Piedmont College Journal, Fall 2019

FALL 2019

Nonprofit Path, Rich Life Page 8

What's in a name?

Everything.

Rising rankings, growing classes, great headlines.

Piedmont has been capturing a Lion’s Share of good news.

For the college to continue to grow, we need the collective, united support of our alumni and friends.

Today, we debut a new name for our annual giving campaign that reflects our common identity, and unites the Piedmont Family in a culture of philanthropy.

Lions Share.

A N N UA L G I V I N G C A M PA I G N

For our most ardent supporters – those who make an annual gift of $1,000 or more -- we enthusiastically embrace a name that is inspired by the beauty of nearby Mount Yonah and for 100 years has served as the name of the college yearbook.

The Yonahian Society. YO-NĂH-ĬAN Support our Lions Share campaign by giving to Piedmont.

Those who make an annual gift of $1,000 or more by June 30 will become charter members of the Yonahian Society, hold an honored place in Piedmont’s philanthropic history, and be celebrated at a Spring gala.

Ways to Give: • Gift • Pledge • Stock • Monthly check draft • Matching gift by employer

Give online at piedmont.edu/giving

Contents

JOURNAL

FALL 2019

ON THE COVER Bryan Schroeder '03, Chief Executive Officer of Giving kitchen

12

Photo courtesy of: The Atlanta Foodcast

15

21

Features 05

10

21

Going Up

Love Letter to Piedmont

In the Pool

Piedmont’s ranks and rankings are rising

Author’s latest work is a testament to Piedmont

Piedmont lauches swimming program

06

05

24

Back Home

Coaching Legend

Piedmont's Past

A Piedmont and Habersham County landmark returns home

The life and times of Howard “Doc” Ayers ’49

The many looks of Leo

02 A word from the President

19 A note from Hobbs

28 In Memory

03 Letter from the Editor

25 News & Notes

The Journal is published for alumni and friends of Piedmont College by the Office of Institutional Advancement. Correspondence may be directed to journal@piedmont.edu.

Trustee Chairman Thomas A. Arrendale, III President James F. Mellichamp Vice President of Institutional Advancement Craig Rogers

Editor/Associate Vice President of Marketing & Communications John Roberts Designers Regina M. McCormick ’08 Jason Fowler Campus Photographer Kasey Brookshire

Contributing writers David Harrell E. Lane Gresham ’10 Ron Wagner Danielle Percival Adam Martin Class Notes Editor Anna McClatchy ’12, MBA ’13

Send address changes to: Piedmont College Institutional Advancement or piedmont.edu/updateinfo Piedmont College @PiedmontGA @PiedmontCollege

magnificent view of the just-completed

Conservatory of Music. Each year,

For Piedmont alumni and members

of our community, the Mayflower

more than 200 students participate

is more than a shiny, eye-catchy

in music academic programs,

ornament.

choirs, and programs at

Piedmont. Now they would

First secured atop the chapel in

1970, the ship has become a Demorest

have a state-of-the-art

and Habersham County landmark.

facility in which to

One-hundred and eighty-seven feet

hone their craft.

above Central Avenue, the Mayflower

In just days,

represents Piedmont’s historical ties to

twenty-seven

the Congregational Church. Almost

Steinway

exactly 400 years ago, an English ship

pianos would

named the Mayflower transported the

be installed in

first Pilgrims to the new world. Since

the building,

that time, the Mayflower has become

a fitting and

ince joining Piedmont

a cultural icon. To many, the vessel

fantastic finish to this

in 1982, I have worked

represents hope, courage in the face of

two-year project.

approximately 9,000 days at

uncertainty, and liberty.

the college. Like any job, some

bucket ascending against the

S

2

and the ship needed to be retired.

Surviving disease and famine,

As I watched the crane

days have been challenging, but most

those settlers and their ancestors

crystal blue backdrop of a

have been good. September 9 was

established Congregational Churches

cloudless sky, I was reminded

among the best.

throughout New England. They also

of Piedmont’s rising fortunes.

founded more than 200 colleges

Earlier that morning, we received

normal humidity made the afternoon

(Harvard and Yale among them). In

news that the college had advanced

bearable as I walked next door to the

1901, the American Missionary Board

13 spots in the annual US News &

Chapel. Resting near the grand steps of

of the Congregational Church began

World Report college rankings. Our

that building was the new Mayflower

supporting Piedmont. The college has

freshman class and total enrollment had

weathervane. Developed by metal artist

since enjoyed a close relationship with

just reached historical highs. Indeed,

David Wall, the seven-foot-long gold-

the churches.

while many smaller colleges are

plated ship glimmered in the sun.

shuttering or contracting, we have

cranes – one for the ship and the

purchased acreage adjacent to

Mayflower was removed from the

other for the workers – were anchored

campus for future expansion.

Chapel steeple. Our plan was to

on Massachusetts Boulevard. As

inspect and repair the ship before

contractors reviewed final calculations

in place near the church spire, the

returning it to its home. But nearly 50

(the cranes and buckets needed to

second crane began to do its work.

years of the elements had taken a toll

be perfectly balanced), I took in a

Rising quickly, the Mayflower

It was hot that day, but lower-than-

Fifteen months before, the original

| P I E DM ON T C OL L EG E JOU RNAL

On this day, two mammoth

With the bucket and workers

moved past the chapel columns and the clock before completing its journey. Expertly, the crane operator positioned the ship just a foot from the steeple’s tip.

The men in the bucket did their

work quickly. Within a few moments, a Mayflower once again towered above the town and the college (the original is on display in a terrace garden between the Conservatory and Camp Hall). The last human hand to touch the Mayflower for another 50 years gently nudged the aft section of ship, setting the weathervane into a slow twirl to the crowd’s delight below. In that windless sky, the Mayflower dazzled, reflecting the late afternoon sun in a brilliance that is symbolic of the future of the college she represents.

I

n the coming pages, you will notice a few not-so-subtle changes in this issue of the Journal.

To give the publication some structure, we have portioned our content around several broad categories. “Around the Quad” includes campus news while “Pitch & Court” features stories about our athletic programs. “Alumni News & Notes” contains short alumni stories and announcements.

Piedmont has a rich history that dates back to our founding in 1897. Looking ahead, we will highlight snippets of this history in the “Piedmont’s Past” column. This issue includes a piece about the many faces and representations of our dear mascot Leo.

Going forward, another staple of the Journal will be an alumnifocused column, a "Note from Hobbs." This contributed piece, named for our alumni house, will encourage Piedmont philanthropy and highlight ways for alumni to connect with alma mater.

We’re committed to featuring compelling story-telling in each Journal. That takes good writing. In that vein, we’re delighted to feature the work of E. Lane Gresham ’10 on page 12. A seasoned journalist, Lane is a long-time resident of Habersham County, was the editor of The Northeast Georgian from 2011 to 2014, and now serves as Director of Community Relations at Tallulah Falls School.

As always, we welcome your input and letters.

James F. Mellichamp

John Roberts, Editor

College President

SHARE YOUR THOUGHTS We welcome letters on any topic covered in the Journal. They should be limited to 150 words, refer to a subject from the most recent issue, and include the writer’s name, city/state, and class year/degree (if applicable). Your notes may be emailed to Journal@piedmont.edu. Letters are published at the discretion of the editor and may be edited for length and clarity.

PIEDMONT COLLEGE JO U RNAL

| 3

News and events from our campuses in Demorest & Athens

Room to Grow College acquires property adjacent to Demorest campus

I

In 2002, the Rohletter Family donated 11 acres of their farm to Piedmont College for incorporation

Piedmont's property

into the wetlands conversion of the former lake.

holdings total more

This July the family, longtime fixtures in the Demorest

community, did another service to the college by

than 400 acres in

selling 80 acres to Piedmont. The land had served as a family farm since the early 1900s and was managed

Demorest.

by Mary and the late Ray Rohletter. It is contiguous to the main campus, southeast of Loudermilk Field and partly bordered by Camp Creek and U.S. 441.

To honor the family, the college has named the area the “Mary and Ray Rohletter Farm Campus.”

