven Clark Ginger & Charles Clark Darius D Coleman Walter Coleman, Jr. Deidrea Collins Linda & Gene Collins, III Joseph Comeau Kim & Brandon Comer Committee to Re Elect Bobby J. Guidroz Barry D. Cook Jamie Lynn & Gary Cook Maggie Cooper Mary E. Cooper Covenant Construction, LLC Daelyn Craig Susan Cretchain Crew Capital, LLC Jerry & Henry Crisp Janie Culbertson Cutting Crew Hair Salon Ann Davis Brent L. Davis Gary S. Davis Leslie L. Davis Mary & Edward Dean Kenzie Dennis Stephen Donalson

Dustin Miller Campaign Fund Leisa & Rennie Easom Easterlin Pecan Co., Inc. Teresa & Rick Eberhardt Frances & Ed Ellis, Sr. Wade English Luann & Yank Engstrom Yanik & Carlos Espinosa Everence June & David Ewing Mashalah M. Fathi Eldotha W. Fields Jane & Bill Finney Rhea Flowers Shellie Floyd Jamie Flynn Joanne & Richard Folger Ford & Joseph Funeral Home, Inc. Tami Ford Mary M. Franklin Trina G. Frazier John Fusilier Mary & Bob Garner, III Bonnie & Keith Gary Karen B. Gatewood Tara & Nathan Gibbs Tammy Lynn Girtman Morgan Gleason John Godfrey Teresa Godinez Emily D. Godwin Lisa Marie Gonzales Mario Gonzalez Jennifer W. Gordon Robert Graham Diane Graham Katherine Graham Grant's Auto, Inc. Adonis Gray Rhonda Lanoix Green Greenville Turf and Tractor Jared Gros Denise Gross H3 Automotive Center Wade Halstead Debbie & Ben Hamrick Susan Hanks Tina & Rick Hanley Kelly Hansell Jessica Harper Jan & Tommy Harrell John Harris Stephanie Harvey Sherry Harvey Agnes & Douglas Hatch

Lauren Hawley Linda Heisser-Jackson Cheryl & Jimmy Helton Rebecca Hemmer Nancy & Jim Herron Bonita & Tom Hetherington Latricia Hickman Tracy Hodges John Hogan Mitch J. Holloway Holy Ghost Catholic Church HomeTown HealthCare Jarrett & Joe Hooks Melinda J. House Geoff W. Houser Ronald Hubbard Ignatius T. Castille Insurance, Inc. Tzvetelin D. Iordanov J G Johnson Company, CPA, PC Jabaley's Rob Jackowiak Sherri & Bobby Jenkins Marcia & Mike Johnson Douglas P. Johnson Murelene & Terry Jones Ashley D. Jones Mary Kathryn Jones Kendrick Jumpierre Charlie & Daisy Justice Brian Justice David Kelly Mayor R. Lee Kinnamon Amy & Scott Kinnas Glenda & Bill Kipp Meda & Bill Krenson Robert A. Langley Leigh & Mark Laughlin Joy Lauria-Colson Charles Lee Martha Lee Linda & Billy Lewis Lily's Southern Boutique Little Brother's Bistro Gail & Cecil Long Jaimee & Shawn Loonam LRA Constructors, Inc. Janet Marcelin Jill & Bernie Marino Jennifer Matthews Jannifer Mayo Gay & Mike McClay Denise & Doug McClure Ellie & Larry McClure Michael McCollum

Sheleyn McCollum Catherine McCormick Michele A. McKie McLendon for Chief of Police Robert McNeilly Melinda Mediavilla Julie Megginson Barbara Mensel Deborah & Roger Messer Dan Meyers Karen Michael Elise & Boyce "Stick" Miller Vivian B. Milton William T. Mock Martha & Gary Moore Shay & Clint Morgan Cindy Mortillaro Ramona Mulleins-Foreman Joshua Newton Angela Nicholas Shannon Northorp Dan O'Brien Ocmulgee Outdoors, Inc. Veronica Ogbeifun Roslyn & Jack Palmer Blanche F. Palmer Cheri Paradise Yangil Park Lynde & Emory Parker, Jr. Jaycee Parker Pat's Place Emmanuel Paul Hope Pawlowski Dexter Payne Lance A. Perry Angela & Mark Phillips Kenneth W. Phillips Meddrick Pickens PLH Properties, LLC Becky Plummer Thomas E. Poudrier Misty A. Power Carrie & Dale Powers Carolyn Powers Patricia M. Powers Shawn Preston Elizabeth A. Primis Cynthia H. Pryor Andrea Pullen Lamar A. Radford Meredith Raine William W. Rambo Shaun Ranger RDR Rentals, Inc Alli Reid Haley & Jacob Revell Fred Richmond

*Every attempt has been made to ensure the accuracy of these giving records for the 2022 calendar year. We apologize if any names are omitted or listed in error.

