ALUMNI MAGAZINE
FALL 2021
BEST IN KY… AGAIN GC WELCOMES
LARGEST INCOMING CLASS ON RECORD
EXCEEDING EXPECTATIONS
CONTENTS
A MESSAGE FROM THE
ACTING PRESIDENT
Dear Alumni and Friends, As Georgetown College prepares to enter a new calendar year, I am incredibly proud, as your acting president, to bring you stories of the extraordinary successes the College has experienced this past year, as well as the ways in which our alumni are continuing to make a positive difference in the world.
ACTING PRESIDENT ROSEMARY ALLEN VICE PRESIDENT FOR ADVANCEMENT John Davis EDITOR Daniel Flener DESIGNER Kelsey Berry ‘11 CONTRIBUTING WRITERS Olivia Coleman-Dunn ‘15 Jenny Elder Daniel Flener Reverend Alan Redditt ‘00 CONTRIBUTING EDITORS Olivia Coleman-Dunn ‘15 Jane Cutter ‘71 John Davis Tim Jordan PHOTOS O’Neil Arnold Kelsey Berry ‘11 Patrick Brumback Mike Cyrus Richard Davis Daniel Flener Ashley Lowe Cory Nolan
1
© Copyright Georgetown College, 2021
In this edition of the Georgetown College Alumni Magazine, you’ll read stories of how the College has surpassed goals, broken records, and transformed lives. In a time when talking to prospective students is sometimes difficult, Georgetown has broken enrollment records. In a year defined by unpredictability, you—alumni and friends of the College—helped us surpass our fundraising goals. And in an era in which some question the quantifiable benefit of a liberal arts education, GC has been named as the best college or university in Kentucky for job placement for the fourth year in a row.
I am often asked what makes this institution special. In my three-plus decades of service to the College, my answer has remained the same: the people. When I think of this institution, my thoughts linger on the student who initially struggled but was able to recover thanks to a caring faculty member, and who then graduated and was able to go on to a successful career. Or I think of the many faculty and staff colleagues with whom I have served over these years, who are committed, heart and soul, to the vocation of education. The strength of this caring, resilient, and collaborative Georgetown College community is at the core of our institutional identity, no matter who sits in the President’s seat. And we can see in the successes our students celebrate after their graduation that the care and devotion shown by the College community has measurable impact, as well as impact beyond measure.
EXCEEDING EXPECTATIONS
“ Coach Cronin told me that if I ever wanted to come back and help out, the door was open. When the pandemic hit… I thought ‘Why not?’
— Starr Thompson ’19
I sincerely hope you enjoy the following stories of those successes, and I ask that you join me in praying for the College as we enter 2022. May it be another calendar year full of exceeding and defying expectations. With Gratitude,
A Letter From the Director of Alumni Relations
04
Heart and Mind
05
A Ripple Effect
07
Making a Difference
09
Lasting Impact
EXCEEDING EXPECTATIONS 12
Exceeding Expectations
13
Defying Expectations
15
Breaking Records...Again
17
Surpassing Goals
19
Best in Kentucky...Again
21
A Legacy Endures
AROUND CAMPUS
GC Magazine is published by the Georgetown College Office of Marketing and Communications.
Georgetown College admits students regardless of race, color, national or ethnic origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, age, disability, or veteran status.
12
These accomplishments simply would not be possible without the incredible work of our faculty and staff, who give so much of their time and talent to the mission set forth by Georgetown College. My colleagues continue to devote themselves to this ideal, providing the best education possible to our wonderfully talented students.
03
GET SOCIAL Follow Georgetown College on your favorite social media.
23
Exciting Changes
32
A Letter From the Alumni Board President
27
There Really Is No Place Like Homecoming
33
Introducing the Georgetown College Hall of Fame
29
Campus News
35
Class Notes
31
Meet John Davis
37
In Memoriam
GC MAGAZINE | FALL 2021
GC MAGAZINE | FALL 2021
FOR COMMENTS, QUESTIONS AND INFORMATION, CONTACT: Office of Marketing and Communications 400 East College St. Georgetown, KY 40324-1696 502-863-7922
OUTSTANDING OUTCOMES
2
CONTENTS
A MESSAGE FROM THE
ACTING PRESIDENT
Dear Alumni and Friends, As Georgetown College prepares to enter a new calendar year, I am incredibly proud, as your acting president, to bring you stories of the extraordinary successes the College has experienced this past year, as well as the ways in which our alumni are continuing to make a positive difference in the world.
ACTING PRESIDENT ROSEMARY ALLEN VICE PRESIDENT FOR ADVANCEMENT John Davis EDITOR Daniel Flener DESIGNER Kelsey Berry ‘11 CONTRIBUTING WRITERS Olivia Coleman-Dunn ‘15 Jenny Elder Daniel Flener Reverend Alan Redditt ‘00 CONTRIBUTING EDITORS Olivia Coleman-Dunn ‘15 Jane Cutter ‘71 John Davis Tim Jordan PHOTOS O’Neil Arnold Kelsey Berry ‘11 Patrick Brumback Mike Cyrus Richard Davis Daniel Flener Ashley Lowe Cory Nolan
1
© Copyright Georgetown College, 2021
In this edition of the Georgetown College Alumni Magazine, you’ll read stories of how the College has surpassed goals, broken records, and transformed lives. In a time when talking to prospective students is sometimes difficult, Georgetown has broken enrollment records. In a year defined by unpredictability, you—alumni and friends of the College—helped us surpass our fundraising goals. And in an era in which some question the quantifiable benefit of a liberal arts education, GC has been named as the best college or university in Kentucky for job placement for the fourth year in a row.
I am often asked what makes this institution special. In my three-plus decades of service to the College, my answer has remained the same: the people. When I think of this institution, my thoughts linger on the student who initially struggled but was able to recover thanks to a caring faculty member, and who then graduated and was able to go on to a successful career. Or I think of the many faculty and staff colleagues with whom I have served over these years, who are committed, heart and soul, to the vocation of education. The strength of this caring, resilient, and collaborative Georgetown College community is at the core of our institutional identity, no matter who sits in the President’s seat. And we can see in the successes our students celebrate after their graduation that the care and devotion shown by the College community has measurable impact, as well as impact beyond measure.
EXCEEDING EXPECTATIONS
“ Coach Cronin told me that if I ever wanted to come back and help out, the door was open. When the pandemic hit… I thought ‘Why not?’
— Starr Thompson ’19
I sincerely hope you enjoy the following stories of those successes, and I ask that you join me in praying for the College as we enter 2022. May it be another calendar year full of exceeding and defying expectations. With Gratitude,
A Letter From the Director of Alumni Relations
04
Heart and Mind
05
A Ripple Effect
07
Making a Difference
09
Lasting Impact
EXCEEDING EXPECTATIONS 12
Exceeding Expectations
13
Defying Expectations
15
Breaking Records...Again
17
Surpassing Goals
19
Best in Kentucky...Again
21
A Legacy Endures
AROUND CAMPUS
GC Magazine is published by the Georgetown College Office of Marketing and Communications.
Georgetown College admits students regardless of race, color, national or ethnic origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, age, disability, or veteran status.
12
These accomplishments simply would not be possible without the incredible work of our faculty and staff, who give so much of their time and talent to the mission set forth by Georgetown College. My colleagues continue to devote themselves to this ideal, providing the best education possible to our wonderfully talented students.
03
GET SOCIAL Follow Georgetown College on your favorite social media.
23
Exciting Changes
32
A Letter From the Alumni Board President
27
There Really Is No Place Like Homecoming
33
Introducing the Georgetown College Hall of Fame
29
Campus News
35
Class Notes
31
Meet John Davis
37
In Memoriam
GC MAGAZINE | FALL 2021
GC MAGAZINE | FALL 2021
FOR COMMENTS, QUESTIONS AND INFORMATION, CONTACT: Office of Marketing and Communications 400 East College St. Georgetown, KY 40324-1696 502-863-7922
OUTSTANDING OUTCOMES
2
OUTSTANDING OUTCOMES
OUTSTANDING OUTCOMES
A LETTER FROM THE DIRECTOR OF
ALUMNI RELATIONS MY FELLOW ALUMNI, I have been your Director of Alumni Relations for almost one year now, and I am consistently amazed by your dedication and love for Georgetown College. It is always my goal to meet your investment and enthusiasm with my own, as well as provide openness and ensure that you always feel heard. It has been a year of celebration at the College. You will read stories of how the College truly exceeded expectations this past year, and how we plan to continue to exceed expectations in the years to come. This year, we launched the Heart and Mind Tour and were able to reconnect with alumni after more than a year without in-person alumni events. It has been such a joy to see all of you on the tour and to celebrate with you. We also held our first homecoming in two years after Homecoming 2020 was canceled due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
As you read just a few of these stories, I ask that you continue to celebrate with us. I pray that you too feel that swell of pride at the thought of being a Georgetown College Tiger. Sincerely,
That’s why when the College kicked off its alumni tour after more than one year of pause due to COVID-19, it made sense to get back to what Georgetown College really means, back to that holistic, transformational education .
The College also held an all-virtual GC Giving Day in March of 2021. “In some ways, you don’t know what to expect with it being all-virtual,” said Coleman-Dunn. “We set a lofty goal, though, because we trusted how much our alumni love this institution, and they proved just that.”
“The Heart and Mind Tour is really what being alumni of Georgetown College is all about,” said Director of Alumni Relations Olivia Coleman-Dunn ‘15. “It’s about engaging conversation, but also that kindness and servant-leadership. Our alumni truly exemplify the best of the College and give of their hearts and their minds, both to this institution and in their communities. This tour is about reconnecting and celebrating that.”
A DIFFERENT WAY TO CONNECT The College suspended its Tiger Together Alumni Tour in early 2020, as the COVID-19 pandemic began to spread throughout the country.
Olivia Coleman-Dunn ‘15 Director of Alumni Relations
“As difficult as it was to suspend the tour, the health and safety of our alumni was of the utmost importance,” said Coleman-Dunn. “Our alumni are the lifeblood of the College, and we wanted to ensure we did right by them and made the right decision.” During this period, college officials found new and innovative ways to connect with alumni. This included a
With a goal of receiving 750 gifts from donors, the College received 1,111 gifts totaling more than $200,000 in funds, which go directly toward helping current and future Tigers.
GATHERING TOGETHER AGAIN However, not much beats connecting with fellow Tigers in-person. The Heart and Mind Tour began in Louisville, Kentucky on July 29, with subsequent events taking place in Cincinnati, Lexington, and Nashville. The tour has allowed college officials to celebrate the many successes of this past year with alumni throughout the area. “While at times challenging, this past year has seen so much success for the College,” said Coleman-Dunn. “It was hard not to celebrate with our alumni in person for so long, but it’s been one big celebration of all the successes from the past year, from breaking enrollment records to surpassing our giving goals. We look forward to continuing the celebration in 2022.”
GC MAGAZINE | FALL 2021
GC MAGAZINE | FALL 2021 3
OLIVIA COLEMAN-DUNN
In all these celebrations and successes, I can’t help but feel so incredibly proud. I feel immense pride not only in this institution, but in all of you. There are frankly too many stories of your own success, both personal and professional, your own kindness, and your own leadership through these often-challenging times for the few pages of this Georgetown College Alumni Magazine.
G
virtual series called Tiger Talks, which brought together legends of the College for virtual conversations. Episodes in the series featured legendary coaches, faculty, and staff from Georgetown College.
eorgetown College offters a truly transformational education, focused on the entire student. This focus not only inspires students during their studies at the College. It carries on into every part of their lives, as they venture out to become proud alumni.
4
OUTSTANDING OUTCOMES
OUTSTANDING OUTCOMES
A LETTER FROM THE DIRECTOR OF
ALUMNI RELATIONS MY FELLOW ALUMNI, I have been your Director of Alumni Relations for almost one year now, and I am consistently amazed by your dedication and love for Georgetown College. It is always my goal to meet your investment and enthusiasm with my own, as well as provide openness and ensure that you always feel heard. It has been a year of celebration at the College. You will read stories of how the College truly exceeded expectations this past year, and how we plan to continue to exceed expectations in the years to come. This year, we launched the Heart and Mind Tour and were able to reconnect with alumni after more than a year without in-person alumni events. It has been such a joy to see all of you on the tour and to celebrate with you. We also held our first homecoming in two years after Homecoming 2020 was canceled due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
As you read just a few of these stories, I ask that you continue to celebrate with us. I pray that you too feel that swell of pride at the thought of being a Georgetown College Tiger. Sincerely,
That’s why when the College kicked off its alumni tour after more than one year of pause due to COVID-19, it made sense to get back to what Georgetown College really means, back to that holistic, transformational education .
The College also held an all-virtual GC Giving Day in March of 2021. “In some ways, you don’t know what to expect with it being all-virtual,” said Coleman-Dunn. “We set a lofty goal, though, because we trusted how much our alumni love this institution, and they proved just that.”
“The Heart and Mind Tour is really what being alumni of Georgetown College is all about,” said Director of Alumni Relations Olivia Coleman-Dunn ‘15. “It’s about engaging conversation, but also that kindness and servant-leadership. Our alumni truly exemplify the best of the College and give of their hearts and their minds, both to this institution and in their communities. This tour is about reconnecting and celebrating that.”
A DIFFERENT WAY TO CONNECT The College suspended its Tiger Together Alumni Tour in early 2020, as the COVID-19 pandemic began to spread throughout the country.
Olivia Coleman-Dunn ‘15 Director of Alumni Relations
“As difficult as it was to suspend the tour, the health and safety of our alumni was of the utmost importance,” said Coleman-Dunn. “Our alumni are the lifeblood of the College, and we wanted to ensure we did right by them and made the right decision.” During this period, college officials found new and innovative ways to connect with alumni. This included a
With a goal of receiving 750 gifts from donors, the College received 1,111 gifts totaling more than $200,000 in funds, which go directly toward helping current and future Tigers.
GATHERING TOGETHER AGAIN However, not much beats connecting with fellow Tigers in-person. The Heart and Mind Tour began in Louisville, Kentucky on July 29, with subsequent events taking place in Cincinnati, Lexington, and Nashville. The tour has allowed college officials to celebrate the many successes of this past year with alumni throughout the area. “While at times challenging, this past year has seen so much success for the College,” said Coleman-Dunn. “It was hard not to celebrate with our alumni in person for so long, but it’s been one big celebration of all the successes from the past year, from breaking enrollment records to surpassing our giving goals. We look forward to continuing the celebration in 2022.”
GC MAGAZINE | FALL 2021
GC MAGAZINE | FALL 2021 3
OLIVIA COLEMAN-DUNN
In all these celebrations and successes, I can’t help but feel so incredibly proud. I feel immense pride not only in this institution, but in all of you. There are frankly too many stories of your own success, both personal and professional, your own kindness, and your own leadership through these often-challenging times for the few pages of this Georgetown College Alumni Magazine.
G
virtual series called Tiger Talks, which brought together legends of the College for virtual conversations. Episodes in the series featured legendary coaches, faculty, and staff from Georgetown College.
eorgetown College offters a truly transformational education, focused on the entire student. This focus not only inspires students during their studies at the College. It carries on into every part of their lives, as they venture out to become proud alumni.