A future access road through the property will be been named “Rohletter Farm Drive.”

With the acquisition, completed July 12, Piedmont’s

property holdings total more than 400 acres in Demorest.

The college also operates a four-acre campus in Athens.

The property will provide room for future expansion. Some of the land may be developed into needed athletic fields.

“We are deeply grateful to the Rohletter family, in

particular Ray and Mary’s children Joel Rohletter, Jennifer Rohletter Chambers, and Amanda Rohletter Powell, for their commitment to our students by enabling the transfer of this unique asset,” said Piedmont President James F. Mellichamp.

4

| P I E DM ON T C OL L EG E JOU RNAL

Trending Up Piedmont’s ranking and student body rising

M

ost colleges and universities hold Convocations

Georgia. The college also advanced 13 spots in the annual

each year to celebrate the coming academic

US News & World Report college rankings, which were

year. The event usually involves a bit of pomp

released September 9.

(faculty adorn robes), music, and an inspiring speaker.

among “Regional Universities” in the large 12-state South

When Piedmont faculty, staff, and first-year students

The popular college guide ranked Piedmont No. 50

gathered in the chapel this September for the annual affair,

Region, compared to 63 in 2018 and 68 in 2017.

the institution had something more to celebrate: the college’s

largest ever freshman class. The nearly 300-member class

to measure an institution’s success in helping

of 2023 represents 16 states, three countries and boasts

economically disadvantaged students

an average high school GPA of 3.44. Total enrollment at

advance in their career and life, the

the Demorest and Athens campuses is 2,584, compared to

publication ranked Piedmont No. 19 in the

2,498 last year and 2,368 in 2017.

South Region and No. 1 in Georgia.

Student population is not the only number trending up.

This summer James Magazine, a popular Georgia

in the rankings over time. But it is rare

magazine that covers politics, business, and education in the

for a college or university to advance

Peach State, ranked Piedmont as the top private college in

10 spots or more in overall rankings.

In a new “Social Mobility” ranking that is designed

Institutions move up and down

Piedmont College Class of 2024

PIEDMONT COLLEGE JO U RNAL

| 5

Back Home Mayflower returns to chapel

A

bsent for more than a year,

some may have wondered if

metal sculptor who crafted the shallop

brought the Pilgrims to New England’s

Piedmont’s Mayflower was

and whale weathervanes that sit atop

shore before developing

lost at sea.

New Bedford and Plymouth residence

the weathervane.

The shining ship, a weathervane

The task fell to David Wall, a

rendering of the original ship that

halls. The newest Mayflower arrived in

stationed atop the chapel since

September and took eight months

County, the glittering Mayflower

1970, was removed last May. The

to complete.

ship is stationed 186-feet above

original plan called for the ship to be

ground level and signifies Piedmont’s

inspected, cleaned, repaired, and

is about six-feet high, seven-feet long,

historical connection to the

returned to its home in a few months.

and includes 750 rivets. Bronzed

Congregational Church.

screen wiring on window openings

weathervane concluded that more than

were installed to keep small birds from

original Mayflower? It will be

45 years of the elements had extracted

entering the ship.

the centerpiece of the soon-to-

a heavy toll. The ship would need to

be developed garden adjacent

be replaced.

Mayflower has a life-time warranty,

But a close inspection of the

The 98-pound stainless steel ship

Wall, who jokes that the

A longtime fixture in Habersham

So, what’s to become of the

to the Conservatory of Music.

said he studied an architectural

The original Mayflower was installed in 1970 as the Chapel was dedicated.

The ship was removed for repairs. But it was too damaged to return to the steeple.

70 19

AY

M 6

| P I E DM ON T C OL L EG E JOU RNAL

18 20

A new, sturdier Mayflower was crafted by artist David Wall.

Going up! The new Mayflower was installed earlier this fall.

LY

JU

PT

SE

R

BE

EM

Nordgren named Dean

Former Georgia First Lady joins Piedmont Board

D

r. RD Nordgren, a professor and past chair of Educational

Leadership at National University in La Jolla, California, joined Piedmont College this summer as Dean of the School of Education.

A native of Illinois and former bodybuilder, Nordgren has blue-collar roots, attended college in fits and starts as his checkbook allowed, and

earned his undergraduate degree at the age of 29. An English major at the University of South Florida (Tampa, Florida), his passion for teaching was sparked his senior year during a student teaching assignment.

Nordgren began teaching full-time in Pasco County, Florida,

in 1990, quickly moved up the administrative ladder, and was put in charge of mentoring new teachers. He began taking graduate school classes at South Florida with long-range plans of becoming a superintendent.

While progressing through his studies, a passion for serving

in higher education was sparked. After earning a Ph.D. in Interdisciplinary Studies, Nordgren served as an assistant then associate professor of education, department chair, and director of undergraduate curriculum at Cleveland State University (Ohio).

The author of three books and more than 40 articles and

book chapters on school reform, leadership, and curriculum, Nordgren joined National University in 2010 and helped to grow his department’s online offerings.

Thomas A. Arrendale, III, Chairman of the Piedmont College Board of Trustees (left) and President James F. Mellichamp welcomed Sandra Deal to the college’s board in October.

S

andra Deal, an education activist, retired language arts teacher, and former First Lady of Georgia, has been appointed to the Piedmont College Board of Trustees.

As the wife of Georgia Governor Nathan Deal, Sandra Dunagan Deal served as the First Lady of Georgia from 2011 to 2019. The daughter of educators, she grew up in Gainesville and is a two-time graduate of Georgia College & State University. She received her bachelor’s degree in elementary education in 1963 and a master’s degree in elementary education in 1966.

Before becoming first lady, Deal taught language arts at public schools for more than 15 years and retired as a sixth-grade middle school teacher in Hall County. As Georgia's first lady she was a strong advocate for literacy and education.

With the addition of Deal, the Piedmont College Board of Trustees number 30. She will serve on the board’s student life committee.

“Nathan and I value life-long learning and opportunities for advancement through quality education,” said Deal. “Piedmont College has through the years educated many of the caring teachers who taught me, taught with me, and inspired others to choose Piedmont. I am honored to be asked to serve on the board.”

PIEDMONT COLLEGE JO U RNAL

| 7

Photo courtesy of: The Atlanta Foodcast

8

| P I E DM ON T C OL L EG E JOU RNAL

Bryan Schroeder ’03 and Jen Hidinger-Kendrick outside Giving Kitchen’s Atlanta office.

The non-profit, which helps food service workers, provides about $1 million annually in assistance, up from $300,000 two years ago. Giving Kitchen operates Staplehouse Restaurant (right) and raises funds through community events that often include games, music, and (always) food.

The Nonprofit Path to a Rich Life

By David Harrell

Closing in on four decades after his birth and the opening of the family restaurant, Schroeder has circled back into the food service arena – albeit in a broader and more impactful way. He is Chief Executive Officer of Giving Kitchen, an Atlanta-based nonprofit that provides financial assistance and social service connections to food service workers.

In a recent interview in his offices at Giving Kitchen, joined by his golden retriever sidekicks, George and Miles (both very good boys), he said “While having a successful restaurant business has certainly been good for my family – allowing my mother, my brother, and me to attend college

D

o you like stories about people whose lives, either by plan or serendipity, come full circle – reconnecting them in the most satisfying way

with their roots? If so, you’re in the right place.

Bryan Schroeder ’03 was three days old when his parents opened their restaurant, Schroeder’s New Deli in Rome, Georgia. (It’s still going strong, so if you’re in the area, drop by. You cannot go wrong with the roast beef relief.) Naturally as Schroeder grew and the restaurant prospered, it was all hands on deck. He worked his way through every available job: dishwasher, prep cook, fry cook, pizza cook, sandwich cook, and server.

– the thing my dad loved from day one, and still loves today, is that it is all about relationships.

Watching the genuine way he connects with, cares about, and supports his employees, customers, and vendors

PIEDMONT COLLEGE JO U RNAL

| 9

planted the idea

and ‘their’ in my papers. Like I said, embarrassing.

of serving others

I’ll never forget her words, ‘Bryan you are too smart

in my DNA.”

to be doing this. Good, correct writing matters.’