3 6 | G SW. E D U

| 2022 GIVING

Jayme & Monty Penn Lorna Royle Adam Saint David S. Sanders Kathy L. Sawyer Jill Schneider Amy & Billy Shattles, Jr. Stephanie Shepherd Sheppard House Rhett Simmons Sue Sisson Shernell Slaughter Robert Slenker III Cheryl & Gerald Smith Tori & Jeff Smith Kenneth Smith Lee Smith Erma Smith

Sondra L. Smith Herman L. Snyder Jonni & Craig Snyder Kent & Page Sole Hector Sosa Sonia Sosa Southern Land & Realty Southern Pathology & Laboratory Services, P.C. SRJ Architects, Inc. Deborah A. Standridge Jeremy M. Storr Melissa Strayer Kim & Tom Strong Elaine & William Stubbs Kristin & Matthew Suggs Kara & Neil Suggs Andrew B. Suggs

Lindsey K. Sutton Cheryl Sylvester Tailfin Marketing Annie Tate Manoj Thapa Thib Inc of LA Burton A. Thomas Kendrick Thomas Ariane Thompson Chris Thompson Terry Thorpe Toboggan Steve's Javier Tuñón Kay & Billy Tye Carlotta & Maurice Ungaro Mihajlo Veselinovic Cheryl Vestal Joyce & Joe Viscusi

GSW Alumni Association Lifetime Membership Gaile & Pat Allen Dell & Clyde Bridges Everett Byrd Bill Chappell Marie & James Davis Kelsie & Cam Deiter

Legacy Circle

Jane & Bill Finney Mary Foegelle Len Hicks Chris Hicks Karen Holloway Billy King

|

Margaret & Sam Adams Alice & John Argo Tami & Barry Blount Gail Bridges Kathy Cade Connie & Roger Congdon Jane & Bill Finney

|

W & T Rentals Merle & Benny Wade Lamar E. Wainright Chris Walden Linda Walden Barbara & James Walls Joyce I. Walrath Qian Wang Amber C. Ward Sandra G. Wardell Donald Warren Ross Weaver Webb Investment Services, LLC Paul S. Weir Karen Wheeler James T. Whitaker Rebecca White

David Whitman William Wiemels Carroll & Scott Wiggins Joanne & Larry Wilkes Sonia Wilkes Wilkes Office Machine Company, Inc. Karen & Carl Willis Alton A. Wilson Suzette & Rex Wilson Michael Wright Keaton Wynn Jackie & Nubs Yaughn Alexander Yemelyanov Jannine M. Zeno

One full payment of $1,000 (individual) or $1,250 ( jointly)

Jimmy Lunsford Mary Marshall Jean Moates Larry Moore Jerry Newman Marianne & Jimmy Peel

Brook & Will Peterson Jeryl Pinnell, Jr. Liz Ruf Martha & George P. Sessions Kenny Stafford

Larry Sumner Samuel Thames (d. 2017) Kathleen & Dave Tucker Marianne & Alf Tuggle Tom Upton

Donors who have indicated that GSW is included in their estate plans Sandra & Harold Gillis Kay Dee & David Green Kathy & Mike Greene Gwen Hill Linda & James Kimmons Sharon & Cody King Diane & Mick Kirkwood

Kitty & Wallace Mays Fred Overby Bev & Dianne Pankey Sheila & Charles Parks Marianne & Jimmy Peel Nan Powell Linda & George Pritchard

Glenn Robins Patti Slaughter Sybil & Don Smith Ginger Starlin Amber & John Stovall Mildred & Hap Tietjen David Updike

Kelley & Rick Whaley Jean & Wes Wheeler Liz Wilson

*Every attempt has been made to ensure the accuracy of these giving records for the 2022 calendar year. We apologize if any names are omitted or listed in error.

Students meet donors at annual event GSW hosted its 14th Annual DonorScholar Luncheon in March 2023. This event gives students the opportunity to meet their donors who generously provide support for numerous named GSW Foundation scholarships.

AEOLIAN MAGAZINE 2023 | 37

Aeolian Magazine Georgia Southwestern State University 800 GSW State University Dr. Americus, GA 31709 aeolian@gsw.edu

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