4
OUTSTANDING OUTCOMES
A Ripple Effect Devanny King Returns to Campus to Educate and Empower
I
n August of 2011, Devanny King made the trip from Medina, Ohio to Georgetown College, starting a journey around the world. Ohio to Kentucky to Australia to Barcelona to Beijing. In August of 2021, she returned to the place she calls home, serving as adjunct professor at Georgetown College. “This place expanded my horizons, developed tools I didn’t know I had, and set me on a path I never knew I wanted to walk,” King said. “Now I hope to give the same back this semester as I’ve been welcomed home to teach, challenge, and guide these students.”
She became the first Georgetown College women’s basketball player to continue her career professionally, playing for two teams in Perth, Australia and one in Barcelona, Spain. She planned to play a fourth season when the pandemic hit and altered her path. In addition to all that, she was working internationally for radio stations and management corporations – Beijing Starz International, CRCC Asia, and 98five Sonshine FM. “Basketball has been a love for as long as I can remember,” King said. “Georgetown only fueled this as teammates and coaches expanded my game.”
MORE THAN AN ATHLETE
However, it was not only on the court that she was seeing personal growth and deepening assurance in herself. “I truly feel like during my time at Georgetown the faculty and staff provided such a transformative experience for their students. For myself, they challenged me to think critically, provided thoughtful considerations from different perspectives, and ultimately instilled confidence within me,” King said. “As my playing days have paused, I want to actualize on giving students that same experience my professors gave me and share my world travels with others to bridge cultural gaps.” King earned Georgetown’s highest honor upon graduating – President’s Award – as well as the Mid-South Conference Female Athlete of the Year and NAIA All-American.
MINDFUL GOALS
OUTSTANDING OUTCOMES
Her approach to her next steps has always been, “How do I help the next person; how do I enrich a life and thus the world?” The ripples have been felt far and wide. “Devanny was the first student that I met when I came to Georgetown College. Her kindness, aura, and passion for Georgetown College were contagious, and still are to this day,” said GC Alumni Director Olivia Coleman-Dunn. “As teammates, we found that balance of being competitive, but not being lost in the mission. I strongly admire her courage to soar to new heights in life, and I am blessed to not only call her my friend, but my sister.” Dr. Susan Dummer, professor and chair of the communication and media studies department, knew King’s return to Kentucky could be a fantastic opportunity for Georgetown College. “Without a doubt, when I found out she’d be here and not playing abroad or guiding another international corporation, I immediately wanted her to teach our entrepreneurial leadership class. I knew she would be a huge asset to our students,” Dummer said. “Her wisdom, experience, and the way she engages with others is a perfect example of the dynamic education of heart and mind for which Georgetown strives.” Along with serving the fall semester on campus, King is a business coach for Kentucky Small Business Development Center and a board member of You Are, a non-profit organization aiming to empower the younger generation’s holistic development of mind, body, and spirit. “When I look at all I’ve done and where I’ve been since graduating in 2015, it doesn’t seem possible,” King said. “A decade ago when I rolled up on this campus, I couldn’t have seen this path. Georgetown did, though, and it does the same for everyone who walks onto campus. This is home, no matter where I go or what my next adventure is. This is home.”
GC MAGAZINE | FALL 2021
GC MAGAZINE | FALL 2021
5
6
OUTSTANDING OUTCOMES
A Ripple Effect Devanny King Returns to Campus to Educate and Empower
I
n August of 2011, Devanny King made the trip from Medina, Ohio to Georgetown College, starting a journey around the world. Ohio to Kentucky to Australia to Barcelona to Beijing. In August of 2021, she returned to the place she calls home, serving as adjunct professor at Georgetown College. “This place expanded my horizons, developed tools I didn’t know I had, and set me on a path I never knew I wanted to walk,” King said. “Now I hope to give the same back this semester as I’ve been welcomed home to teach, challenge, and guide these students.”
She became the first Georgetown College women’s basketball player to continue her career professionally, playing for two teams in Perth, Australia and one in Barcelona, Spain. She planned to play a fourth season when the pandemic hit and altered her path. In addition to all that, she was working internationally for radio stations and management corporations – Beijing Starz International, CRCC Asia, and 98five Sonshine FM. “Basketball has been a love for as long as I can remember,” King said. “Georgetown only fueled this as teammates and coaches expanded my game.”
MORE THAN AN ATHLETE
However, it was not only on the court that she was seeing personal growth and deepening assurance in herself. “I truly feel like during my time at Georgetown the faculty and staff provided such a transformative experience for their students. For myself, they challenged me to think critically, provided thoughtful considerations from different perspectives, and ultimately instilled confidence within me,” King said. “As my playing days have paused, I want to actualize on giving students that same experience my professors gave me and share my world travels with others to bridge cultural gaps.” King earned Georgetown’s highest honor upon graduating – President’s Award – as well as the Mid-South Conference Female Athlete of the Year and NAIA All-American.
MINDFUL GOALS
OUTSTANDING OUTCOMES
Her approach to her next steps has always been, “How do I help the next person; how do I enrich a life and thus the world?” The ripples have been felt far and wide. “Devanny was the first student that I met when I came to Georgetown College. Her kindness, aura, and passion for Georgetown College were contagious, and still are to this day,” said GC Alumni Director Olivia Coleman-Dunn. “As teammates, we found that balance of being competitive, but not being lost in the mission. I strongly admire her courage to soar to new heights in life, and I am blessed to not only call her my friend, but my sister.” Dr. Susan Dummer, professor and chair of the communication and media studies department, knew King’s return to Kentucky could be a fantastic opportunity for Georgetown College. “Without a doubt, when I found out she’d be here and not playing abroad or guiding another international corporation, I immediately wanted her to teach our entrepreneurial leadership class. I knew she would be a huge asset to our students,” Dummer said. “Her wisdom, experience, and the way she engages with others is a perfect example of the dynamic education of heart and mind for which Georgetown strives.” Along with serving the fall semester on campus, King is a business coach for Kentucky Small Business Development Center and a board member of You Are, a non-profit organization aiming to empower the younger generation’s holistic development of mind, body, and spirit. “When I look at all I’ve done and where I’ve been since graduating in 2015, it doesn’t seem possible,” King said. “A decade ago when I rolled up on this campus, I couldn’t have seen this path. Georgetown did, though, and it does the same for everyone who walks onto campus. This is home, no matter where I go or what my next adventure is. This is home.”
GC MAGAZINE | FALL 2021
GC MAGAZINE | FALL 2021
5
6
OUTSTANDING OUTCOMES
TWO YEARS IN, LEGACY AND LEGENDS IS IMPROVING ENROLLMENT AND CHANGING LIVES
D
once again broke records and welcomed approximately 530 new students in fall 2021.
As Georgetown College has now welcomed its second incoming class of Legacy and Legends students, it’s clear that the full-tuition scholarship for students from Scott, Casey, Owen, and Franklin counties is a game changer. The scholarship has led to historic enrollment growth, but perhaps its true legacy lies in the lives it has transformed.
But the quantifiable success of the scholarship, demonstrated by surging enrollment numbers, may only be eclipsed by the harder to quantify successes, the students who have experienced the life changing gift of an education.
HISTORIC GAINS Since the announcement of the scholarship, Georgetown College has experienced significant enrollment growth, welcoming a record-breaking freshman class of 465 students in Fall 2020. However, this initial enrollment burst was not simply a short-term boost, as the College
These last two record-breaking incoming classes have helped the College hit a 10-year undergraduate enrollment peak of 1,224 students. If this trend continues, the College could even begin to approach the enrollment highs of the late 1960s, when approximately 1,600 undergraduate students were routinely enrolled.
LIFE CHANGING IMPACT
Ajane Barber ‘24, a sophomore Marketing and Communications major from Scott County, didn’t know if she would be able to attend college, or if she’d be able to do so without a burdensome educational debt. Legacy and Legends was a lifeline for her. “When I heard about the scholarship, I just couldn’t believe it,” said Barber. “It’s such a stressful time preparing
to go the college. You’re thinking about how you’re going to pay for it, what that means for your future. But for me, the stress during that time was completely lifted when I learned about the scholarship. It was an easy decision. Georgetown College was the school for me!” “Before this opportunity, it was just not in the cards for me to come here”, said Shelby Barnes ’24, a sophomore from Owen County. “Now, Georgetown has given me the tools I’m going to need to succeed in my future. It’s also allowed me to meet new people, make lifelong friends, and I am so grateful for that.” For students from these four Kentucky counties, the scholarship is about opportunity, the chance to study at an elite institution that prepares them to live their best lives. “I know my future is set because of Legacy and Legends and the education I now get to receive at Georgetown,” said Barber. “I’ve grown academically, personally, and professionally more than I ever realized I could here.” Now a defining moment in the history of Georgetown College, the launch of Legacy and Legends has led to the College breaking enrollment records and has made its community of students larger and more diverse. It’s made the transformational education the College provides accessible to more students than ever. “It’s been a game changer,” said Barber. “It’s completely changed my life.”
— AJANE BARBER ‘24
GC MAGAZINE | FALL 2021
GC MAGAZINE | FALL 2021 7
ecember of 2019 feels like a lifetime ago. That month the College announced the Legacy and Legends Scholarship, a four-year full-tuition scholarship for incoming students from four Kentucky counties. Week by week, College officials welcomed students to campus and visited a few schools as well to announce that their county had been chosen for the scholarship. At each stop along the way, students listened to the annoucement and gasped in shock. Some even shed tears of joy.
“IT’S BEEN A GAME CHANGER, IT’S COMPLETELY CHANGED MY LIFE.”
8
OUTSTANDING OUTCOMES
TWO YEARS IN, LEGACY AND LEGENDS IS IMPROVING ENROLLMENT AND CHANGING LIVES
D
once again broke records and welcomed approximately 530 new students in fall 2021.
As Georgetown College has now welcomed its second incoming class of Legacy and Legends students, it’s clear that the full-tuition scholarship for students from Scott, Casey, Owen, and Franklin counties is a game changer. The scholarship has led to historic enrollment growth, but perhaps its true legacy lies in the lives it has transformed.
But the quantifiable success of the scholarship, demonstrated by surging enrollment numbers, may only be eclipsed by the harder to quantify successes, the students who have experienced the life changing gift of an education.
HISTORIC GAINS Since the announcement of the scholarship, Georgetown College has experienced significant enrollment growth, welcoming a record-breaking freshman class of 465 students in Fall 2020. However, this initial enrollment burst was not simply a short-term boost, as the College
These last two record-breaking incoming classes have helped the College hit a 10-year undergraduate enrollment peak of 1,224 students. If this trend continues, the College could even begin to approach the enrollment highs of the late 1960s, when approximately 1,600 undergraduate students were routinely enrolled.
LIFE CHANGING IMPACT
Ajane Barber ‘24, a sophomore Marketing and Communications major from Scott County, didn’t know if she would be able to attend college, or if she’d be able to do so without a burdensome educational debt. Legacy and Legends was a lifeline for her. “When I heard about the scholarship, I just couldn’t believe it,” said Barber. “It’s such a stressful time preparing
to go the college. You’re thinking about how you’re going to pay for it, what that means for your future. But for me, the stress during that time was completely lifted when I learned about the scholarship. It was an easy decision. Georgetown College was the school for me!” “Before this opportunity, it was just not in the cards for me to come here”, said Shelby Barnes ’24, a sophomore from Owen County. “Now, Georgetown has given me the tools I’m going to need to succeed in my future. It’s also allowed me to meet new people, make lifelong friends, and I am so grateful for that.” For students from these four Kentucky counties, the scholarship is about opportunity, the chance to study at an elite institution that prepares them to live their best lives. “I know my future is set because of Legacy and Legends and the education I now get to receive at Georgetown,” said Barber. “I’ve grown academically, personally, and professionally more than I ever realized I could here.” Now a defining moment in the history of Georgetown College, the launch of Legacy and Legends has led to the College breaking enrollment records and has made its community of students larger and more diverse. It’s made the transformational education the College provides accessible to more students than ever. “It’s been a game changer,” said Barber. “It’s completely changed my life.”
— AJANE BARBER ‘24
GC MAGAZINE | FALL 2021
GC MAGAZINE | FALL 2021 7
ecember of 2019 feels like a lifetime ago. That month the College announced the Legacy and Legends Scholarship, a four-year full-tuition scholarship for incoming students from four Kentucky counties. Week by week, College officials welcomed students to campus and visited a few schools as well to announce that their county had been chosen for the scholarship. At each stop along the way, students listened to the annoucement and gasped in shock. Some even shed tears of joy.
“IT’S BEEN A GAME CHANGER, IT’S COMPLETELY CHANGED MY LIFE.”
8
OUTSTANDING OUTCOMES
OUTSTANDING OUTCOMES
G
of the Year eight times, been named NAIA Coach of the Year and AFCA Region Coach of the Year twice, and he was inducted into the NAIA Hall of Fame in 2019.
The first team to solidify the Tigers on the national stage was the 1991 team that won the school’s first ever national championship in any sport. This year marks the 30th anniversary of that team’s victory, which occurred on campus at Hinton Field. Then head coach Kevin Donley, who was assisted by Bill Cronin, helped turn the tide for Georgetown football, culminating in a championship win.
This year also marks the 20th anniversary of the 2001 title, a championship win that defined a dominant era in Tiger football.
eorgetown College football has been a national powerhouse for 30plus years, and in 2021 the College is celebrating a few important anniversaries in that storied history. During the past three decades, there’s been one constant: Coach Bill Cronin. Coach Cronin has led the Tigers to ultimate triumph and continues to build young men into leaders in their communities.
That season, the Tigers went 13-1, a single loss coming at the hands of Shepherd. In the tournament, GC ran through Eureka (42-14), Findlay (37-19), Peru State (42-28), and Pacific Lutheran (28-20) to hoist the championship trophy.
“It’s always been the people,” Cronin said on being at Georgetown for 25 years. “It’s been a great place to settle down and watch our boys grow up. A lot of the credit goes to Ellen and our three sons for sacrificing so much so that we can do the things we’ve done here.” Coach Cronin, not one for personal accolades or awards, has racked them up, nonetheless. He has been named MSC Coach
GC went to four straight national title games from 1999-2002, winning 2000 and 2001. In those four seasons alone, the Tigers were 53-3. It started with the 1999 team going 13-1, losing in the title game to N.W. Oklahoma State (35-26). They then posted back-to-back undefeated seasons for a 28-0 record and two national titles. GC won the first by beating N.W. Oklahoma State (20-0) and followed that with a 49-27 win over University of Sioux Falls. The 2002 season started with a narrow loss to McKendree (17-14). The Tigers reeled off 12 straight wins to advance back to the championship game where Carroll stopped the three-peat with a 28-7 victory. This season might be the toughest of them all as Georgetown faces its second go around in a calendar year. The Tigers played in the spring, going 6-2 in an abbreviated schedule to advance to the national tournament. The years ending in a one have been magical since the 1991 team. The 2001 team followed with a title and the 2011 team, with a rookie quarterback, advanced all the way to the semifinals. The Tigers have made themselves a staple of success in the NAIA, and for nearly three decades, Coach Cronin has been at the heart of it.
GC MAGAZINE | FALL 2021
GC MAGAZINE | FALL 2021 9
Cronin returned in 1997 as head coach, and this season marks his 25th at the helm. Prior to his 25th season, Cronin has posted a 210-63 record with two national titles, two runner-up finishes, three semifinal finishes, 14 MidSouth Conference titles, and 16 national tournament appearances.