Schroeder’s journey from

interest in my success was amazing. Believe me, I

dishwasher

cleaned up my act and what a difference it made.”

to executive

duo that his major (religion and philosophy), in true liberal

impressive stops

arts fashion, was not preparing him to do a specific thing

along the way.

but, rather, to do anything. Another lesson he took to

at Piedmont.

heart, as you can see from this brief recap of his resume.

After graduating, he became a wilderness therapist

“I looked at

with the State of Georgia as part of an outdoor hiking

several options.

and camping program for troubled and in-trouble youth.

There are two reasons I knew Piedmont was right for me,”

He earned a masters in nonprofit management from the

he explains, “There are large schools and small schools. I

University of Georgia’s Institute for Nonprofit Organizations

was definitely better suited for

in 2006 in order to refine

the latter. The other deciding

his plans for the future.

There were large schools and small schools. I was definitely better suited for the latter.

factor was the special bond I had with Dr. Timothy Lytle (professor of philosophy and religion). I met him in high school through Camp Mikell in Toccoa, Georgia.

Next up was a stint with AmeriCorps. His first assignment was as a team leader helping with the rebuilding of New Orleans after

I admired his outlook on the

Hurricane Katrina. His

world – focused on the present

second was working

and future, not the past – and knew I wanted to learn

with young Navajo adults in Colorado to earn their

from him. He remains a mentor and friend to this day.”

“chainsaw certification” to prepare them to clear forests

“Another big influence on my life,” he continues, “was (former professor of religion) Dr. Barbara Brown Taylor.

It’s kind of embarrassing, but I will share this story. She called me into her office one day for a ‘talk.’ Now, this is a woman of national renown, someone open to discussing big issues and diving into tough questions. However, she had something else in mind that day. She was concerned – and rightfully so – when she saw, among other things, that I was confusing the use of ‘they’re’

10

Schroeder also remembers learning from this dynamic

has had some

It began Schroeder provided cousel to Navajo native Americans in counselN

The fact someone of that statue invested that much

| P I E D M ON T C OL L EG E JOU RNAL

– and ward off fires – on public and private lands.

Then it was off to Savannah to join a company that provided environmental education in public schools.

That position segued into a leadership role with the Georgia Conservancy where he spent ten years creating programs that he’s proud to say are still utilized today.

“I really enjoyed my work at Georgia Conservancy,” he confirms, “I was involved in setting policy that would help people in the long run. I really wanted to work with people directly and be able to help them immediately.”

As you’ve probably guessed by now, he

fed that desire to serve by taking the helm of Giving Kitchen.

Giving Kitchen provides stability for some of the most hard-working and vulnerable members of our community: food service workers. The simple and critical reality is that restaurant folks often don’t have a safety net. Say a server breaks her ankle in a biking accident and obviously can’t work. Plus, like many, she lives paycheck to paycheck. Where can she turn for help with rent, groceries, medical bills? Giving Kitchen. That’s a simple example, but you get the idea.

(NOTE: The founding of Giving Kitchen is a heartbreaking and heartwarming story. Hearing it is worth a visit to the website, thegivingkitchen.org.)

In addition to providing financial assistance to food service workers through Crisis Grants, Giving Kitchen has also created the Stability Network to connect restaurant workers who may be dealing with mental health issues with community social services.

Since coming on board two years ago, Schroeder has overseen the growth of financial assistance from around $300,000 a year to about $1 million. The staff has expanded from five to 12. Created to support workers in metro Atlanta, Giving Kitchen now offers assistance in every county in Georgia.

Even the definition of those served has broadened beyond brick and mortar restaurants to encompass everyone who serves food (i.e. food trucks, caterers, concession employees, etc.).

Are people paying attention to all this outstanding work?

You bet. And in a big way.

Giving Kitchen received the 2019 James Beard Foundation’s Humanitarian of the Year award, given to an individual or organization working in the realm of food who has given

Before joining the Gving Kitchen, Schroeder cleared forests in Colorodo to prevent wildfires.

selflessly and worked tirelessly to better the lives of others and society at large. (If you’re not a foodie,

T

he Giving Kitchen was founded as a tribute to Ryan Hidinger, a popular Atlanta chef who died of gall bladder cancer in 2013.

The outpouring of support that Hidinger and his wife, Jen, received after Ryan’s diagnosis informed the values of nonprofit, which provides emergency financial assistance to food service workers who are facing a crisis.

Today, Giving Kitchen offers assistance throughout the state. In 2019, Giving Kitchen received the 2019 James Beard Humanitarian of the Year award at the event in Chicago on May 6.

Pictured above, Bryan Schroeder, Jen HidingerKendrick, and Ryan Turner of the Giving Kitchen with the 2019 James Beard Humanitarian of the Year award at the event in Chicago on May 6.

a Beard award is the food world’s equivalent of an Oscar.)

The official motto of Giving Kitchen is Serving Those Who Serve Us... Every. Day. Words that easily double as the personal mantra of Bryan Schroeder.

PIEDMONT COLLEG E JO U RNAL

| 11

Taylor’s Holy Envy offers glimpse into Piedmont experience

By E. Lane Gresham '10

I

n the classroom, Dr. Barbara Brown Taylor guided the

wonderful answers,” she said.

Taylor encouraged her charges to consider ways to expand the Christian practice of loving thy neighbor,

intellectually curious through lessons covering religious

reminding them that studying faith traditions other than

practices, awakening student seekers to a broader

their own didn’t mean they were being disloyal. She

worldview.

reminded students all the major religions had a version

The New York Times best-selling author describes this season in Holy Envy, her latest literary offering. The work

of the Golden Rule embedded in their doctrines.

In chapter two, the author recounts a story about a

is a reflection from two decades of teaching “Religions

Christian student who had a simple assignment: Use your

of the World” at Piedmont from 1998 to 2017.

newly acquired knowledge of the world’s great religions

In her Daniel Hall classroom, learners of varied backgrounds gathered to discuss the world’s major religions.

to design an interfaith chapel for Piedmont College.

“As I remember it, her chapel was round with

Field trips were woven into the syllabus.

Regular excursions to Atlanta offered students the chance to visit worship services in Christian, Buddhist, Hindu, Muslim, and Jewish communities.

The choice of title, Holy Envy: Finding God in the Faith of Others, offers a glimpse into Taylor’s intellectual worldview.

“I heard it the first time without having a clue what it meant,” Taylor said.

The phrase Holy Envy is attributed to biblical scholar Krister Stendahl. It was the last rule on his three rules of religious understanding. Taylor said it fit into her goals for the class so well that she incorporated it into the final exam, posing the question: “What has inspired ‘Holy Envy’ in you this semester?”

“The students always gave

12

| P I E D M ON T C OL L EG E JOU RNAL

Taylor taught “Religions of the World” for nearly 20 years at Piedmont.

nothing inside it but polished floors, walls, and ceilings

Reid said. “Some moments of the book transplanted

made entirely of black marble,” said Taylor. No religious

me back into that course as if I were taking the class

symbols nor furniture were incorporated into the space

all over again. Other moments, however, showed me how

“so that no matter where people look, all they will be able

the class varies from each group of students each year, as

to see are each other’s faces reflected back at them.”

many bring into the class their own life experiences and

The student received an A.

questions. Reading the manuscript allowed me to grasp what

Even though Taylor began

can be learned, not only from taking world religions, but the

writing the book while still at

transformative

Piedmont, she completed it after

lessons

leaving the classroom, providing her

Barbara

with time to reflect. After reviewing

gained from

the first draft, her editor sent her

teaching it.”

back to the keyboard, telling Taylor to write more of herself into the story.

“Memoir sells books,”

that academic

Taylor said. “With reluctance,

environment, both

I put more of myself in it.”

in the classroom

Taylor was intent on Taylor is a regular attendee and speaker at the The Wild Goose Festival in Hot Springs, North Carolina.

The weekend event explores spiritualism, justice music and art.

Taylor misses being in

and being

representing accurately the

immersed in a

traditions covered in the chapters.

university setting.

“There is a huge variety among

“What I miss

faith traditions; I just provided a

the most are student

perspective on it,” she said.

responses to new

While teaching, she connected

information,”

deeply with her students, mentoring those who revealed

she said. “The

and honed their own spiritual gifts. Taylor was especially

questions they

careful with the student profiles included in the book.

asked, the

“Anytime I told a recognizable story I cut that

insights they

I had other invitations to go be happy at other schools, but I wanted to be a part of Piedmont's mission.

I wanted to be with students who might be the first in a family to go to college.

–Barbara Brown Taylor

piece out and sent it [to the student],” she said. “Some

had, the papers

students wanted to be anonymous. Two changed their

they wrote, the projects they dreamed up – all of it

names. Two wanted their full names included.”

so surpassed my imagination. The students would

One former student, Patrick Reid, currently enrolled at Yale Divinity School, Taylor’s alma mater, was asked to read, review, and comment on the manuscript.

“I had not considered what Barbara had learned by teaching us, and the many students that came before me,”

bring it [assignments] to life over and over again.”

She describes Holy Envy as a love letter to Piedmont College.

“Clearly, I was happy. I had other invitations to go be happy at other schools, but I wanted to be a part of

PIEDMONT COLLEG E JO U RNAL

| 13

Piedmont’s mission. I wanted to be

S

ince retiring as the Butman Chair of Religion, Taylor remains invested

with students who might be the first in a family to go to college,” she said. “Piedmont has a wide and diverse student body but I felt like I was serving near home...to produce a fabulous graduate enriched by the Southeast. I was with such a broad range of students with all kinds of abilities and interests. I loved their breadth; I was never bored.”

The book’s dedication illustrates Taylor’s commitment to the college and its leadership: “For Ray Cleere (Piedmont President 19952011) who hired me, (current President) James Mellichamp,

in the foundational work of

who retired me, and Timothy

building community through

Lytle, my closest ally all along.”

conversations about faith.

She speaks at conferences

At Piedmont, she and Dr. Lytle shared an office

and leads writing workshops,

entryway in the northeast corner of Daniel Hall. Lytle misses the everyday

adding her graceful and lyrical

interactions developed through a long-term connection of like minds.

commentary to inspire others.

Taylor is a New York Times

“I miss the quiet grace that she brings with her,” Lytle said. “I think that it is what made her such a great teacher. She would approach classes

best-selling author, an Episcopal

as an opportunity for her students and her to learn together, and she was

priest, a world-class wordsmith,

always eager to hear their voices, their views, and their questions.”

and a gifted preacher.

In 2014, she was included on the list of Time’s 100 Most Influential People, just after “Learning to Walk

Lytle said students at all levels enrolled in the “Religions of the World” class as it satisfied a core requirement. It was for some, he said, the first time they might encounter someone from a different religion.

Taylor provided that safe space to explore new ideas, he said.

“That was a powerful gift that she gave to her students,” he said. “College

in the Dark” was featured

is an incredibly important time, especially that first year. The world is opening

as a Time cover story.

up to them in a way that many of them have never before experienced. It is

She was also featured on

crucial to be able to understand a multiplicity of perspectives – our own and

Oprah’s Super Soul Sunday and

those of others – if we are to function successfully in this global community.

is a regular attendee at The Wild

Reading Holy Envy was a real pleasure for me, partly because I knew so

Goose Festival, a merging of

many of the people involved, but mostly because I was reminded of the care,

spirit, justice, music, and art, held

the passion, and the gentle grace that Barbara brought to her teaching.”

each July in Hot Springs, NC. Taylor and husband, Ed, live on a working farm in Habersham County where they care for the land and a menagerie of horses, chickens, cats, and dogs.

14

We’ve kept gathering around communion tables, just like Jesus told us to.

That meal holds a central place in my tradition. It’s what keeps me at home in my faith.

| P I E D M ON T C OL L EG E JOU RNAL

Taylor said her spiritual practices have evolved, and she “borrows” from other traditions, but she remains rooted in her Christian foundation.

“I’ll do yoga; I’ll sit in something that approximates meditation,” she said. (Continued on Page 18)

A Beloved Legend

By John Roberts

P

art of Howard “Doc” Ayers’

and countless athletes. They spill

the Georgia Sports Hall of Fame. There

office is walled with 1970’s-style

out into an adjacent bathroom.

are images of him leading the Georgia

wood paneling, the kind with

Some are tacked to the ceiling.

Bulldog football team onto the Sanford

the black-grooved vertical lines and

If Ayers, now 97, can’t recall

Stadium field before kick-off. And there

mock wood grains. But his visitors

the big games he’s coached or the

are family remembrances, too. On

see none of it. Every square foot of

accolades showered upon him, his

his desk rests a yellowed newspaper

the space represents a memory.

office, located off Main Street in

clipping about his father, Dr. Clarence

Cedartown, Georgia is a reminder.

Ayers, a much-loved physician in

Photographs, certificates, and newspaper clippings canvas the

“If I can’t remember

Toccoa who delivered more than 5,000

office. Admiring notes from legendary

something, then I’m sure it’s on here

babies and served several terms as a

football coaches Bear Bryant, Steve

somewhere,” he says making a

state senator.

Spurrier, and Vince Dooley (Ayer’s

sweeping gesture with his hands.

boss for 16 years) are there. So are the images of professional golfers

Behind Ayers’ desk is a page from the program when he was inducted into

Much of the wall is a time warp to

a simpler era when high school football was the entertainment lifeblood of

PIEDMONT COLLEG E JO U RNAL

| 15

small-town Georgia. Each Friday night,

Georgia. The younger Ayers, though,

he enrolled at Piedmont College

townspeople crowded around dusty,

continued his ways. As his grades

and commuted 15 miles down US

grass-spectacled fields to cheer on their

languished in the classroom, his

441 each weekday for classes.

hometown heroes. And each Saturday,

reputation on the field soared. He

high school scores and highlights were

was a sudden celebrity in Northwest

and very quiet,” said Ayers. “They

splashed across the front page of the

Georgia and very popular with

expected you to behave, and I

sports section of the Atlanta-Journal

the girls.

thought it was a very good school.

Constitution. And every boy who could

And, of course, because it was close

toss a bale of hay tried out for the

a damn,” he said. “He sent me to

“My daddy didn’t like it worth

high school team.

to Toccoa it was economical.”

All the while,

Ayers’ life, at

though, Ayers was

least early on, did

desperate to get back

not seem destined

into football and

for the gridiron.

maintained contact with

The youngest of

his Georgia coaches.

four children, he was

“I was just always

a sometimes tag along

interested in athletics. It

when his father made

got me really excited.”

house calls. Later,

He graduated

the boy developed

in 1949, a year

a habit of carrying

after Georgia Coach

a miniature black

Wally Butts helped the

medical kit around the neighborhood,

young man land his Doc Ayers’ Cedartown office is filled with memories.

mimicking his

first head coaching job at Lavonia High

father and pretending to practice

Darlington Prep to study medicine, but

on his classmates. The endearing

the only thing I wanted to study was

behavior stuck. Soon adults began

Shorter (Academy) girls.”

he said. “I thought I was

calling him “Doc” like his father.

coaching at Notre Dame.”

As a teen, though, Ayers lacked

Ayers ambition to play

college football at the University of

School, a team with just 16 players.

“I was thrilled to death,”

Ayers compiled a 25-4-1 record

the patience and classroom work

Georgia was put on hold by World

at Lavonia and coached one season

ethic of an aspiring physician. A

War II. He joined the Navy and

at Winder High School before moving

cocksure running back, he emerged

served three and a half years on

as a young star for Toccoa High,

an aircraft carrier that patrolled

leading the team to a 17-3 record

the Atlantic and Pacific oceans.

his freshman and sophomore years.

“Oh, I thought I was real good,”

A wiser, more humble Ayers traded his navy whites for apple red

remembers Ayers. “I didn’t weigh

in 1946 when, college scholarship

but 130 pounds, but I went around

in hand, he joined the University of

telling everyone I was 190.”