“The players make these kinds of things happen, whether it be the hall of fame or winning championships,” Cronin said. “You also have to give a lot of credit to the coaches and players of the past who worked hard to build that tradition. You never accomplish the things you do by yourself.”
10
OUTSTANDING OUTCOMES
OUTSTANDING OUTCOMES
G
of the Year eight times, been named NAIA Coach of the Year and AFCA Region Coach of the Year twice, and he was inducted into the NAIA Hall of Fame in 2019.
The first team to solidify the Tigers on the national stage was the 1991 team that won the school’s first ever national championship in any sport. This year marks the 30th anniversary of that team’s victory, which occurred on campus at Hinton Field. Then head coach Kevin Donley, who was assisted by Bill Cronin, helped turn the tide for Georgetown football, culminating in a championship win.
This year also marks the 20th anniversary of the 2001 title, a championship win that defined a dominant era in Tiger football.
eorgetown College football has been a national powerhouse for 30plus years, and in 2021 the College is celebrating a few important anniversaries in that storied history. During the past three decades, there’s been one constant: Coach Bill Cronin. Coach Cronin has led the Tigers to ultimate triumph and continues to build young men into leaders in their communities.
That season, the Tigers went 13-1, a single loss coming at the hands of Shepherd. In the tournament, GC ran through Eureka (42-14), Findlay (37-19), Peru State (42-28), and Pacific Lutheran (28-20) to hoist the championship trophy.
“It’s always been the people,” Cronin said on being at Georgetown for 25 years. “It’s been a great place to settle down and watch our boys grow up. A lot of the credit goes to Ellen and our three sons for sacrificing so much so that we can do the things we’ve done here.” Coach Cronin, not one for personal accolades or awards, has racked them up, nonetheless. He has been named MSC Coach
GC went to four straight national title games from 1999-2002, winning 2000 and 2001. In those four seasons alone, the Tigers were 53-3. It started with the 1999 team going 13-1, losing in the title game to N.W. Oklahoma State (35-26). They then posted back-to-back undefeated seasons for a 28-0 record and two national titles. GC won the first by beating N.W. Oklahoma State (20-0) and followed that with a 49-27 win over University of Sioux Falls. The 2002 season started with a narrow loss to McKendree (17-14). The Tigers reeled off 12 straight wins to advance back to the championship game where Carroll stopped the three-peat with a 28-7 victory. This season might be the toughest of them all as Georgetown faces its second go around in a calendar year. The Tigers played in the spring, going 6-2 in an abbreviated schedule to advance to the national tournament. The years ending in a one have been magical since the 1991 team. The 2001 team followed with a title and the 2011 team, with a rookie quarterback, advanced all the way to the semifinals. The Tigers have made themselves a staple of success in the NAIA, and for nearly three decades, Coach Cronin has been at the heart of it.
GC MAGAZINE | FALL 2021
GC MAGAZINE | FALL 2021 9
Cronin returned in 1997 as head coach, and this season marks his 25th at the helm. Prior to his 25th season, Cronin has posted a 210-63 record with two national titles, two runner-up finishes, three semifinal finishes, 14 MidSouth Conference titles, and 16 national tournament appearances.
“The players make these kinds of things happen, whether it be the hall of fame or winning championships,” Cronin said. “You also have to give a lot of credit to the coaches and players of the past who worked hard to build that tradition. You never accomplish the things you do by yourself.”
10
EXCEEDING EXPECTATIONS
YOU KNOW WHAT IT IS TO BE A GEORGETOWN TIGER:
the pride and the preparation for a career; the care that Tigers receive from their faculty, staff, and coaches, and the difference that can make in a life; the commitment to an education of the heart and the mind.
John Roberts (’09) works personally with every legacy student to make sure that they receive personal care and attention throughout the admission process. If you know of a legacy student that we should be recruiting, let him know about it!
JOHN_ROBERTS@GEORGETOWNCOLLEGE.EDU | 502-863-7061
EXCEEDING EXPECTATIONS Are expectations good or bad? Should we not expect anything and thus always be surprised? Or should we have high expectations and risk disappointment? When you’ve had the kind of year that Georgetown College has had, expectations don’t seem all that bad. Because this year at the College has been defined by not only meeting those expectations but exceeding them. Records–yet again–have been broken, streaks continued, and legacies brightened. In a year so often defined by uncertainty and hardship, all those who love and support Georgetown College have helped us in EXCEEDING EXPECTATIONS.
GC MAGAZINE | FALL 2021
GC MAGAZINE | FALL 2021 11
SO THE QUESTION IS: WHO DO YOU KNOW THAT NEEDS TO BE A GEORGETOWN TIGER?
12
EXCEEDING EXPECTATIONS
YOU KNOW WHAT IT IS TO BE A GEORGETOWN TIGER:
the pride and the preparation for a career; the care that Tigers receive from their faculty, staff, and coaches, and the difference that can make in a life; the commitment to an education of the heart and the mind.
John Roberts (’09) works personally with every legacy student to make sure that they receive personal care and attention throughout the admission process. If you know of a legacy student that we should be recruiting, let him know about it!
JOHN_ROBERTS@GEORGETOWNCOLLEGE.EDU | 502-863-7061
EXCEEDING EXPECTATIONS Are expectations good or bad? Should we not expect anything and thus always be surprised? Or should we have high expectations and risk disappointment? When you’ve had the kind of year that Georgetown College has had, expectations don’t seem all that bad. Because this year at the College has been defined by not only meeting those expectations but exceeding them. Records–yet again–have been broken, streaks continued, and legacies brightened. In a year so often defined by uncertainty and hardship, all those who love and support Georgetown College have helped us in EXCEEDING EXPECTATIONS.
GC MAGAZINE | FALL 2021
GC MAGAZINE | FALL 2021 11
SO THE QUESTION IS: WHO DO YOU KNOW THAT NEEDS TO BE A GEORGETOWN TIGER?
12
EXCEEDING EXPECTATIONS
EXCEEDING EXPECTATIONS
STARR THOMPSON ’19 MAKES A DIFFERENCE ON AND OFF THE FIELD
P
erhaps the first thing you’ll notice about Starr Thompson is his vibrant smile. For someone still so young in his career as a football coach and mentor, he seems so assured and at ease with himself. And he strives to make you feel that same ease, as if you’ve known him your whole life. Originally from Oldham County, Thompson searched for a school and a football team that would feel like home when, late in the recruitment process, Georgetown College came calling. “You know, everyone says they went to visit that right school, and they just knew,” says Thompson. “That’s what happened when I visited Georgetown.” Thompson is a natural leader. Maybe it’s that smile or his apparent self-assurance. Either way, it’s something that Coach Cronin saw early on as well. “Coach told me he saw me as a future captain when I visited campus. I don’t know if that was just his recruiting pitch, but he ended up being right.” As a football player, Thompson arrived on campus a couple of weeks before most students, giving him time to get acclimated to his surroundings and forge connections. In his football team, he found a community of young men, and in Georgetown College he had found a new home, just as he had hoped. What he may not have expected was to see action on the field as a true freshman defensive back.
ON THE FIELD “I was able to compete,” says Thompson. “That was really my goal coming into my freshman year. Seeing a little playing time as a true freshman was a bonus at that point.”
“Our sophomore group was just a great group of guys! We gave everything on the field, and we were going to go as far as our talent would take us.” That team would make it to the quarterfinals of the national tournament, losing a close game to the number-two ranked Reinhardt University. “Honestly, one of my favorite football memories is a game I didn’t play in, my senior day,” says Thompson. That senior day game in 2019 against Cumberland University is already a legendary game in the College’s history. Down 35-7 with 25 minutes to go, the Tigers began to rally. Unfortunately, Thompson had to watch from the sidelines after a nagging year-long injury finally caught up with him. “At halftime, I was stretching it out, feeling it, trying to think of whatever I could do to get on that field and help out
FORGING RELATIONSHIPS “When I first got to Georgetown, during orientation, one of the leaders mentioned that he met his wife while he was in school,” says Thompson. “He told us we’d be surprised at the long-lasting relationships we would form, maybe even meet our own lifelong partner.” He laughs, a knowing smile on his face. Thompson initially brushed off these claims. “I thought, ‘Yeah, yeah, not me.’” But then he met Georgetown College women’s basketball player Kennedy Flynn. It all started at a Georgetown College Athletics media day when Flynn was aiding with some of the football roster photos. “I got up there to take my photo, and I said, ‘I bet you don’t know how to spell my name.’ Sure enough, she got it right. She looked at me and said, ‘Oh I know who you are.’ I guess the rest is history.” Flynn is a Georgetown College legend in her own right. A women’s basketball star, she scored 1,092 points in her Georgetown career, only 12 points shy of being in the top20 all-time point leaders at the College. Much like her now-husband, though, Flynn’s on-thecourt talent is eclipsed by her kindness, care, and servantleadership. “She’s incredible,” says Thompson. “She’s always there to help those who need it. Being able to walk through life with someone like that, who pushes you to be better, is something special.”
IN THE COMMUNITY Despite his gridiron success, Thompson has become known around the College more for his work in the community than his work on the field. During his time as a football player at the College, he wanted to make an impact on the lives of young people, so he started an annual youth football camp at the College. All the proceeds from the camp go to benefit the Ed Davis Learning Center in Georgetown. “I remember what it was like to have those coaches in my life making an impact, so I wanted to start this camp. Being able to help the Ed Davis Learning Center in the process is just amazing. When I was thinking about starting the camp, I talked with them and knew they were making a difference in the community. It was a no-brainer.”
In December of 2020, his work with the camp brought him national attention. He was nominated for the Mazda Community Hero Award by his longtime friend and teammate Matthew Longstreet. The award would be presented on Good Morning America, so on December 2, 2020, he hopped on a Zoom call to find out who the winner of a brand-new Mazda Miata would be. What Thompson didn’t know was that all three nominees, including him, were winners. “It was surreal,” he says. “Here I am on a Zoom call on Good Morning America with NFL hall of famer Michael Strahan. I was like is this really happening? I should have known, though…” He pauses and smiles. “Matthew was coming over that day to be part of it, and he was just being so weird and then said that there was a news station outside because there was a wreck. That should have tipped me off to something, but I think part of me didn’t want to believe it yet.” Of course, that camera crew was for Thompson, parked outside his house alongside his new car. “I remember when they told us we had all won and that we needed to go outside, the walk to the door felt like a hundred yards. I get outside, and I see Kennedy and the camera crew, and it was just impossible to believe.”
CHANGING LIVES Now, Thompson serves as an assistant coach on the men’s football team, a colleague to the men who shaped him. “Coach Cronin told me that if I ever wanted to come back and help out, the door was open. When the pandemic hit, it put a hold on some of my plans, so I thought ‘Why not?’” When asked about what’s next for him, rather than talking about coaching or other career goals, his reply defies expectations. Starr Thompson isn’t like everybody else. “I’m looking to start a prison ministry. There are so many people who have made mistakes but are worth saving, who deserve a second chance. It’s not the most glamorous work, but my heart is being stirred in that direction.” He flashes that vibrant smile again, and it’s impossible not to feel that he’s destined to change a few more lives.
GC MAGAZINE | FALL 2021
GC MAGAZINE | FALL 2021 13
When talking about his time on the field, he’s always focused on his teammates and the collective group. When asked about his highlights as a player, he answers without using the word “I,” which is quite an accomplishment.
my teammates,” he says. “That wasn’t in the cards, but to see my teammates rally and come back like they did, I was just in awe!” The Tigers would go on to win the game 4235, scoring 35 unanswered points in a historic comeback victory.
14
EXCEEDING EXPECTATIONS
EXCEEDING EXPECTATIONS
STARR THOMPSON ’19 MAKES A DIFFERENCE ON AND OFF THE FIELD
P
erhaps the first thing you’ll notice about Starr Thompson is his vibrant smile. For someone still so young in his career as a football coach and mentor, he seems so assured and at ease with himself. And he strives to make you feel that same ease, as if you’ve known him your whole life. Originally from Oldham County, Thompson searched for a school and a football team that would feel like home when, late in the recruitment process, Georgetown College came calling. “You know, everyone says they went to visit that right school, and they just knew,” says Thompson. “That’s what happened when I visited Georgetown.” Thompson is a natural leader. Maybe it’s that smile or his apparent self-assurance. Either way, it’s something that Coach Cronin saw early on as well. “Coach told me he saw me as a future captain when I visited campus. I don’t know if that was just his recruiting pitch, but he ended up being right.” As a football player, Thompson arrived on campus a couple of weeks before most students, giving him time to get acclimated to his surroundings and forge connections. In his football team, he found a community of young men, and in Georgetown College he had found a new home, just as he had hoped. What he may not have expected was to see action on the field as a true freshman defensive back.
ON THE FIELD “I was able to compete,” says Thompson. “That was really my goal coming into my freshman year. Seeing a little playing time as a true freshman was a bonus at that point.”
“Our sophomore group was just a great group of guys! We gave everything on the field, and we were going to go as far as our talent would take us.” That team would make it to the quarterfinals of the national tournament, losing a close game to the number-two ranked Reinhardt University. “Honestly, one of my favorite football memories is a game I didn’t play in, my senior day,” says Thompson. That senior day game in 2019 against Cumberland University is already a legendary game in the College’s history. Down 35-7 with 25 minutes to go, the Tigers began to rally. Unfortunately, Thompson had to watch from the sidelines after a nagging year-long injury finally caught up with him. “At halftime, I was stretching it out, feeling it, trying to think of whatever I could do to get on that field and help out
FORGING RELATIONSHIPS “When I first got to Georgetown, during orientation, one of the leaders mentioned that he met his wife while he was in school,” says Thompson. “He told us we’d be surprised at the long-lasting relationships we would form, maybe even meet our own lifelong partner.” He laughs, a knowing smile on his face. Thompson initially brushed off these claims. “I thought, ‘Yeah, yeah, not me.’” But then he met Georgetown College women’s basketball player Kennedy Flynn. It all started at a Georgetown College Athletics media day when Flynn was aiding with some of the football roster photos. “I got up there to take my photo, and I said, ‘I bet you don’t know how to spell my name.’ Sure enough, she got it right. She looked at me and said, ‘Oh I know who you are.’ I guess the rest is history.” Flynn is a Georgetown College legend in her own right. A women’s basketball star, she scored 1,092 points in her Georgetown career, only 12 points shy of being in the top20 all-time point leaders at the College. Much like her now-husband, though, Flynn’s on-thecourt talent is eclipsed by her kindness, care, and servantleadership. “She’s incredible,” says Thompson. “She’s always there to help those who need it. Being able to walk through life with someone like that, who pushes you to be better, is something special.”
IN THE COMMUNITY Despite his gridiron success, Thompson has become known around the College more for his work in the community than his work on the field. During his time as a football player at the College, he wanted to make an impact on the lives of young people, so he started an annual youth football camp at the College. All the proceeds from the camp go to benefit the Ed Davis Learning Center in Georgetown. “I remember what it was like to have those coaches in my life making an impact, so I wanted to start this camp. Being able to help the Ed Davis Learning Center in the process is just amazing. When I was thinking about starting the camp, I talked with them and knew they were making a difference in the community. It was a no-brainer.”