Georgia football team. A knee injury

Sensing his son could benefit from

16

“It was a very small campus

during spring practice, though, ended

a stricter academic environment, Dr.

his career. Despondent, Ayers stayed

Ayers packed him off to Darlington

on as a student coach for a year,

Preparatory Academy in Rome,

then moved back to Toccoa where

| P I E D M ON T C OL L EG E JOU RNAL

The original Doc (Dr. Clarence Ayers) was a longtime family physician in Toccoa.

to Northwest Georgia to coach

“Doc Ayers’ halftime pep talks were

played a key role in the success of

Cedartown High School. In that small

legendary… During one game when

Georgia’s program. The players on this

town, Ayers’ coaching star began to

we were not playing well I expected

walk-on squad competed for football

rise. His teams, it seemed, were always

we were in for a real chewing out.

scholarships. Each year, a few made

out-manned and under-sized. But a

Instead, he opened a letter. ‘Boys,’

it. Dooley wanted a big personality,

hard-scrabble Cedartown team won the

he said. ‘This is a letter I received

energetic recruiter, and inspirational

today from my mother.’

‘Dear son,’ he read. ‘I

Along the way, Ayers earned a reputation for doing things the right way.

coach to lead the program.

“Doc was all the things we

know this is an important game

needed in a freshman coach

for you and Cedartown High. I

and more,” said Dooley.

know that your

Ayers

boys will play

coached

their hardest for

Georgia’s

you and for the

freshman team

team. I want you

for ten years,

to know that I

compiling a

North Georgia championship in 1956.

believe with all my

28-12 record.

Seven years later, the Bulldogs were

heart that this team is

He had a

crowned 1963 AAA state champions.

the greatest team in the

knack for

Along the way, Ayers earned

state. I hope you will

canvassing

a reputation for doing things the

win and bring home

the state

right way. He never cursed in front

the championship

of his players or asked a hurt player

for Cedartown High.

to play through an injury. Coach

Love, your mother.’

Ayers never ran up the score on an

With a tear in his

opposing team and placed character

eye, Coach Ayers asked us to win the

development before winning.

game for his mother. We were so fired

In a 2004 issue of Georgia Trend

up after that letter that we scored two

magazine, then editor and publisher

touchdowns in the second half and put

Neely Young, a starting guard for

the game on ice. Later I discovered

Cedartown in 1958, wrote: “Ayers

that players on the 1956 team had

held to the theory that the water boy

heard a similar letter, and also the

was just as important to the team as

1957 squad. But it didn’t matter.”

the quarterback. At the end of each

All of Ayers’ Cedartown Ayers lifelong friend is former Georgia Coach Vince Dooley. Paul William “Bear” Bryant was a great admirer, too.

game he would take time to give praise

quarterbacks earned college

to someone who was a substitute,

scholarships. Many of his players

who might have run in a play for one

went on to play football at Auburn

down. He always thanked the trainers

University where they impressed

and recruiting promising off–the-

and mentioned the other staff.”

a young Vince Dooley, then an

radar players, some of whom earned

assistant on the Auburn staff. When

scholarships and starting positions.

Ayers’ greatest coaching gift, according to many, was

Dooley was named head football

his ability to inspire.

coach at the University of Georgia

coach of the freshman team, Ayers

in 1964, his first hire was Ayers.

became a Georgia football jack of all

“In almost every game we would be behind at the half,” wrote Young.

In those days, the freshman team

After stepping down as head

trades. He gave motivational talks to

PIEDMONT COLLEG E JO U RNAL

| 17

He was my go-to coach. I would send Doc after them, and they always came back together.

–Vince Dooley the team, continued to recruit, spoke at civic organizations and was the headline at Bulldog club meetings.

“He was fantastic with public

back to Cedartown and became reacquainted with

festoon his office, Ayers has a special

many years, he dropped

place in his heart for Piedmont. A

by Cedartown football

mention of the college brings a soft

practices, gave pre-game

smile. Each month, like clockwork,

motivational talks and

the school’s advancement office

encouraged the players.

receives a hand-addressed envelope

Ayers has also served

from Ayers. Inside is a check.

on non-profit boards and

The memo line on each captures

started a charity golf

his feelings for alma mater.

tournament in 1991. named the football field in his honor on September 3, 1999, the

people, and was always at home

the kindly gentleman keeps

wherever he went,” said Dooley. “Doc

regular office hours and spends

was just a tremendous ambassador

much of his day visiting with

for the University of Georgia.”

friends and corresponding the old fashioned way (hand-written

and left the program, Dooley always

notes). He attends luncheons,

called Ayers.

civic meetings, and is a favorite

and popular downtown fixture.

Dooley. “I would send Doc after them,

The coach’s charm, quick wink,

and they always came back together.”

and wit remain ever-present.

After the Bulldogs won the

It reads simply “with love.”

When Cedartown High

entire town showed up. Today,

“He was my go-to coach,” said

While Georgia red and black

high school football. For

relations, knew how to relate to

When a player became homesick

ask you how you’re doing.”

“You know you’re old,” he

national championship in 1980, Ayers

says, “when all three funeral

left the Georgia program, moved

homes in town call you to

For many years, Ayers led the Georgia Bullogs onto the field before home games in Sanford Stadium.

Love Letter (continued from page 14) “But the daily-ness of the divine

Christian tradition where people

is at the heart of my practice.”

gather around a table.

Beyond retirement in the

“Whatever else Christians have

keeps me at home in my faith.”

In times of global turmoil and shrinking worship practices, she said it is important to seek out

traditional sense, she continues to

gotten wrong during the years, we’ve

teach, lead, and guide important and

kept gathering around communion

relevant conversations about faith.

tables, just like Jesus told us to,”

your eyes peeled, see where God

she said. “That meal holds a central

is active and go there. Go and see

place in my tradition. It’s what

what’s happening; what’s missing.”

“My hope is in the activity of the Holy Spirit,” she said. “I’ve received more invitations because of this book.”

18

She reminds readers of the

| P I E D M ON T C OL L EG E JOU RNAL

and invest in a faith community.

“People are on the move...keep

A Note from Hobbs Your alumni house

Join Us on the Front Porch phi·lan·thro·py

/fəˈlanTHrəpē/ noun the desire to promote the welfare of others, expressed especially by the generous donation of money to good causes.

P

hilanthropy. It’s a powerful four-syllable word.

John F. Kennedy called it “a jewel of

an American tradition.” Poet Henry David

Thoreau said “philanthropy is almost the only virtue which is sufficiently appreciated by mankind.”

A modern definition, which combines the humanistic with social science traditions, is “private initiatives for the public good, focusing on quality of life.”

My job at Piedmont is to facilitate a culture of philanthropy, one in which participants realize the joy and fulfillment of giving. I know that sounds corny and idealistic, but that is how I see it. That said, few will give to a cause that does not inspire and excite them.

Since arriving at Piedmont in July, I have experienced both. I’ve met wonderful people and have become delightfully immersed in the campus culture. My perspective grows each day. I gain more optimism and become more aspirational about what can be accomplished. We have an amazing renaissance curriculum that combines the arts, business, education, and health sciences with an experience that is grounded in broad-based learning. Ours is an entrepreneurial

Craig Rogers, Vice President of Institutional Advancement, is joined on the front porch of the Pyle-Davis House (Graduate Admssions) by Bailey Jo.

culture that responds to the marketplace and student needs.

And the campus is bustling with energy and growth.

Most recently, we put the finishing touches on a sparkling new Conservatory of Music, purchased 80 acres adjacent to campus for expansion, and have plans to renovate and convert Nielsen Hall into a new home for the School of Education.

These facility and program expansions inspire a culture that is focused on the core goal of philanthropy: improving lives. A large number of our students are the first in their family to attend college. With us, many take their

PIEDMONT COLLEG E JO U RNAL

| 19

first trip abroad to study a new culture. And they graduate with a job secured or plans to advance to graduate school. U.S. News & World Report recently ranked Piedmont No. 1 among Georgia’s regional colleges and universities in social mobility,

Meet the Designer

a ranking that is designed to measure an institution’s success in helping economically disadvantaged students advance in their career and life.