In December of 2020, his work with the camp brought him national attention. He was nominated for the Mazda Community Hero Award by his longtime friend and teammate Matthew Longstreet. The award would be presented on Good Morning America, so on December 2, 2020, he hopped on a Zoom call to find out who the winner of a brand-new Mazda Miata would be. What Thompson didn’t know was that all three nominees, including him, were winners. “It was surreal,” he says. “Here I am on a Zoom call on Good Morning America with NFL hall of famer Michael Strahan. I was like is this really happening? I should have known, though…” He pauses and smiles. “Matthew was coming over that day to be part of it, and he was just being so weird and then said that there was a news station outside because there was a wreck. That should have tipped me off to something, but I think part of me didn’t want to believe it yet.” Of course, that camera crew was for Thompson, parked outside his house alongside his new car. “I remember when they told us we had all won and that we needed to go outside, the walk to the door felt like a hundred yards. I get outside, and I see Kennedy and the camera crew, and it was just impossible to believe.”
CHANGING LIVES Now, Thompson serves as an assistant coach on the men’s football team, a colleague to the men who shaped him. “Coach Cronin told me that if I ever wanted to come back and help out, the door was open. When the pandemic hit, it put a hold on some of my plans, so I thought ‘Why not?’” When asked about what’s next for him, rather than talking about coaching or other career goals, his reply defies expectations. Starr Thompson isn’t like everybody else. “I’m looking to start a prison ministry. There are so many people who have made mistakes but are worth saving, who deserve a second chance. It’s not the most glamorous work, but my heart is being stirred in that direction.” He flashes that vibrant smile again, and it’s impossible not to feel that he’s destined to change a few more lives.
GC MAGAZINE | FALL 2021
GC MAGAZINE | FALL 2021 13
When talking about his time on the field, he’s always focused on his teammates and the collective group. When asked about his highlights as a player, he answers without using the word “I,” which is quite an accomplishment.
my teammates,” he says. “That wasn’t in the cards, but to see my teammates rally and come back like they did, I was just in awe!” The Tigers would go on to win the game 4235, scoring 35 unanswered points in a historic comeback victory.
14
EXCEEDING EXPECTATIONS
EXCEEDING EXPECTATIONS
Breaking Records... Again GEORGETOWN COLLEGE WELCOMES LARGEST INCOMING CLASS ON RECORD
Georgetown College Welcomes Largest Incoming Class on Record
B
reaking records naturally tends to make us complacent. We wait for the drop off, anticipate a slight dip with the knowledge that you can’t break records every year. Unless you’re Georgetown College.
This fall Georgetown College welcomed its largest incoming class of students on record, surpassing last fall’s record-breaking class. The College saw 530 new students, 481 of whom are first-year students, begin their studies at the College. “I am overjoyed to welcome another record-breaking class to Georgetown College,” said Acting President Dr. Rosemary Allen. “These students now embark on an educational journey in which they will forge lifelong relationships, grow intellectually, and transform into the very best versions of themselves, ready to tackle a changing and challenging world with resilience, kindness, creativity, and resolve.”
EXCITING GAINS This year’s class builds on that upward enrollment trend. In 2019, the College welcomed an incoming class of approximately 350 students. The next fall Georgetown College exceeded those numbers with an incoming class of 460 students, its largest incoming class on record at that time. This fall the College has again experienced enrollment gains by welcoming 530 students, a 15% improvement on last fall’s record-breaking class.
“It is wonderful to be here and experience the excitement of a full campus!” — Dr. Jonathan Sands Wise, Vice President of Enrollment Management
“It is wonderful to be here and experience the excitement of a full campus!” said Vice President of Enrollment Management Dr. Jonathan Sands Wise. “So many students are choosing GC because they know that this is the place where they can receive a truly exceptional education in a vibrant Christian community, and they want that challenge and that support.”
HISTORIC ENROLLMENT In addition to these exciting gains with successive incoming classes, the College overall is also experiencing historically great enrollment. Currently, 1,224 students are enrolled as full-time undergraduates at the College, marking the single highest enrollment in a decade. “We believe in the education we provide students,” said Dr. Sands Wise. “It’s incredible to be able to offer it to more students than we’ve seen in a long time.”
GC MAGAZINE | FALL 2021
GC MAGAZINE | FALL 2021 15
The incoming group of students also builds on the diversity of previous classes by featuring the most international students the College has ever had in one class.
16
EXCEEDING EXPECTATIONS
EXCEEDING EXPECTATIONS
Breaking Records... Again GEORGETOWN COLLEGE WELCOMES LARGEST INCOMING CLASS ON RECORD
Georgetown College Welcomes Largest Incoming Class on Record
B
reaking records naturally tends to make us complacent. We wait for the drop off, anticipate a slight dip with the knowledge that you can’t break records every year. Unless you’re Georgetown College.
This fall Georgetown College welcomed its largest incoming class of students on record, surpassing last fall’s record-breaking class. The College saw 530 new students, 481 of whom are first-year students, begin their studies at the College. “I am overjoyed to welcome another record-breaking class to Georgetown College,” said Acting President Dr. Rosemary Allen. “These students now embark on an educational journey in which they will forge lifelong relationships, grow intellectually, and transform into the very best versions of themselves, ready to tackle a changing and challenging world with resilience, kindness, creativity, and resolve.”
EXCITING GAINS This year’s class builds on that upward enrollment trend. In 2019, the College welcomed an incoming class of approximately 350 students. The next fall Georgetown College exceeded those numbers with an incoming class of 460 students, its largest incoming class on record at that time. This fall the College has again experienced enrollment gains by welcoming 530 students, a 15% improvement on last fall’s record-breaking class.
“It is wonderful to be here and experience the excitement of a full campus!” — Dr. Jonathan Sands Wise, Vice President of Enrollment Management
“It is wonderful to be here and experience the excitement of a full campus!” said Vice President of Enrollment Management Dr. Jonathan Sands Wise. “So many students are choosing GC because they know that this is the place where they can receive a truly exceptional education in a vibrant Christian community, and they want that challenge and that support.”
HISTORIC ENROLLMENT In addition to these exciting gains with successive incoming classes, the College overall is also experiencing historically great enrollment. Currently, 1,224 students are enrolled as full-time undergraduates at the College, marking the single highest enrollment in a decade. “We believe in the education we provide students,” said Dr. Sands Wise. “It’s incredible to be able to offer it to more students than we’ve seen in a long time.”
GC MAGAZINE | FALL 2021
GC MAGAZINE | FALL 2021 15
The incoming group of students also builds on the diversity of previous classes by featuring the most international students the College has ever had in one class.
16
EXCEEDING EXPECTATIONS
EXCEEDING EXPECTATIONS
VICE PRESIDENT OF ADVANCEMENT
HISTORY REPEATS ITSELF Maybe it shouldn’t be surprising that during a global pandemic, when uncertainly seems to lurk around every corner, once again alumni and friends of Georgetown College have stepped up in such a major way to help surpass the annual fund goal for FY21.
“Supporting Georgetown College means so much more than just financial gifts,” said Davis. “It means introducing a student to the College, inviting campus leaders to speak at your organization, or coming back to visit us on campus. We always look forward to connecting with alumni in any way we can.” As the College enters a new calendar year and enrollment continues to climb, more students than ever need support. Davis added, “I would encourage you to stay connected and do what you can to help current and future Tigers receive that same life-changing education you received here at Georgetown.”
16%
2019
Much like the term “education” means more than facts and figures learned in the classroom, “generosity” means more than just financial gifts to the College.
GC MAGAZINE | FALL 2021
GC MAGAZINE | FALL 2021 17
Each year staff of this era at the College would wait with bated breath to see if enrollment would top 100 students. Most years, it did not. Somehow, in spite of those troubling times, the College launched a $100,000 fundraising drive (quite a lot of money back in those days) to reverse the College’s fortunes. Of course, alumni, friends, and donors helped achieve this goal, even during what was one of the most challenging economic periods for the College, the region, and much of the world.
“The support of alumni and friends of the College has been overwhelming this year,” said Vice President of Advancement John Davis. “Your gifts help us reach more students and change more lives. Seeing your faithful support of our current and future students is so humbling.”
13%
I
n the 1870s and 1880s, America–and much of Europe–found itself in what historians now refer to as the “Long Depression.” This economic downturn proved incredibly severe in the American South and ravaged many industries, higher education among them. Georgetown College was certainly not immune to this economic fragility of the time, and this string of misfortune peaked in 1882 when the College graduated a total of two students.
With history on their side, College officials trusted that alumni and friends love Georgetown College and would support it fully even during these uncertain times. With a goal of raising $1,750,000 for the annual fund, alumni and friends helped raise $1,769,000 for the annual fund and a grand total of $4.2 million this year, which will directly benefit current and future Tigers.
OPPORTUNITY FOR GENEROSITY
2021
In the early 1930s, Georgetown College once again struggled during an economic downturn, this time the Great Depression. While enrollment had slightly improved since the late 1800s, the College was struggling to pay off its debt during another difficult period. Once again, though, alumni and friends of Georgetown College far exceeded expectations to help the College find steadier footing.
18.5%
DURING CHALLENGING TIMES, ALUMNI AND FRIENDS HELP COLLEGE SURPASS GIVING GOALS
— JOHN DAVIS,
2020
SURPASSING GOALS
“SUPPORTING GEORGETOWN COLLEGE MEANS SO MUCH MORE THAN JUST FINANCIAL GIFTS...”
18 The percentage of alumni making gifts to Georgetown College continues to grow.
EXCEEDING EXPECTATIONS
EXCEEDING EXPECTATIONS
VICE PRESIDENT OF ADVANCEMENT
HISTORY REPEATS ITSELF Maybe it shouldn’t be surprising that during a global pandemic, when uncertainly seems to lurk around every corner, once again alumni and friends of Georgetown College have stepped up in such a major way to help surpass the annual fund goal for FY21.
“Supporting Georgetown College means so much more than just financial gifts,” said Davis. “It means introducing a student to the College, inviting campus leaders to speak at your organization, or coming back to visit us on campus. We always look forward to connecting with alumni in any way we can.” As the College enters a new calendar year and enrollment continues to climb, more students than ever need support. Davis added, “I would encourage you to stay connected and do what you can to help current and future Tigers receive that same life-changing education you received here at Georgetown.”
16%
2019
Much like the term “education” means more than facts and figures learned in the classroom, “generosity” means more than just financial gifts to the College.
GC MAGAZINE | FALL 2021
GC MAGAZINE | FALL 2021 17
Each year staff of this era at the College would wait with bated breath to see if enrollment would top 100 students. Most years, it did not. Somehow, in spite of those troubling times, the College launched a $100,000 fundraising drive (quite a lot of money back in those days) to reverse the College’s fortunes. Of course, alumni, friends, and donors helped achieve this goal, even during what was one of the most challenging economic periods for the College, the region, and much of the world.
“The support of alumni and friends of the College has been overwhelming this year,” said Vice President of Advancement John Davis. “Your gifts help us reach more students and change more lives. Seeing your faithful support of our current and future students is so humbling.”
13%
I
n the 1870s and 1880s, America–and much of Europe–found itself in what historians now refer to as the “Long Depression.” This economic downturn proved incredibly severe in the American South and ravaged many industries, higher education among them. Georgetown College was certainly not immune to this economic fragility of the time, and this string of misfortune peaked in 1882 when the College graduated a total of two students.
With history on their side, College officials trusted that alumni and friends love Georgetown College and would support it fully even during these uncertain times. With a goal of raising $1,750,000 for the annual fund, alumni and friends helped raise $1,769,000 for the annual fund and a grand total of $4.2 million this year, which will directly benefit current and future Tigers.
OPPORTUNITY FOR GENEROSITY
2021
In the early 1930s, Georgetown College once again struggled during an economic downturn, this time the Great Depression. While enrollment had slightly improved since the late 1800s, the College was struggling to pay off its debt during another difficult period. Once again, though, alumni and friends of Georgetown College far exceeded expectations to help the College find steadier footing.
18.5%
DURING CHALLENGING TIMES, ALUMNI AND FRIENDS HELP COLLEGE SURPASS GIVING GOALS
— JOHN DAVIS,
2020
SURPASSING GOALS
“SUPPORTING GEORGETOWN COLLEGE MEANS SO MUCH MORE THAN JUST FINANCIAL GIFTS...”
18 The percentage of alumni making gifts to Georgetown College continues to grow.
EXCEEDING EXPECTATIONS
EXCEEDING EXPECTATIONS
BEST IN KENTUCKY... AGAIN Georgetown College Best in Kentucky for Job Placement for Four Consecutive Years
F
or the fourth consecutive year, Georgetown College has been named the best college in Kentucky for students getting a job. The ranking is based on Department of Education College Scorecard data and is designed to identify the four-year college or university that has the highest rates of job placement.
Along with the College’s top-ranking job placement rate, students from Georgetown College are accepted to medical schools, law schools, and other graduate programs at extremely high rates. The College’s Pre-Med Program has a medical school acceptance rate of nearly 100 percent for fully qualified students, and students in the College’s Pre-Law Program have been accepted
— Faith Cracraft Director, Graves Center for Calling and Career
into such law schools as UC-Berkeley, Vanderbilt, Emory, and Georgetown University. “Graduate schools and businesses want our students because of the transformational education we offer” said Dr. Allen. “The relationships that students form with faculty and staff, along with the College’s curriculum and educational model, ensure students are fully prepared for the next phase of their lives. I have seen faculty and staff across campus work tirelessly, going that extra mile to help students acheive their dreams. That personal commitment is what differentiates Georgetown College from other institutions.” Georgetown College’s extensive alumni network also plays a vital role in this success. Alumni are always willing to help graduates through shadowing, research, mentorship, or recommendations. “It all gets back to that educational model that can be so individualized, focused on the heart and mind,” said Faith Cracraft, Director of the Graves Center for Calling and Career. “Alumni of the College show the same care for their fellow alumni as faculty and staff do for students while they’re here. It’s truly remarkable.” As Georgetown College looks forward to a new year in 2022, there’s only one question. Can we make it five straight years?
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Acting President Dr. Rosemary Allen said, “Our College’s mission is ‘To prepare students to engage in their life’s pursuits with thoughtfulness and skill,’ and I am convinced that the success of our graduates is tied to our focus on those two elements of our mission: ‘thoughtfulness and skill.’ Our curriculum is designed to foster a broad range of skills—not just the technical skills associated with a specialty area, but also those vital ‘soft skills’ that make graduates resilient and flexible. A liberal arts curriculum fosters ‘thoughtfulness’ as well—not only the capacity to think critically and creatively, but also the ability to embrace empathy and understanding of multiple perspectives.”
“Alumni of the College show the same care for their fellow alumni as faculty and staff do for students while they’re here. It’s truly remarkable”
20
EXCEEDING EXPECTATIONS
EXCEEDING EXPECTATIONS
BEST IN KENTUCKY... AGAIN Georgetown College Best in Kentucky for Job Placement for Four Consecutive Years
F
or the fourth consecutive year, Georgetown College has been named the best college in Kentucky for students getting a job. The ranking is based on Department of Education College Scorecard data and is designed to identify the four-year college or university that has the highest rates of job placement.