Piedmont changes lives every day. My responsibility is to inspire a vibrant philanthropic culture among our alumni, parents, and friends that ensures our transformational work with our students continue. Cultivating that culture begins with building relationships. Ours is a front-porch philosophy that engenders comfort, trust, and sharing. This approach is captured in the name of our annual fund campaign, Lions Share.

Through this effort, we are asking members of the Piedmont family to

share their friendship, time, and treasure. Many of you remember the College yearbook, the Yonahian. This publication, celebrating 100 years, shares the name of our most intimate supporting family. The Yonahian Society recognizes donors who contribute $1,000 or more annually to Piedmont. This group will be recognized at a gala each year.

In closing, if you are in the area or on our beautiful campus, please stop by

our front porch, the Hobbs Alumni House. You’ll be greeted with a warm smile and welcoming handshake. We hope you’ll share your story and join our campaign.

Craig Rogers, Vice President of Advancement

(Craig Rogers is Vice President of Institutional Advancement. Before joining Piedmont, he served in advancement leadership roles at Hargrave Military Academy, Hampden-Sydney College, and Longwood University).

Yonahian Society Giving Levels YO-NĂH-ĬAN

20

Chairman’s Circle

$25,000+

Mayflower Circle

$10,000 – 24,999

1897 Founder’s Circle

$5,000 – 9,999

President’s Circle

$1,000 – 4,999

| P I E D M ON T C OL L EG E JOU RNAL

I

t’s good to have home-grown talent nearby.

Before developing a design for our giving society in house, we decided to give our students a crack at it. We had high expectations, (after all they are Piedmont students) and we weren’t disappointed.

The simple, elegant Yonahian Society design was developed by Hayden Giovino, a junior art and religion major from Rabun County.

Hayden developed several working drafts and concepts, presented them to our staff, and worked with us to develop a final product that made everyone smile.

Going forward, this circular design will be featured on coffee cups, lapel pins, and other marketing materials.

Furthermore, the student behind the work illustrates why giving to Piedmont is so important.

Hayden receives scholarship aid that is made possible through your gifts to Piedmont.

We hope you like the Yonahian Society branding. And we’re sure it will enhance Hayden’s resume.

- Regina McCormick '08

Athletics accolades & accomplishments making the mountains of western North Carolina an unlikely hotbed for collegiate swimming, Guyer was a champion weight lifter. Those two things may not seem to have much to do with each other, but you don’t bench press 550 pounds or pull dominant athletic programs out of thin air without a unique ability to build things.

Piedmont Athletic Director Jim Peeples knew almost right away Guyer was the person to lead the college’s 20th and 21st sports.

“Any time you’re starting something from scratch, having somebody that has experience starting a program from basically ground zero is important,” Peeples says. “That’s not an easy thing to do, especially from a Division III standpoint where you don’t have any athletic scholarship money.”

Guyer, 56, may no longer be quite possibly the strongest swim coach who has ever lived, but quick and sustained success at both Warren Wilson College Swim coach Teddy Guyer will host practices and meets at the Ruby C. Fulbright Aquatic Center in Clarkesville.

Trifecta

Guyer founded two college swim programs.

Piedmont will be his third.

By Ron Wagner

I

and Mars Hill University, where he compiled an overall dual meet record of 354 wins and 73 losses, saw 19 swimmers make NCAA national cuts, and earned seven Coach of the Year Awards, is nearly as remarkable as the unlikely journey he took to get there.

When Guyer was growing up in the 1970s in Bethel, a small, unincorporated community about 30 miles west of Asheville, North Carolina, swimming was pretty far down the list of popular athletic pursuits. No high schools in the area had teams, and Guyer taught himself to swim at a YMCA in nearby Canton.

f there’s one thing Teddy Guyer, tabbed to coach Piedmont new men’s and women’s swimming teams in July, has proven in his life, it’s that he’s not afraid

to do some heavy lifting. Figuratively and literally.

Before he got into the business of single-handedly

That evolved into life guarding, teaching swim lessons, and some competition in local summer league teams, which in turn evolved into Guyer being offered a job – and a place to live — running a pool in Fontana Village, North Carolina, after he graduated from Pisgah High. While there,

PIEDMONT COLLEG E JO U RNAL

| 21

Guyer got into weight lifting. Really into weight lifting.

“By the time I stopped lifting, which was early 2000s,

Rachel Nichols is a fifth-grade English teacher at Tallulah Falls School who swam sprints in the freestyle

I was benching around 550 in competition,” he says,

and butterfly for Guyer at Mars Hill from 2015-18.

noting he held several American and state drug-free records

She says Guyer’s ability to communicate is special.

in the bench press in the 1980s and ‘90s. “But then the injuries caught up with me, and I had to give it up.”

In 1985, Guyer met his future wife, Haven, who was

“He wrote the workouts. He did what you’re supposed to do as far as coaching goes,” Nichols, whose grandmother (Sandra G. Barrow) is a member of the

a student at Western Carolina

Piedmont Board of

University, and she persuaded

Trustees, says. “But he

him to enroll there. He became a

was like your parent

high school coach and physical

away from home,

education teacher, but some Warren Wilson students Guyer had taught to swim as kids told him about a job opening to run the college’s pool and teach some PE classes.

He like that idea. He also had one of his own.

After being hired at Warren Wilson, they said, “We know you want to coach, and if you would like to start a team, we’ll back you 100 percent,’” Guyer remembers. “I never planned on being a swim coach, but in ’93 I started the Warren Wilson swim team. Of course I had a lot to learn, but I knew the basics from all my years of instructing swimmers and my summer league experience.”

The rest, as the cliché goes, is history. Despite having

him with anything

no scholarship money, Guyer put together a 146-36 record

… Because he

before leaving for Mars Hill in 2005. He was just as

gives everyone that

successful there, and looking back, Guyer thinks his lack of

sense of belonging,

a traditional coaching background worked in his favor.

you immediately

“What got me into being a swim coach was I had so

feel comfortable,

much experience running pools and teaching young kids to

and you can trust him. Having that bond with him

be competitive swimmers … Once I got to the college level,

ultimately helped us bond as a team together.”

the experiences I had working with the club coaches who used our pool helped me a lot,” he says. “I’ve definitely had to learn the sport from the ground up, but sometimes I think

22

too. You could go to

That bond also eventually motivated Nichols to take over the Tallulah Falls swim teams, which she coaches.

“I always knew I wanted to teach,” she says. “He

it’s been good for me because I have a way of being able

made a lasting impact on me… and I want to make

to talk to the kids in a way that I’m not talking above them.”

that kind of impact on other young peoples’ lives.”

| P I E D M ON T C OL L EG E JOU RNAL

One of the biggest reasons Guyer took the Piedmont position is that, for the first time in his career, impacting the lives of young people will be his only job. At Warren Wilson and Mars Hill, Guyer spent more time managing pools than he did instructing athletes, but the Ruby Fulbright Aquatic Center in Clarkesville, Georgia, where the Lions will train and race, will be maintained by the Habersham County Parks and Recreation Department.

“For 40 years now, I have run pools … I have had to deal with all the chemicals and maintenance and cleaning, and the last couple of years it’s really gotten to me,” Guyer says. “When Coach Peeples offered me this job, he said I wouldn’t have any pool responsibilities … I said sign me up.”

That extra time to recruit Atlanta’s rich talent pool could allow Piedmont, which has won three consecutive USA South Presidents Cup awards, given to the top-performing athletic program in the conference, to hit the water swimming.

“Atlanta swimming has some of the biggest and best clubs in the United States. Period,” Peeples says.

“Finding somebody with the years of experience Teddy has and having the recruiting connections that he does to this local swim community I thought was a pretty important factor … The goal is, like in any of our sports, we want to have a program here that can hopefully first be very competitive within our region and, hopefully in time, be a competitive D-III program on a national level.”

Piedmont will start competition in the 2020-21 season.

Guyer, who once bench-pressed 550 pounds, has collected more than his share of power-lifting hardware (top left). His family (above) includes Haven, his wife, and four sons: TC (third from left), Lance, Colby, and Trace.

Tops in USA South – Again

F

or the third consecutive year Piedmont has been awarded the Presidents Cup by the USA South Conference. The Cup, established more than

40 years ago, recognizes the conference’s top performing athletic program.

Piedmont College also won the Women’s Presidents

Cup trophy.

Overall, Piedmont athletic programs took home a

total of four regular season championships and won five conference tournaments in 2018-19, including the inaugural USA South Track & Field Championship.

On the women’s side, this marks the fourth consecutive season in which the Lady Lions have finished first. Courtesy of conference tournament championships in soccer, basketball, and track & field, Piedmont took the Women’s Presidents Cup by a school-record 20 points, coming in with 76.5 points, 20 ahead of second-place Meredith.

Piedmont won the overall Cup by a record margin

with 133 points, 22 ahead of runner-up Methodist.

On the men’s side, the Lions finished a school-best second, just 3.5 points behind Men’s Presidents Cup winner Methodist. The season was highlighted by a West Division Regular Season Championship in men’s tennis, track & field taking the first ever USA South title and finally, men’s lacrosse winning the USA South Tournament in only its second season in the league.

The margin of victory by Piedmont in both the overall and women’s final standings are the largest in the USA South since Christopher Newport ran away with all three cups in the 2012-13 season.

Keep up with all of our sports news, schedules, and scores at www.piedmontlions.com

PIEDMONT COLLEG E JO U RNAL

| 23

History highlights & interesting stories

The Many Looks of Leo

L

eo the Lion has had many different looks through the decades.

During the 1970s and early

1980s, Leo was a throwback to his grandfather who starred in the Wizard of Oz. With a face strangely human and a stringy red mane, Leo had a roomy pajama-like body that was suitable for disco-dancing and MC hammering.

By the early 1990s, a kinder,

gentler Leo emerged. But this one, with a long snout, white chin, and no mane, looked more like a friendly dog

2019

than a lion. It was around this time that a lady lion (perhaps it was Leo’s girlfriend) happened upon campus.

Like the human hairstyles of the day, this lioness had a frizz. And judging from her fangs, she must have been sassy, too.

The relationship did not last long.

The lioness disappeared into the north Georgia Mountains as the new century dawned.

2016

Today, Leo has benefitted from modern beauty products. The white chin of yesteryear has regained much of its original color. And Rogaine has thickened his mane. He is fullerbodied, the result of a slowing metabolism. But his smile is broader.

Single life must suit him.

1998

– John Roberts

1993

1966

1988

1990 24

| P I E D M ON T C OL L EG E JOU RNAL

News&Notes CLASS

2

1

1990s Matthew Stewart ’99 and Leslie Stewart announced the birth of William Emory Stewart, March 15. William’s older sister, Katie will be 13 in April, and older brother, Wiley will be 11 in April. The Stewarts live in Americus, Georgia where both parents work for Habitat for Humanity International.

2000s 1

Regina McCormick ’08, Design Manager at Piedmont College, married Tyler Mann, Assistant Professor of Graphic Design at Piedmont, in Big Hendy Grove, California on May 27.

2

Lisa Diehl ’09 was awarded the Excellence in Teaching Award by the University of North Georgia. Diehl teaches English Composition and British Literature II at the University of North Georgia where she has been for seven years. Diehl was also a recent Gabrielle Straub residency awardee offered through the Lillian E. Smith Center.

3

2010s 3

Heather Rose ’10 is now the Administrative Assistant to the Assistant Vice President of Research & Engagement at the University of North Georgia. Her daughter Annabelle (age 2), and son Emmett (age 6) are pictured, along with her husband Patrick Rose ’12.

Patrick Rose ’12 will be celebrating his 7th year at Mill Spring Academy in Milton, Georgia at the Technical Director/Tech Theater Teacher.

4

4

Molly Atkinson ’12 is presently a postdoctoral fellow at Miami University, Oxford, Ohio.

5

Sarah Hafeman ’12 and Darren Hafeman announced the birth of Ryker Maddox Hafeman August 13. Sarah is also the daughter of Professor Keith Nelms.

6

Dilyn Cox ’12, MBA ’15 and Zachary Cox ‘16 announced the birth of Addilyn Truett Cox July 12.

PIEDMONT COLLEG E JO U RNAL

| 25

News&Notes CLASS

5

7

Patrick Steck ’14 completed an Iron Man in Lake Placid in July in under 12 hours. Current student and brother-in-law to Patrick, Harris Sailors, came along to support and went on a pre-race ride around Lake Placid.

Matt Stephens ’15, MBA ’17 and Taylor Cramsey ’17 were married August 24.

6

7

8

Krysti Elam ’16, MA ’19 is now employed with Zaxby’s Franchising LLC in Athens as a ZFL Subject Matter Expert. As a Certified Field Training Specialist with Zaxby’s, Elam travels the country training managers and team members as new locations open.

Porcha Simmons ’17 graduated with her Master’s in Social Work from the University of Georgia May 10.

8

Owensby included in Georgia Trend list Jessie Owensby ’15 has been included in

In this position, she oversees strategic planning

Georgia Trend Magazine’s

and manages tourism, an area that has fueled business

distinguished 40 under 40

growth and investments in Cornelia and the surrounding

feature. This list is a who’s

area. In August, Owensby was awarded a level-one

who in their profession and

certification by the Georgia Downtown Association at the

represents those passionate

group’s annual conference in Jekyll Island, Georgia.

about community service.

Owensby has deep roots

A mass communications major, Owensby said Dr. Dale Van Cantfort was among the many Piedmont

in northeast Georgia. After

professors who have offered her valuable career counsel.

graduating from Piedmont,

“Dr. Van Cantfort kept me motivated throughout my time at

she became news director at WCON in Cornelia, where

Piedmont,” she said. “He remains my biggest cheerleader,

she interviewed interesting people and built relationships

mentor and supporter; I call him for advice today.”

and connections throughout the community. It was her passion for community that led to her next job: Community

26

Development Manager for the city of Cornelia.

| P I E D M ON T C OL L EG E JOU RNAL

- Adam Martin

Second Nature to Give Back Michele

“Being an Athenian, I would think, what did I

Pearson ’03,

see? What did I complain about?” she said. “I am one

a longtime board

of the strong believers in ‘you don’t complain; you do.’

member of the

So, being an engaged citizen was just like breathing.”

Athens Housing

After graduating Piedmont in 2003, her vision

Authority and

was to attend law school, but an internship at a law

Athens Area

firm changed her mind. She sought advice from a

Chamber of

Piedmont professor and ultimately changed course

Commerce, has

and received her MBA from the Harry W. Walker

been awarded

School of Business in 2005. She learned one of the

the President’s

best ways she could effect change in her community

Fulfilling the Dream Award. The award by the University of Georgia, Athens-Clarke County Unified

was to help people learn more about finance.

“No matter what socioeconomic level you are,

Government, and the Clarke County School District is

if you are able to understand financial freedom, then

given to an outstanding member of the Athens-Clarke

you could actually take charge and do things.”

County community who is advancing Martin Luther King, Jr.’s dream of equality and justice for all.

The award was presented at the 16th annual Martin Luther King Jr. Freedom Breakfast on January 18 at the Grand Hall of the Tate Student Center at the University of Georgia in Athens.

Since graduating, she has worked in the financial community and five years ago, opened her own branch of an Edward Jones strategic investment firm in Athens.

- Adam Martin

Photo courtesy of University of Georgia

We'd love to hear from you!

Send us your news at classnotes@piedmont.edu and look for them in the next Journal. Visit our alumni page to update your contact information so you don’t miss out on invitations to alumni events! Visit us online at www.piedmont.edu/alumni.

PIEDMONT COLLEG E JO U RNAL

| 27

In Memory Omer E. Bryant

College on a piano scholarship.