Along with the College’s top-ranking job placement rate, students from Georgetown College are accepted to medical schools, law schools, and other graduate programs at extremely high rates. The College’s Pre-Med Program has a medical school acceptance rate of nearly 100 percent for fully qualified students, and students in the College’s Pre-Law Program have been accepted
— Faith Cracraft Director, Graves Center for Calling and Career
into such law schools as UC-Berkeley, Vanderbilt, Emory, and Georgetown University. “Graduate schools and businesses want our students because of the transformational education we offer” said Dr. Allen. “The relationships that students form with faculty and staff, along with the College’s curriculum and educational model, ensure students are fully prepared for the next phase of their lives. I have seen faculty and staff across campus work tirelessly, going that extra mile to help students acheive their dreams. That personal commitment is what differentiates Georgetown College from other institutions.” Georgetown College’s extensive alumni network also plays a vital role in this success. Alumni are always willing to help graduates through shadowing, research, mentorship, or recommendations. “It all gets back to that educational model that can be so individualized, focused on the heart and mind,” said Faith Cracraft, Director of the Graves Center for Calling and Career. “Alumni of the College show the same care for their fellow alumni as faculty and staff do for students while they’re here. It’s truly remarkable.” As Georgetown College looks forward to a new year in 2022, there’s only one question. Can we make it five straight years?
GC MAGAZINE | FALL 2021
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Acting President Dr. Rosemary Allen said, “Our College’s mission is ‘To prepare students to engage in their life’s pursuits with thoughtfulness and skill,’ and I am convinced that the success of our graduates is tied to our focus on those two elements of our mission: ‘thoughtfulness and skill.’ Our curriculum is designed to foster a broad range of skills—not just the technical skills associated with a specialty area, but also those vital ‘soft skills’ that make graduates resilient and flexible. A liberal arts curriculum fosters ‘thoughtfulness’ as well—not only the capacity to think critically and creatively, but also the ability to embrace empathy and understanding of multiple perspectives.”
“Alumni of the College show the same care for their fellow alumni as faculty and staff do for students while they’re here. It’s truly remarkable”
20
A Legacy Endures
EXCEEDING EXPECTATIONS
TEN YEARS AFTER ITS INAUGURAL CLASS, THE BISHOP SCHOLARS PROGRAM CONTINUES TO PRODUCE RESULTS
EXCEEDING EXPECTATIONS
T
he history of Georgetown College is one of fresh, innovative ideas leading to positive change. Almost twenty years ago, though, no one could have guessed the impact a chance meeting would have on the trajectory of the College and the lives of so many young people. The launch of the Bishop Scholars Program at the College forever connected Georgetown to a like-minded institution, Bishop College. Now, ten years after the graduation of the inaugural class of Bishop Scholars, the program continues to change lives and produce results.
VIBRANT HISTORY Bishop College, a historically Black College, was founded in Marshall, Texas in 1881 in direct response to the lack of educational options for Black Baptists. After its founding, Bishop College would gradually become a hugely influential institution, serving as a beacon for the young Black population in the region. Bishop College focused on spiritual growth as part of its educational model. In the 1940s and 1950s, the college founded its Lacy Kirk Williams Institute, a ministerial program designed to prepare the next generation of Black Baptist preachers. The institute attracted many wellknown preachers to speak on campus during its existence, including Jessie Jackson and Martin Luther King, Sr. By the early 1960s, enrollment at Bishop College had topped 2,000 students, and the college moved its campus to Dallas. Unfortunately, Bishop College was then rocked by a financial scandal in 1988, which led to its accreditation being stripped. The College would close its doors soon after. But the story of Bishop College was not meant to end just yet. Throughout its entire existence, no one could have predicted how the college would be forever connected to a small Baptist college in Georgetown, Kentucky.
A SIMPLE START
In the mid-2000s former Georgetown College President Dr. Bill Crouch sought to increase diversity on campus. He connected with former Bishop College officials and was intrigued by the college’s history and influence. “We thought, ‘how could we bring that here,” said Barber. “We all saw a connection between the two institutions. Both have that ‘heart and mind’ concept, so the fit always made sense.” Eventually, the College would form the Bishop Scholars Program, which would welcome legacy students of the
FIRST STUDENTS It’s hard for an eighteen-year-old college freshman to realize the gravity of a moment, and that was certainly the case for the College’s first Bishop Scholars, Ralpheal West and David Boyle. “We were eighteen,” said West. “I don’t think we truly understood the importance at that time of being the first class. It was definitely hard, but we understood the legacy of Bishop College, and we wanted to do right by our families and honor that legacy.” For West and Boyle, the tradition and influence of Bishop College ran deep within them. Their families are filled with Bishop College graduates, men and women who received a top-level education from the college and transferred it into lives well-lived. It was a lot to live up to, but they were up to the challenge. “I always felt that we had to be and do better than everyone else,” said West. “Being the first students in the program and trying to create more diversity on campus, it was easy to get caught up in stuff and be negative, but we just had to rise above it all.” Without these students, who were willing to take a chance on a new program at a small college in Kentucky, the program would not be what it is today. Barber, who played such a vital role in the formation and continuation of the Bishop Scholars Program, gives them more credit than they’d ever give themselves. “They would never say this, but I’ll say it,” she said. “They were trailblazers. They’ve led the way for countless students to come to Georgetown College and go out and change the world.”
A LEGACY LIVES ON After graduating from Georgetown College, Ralpheal West began his graduate studies at Truett Seminary at Baylor University. Now, he serves as a pastor at the Church Without Walls in Houston, Texas, which welcomes thousands of families each week. This marked the start of a vital relationship between Texas natives in the Bishop College Legacy Scholars Program and Truett Seminary. In the last two years alone, three Bishop Scholars from Georgetown College have received full-tuition scholarships to attend Truett Seminary. “There’s so much pride in Bishop College in my family,” said West. “It just permeates everything and finds its way into you. Seeing that continued connection just enhances that pride. It really is a special thing.”
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“It all started with a conversation,” said Robbi Barber, Director of Diversity and Inclusion at Georgetown College. Barber has been a crucial part of the Bishop Scholars Program since its inception, overseeing the program now for 15 years.
former Bishop College. By 2007, the program was ready to launch, and two trailblazing students formed the first class of Bishop Scholars.
22
A Legacy Endures
EXCEEDING EXPECTATIONS
TEN YEARS AFTER ITS INAUGURAL CLASS, THE BISHOP SCHOLARS PROGRAM CONTINUES TO PRODUCE RESULTS
EXCEEDING EXPECTATIONS
T
he history of Georgetown College is one of fresh, innovative ideas leading to positive change. Almost twenty years ago, though, no one could have guessed the impact a chance meeting would have on the trajectory of the College and the lives of so many young people. The launch of the Bishop Scholars Program at the College forever connected Georgetown to a like-minded institution, Bishop College. Now, ten years after the graduation of the inaugural class of Bishop Scholars, the program continues to change lives and produce results.
VIBRANT HISTORY Bishop College, a historically Black College, was founded in Marshall, Texas in 1881 in direct response to the lack of educational options for Black Baptists. After its founding, Bishop College would gradually become a hugely influential institution, serving as a beacon for the young Black population in the region. Bishop College focused on spiritual growth as part of its educational model. In the 1940s and 1950s, the college founded its Lacy Kirk Williams Institute, a ministerial program designed to prepare the next generation of Black Baptist preachers. The institute attracted many wellknown preachers to speak on campus during its existence, including Jessie Jackson and Martin Luther King, Sr. By the early 1960s, enrollment at Bishop College had topped 2,000 students, and the college moved its campus to Dallas. Unfortunately, Bishop College was then rocked by a financial scandal in 1988, which led to its accreditation being stripped. The College would close its doors soon after. But the story of Bishop College was not meant to end just yet. Throughout its entire existence, no one could have predicted how the college would be forever connected to a small Baptist college in Georgetown, Kentucky.
A SIMPLE START
In the mid-2000s former Georgetown College President Dr. Bill Crouch sought to increase diversity on campus. He connected with former Bishop College officials and was intrigued by the college’s history and influence. “We thought, ‘how could we bring that here,” said Barber. “We all saw a connection between the two institutions. Both have that ‘heart and mind’ concept, so the fit always made sense.” Eventually, the College would form the Bishop Scholars Program, which would welcome legacy students of the
FIRST STUDENTS It’s hard for an eighteen-year-old college freshman to realize the gravity of a moment, and that was certainly the case for the College’s first Bishop Scholars, Ralpheal West and David Boyle. “We were eighteen,” said West. “I don’t think we truly understood the importance at that time of being the first class. It was definitely hard, but we understood the legacy of Bishop College, and we wanted to do right by our families and honor that legacy.” For West and Boyle, the tradition and influence of Bishop College ran deep within them. Their families are filled with Bishop College graduates, men and women who received a top-level education from the college and transferred it into lives well-lived. It was a lot to live up to, but they were up to the challenge. “I always felt that we had to be and do better than everyone else,” said West. “Being the first students in the program and trying to create more diversity on campus, it was easy to get caught up in stuff and be negative, but we just had to rise above it all.” Without these students, who were willing to take a chance on a new program at a small college in Kentucky, the program would not be what it is today. Barber, who played such a vital role in the formation and continuation of the Bishop Scholars Program, gives them more credit than they’d ever give themselves. “They would never say this, but I’ll say it,” she said. “They were trailblazers. They’ve led the way for countless students to come to Georgetown College and go out and change the world.”
A LEGACY LIVES ON After graduating from Georgetown College, Ralpheal West began his graduate studies at Truett Seminary at Baylor University. Now, he serves as a pastor at the Church Without Walls in Houston, Texas, which welcomes thousands of families each week. This marked the start of a vital relationship between Texas natives in the Bishop College Legacy Scholars Program and Truett Seminary. In the last two years alone, three Bishop Scholars from Georgetown College have received full-tuition scholarships to attend Truett Seminary. “There’s so much pride in Bishop College in my family,” said West. “It just permeates everything and finds its way into you. Seeing that continued connection just enhances that pride. It really is a special thing.”
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“It all started with a conversation,” said Robbi Barber, Director of Diversity and Inclusion at Georgetown College. Barber has been a crucial part of the Bishop Scholars Program since its inception, overseeing the program now for 15 years.
former Bishop College. By 2007, the program was ready to launch, and two trailblazing students formed the first class of Bishop Scholars.
22
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AROUND CAMPUS
Exciting Changes SEVERAL UPDATES TO CAMPUS HIGHLIGHT A BUSY SUMMER AT GC
S
ummers at GC can sometimes feel a bit quiet, just a little bit slower than the hustle and bustle of the semester. It’s a time for faculty, staff, and coaches to think long-term, to complete long-gestating projects, and to come up with new and innovative ways to serve students. Most summers, you can hear the birds chirping in the afternoon or maybe the chatter of young people attending one of the College’s many summer camps. It serves as the perfect time to reflect, recharge, and reinvigorate the campus community.
A HOME FOR CHAMPIONS Thanks to a gift by the James A. and Martha R. Brown Charitable Foundation, the College undertook an extensive renovation to the East Campus Conference Center, which has been renamed in honor of the gift. The facelift, which included new paint and luxury vinyl throughout the facility, gives the center a more unified look. In addition, the renovation helped create 13 new coaches’ offices, a renovated recruiting room, and a new student-athlete lounge.
9
nine different renovation and construction projects occurred over the summer
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This summer, however, looked–and sounded–a little different. This summer around campus, you might have heard jackhammering or construction trucks. You might have even run into a “hard hat required” sign if you weren’t careful. In total, nine different renovation and construction projects occurred over the summer, all of which will help make the College’s beautiful campus more user-friendly and help faculty, staff, and coaches continue to deliver that transformational Georgetown education.
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AROUND CAMPUS
AROUND CAMPUS
Exciting Changes SEVERAL UPDATES TO CAMPUS HIGHLIGHT A BUSY SUMMER AT GC
S
ummers at GC can sometimes feel a bit quiet, just a little bit slower than the hustle and bustle of the semester. It’s a time for faculty, staff, and coaches to think long-term, to complete long-gestating projects, and to come up with new and innovative ways to serve students. Most summers, you can hear the birds chirping in the afternoon or maybe the chatter of young people attending one of the College’s many summer camps. It serves as the perfect time to reflect, recharge, and reinvigorate the campus community.
A HOME FOR CHAMPIONS Thanks to a gift by the James A. and Martha R. Brown Charitable Foundation, the College undertook an extensive renovation to the East Campus Conference Center, which has been renamed in honor of the gift. The facelift, which included new paint and luxury vinyl throughout the facility, gives the center a more unified look. In addition, the renovation helped create 13 new coaches’ offices, a renovated recruiting room, and a new student-athlete lounge.
9
nine different renovation and construction projects occurred over the summer
GC MAGAZINE | FALL 2021
GC MAGAZINE | FALL 2021 23
This summer, however, looked–and sounded–a little different. This summer around campus, you might have heard jackhammering or construction trucks. You might have even run into a “hard hat required” sign if you weren’t careful. In total, nine different renovation and construction projects occurred over the summer, all of which will help make the College’s beautiful campus more user-friendly and help faculty, staff, and coaches continue to deliver that transformational Georgetown education.
24
AROUND CAMPUS
AROUND CAMPUS
accommodate GC’s growing enrollment numbers. These offices were recreated across campus, particularly in Cooke Memorial, where 18 new faculty offices were created. Additionally, the Ward Room of the Ensor Learning Resource Center received an exciting refresh. New carpet, study enclaves, and an entirely new approach to one of campus’s most-used spaces will make it an even better place for the College to hold lectures, classes, meetings, or for students to get some crucial work done. Also, this fall the College worked with several fraternities and sororities on updates to the residential buildings on campus. A kitchen remodel at the Phi Mu house highlights these various projects. Lately, the jackhammering and beeps of construction trucks have been replaced by the laughter of the College’s largest incoming class on record, students who will be even better served thanks to these exciting updates.
“These renovations took the students into account first,” — Sally Wiatrowski Vice President for Business Operations
Beyond simple aesthetics, these updates will allow coaches and athletics administrators to work more seamlessly for their student-athletes, while also creating a more inviting atmosphere for those athletes. As GC’s coaches continue to bring in exciting recruiting classes, a new-look James A. and Martha R. Brown Conference Center is just what’s needed to keep that momentum going.
A FRESH LOOK FOR FRESH FOOD A renovation funded in part by Georgetown College’s dining partner Sodexo, a fresh-look Montgomery Dining Hall greeted returning students this fall. And students were certainly excited about the update.
“These renovations took the students into account first,” said Vice President for Business Operations Sally Wiatrowski. “We’re thrilled to be able to better care for our students and offer them an exceptional dining experience that matches the exceptional education they receive here.”
TOWARD A MORE COHESIVE CAMPUS While these projects highlighted a busy summer, several others will greatly benefit campus in the months and years to come. In Anderson Hall, 31 offices were transitioned to student rooms to
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Along with a new look, the whole dining experience has been redesigned, with the health, wellness, and convenience of students in mind. Visitors will quickly notice many new food stations and a variety of selections, including several options with student allergens in mind.
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AROUND CAMPUS
accommodate GC’s growing enrollment numbers. These offices were recreated across campus, particularly in Cooke Memorial, where 18 new faculty offices were created. Additionally, the Ward Room of the Ensor Learning Resource Center received an exciting refresh. New carpet, study enclaves, and an entirely new approach to one of campus’s most-used spaces will make it an even better place for the College to hold lectures, classes, meetings, or for students to get some crucial work done. Also, this fall the College worked with several fraternities and sororities on updates to the residential buildings on campus. A kitchen remodel at the Phi Mu house highlights these various projects. Lately, the jackhammering and beeps of construction trucks have been replaced by the laughter of the College’s largest incoming class on record, students who will be even better served thanks to these exciting updates.