Department of Natural Resources

‘49 of Carnesville,

Whitmire-Chandley graduated cum

Fisheries Division. He was a member

Georgia died July

laude in 1951 from University of

of Hills Crossing Baptist Church

10 at the Veranda

Florida with a BA in Music and

where he was past deacon chair and

of Carnesville.

Education. In 1953, she married

Sunday school teacher, mission trip

Bryant received

Quinton J. Whitmire, whom she

coordinator, and was a RA leader

his masters from

had met at Piedmont at First United

and audio technician. Chestnutt spent

Peabody College

Methodist Church, Lake Wales.

many years coaching, refereeing,

in 1954. An educator, he taught at

Her loves were her husbands and

and umpiring with Habersham

Rentz High School in Laurens County;

children, family, friends, church,

County Athletics, and he was an avid

Upson County, Red Hill, Franklin

world travel, reading, music, nature,

woodworker.

County High School, Carnesville

teaching, learning, helping others,

Elementary, and Banks County.

and volunteering. Her first husband,

Bryant was girls’ basketball coach

Quinton, died in 1978 and she

at Franklin County High School from

was widowed for 20 years. In

1956 to 1957. He served as a

1998, Whitmire-Chandley became

principal at Carnesville Elementary

reacquainted with Dick Chandley.

and Banks County elementary and

She and Dick married on February

primary schools. Bryant was Franklin

14, 1999.

County School Superintendent from 1965 to 1968, and eight years from 1977 to 1984. A Korean War veteran, he served in the US Army Signal Corps in Germany. He had been a member of the Carnesville Lions Club and the Kiwanis. Bryant had been a member of the Cross Roads Baptist Church since 1945 and had served as trustee and treasurer.

Mary N. Whitmire-Chandley ‘50 of Lake Wales, Florida died June 9, at the age of 88. Born on January 5, 1931, to Cleo and Neil Hardman, both residents of Lake Wales. Throughout her life, WhitmireChandley was very active in school, church, community service, youth organizations, music, and other local projects. She graduated with honors from Lake Wales High School in 1948 and attended Piedmont

28

| P I E D M ON T C OL L EG E JOU RNAL

John T. Ward ‘97 of Alto, Georgia died June 25 at the age of 66. Born in Demorest, Georgia on June 14, 1953 to the late John Buford and Dorothy “Dot” Henson Ward, John was a lineman and worked his way up to an operations manager with Habersham EMC

Mackie D. Brown ‘68 of

with 37 years of service. During his

Gainesville, Georgia died August 26

career, he received GEMC Foreman

at his residence.

& Supervisors’ Cofer-Langston Award

Hal W. Chestnutt ‘81 of Clarkesville, Georgia died August 22 at the age of 69. Born in Sylvester, Georgia on May 16, 1950, Chestnutt was the son of the late Sam L. and Wynell C. Howell Chestnutt.

He graduated from Tift County High School and earned an AA Degree in Wildlife from Abraham Baldwin Agricultural College and BA Degree in Psychology from Piedmont College. Chestnutt was a United States Army Vietnam era veteran,

for outstanding leadership. Ward was a member of the Cherokee Gun Club, past president of the Lake Burton Water Ski Association, ground man, team leader, and founding member for HEMC’s first Lineman’s Rodeo team, who placed first in the state and third in the nation. Ward enjoyed hunting, fishing, gardening, traveling, and the water, especially the lake and early Saturday morning ski trips with his kids while they were growing up

was stationed at Camp David, and

Gary Shattuck ‘98 of Agora

was a fire fighter and chaplain

Hills, California died June 1. Dr.

with Clarkesville Fire Department

Shattuck was born February 5,

with over 20 years of loyal service.

1947 in Corpus Christi, Texas.

Chestnutt was the retired manager of

He was the son of the late Rear

Lake Burton Hatchery and Regional

Admiral Charles William Shattuck,

Stock Coordinator with the Georgia

SC USNR-R and the late Violet

Louise McNair Shattuck, formerly

She stressed to pray for others, to

School. She later moved into the

of Manhattan Beach, California.

look at the big picture, and to always

role of the curriculum director for

Dr. Shattuck graduated from Mira

be thankful.

Lowndes County. She also served as

Costa High School in the Class of 1965. Dr. Shattuck received a BA degree in History with a minor in Geography from UCLA and a MAT degree in Social Studies Education from Piedmont College. He took his Ed.S. degree in Instructional Technology and his Ph.D. in Instructional Technology from The University of Georgia: Dissertation, “Understanding School Leaders’ Role in Teachers’ Adoption of Technology Integrated Classroom Practices.” Dr. Shattuck worked 17 years for the Newton County School System where he served the last 15 years as director of technology.

In 1980, University of Georgia History Professor Emeritus Dr. Albert Saye proposed Dr. Shattuck to the Republican National Committee.

Then, Dr. Shattuck became one of four GOP Georgia State Field Officers who were instrumental in helping Ronald Regan win in Georgia’s presidential election.

Deanne I. Duckett ‘09 of Dacula, Georgia died May 17 at the age of 51 in her home and went to be with her Father in heaven.

Duckett was born October 30, 1967 in Hialeah, Florida to Arlene and Frank Swider. She graduated from Piedmont College with a degree in early childhood education and married Michael Duckett on November 24, 2006. Together, they raised six children. Duckett spent her life working with special needs children and their families. Although trained in school, Duckett had a gift from God in this area. She was full of joy, and her presence touched everyone she came in contact with.

Joshua L. Merrill ‘11 of Merrill’s Farm Drive died June 25 at the age of 31. He is the son of Tim Lane and Susie Hyatt Merrill. Merrill played baseball for Limestone and Piedmont College. He served on the Madison County Youth League Baseball Board where he also coached for three years and was

superintendent in Atkinson County and retired after serving as the Dean of Graduate Admissions at Piedmont College. Dr. Dickson was very involved with Georgia Retired Educators Association, Learning in Retirement, the Annette Howell Turner Arts Center, BARC, and the Theatre Guild of Valdosta.

an assistant coach for the Mountain

Paul J. Reeves

Xplosion travel baseball team. Merrill

(trustee

was an avid outdoors man, who

emeritus) of

loved mountain biking, fly fishing,

Cornelia, Georgia

hiking, and camping. Merrill hand

died July 18 at

carved spoons and forks out of raw

the age of 93 in

wood which became a hit with his

his home. Born

family for Christmas gifts. He had a

December 15,

desire and love for the kids in this

1925, in Clarkesville, Georgia,

community and was always striving

he was the son of the late Francis

and working to have more for his

Marion and Hester Ayers Reeves, the

children.

Sandra B. Dickson (former Dean of Graduate Admissions) of Valdosta, Georgia died May 10, at the age of 72 at South Georgia Medical Center following a period of declining health. She was born in Valdosta on January 5, 1947 to the late Otis Willard and Grace Devereaux Belote. She was a retired educator and was a member of the Clyattville United Methodist Church.

Dr. Dickson began her teaching career at Northside-Warner Robins.

From there, she taught at Hahira Junior High and was a social worker for the Lowndes County School System, and then served as the Assistant Principal at Hahira Middle

youngest of eight children. Shortly after his 17th birthday, he joined the US Navy and served with the 5th Amphibious Corp in Saipan during World War II. He returned home in 1946 and began his hardware business career by managing his brother’s hardware store in Highlands, North Carolina. Later in 1946, he returned to Cornelia and in short order met and married the love of his life, Doris Elder, and started Habersham Hardware with his brothers. He and Doris began their family, eventually welcoming four daughters. He was a member of the Rotary Club, Cornelia Optimist Club, and was a member of the Cornelia Masonic Lodge #92 F&AM for 69 years. He also served as a Trustee of Piedmont College for many years. In 2015, he was inducted into the Habersham County Chamber of Commerce Hall of Fame.

PIEDMONT COLLEG E JO U RNAL

| 29

Leo in Vietnam Leo traveled with a group of Piedmont students to Vietnam this summer where he visited the Tᝍ Hiếu Temple, a Buddhist monastery on the outskirts of Hue, a city in central Vietnam. The stop was part of a cycling tour of the country that began in Hue and finished 300 miles away in Nha Trang.