“These renovations took the students into account first,” — Sally Wiatrowski Vice President for Business Operations
Beyond simple aesthetics, these updates will allow coaches and athletics administrators to work more seamlessly for their student-athletes, while also creating a more inviting atmosphere for those athletes. As GC’s coaches continue to bring in exciting recruiting classes, a new-look James A. and Martha R. Brown Conference Center is just what’s needed to keep that momentum going.
A FRESH LOOK FOR FRESH FOOD A renovation funded in part by Georgetown College’s dining partner Sodexo, a fresh-look Montgomery Dining Hall greeted returning students this fall. And students were certainly excited about the update.
“These renovations took the students into account first,” said Vice President for Business Operations Sally Wiatrowski. “We’re thrilled to be able to better care for our students and offer them an exceptional dining experience that matches the exceptional education they receive here.”
TOWARD A MORE COHESIVE CAMPUS While these projects highlighted a busy summer, several others will greatly benefit campus in the months and years to come. In Anderson Hall, 31 offices were transitioned to student rooms to
GC MAGAZINE | FALL 2021
GC MAGAZINE | FALL 2021 25
Along with a new look, the whole dining experience has been redesigned, with the health, wellness, and convenience of students in mind. Visitors will quickly notice many new food stations and a variety of selections, including several options with student allergens in mind.
26
AROUND CAMPUS
AROUND CAMPUS
There Really Is No Place Like Homecoming Each year Georgetown College alumni and friends from all generations and backgrounds come together to celebrate Homecoming. It’s a time for rekindling lifelong friendships, continuing traditions, and joyfully celebrating what connects us all: a love for Georgetown College.
When the College decided to cancel Homecoming 2020 in order to best protect our alumni and friends, college officials were hopeful that Homecoming 2021 would be bigger and better than ever. They were certainly right, and a Tiger football victory only added to the jubilant atmosphere.
On Saturday the College celebrated with many of its timeless traditions such as: Greek Life brunches and circle ups, the Diversity Brunch, Golden Agers, tailgating, a faculty meet and greet, and several others. By the time the Tigers took the field, a victory was in the air. Inspired by the reunions of three national championship winning teams from 1991, 2000, and 2001, the Tigers exploded in the second half to claim a 27-17 victory over Thomas More. Enjoy some highlights from a wonderful weekend and consider helping us make Homecoming Weekend 2022 even bigger and better than this one.
View more photos at gogc.me/homecomingphotos
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The weekend kicked off on Thursday afternoon when the Heart & Mind Tour stopped at Keeneland. Alumni and friends of Georgetown College reconnected and reminisced in the beautiful Keeneland Room, which featured a gorgeous view of the entire racetrack. A few alumni may have even walked away on the plus side.
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AROUND CAMPUS
There Really Is No Place Like Homecoming Each year Georgetown College alumni and friends from all generations and backgrounds come together to celebrate Homecoming. It’s a time for rekindling lifelong friendships, continuing traditions, and joyfully celebrating what connects us all: a love for Georgetown College.
When the College decided to cancel Homecoming 2020 in order to best protect our alumni and friends, college officials were hopeful that Homecoming 2021 would be bigger and better than ever. They were certainly right, and a Tiger football victory only added to the jubilant atmosphere.
On Saturday the College celebrated with many of its timeless traditions such as: Greek Life brunches and circle ups, the Diversity Brunch, Golden Agers, tailgating, a faculty meet and greet, and several others. By the time the Tigers took the field, a victory was in the air. Inspired by the reunions of three national championship winning teams from 1991, 2000, and 2001, the Tigers exploded in the second half to claim a 27-17 victory over Thomas More. Enjoy some highlights from a wonderful weekend and consider helping us make Homecoming Weekend 2022 even bigger and better than this one.
View more photos at gogc.me/homecomingphotos
GC MAGAZINE | FALL 2021
GC MAGAZINE | FALL 2021 27
The weekend kicked off on Thursday afternoon when the Heart & Mind Tour stopped at Keeneland. Alumni and friends of Georgetown College reconnected and reminisced in the beautiful Keeneland Room, which featured a gorgeous view of the entire racetrack. A few alumni may have even walked away on the plus side.
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Campus News NEWS Education Department Receives Perfect Accreditation Evaluation
G
eorgetown College’s education department has received a perfect evaluation from the Council for the Accreditation for Educator Preparation (CAEP) for the College’s bachelor’s and master’s degree programs. In recognition of this achievement, the College also received a 2021 Frank Murray Leadership Recognition for Continuous Improvement award from CAEP. “This outcome is extraordinary—it is every institution’s dream to receive a perfectly clean reaffirmation from its accreditor,” said Acting President Dr. Rosemary Allen. “We earned that perfect outcome as a result of the tireless work of the entire Education team, and thanks to the experienced leadership of our Dean of Education, Dr. Jason Reeves.” CAEP is the sole nationally recognized accrediting body for educator preparation. In order to achieve accreditation, departments must pass peer review on five standards. The College met all five standards with no areas for improvement noted.
AROUND CAMPUS
Dr. Susan Dummer Receives Manning Award
E
ach year at Opening Convocation, Georgetown College students help award one faculty member with the John Walker Manning Distinguished Mentor and Teacher Award, which recognizes faculty who have shown a commitment to Georgetown College in their mentorship of students. This year, Acting President Dr. Rosemary Allen awarded Professor of Communications and Media Studies Dr. Susan Dummer the John Walker Manning Distinguished Mentor and Teacher Award Nominees for the award will have demonstrated excellence in guiding students in their academic journeys at the College. They are individuals who are always willing to go that extra mile to help a student and ensure his or her success. Students have a substantial voice in the Manning Award, which sets it apart from other such awards. This means the award always hold a bit of extra significance for its winners.
Speaking at Opening Convocation on the awarding of the honor, Dr. Allen said, “Dr. Dummer has earned the love of her students by giving them love when they need it, whether that love is the unconditional love of acceptance when she embraces a student for who they are or the tough love of someone who holds students accountable when that’s what they really need to grow. Her heart is huge, and it embraces everyone.”
Dr. Cassandra Simmons Delivers Collier Lecture After receiving her bachelor’s degree from Georgetown College, Dr. Simmons received advanced degrees in clinical forensic psychology. She is currently a Drug Abuse Program Coordinator for the Department of Justice – Bureau of Prisons and a licensed sex offender treatment provider.
The education department’s accreditation by CAEP is valid from Spring 2021 until Spring 2028.
T
he Collier Lecture is one of the key academic lectures on the calendar each year at Georgetown College, and this year, the College was incredibly pleased to welcome one of its own to deliver it, Dr. Cassandra Simmons ’12. Dr. Simmons (at right above) spoke in the newly redesigned Ward Room of Ensor LRC on “Racial Trauma and the Process of Healing”
Dr. Simmons also reflected on her own journey and how education became such a vital part of her life. As a young person, school became a refuge for Dr. Simmons. Even at a young age, she understood the possibilities that an education would provide her. “I met Vice President of Athletics Mr. Brian Evans at a conference, and I just knew that if I could get that scholarship to Georgetown College, it would change my life,” said Dr. Simmons. “I emailed him constantly that year, and a year later, he offered me that scholarship. It really did change my life.”
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Focusing in her areas of interest, which include multiculturalism issues, racial and historical trauma, and equity and inclusion, Dr. Simmons outlined clear steps in the process of healing from racial trauma.
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Campus News NEWS Education Department Receives Perfect Accreditation Evaluation
G
eorgetown College’s education department has received a perfect evaluation from the Council for the Accreditation for Educator Preparation (CAEP) for the College’s bachelor’s and master’s degree programs. In recognition of this achievement, the College also received a 2021 Frank Murray Leadership Recognition for Continuous Improvement award from CAEP. “This outcome is extraordinary—it is every institution’s dream to receive a perfectly clean reaffirmation from its accreditor,” said Acting President Dr. Rosemary Allen. “We earned that perfect outcome as a result of the tireless work of the entire Education team, and thanks to the experienced leadership of our Dean of Education, Dr. Jason Reeves.” CAEP is the sole nationally recognized accrediting body for educator preparation. In order to achieve accreditation, departments must pass peer review on five standards. The College met all five standards with no areas for improvement noted.
AROUND CAMPUS
Dr. Susan Dummer Receives Manning Award
E
ach year at Opening Convocation, Georgetown College students help award one faculty member with the John Walker Manning Distinguished Mentor and Teacher Award, which recognizes faculty who have shown a commitment to Georgetown College in their mentorship of students. This year, Acting President Dr. Rosemary Allen awarded Professor of Communications and Media Studies Dr. Susan Dummer the John Walker Manning Distinguished Mentor and Teacher Award Nominees for the award will have demonstrated excellence in guiding students in their academic journeys at the College. They are individuals who are always willing to go that extra mile to help a student and ensure his or her success. Students have a substantial voice in the Manning Award, which sets it apart from other such awards. This means the award always hold a bit of extra significance for its winners.
Speaking at Opening Convocation on the awarding of the honor, Dr. Allen said, “Dr. Dummer has earned the love of her students by giving them love when they need it, whether that love is the unconditional love of acceptance when she embraces a student for who they are or the tough love of someone who holds students accountable when that’s what they really need to grow. Her heart is huge, and it embraces everyone.”
Dr. Cassandra Simmons Delivers Collier Lecture After receiving her bachelor’s degree from Georgetown College, Dr. Simmons received advanced degrees in clinical forensic psychology. She is currently a Drug Abuse Program Coordinator for the Department of Justice – Bureau of Prisons and a licensed sex offender treatment provider.
The education department’s accreditation by CAEP is valid from Spring 2021 until Spring 2028.
T
he Collier Lecture is one of the key academic lectures on the calendar each year at Georgetown College, and this year, the College was incredibly pleased to welcome one of its own to deliver it, Dr. Cassandra Simmons ’12. Dr. Simmons (at right above) spoke in the newly redesigned Ward Room of Ensor LRC on “Racial Trauma and the Process of Healing”
Dr. Simmons also reflected on her own journey and how education became such a vital part of her life. As a young person, school became a refuge for Dr. Simmons. Even at a young age, she understood the possibilities that an education would provide her. “I met Vice President of Athletics Mr. Brian Evans at a conference, and I just knew that if I could get that scholarship to Georgetown College, it would change my life,” said Dr. Simmons. “I emailed him constantly that year, and a year later, he offered me that scholarship. It really did change my life.”
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Focusing in her areas of interest, which include multiculturalism issues, racial and historical trauma, and equity and inclusion, Dr. Simmons outlined clear steps in the process of healing from racial trauma.
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MEET JOHN DAVIS VICE PRESIDENT OF ADVANCEMENT A
native of a coal mining town in West Virginia, it looked like college might not be in the cards for Vice President of Advancement John Davis. A fortuitous visit to his high school by a counselor from Berea College changed all that.
While a student at Berea College, Davis worked in the Advancement office doing odd jobs when he began to get curious about how the whole department worked. Sure enough, he had soon found a passion and a calling. After graduation, Davis worked his way up in the Advancement office at Berea before moving on to Transylvania University, and eventually becoming Vice President of Advancement at Georgetown College. Along the way, he’s always remembered why he does this. He remembers that student who wondered whether college was in his future. He’s always thinking of how, in his role, he can help current and future Tigers.
HOW DO YOU SERVE ALUMNI AND FRIENDS OF THE COLLEGE?
Gifts from alumni and friends of the College help us serve our students. They do that by alleviating extra costs, helping us give more in aid, and allowing us to give students a first class oncampus experience. I have been overwhelmed by the generosity of those who love this College, and that generosity helps students who were just like me before I went to school. Gifts directly go toward helping students achieve their dreams, so I hope I can serve alumni and friends by helping this institution better serve our students.
AROUND CAMPUS
A LETTER FROM THE
ALUMNI BOARD PRESIDENT DEAR TIGER FAMILY,
M
My name is Alan Redditt, and it is my privilege to serve as your Alumni Board president for the current academic year! The GC Alumni Board exists to represent you and your interests in the ongoing life of our school. We are a group of dedicated alumni who love Georgetown College and work hard to ensure that your voice is heard in the life of the college.
WHY GEORGETOWN COLLEGE? WHAT MAKES THE COLLEGE SPECIAL? It’s the people. It might be a cliché, but it’s a cliché for a reason. I have seen firsthand the connections that students make here and the connections that alumni have. Alumni truly love this institution, I think, because of the relationships that they form here and hold with them forever. That’s what makes the College so special, and it motivates me to work hard to serve the institution, as well as those alumni and friends the best I can.
One of my favorite parts of serving with the Alumni Board is hearing stories of special memories from college days and learning about how the college has continued to shape your lives through the years. Some of those memories are tied to events like a rivalry ballgame, Chapel Day, or Songfest. Other stories recall the staff member who shared a meal and a heartfelt conversation, or a professor who took the time to explain a difficult concept. Still others reminisce about trusted classmates who flourished together in a residential campus setting.
WHAT DO YOU DO IN YOUR FREE TIME? Free time? (laughs) I keep busy, but I love supporting our children, watching them play sports. I try my best not to get too loud or be that parent, but it’s so much fun to watch them be part of a team and do something they love doing. I love supporting them in that.
WHAT MOTIVATES YOU EACH DAY?
WHAT ARE YOU LOOKING FORWARD TO IN 2022? I’m hopeful to get back to something close to normal. It feels like we’ve been talking about that return for so long now. Our campus community has done so amazingly well to help stay safe and healthy, and I look forward to seeing the reward of that hard work.
ALAN REDDITT ‘00
I write to you today to ask for your continued support. This past year and a half have presented incredible challenges, prompting us to learn and rediscover just how much we need each other, and how much we can accomplish if we work together. To that end, the Alumni Board is participating in important conversations of self-discovery, acknowledgement of shortcomings and unexamined areas, and resolve to do and be better. These discussions range from the light-hearted and uplifting to the more challenging and deeply troubling. Nevertheless, just as many of us learned in our college years, our growth today suggests ongoing transformation and success for years to come. As the college approaches its bicentennial in 2029, we know that by working together we can ensure Georgetown College continues educating students and transforming lives into its third century of existence. Thank you for all you do to support our alma mater, especially in your prayers and expressions of goodwill. It will be a joy to see so many of you in the days to come. I pray that our God would bring continued renewal among the Tiger Family and our school in the days to come! Blessings, Alan Redditt ‘00
GC MAGAZINE | FALL 2021
My family certainly motivates me each day. I always want to do right by them. If I’m ever having a tough day or just feeling bogged down in the work, all it takes to pick me right back up is looking outside and seeing our students going about their day. They’re the reason we do this, and we sometimes need to be reminded of that.
These memories form a deeply meaningful and complex relationship with our alma mater. It is the goal of the Alumni Board and our officers that alumni are served and that Georgetown College continues to provide the best higher education available anywhere in the Commonwealth. To that end, I often pray that our founding purpose as a Christian college in the Baptist tradition will continue to find new expression and renewed emphasis in the third decade of the 21st century and for generations to come.
32
AROUND CAMPUS
MEET JOHN DAVIS VICE PRESIDENT OF ADVANCEMENT A
native of a coal mining town in West Virginia, it looked like college might not be in the cards for Vice President of Advancement John Davis. A fortuitous visit to his high school by a counselor from Berea College changed all that.
While a student at Berea College, Davis worked in the Advancement office doing odd jobs when he began to get curious about how the whole department worked. Sure enough, he had soon found a passion and a calling. After graduation, Davis worked his way up in the Advancement office at Berea before moving on to Transylvania University, and eventually becoming Vice President of Advancement at Georgetown College. Along the way, he’s always remembered why he does this. He remembers that student who wondered whether college was in his future. He’s always thinking of how, in his role, he can help current and future Tigers.
HOW DO YOU SERVE ALUMNI AND FRIENDS OF THE COLLEGE?
Gifts from alumni and friends of the College help us serve our students. They do that by alleviating extra costs, helping us give more in aid, and allowing us to give students a first class oncampus experience. I have been overwhelmed by the generosity of those who love this College, and that generosity helps students who were just like me before I went to school. Gifts directly go toward helping students achieve their dreams, so I hope I can serve alumni and friends by helping this institution better serve our students.
AROUND CAMPUS
A LETTER FROM THE
ALUMNI BOARD PRESIDENT DEAR TIGER FAMILY,
M
My name is Alan Redditt, and it is my privilege to serve as your Alumni Board president for the current academic year! The GC Alumni Board exists to represent you and your interests in the ongoing life of our school. We are a group of dedicated alumni who love Georgetown College and work hard to ensure that your voice is heard in the life of the college.
WHY GEORGETOWN COLLEGE? WHAT MAKES THE COLLEGE SPECIAL? It’s the people. It might be a cliché, but it’s a cliché for a reason. I have seen firsthand the connections that students make here and the connections that alumni have. Alumni truly love this institution, I think, because of the relationships that they form here and hold with them forever. That’s what makes the College so special, and it motivates me to work hard to serve the institution, as well as those alumni and friends the best I can.
One of my favorite parts of serving with the Alumni Board is hearing stories of special memories from college days and learning about how the college has continued to shape your lives through the years. Some of those memories are tied to events like a rivalry ballgame, Chapel Day, or Songfest. Other stories recall the staff member who shared a meal and a heartfelt conversation, or a professor who took the time to explain a difficult concept. Still others reminisce about trusted classmates who flourished together in a residential campus setting.
WHAT DO YOU DO IN YOUR FREE TIME? Free time? (laughs) I keep busy, but I love supporting our children, watching them play sports. I try my best not to get too loud or be that parent, but it’s so much fun to watch them be part of a team and do something they love doing. I love supporting them in that.
WHAT MOTIVATES YOU EACH DAY?
WHAT ARE YOU LOOKING FORWARD TO IN 2022? I’m hopeful to get back to something close to normal. It feels like we’ve been talking about that return for so long now. Our campus community has done so amazingly well to help stay safe and healthy, and I look forward to seeing the reward of that hard work.
ALAN REDDITT ‘00
I write to you today to ask for your continued support. This past year and a half have presented incredible challenges, prompting us to learn and rediscover just how much we need each other, and how much we can accomplish if we work together. To that end, the Alumni Board is participating in important conversations of self-discovery, acknowledgement of shortcomings and unexamined areas, and resolve to do and be better. These discussions range from the light-hearted and uplifting to the more challenging and deeply troubling. Nevertheless, just as many of us learned in our college years, our growth today suggests ongoing transformation and success for years to come. As the college approaches its bicentennial in 2029, we know that by working together we can ensure Georgetown College continues educating students and transforming lives into its third century of existence. Thank you for all you do to support our alma mater, especially in your prayers and expressions of goodwill. It will be a joy to see so many of you in the days to come. I pray that our God would bring continued renewal among the Tiger Family and our school in the days to come! Blessings, Alan Redditt ‘00
GC MAGAZINE | FALL 2021
My family certainly motivates me each day. I always want to do right by them. If I’m ever having a tough day or just feeling bogged down in the work, all it takes to pick me right back up is looking outside and seeing our students going about their day. They’re the reason we do this, and we sometimes need to be reminded of that.
These memories form a deeply meaningful and complex relationship with our alma mater. It is the goal of the Alumni Board and our officers that alumni are served and that Georgetown College continues to provide the best higher education available anywhere in the Commonwealth. To that end, I often pray that our founding purpose as a Christian college in the Baptist tradition will continue to find new expression and renewed emphasis in the third decade of the 21st century and for generations to come.
32
AROUND CAMPUS
AROUND CAMPUS
INTRODUCING THE GEORGETOWN COLLEGE
Hall of Fame C L A S S
O F
2 0 2 1 :
This past summer, Georgetown College started a new tradition of celebrating its Hall of Fame inductees with a special banquet. Celebrated at Founders’ Day in past years, we happen to think that these amazing alumni deserve their own day and their own ceremony.
Price & Judy Smith
P
rice and Judy Smith have dedicated their lives to improving Scott County and supporting Georgetown College.
Ken and Sandy attended Georgetown College in the late 1960s until their graduation in 1969. During their time as students, they both felt a call to ministry. After graduation, Ken attended Southern Seminary, and Sandy taught in the Jefferson County School System. Eventually, they felt called to leave Kentucky and move to New Hampshire, where they helped to build a Baptist community and ministered to students at Dartmouth College. For more than three decades, they changed countless lives with their ministry in New Hampshire. After retiring from their New Hampshire ministry, they have greatly enjoyed being able to
more fully reconnect with Georgetown College and their classmates. They are still involved with several ministry programs, where they continue to work hard to better others’ lives.
Earl & Vicki Goode
E
While students, Earl played basketball and was president of Pi Kappa Alpha, and Vicki was a member of Sigma Kappa.
Alumni Gym. The Smiths have four children and twelve grandchildren. Their tireless work for their community and their everlasting support of Georgetown College has had an astounding impact on so many lives.
After graduation, Earl began his career with GTE, where he worked for 40 years until his retirement. During his retirement, Earl entered public service. He has served as Chief of Staff for two governors from the state of Indiana, and he now serves as Chief of Staff to current Governor Eric Holcomb. Throughout her life and career, Vickie has pursued her love of design and furniture. Vicki opened a successful design and furniture business in Indianapolis, which she owned and operated for more than 30 years before retiring.
The Goodes have been loyal servants to Georgetown College, with Earl serving as Chair of the Board of Trustees in the 2010s. Their commitment to their alma mater has touched countless individuals throughout their lives and their careers.
GC MAGAZINE | FALL 2021
GC MAGAZINE | FALL 2021 33
The Smiths are huge basketball fans and loyal supporters of Georgetown College. They can often be found supporting the Tigers in Davis-Reid
K
en and Sandy Hale have lived a life defined by a loyal obedience to God’s will, and their dedication to their alma mater has been a blessing to Georgetown College and the campus community.
arl and Vicki Goode have devoted their lives to service, finding success by following their passions along the way. Both Earl and Vicki attended Georgetown College and graduated in 1962.
Price Smith grew up on Main Street in Georgetown and would walk to class during his time at the College in the early 1960s. After his graduation, he began a fruitful career as a farmer in Scott County. During his long and successful career, he has served as Supervisor on the Scott County Conservation Board. Judy Smith graduated from the University of Kentucky and worked as a teacher. In her distinguished career, she has served on the Scott County Board of Education and started the first Meals on Wheels program in Scott County, giving back to the community she loves so dearly.
Ken & Sandy Hale
34
AROUND CAMPUS
AROUND CAMPUS
INTRODUCING THE GEORGETOWN COLLEGE
Hall of Fame C L A S S
O F
2 0 2 1 :
This past summer, Georgetown College started a new tradition of celebrating its Hall of Fame inductees with a special banquet. Celebrated at Founders’ Day in past years, we happen to think that these amazing alumni deserve their own day and their own ceremony.
Price & Judy Smith
P
rice and Judy Smith have dedicated their lives to improving Scott County and supporting Georgetown College.
Ken and Sandy attended Georgetown College in the late 1960s until their graduation in 1969. During their time as students, they both felt a call to ministry. After graduation, Ken attended Southern Seminary, and Sandy taught in the Jefferson County School System. Eventually, they felt called to leave Kentucky and move to New Hampshire, where they helped to build a Baptist community and ministered to students at Dartmouth College. For more than three decades, they changed countless lives with their ministry in New Hampshire. After retiring from their New Hampshire ministry, they have greatly enjoyed being able to
more fully reconnect with Georgetown College and their classmates. They are still involved with several ministry programs, where they continue to work hard to better others’ lives.
Earl & Vicki Goode
E
While students, Earl played basketball and was president of Pi Kappa Alpha, and Vicki was a member of Sigma Kappa.
Alumni Gym. The Smiths have four children and twelve grandchildren. Their tireless work for their community and their everlasting support of Georgetown College has had an astounding impact on so many lives.
After graduation, Earl began his career with GTE, where he worked for 40 years until his retirement. During his retirement, Earl entered public service. He has served as Chief of Staff for two governors from the state of Indiana, and he now serves as Chief of Staff to current Governor Eric Holcomb. Throughout her life and career, Vickie has pursued her love of design and furniture. Vicki opened a successful design and furniture business in Indianapolis, which she owned and operated for more than 30 years before retiring.
The Goodes have been loyal servants to Georgetown College, with Earl serving as Chair of the Board of Trustees in the 2010s. Their commitment to their alma mater has touched countless individuals throughout their lives and their careers.
GC MAGAZINE | FALL 2021
GC MAGAZINE | FALL 2021 33
The Smiths are huge basketball fans and loyal supporters of Georgetown College. They can often be found supporting the Tigers in Davis-Reid
K
en and Sandy Hale have lived a life defined by a loyal obedience to God’s will, and their dedication to their alma mater has been a blessing to Georgetown College and the campus community.
arl and Vicki Goode have devoted their lives to service, finding success by following their passions along the way. Both Earl and Vicki attended Georgetown College and graduated in 1962.
Price Smith grew up on Main Street in Georgetown and would walk to class during his time at the College in the early 1960s. After his graduation, he began a fruitful career as a farmer in Scott County. During his long and successful career, he has served as Supervisor on the Scott County Conservation Board. Judy Smith graduated from the University of Kentucky and worked as a teacher. In her distinguished career, she has served on the Scott County Board of Education and started the first Meals on Wheels program in Scott County, giving back to the community she loves so dearly.
Ken & Sandy Hale
34
AROUND CAMPUS
AROUND CAMPUS
ERIKA DALE STEVENS ‘91
CLASS NOTES G
Graduated from the University of Memphis with an Ed.D. in Instructional and Curriculum Leadership, Instructional Design and Technology with a focus on online foreign language classes. Her dissertation, Attitudes of Community College Faculty Toward Online Foreign Language Courses, has been published in ProQuest Dissertations. She continues to work at Walters State Community College in East TN as an Associate Professor of Spanish and Lead Faculty for Foreign Languages.
KRISTIN (CHAUDOIN) KING ‘93
Appointed to the Mayfield Graves County Parks Board. She also serves as Treasurer of CASA of Graves Co. & SW KY, Chair of the Purchase District Fair, and teaches Financial Peace University classes with her husband, ARMY LTC (Ret.) Ryan King. They and their four sons, all adopted from Africa, are enjoying living close to family and being home in Kentucky.
MADDY DENISE FRITZ ‘13
Promoted to Senior Digital Designer, at Redstitch. Painted public mural, which is on display in Henderson, Ky
MARCUS PERNELL ‘13
Started a brand-new podcast titled “Marcus’ Motivation Mondays”, which seeks to encourage and inspire listeners at the start of each week.
PEYTON GRIFFEE ‘18
Peyton Griffee married Caitlin (Strickler) Griffee on June 12 of 2021. Peyton and Caitlin both graduated from Georgetown in 2018.
HAVE SOME GOOD NEWS? Share it with us at gogc.me/classnotes
2010s 2000s EVELYN FUSON ‘12
AMY (THAXTON) LONGEWAY ‘07
MADDY DENISE FRITZ ‘13
Recently promoted to the role of Assistant Controller for University of Kentucky HealthCare. She earned her Bachelor’s Degree in Business from Georgetown College in 2007 and her Master’s Degree in Business Administration from Midway University in 2013. Amy currently lives in Lexington, KY with her husband Russ, their two children Henry (7) and Abigail (5), and their rescue puppy “Ruby.”
BRITTANY STONE ‘13
AMANDA (BRUNGS) BROWN ‘08
Promoted to Assistant Athletic Director of Career Enhancement and Employer Relations in Northwestern University’s Department of Athletics & Recreation.
JASMYNE LEWIS-COMBS M.ED. ‘08
Became the Science, Medicine, and Agriculture Section Head at the Library of Congress.
PEYTON GRIFFEE ‘18
GC MAGAZINE | FALL 2021
GC MAGAZINE | FALL 2021
Throughout the year, share your work promotions, family news, travel adventures, published books and papers, continuing education, career moves, volunteer work, awards, and more for inclusion in the magazine.
Chaplain, Brigadier General Bill Dickens retired from the United States Air Force after 25 years in December 2020. He is currently serving as the Headmaster at Calvary Christian School in Covington, Ky.
BRITTANY (WHITT) STONE ‘13
Along with her husband, Eli, welcomed her first baby, Lincoln, in December, 2020.
SHOW
Help us to congratulate and celebrate with the following alumni and friends in this edition of Class Notes.
BILL DICKENS ‘86
T.J. RICHARDSON ‘13
TJ Richardson is co-founder and serves as president of The Ohio Hemp Company. He also now serves on the Oas1s Foundation Board of Directors for North America.
THE
OLIVIA S. SIMPSON ‘97
Promoted to Clinical Specialist Pharmacist at Medimpact.
eorgetown College is often called a family, and part of being a family is celebrating each other.
35
EVELYN FUSON ‘12
Launched the “Evelyn Fuson Show” podcast, where she hosts honest conversations that portray the complexity of being human. Evelyn is also a life coach and mentor.
36
AROUND CAMPUS
AROUND CAMPUS
ERIKA DALE STEVENS ‘91
CLASS NOTES G
Graduated from the University of Memphis with an Ed.D. in Instructional and Curriculum Leadership, Instructional Design and Technology with a focus on online foreign language classes. Her dissertation, Attitudes of Community College Faculty Toward Online Foreign Language Courses, has been published in ProQuest Dissertations. She continues to work at Walters State Community College in East TN as an Associate Professor of Spanish and Lead Faculty for Foreign Languages.
KRISTIN (CHAUDOIN) KING ‘93
Appointed to the Mayfield Graves County Parks Board. She also serves as Treasurer of CASA of Graves Co. & SW KY, Chair of the Purchase District Fair, and teaches Financial Peace University classes with her husband, ARMY LTC (Ret.) Ryan King. They and their four sons, all adopted from Africa, are enjoying living close to family and being home in Kentucky.
MADDY DENISE FRITZ ‘13
Promoted to Senior Digital Designer, at Redstitch. Painted public mural, which is on display in Henderson, Ky
MARCUS PERNELL ‘13
Started a brand-new podcast titled “Marcus’ Motivation Mondays”, which seeks to encourage and inspire listeners at the start of each week.
PEYTON GRIFFEE ‘18
Peyton Griffee married Caitlin (Strickler) Griffee on June 12 of 2021. Peyton and Caitlin both graduated from Georgetown in 2018.
HAVE SOME GOOD NEWS? Share it with us at gogc.me/classnotes
2010s 2000s EVELYN FUSON ‘12
AMY (THAXTON) LONGEWAY ‘07
MADDY DENISE FRITZ ‘13
Recently promoted to the role of Assistant Controller for University of Kentucky HealthCare. She earned her Bachelor’s Degree in Business from Georgetown College in 2007 and her Master’s Degree in Business Administration from Midway University in 2013. Amy currently lives in Lexington, KY with her husband Russ, their two children Henry (7) and Abigail (5), and their rescue puppy “Ruby.”
BRITTANY STONE ‘13
AMANDA (BRUNGS) BROWN ‘08
Promoted to Assistant Athletic Director of Career Enhancement and Employer Relations in Northwestern University’s Department of Athletics & Recreation.
JASMYNE LEWIS-COMBS M.ED. ‘08
Became the Science, Medicine, and Agriculture Section Head at the Library of Congress.
PEYTON GRIFFEE ‘18
GC MAGAZINE | FALL 2021
GC MAGAZINE | FALL 2021
Throughout the year, share your work promotions, family news, travel adventures, published books and papers, continuing education, career moves, volunteer work, awards, and more for inclusion in the magazine.
Chaplain, Brigadier General Bill Dickens retired from the United States Air Force after 25 years in December 2020. He is currently serving as the Headmaster at Calvary Christian School in Covington, Ky.
BRITTANY (WHITT) STONE ‘13
Along with her husband, Eli, welcomed her first baby, Lincoln, in December, 2020.
SHOW
Help us to congratulate and celebrate with the following alumni and friends in this edition of Class Notes.
BILL DICKENS ‘86
T.J. RICHARDSON ‘13
TJ Richardson is co-founder and serves as president of The Ohio Hemp Company. He also now serves on the Oas1s Foundation Board of Directors for North America.
THE
OLIVIA S. SIMPSON ‘97
Promoted to Clinical Specialist Pharmacist at Medimpact.
eorgetown College is often called a family, and part of being a family is celebrating each other.
35
EVELYN FUSON ‘12
Launched the “Evelyn Fuson Show” podcast, where she hosts honest conversations that portray the complexity of being human. Evelyn is also a life coach and mentor.
36
The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want. He maketh me to lie down in green pastures: he leadeth me beside the still waters. He restoreth my soul: he leadeth me in the paths of righteousness for his name’s sake.Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for thou art with me; thy rod and thy staff they comfort me. Thou preparest a table before me in the presence of mine enemies: thou anointest my head with oil; my cup runneth over. Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life: and I will dwell in the house of the Lord for ever.
IN MEMORIAM
1939
Mrs.Jane Hope Fields 4/20/21 | Louisville, KY
1948
Mrs. Etta Mae Smith 4/20/21 | Saint Pauls, NC
1949
Mr. L. D. Knight 5/26/21 | Owensboro, KY Mrs. Maribeth Porter Hambrick 7/16/21 | Georgetown, KY Mrs. Geralda P. Martin 8/7/21 | Summerfield, FL Mr. Donald Rader Chesnut 9/3/21 | Lexington, KY
1950
Mrs. LaVerne Arnold 9/1/21 | Louisville, KY
1951
Mrs. Edna M. Taylor 7/10/21 | Georgetown, KY Mrs. Sherrill Spears Carr 8/1/21 | Bowling Green, KY
1952
Dr. Edgar E. Hatfield 4/23/21 | Louisville, KY
Mr. William W. Bashford 9/19/21 | Winchester, KY
1955
Mrs. Grace A. Ford 9/16/21 | Utica, KY
1956
Mr. Tinsley Timothy Ball 5/26/21 | Duncan, OK
1957
Dr. James S. Brashear 9/27/21 | Central City, KY Ms. Catherine Bent Taylor 2/2/21 | Louisville, KY Mrs. Garnet Sears 6/17/21 | Nicholasville, KY
Rev. Charles A. Edgington 5/28/21 | Lake Wales, FL
1959
Mrs. Jackie Lou McFarland 5/4/21 | Hamilton, OH
1960
Mrs. Sharon L. McNabb 4/18/21 | Lexington, KY Mr. Paul Milton Davis 4/19/21 | Champaign, IL Mr. Dalton Lee Oak 6/20/21 | Lagrange, KY
1962
Mr. Robert Earl Jones 5/14/21 | Alexandria, KY
1964
Mr. Robert Leslie Anderson 5/5/21 | Burlington, KY Mrs. Betty Lou Hendren 5/7/21 | Bloomfield, KY Mr. Carl Edward White 5/8/21 | Bellbrook, OH
1965
Mrs. Katie Bell Easom 7/8/21 | Sun City Ctr, FL
1966
1983
Mrs. Suzanne Hardee Coombs 6/11/21 | Bardstown, KY
Mr. Sherman E. Chaudoin 4/21/21 | Princeton, KY
1993
5
Mrs. Alice West Dutart 6/6/21 | Summerville, SC
Mr. Kevin Matthew Cockrell 9/19/21 | Shelbyville, KY
2016
Mr. Jacob Anthony Haun 8/9/21 | Erlanger, KY
FRIENDS & FORMERS Mr. Charles Wilson 4/2/21 | Greenville, SC
1967
Dr. Billy R. Allen 6/5/21 | Hartford, KY Mr. James Bruce McEuen 6/13/21 | Princeton, KY
Mrs. Rosemary Gail Piercey 2/28/21 | Kensington, MD
Pastor Larry Allen Copley 7/17/21 | Caldwell, OH
1971
Mr. Darrell S. Curtis 8/20/21 | Georgetown, KY
Mrs. Karen Jane Bennett 4/29/21 | Louisville, KY
10
Mr. Kevin Wayne Joiner 3/31/21 | Lexington, KY
Mrs. Kay Abbott 4/27/21 | Georgetown, KY
1975
80
15
1989
Mr. Douglas Clarke Christie 8/14/21 | Sidney, OH
Mr. Carl D. Hensley 6/21/21 | Elizabethtown, KY
20
1988
2012
Professor Robert Lynch Williams 9/13/21 | Georgetown, KY Dr. Michael D. Dawahare 9/15/21 | Key Largo, FL
FACULTY STAFF GIVING PARTICIPATION 90
Mr. James Johnson Fore 6/9/21 | Lexington, KY
Mr. Richard E. Smith 4/8/21 | Pace, FL
1970
ALUMNI GIVING PARTICIPATION
1987
Mr. Leonard Joseph Kern 6/19/21 | Louisville, KY
Mr. Harold Lee Wagner Jr. 8/16/21 | Paducah, KY
$1.7 MILLION ANNUAL FUND GOAL
PAYING TRIBUTE TO A GEORGETOWN LEGEND Georgetown College lost a towering figure this past spring with the passing of Jane Hope Snyder Oldham Fields, 103. After graduating from Atherton High School in Louisville, Kentucky, Fields decided to continue her studies at Georgetown College, entering as a student during the depths of the Great Depression. A leader on campus during her time as a student, Fields continued to lead and steward Georgetown College well, even after her graduation. A member of Kappa Delta sorority, she served as co-chair of the Rucker Hall Reunion Committee. She was also a lifelong member of the Woman’s Association of Georgetown College and served as co-chair of the College’s Alumni Board. She continued her service later in life, volunteering in the Advancement office where she phoned birthday greetings to alumni and friends of the College. In 2009, Fields was awarded an honorary doctorate by the College. The story of Jane Hope Snyder Oldham Fields is a story of service and leadership. Her impact and memory lives on at Georgetown College and in all those she inspired in her life.
FY19 13%
FY20 16%
FY21 18.5%
FY22 GOAL 20%
70 60 50 40 30 20
FY19 43%
FY20 61%
FY21 77%
FY22 GOAL 85%
10 0
0
MAKE YOUR GIFT TODAY! ONLINE
PHONE
Make a gift via credit card on our secure site gogc.me/give
Make a gift by calling the Advancement Office (502) 863-8041
VENMO
Send your check, payable by mail to Georgetown College 400 East College Street Georgetown, KY 40324
Make a gift via Venmo to @GCTigers or by searching Georgetown College
GC MAGAZINE | FALL 2021
GC MAGAZINE | FALL 2021 37
1953
1958
WILL YOU HELP US REACH OUR GOALS?
38
The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want. He maketh me to lie down in green pastures: he leadeth me beside the still waters. He restoreth my soul: he leadeth me in the paths of righteousness for his name’s sake.Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for thou art with me; thy rod and thy staff they comfort me. Thou preparest a table before me in the presence of mine enemies: thou anointest my head with oil; my cup runneth over. Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life: and I will dwell in the house of the Lord for ever.
IN MEMORIAM
1939
Mrs.Jane Hope Fields 4/20/21 | Louisville, KY
1948
Mrs. Etta Mae Smith 4/20/21 | Saint Pauls, NC
1949
Mr. L. D. Knight 5/26/21 | Owensboro, KY Mrs. Maribeth Porter Hambrick 7/16/21 | Georgetown, KY Mrs. Geralda P. Martin 8/7/21 | Summerfield, FL Mr. Donald Rader Chesnut 9/3/21 | Lexington, KY
1950
Mrs. LaVerne Arnold 9/1/21 | Louisville, KY
1951
Mrs. Edna M. Taylor 7/10/21 | Georgetown, KY Mrs. Sherrill Spears Carr 8/1/21 | Bowling Green, KY
1952
Dr. Edgar E. Hatfield 4/23/21 | Louisville, KY
Mr. William W. Bashford 9/19/21 | Winchester, KY
1955
Mrs. Grace A. Ford 9/16/21 | Utica, KY
1956
Mr. Tinsley Timothy Ball 5/26/21 | Duncan, OK
1957
Dr. James S. Brashear 9/27/21 | Central City, KY Ms. Catherine Bent Taylor 2/2/21 | Louisville, KY Mrs. Garnet Sears 6/17/21 | Nicholasville, KY
Rev. Charles A. Edgington 5/28/21 | Lake Wales, FL
1959
Mrs. Jackie Lou McFarland 5/4/21 | Hamilton, OH
1960
Mrs. Sharon L. McNabb 4/18/21 | Lexington, KY Mr. Paul Milton Davis 4/19/21 | Champaign, IL Mr. Dalton Lee Oak 6/20/21 | Lagrange, KY
1962
Mr. Robert Earl Jones 5/14/21 | Alexandria, KY
1964
Mr. Robert Leslie Anderson 5/5/21 | Burlington, KY Mrs. Betty Lou Hendren 5/7/21 | Bloomfield, KY Mr. Carl Edward White 5/8/21 | Bellbrook, OH
1965
Mrs. Katie Bell Easom 7/8/21 | Sun City Ctr, FL
1966
1983
Mrs. Suzanne Hardee Coombs 6/11/21 | Bardstown, KY
Mr. Sherman E. Chaudoin 4/21/21 | Princeton, KY
1993
5
Mrs. Alice West Dutart 6/6/21 | Summerville, SC
Mr. Kevin Matthew Cockrell 9/19/21 | Shelbyville, KY
2016
Mr. Jacob Anthony Haun 8/9/21 | Erlanger, KY
FRIENDS & FORMERS Mr. Charles Wilson 4/2/21 | Greenville, SC
1967
Dr. Billy R. Allen 6/5/21 | Hartford, KY Mr. James Bruce McEuen 6/13/21 | Princeton, KY
Mrs. Rosemary Gail Piercey 2/28/21 | Kensington, MD
Pastor Larry Allen Copley 7/17/21 | Caldwell, OH
1971
Mr. Darrell S. Curtis 8/20/21 | Georgetown, KY
Mrs. Karen Jane Bennett 4/29/21 | Louisville, KY
10
Mr. Kevin Wayne Joiner 3/31/21 | Lexington, KY
Mrs. Kay Abbott 4/27/21 | Georgetown, KY
1975
80
15
1989
Mr. Douglas Clarke Christie 8/14/21 | Sidney, OH
Mr. Carl D. Hensley 6/21/21 | Elizabethtown, KY
20
1988
2012
Professor Robert Lynch Williams 9/13/21 | Georgetown, KY Dr. Michael D. Dawahare 9/15/21 | Key Largo, FL
FACULTY STAFF GIVING PARTICIPATION 90
Mr. James Johnson Fore 6/9/21 | Lexington, KY
Mr. Richard E. Smith 4/8/21 | Pace, FL
1970
ALUMNI GIVING PARTICIPATION
1987
Mr. Leonard Joseph Kern 6/19/21 | Louisville, KY
Mr. Harold Lee Wagner Jr. 8/16/21 | Paducah, KY
$1.7 MILLION ANNUAL FUND GOAL
PAYING TRIBUTE TO A GEORGETOWN LEGEND Georgetown College lost a towering figure this past spring with the passing of Jane Hope Snyder Oldham Fields, 103. After graduating from Atherton High School in Louisville, Kentucky, Fields decided to continue her studies at Georgetown College, entering as a student during the depths of the Great Depression. A leader on campus during her time as a student, Fields continued to lead and steward Georgetown College well, even after her graduation. A member of Kappa Delta sorority, she served as co-chair of the Rucker Hall Reunion Committee. She was also a lifelong member of the Woman’s Association of Georgetown College and served as co-chair of the College’s Alumni Board. She continued her service later in life, volunteering in the Advancement office where she phoned birthday greetings to alumni and friends of the College. In 2009, Fields was awarded an honorary doctorate by the College. The story of Jane Hope Snyder Oldham Fields is a story of service and leadership. Her impact and memory lives on at Georgetown College and in all those she inspired in her life.
FY19 13%
FY20 16%
FY21 18.5%
FY22 GOAL 20%
70 60 50 40 30 20
FY19 43%
FY20 61%
FY21 77%
FY22 GOAL 85%
10 0
0
MAKE YOUR GIFT TODAY! ONLINE
PHONE
Make a gift via credit card on our secure site gogc.me/give
Make a gift by calling the Advancement Office (502) 863-8041
VENMO
Send your check, payable by mail to Georgetown College 400 East College Street Georgetown, KY 40324
Make a gift via Venmo to @GCTigers or by searching Georgetown College
GC MAGAZINE | FALL 2021
GC MAGAZINE | FALL 2021 37
1953
1958
WILL YOU HELP US REACH OUR GOALS?
38
400 East College St. Georgetown, KY 40324
530
NEW STUDENTS
LARGEST INCOMING CLASS ON RECORD
#1 COLLEGE IN KENTUCKY
EDUCATION DEPARTMENT RECEIVED A PERFECT ACCREDITATION EVALUATION FROM CAEP
#1 COLLEGE IN KENTUCKY
for
for
JOB PLACEMENT
JOB PLACEMENT
2018
2019
2021
#1 IN KENTUCKY FOUR CONSECUTIVE YEARS
for students getting a job or into graduate school within six months of graduation NATIONAL TOURNAMENT APPEARANCES
from 6 athletics teams and two individual track and field athletes in Spring 2021
ONLINE
Make a gift via credit card on our secure website gogc.me/give
PHONE
Make a gift by calling the Advancement Office at (502) 863-8041
1,224
FULL-TIME UNDERGRADUATE STUDENTS
VENMO
Make a gift via Venmo to GCTigers or by searching for Georgetown College
Send your check to: Georgetown College 400 East College St. Georgetown, KY 40324