Connection Magazine Fall 2015 by Georgia College & State University

Move-In Day 2015

CONTENTS 4

Up Front News and notes around campus

Summer Experience In pictures

10 Cover Story Undaunted in D.C.

16 Student Proﬁle 18 Featured Program 20 Faculty Proﬁle 22 Featured Alumnus 24 Sports 26 Class Notes 30 Alumni Weekend

Introducing the

new gcsu.edu Georgia College is excited to announce the launch of the all-new gcsu.edu! If you haven’t checked us out online in a while, we invite you to visit the new website to explore all things GC.

The latest news and events for Georgia College can be easily accessed online by visiting frontpage.gcsu.edu.

President Steve Dorman Vice President for University Advancement Monica Delisa Interim Associate Vice President for Strategic Communications Kyle Cullars, ‘10 Editor/Director of Marketing and Publications Victoria Fowler, ‘12 Writers Brittiny Johnson, ‘15 Margaret Morris Aubrie L. Sofala, ‘12 Al Weston Design Jon Scott, ‘83 Brooks Hinton Photography Tim Vacula, ‘86

Please send change of address and class notes to: University Advancement Campus Box 113 Milledgeville, GA 31061 connection@gcsu.edu

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

Class of 2019: Call Me MISTER finds its first class of recruits Georgia College welcomed its inaugural class of Call Me MISTER students for fall 2015. The Call Me MISTER (Mentors Instructing Students Toward Effective Role Models) program at Georgia College is the first of its kind in the state. Student participants are selected from among under-represented populations with a targeted focus on AfricanAmerican males, which account for less than 2 percent of the nation’s elementary school teachers. Program benefits include financial assistance, residential living-learning environments, mentorship through peer cohort programs and intensive learning and hands-on training to become transformative educators.

The four students in the ﬁrst class of MISTERS are Brian Bowman, from Gray, Seabon Davis Jr., from Athens, Homer Jones Jr., from Macon, and Jaleel Jones, from Irwinton. Georgia College is one of more than 25 Call Me MISTER institutions across the southeastern United States. “I’ve always been drawn to the mentor relationship of teaching,” said Jones. “I’ve had mentors throughout high school, and it makes the diﬀerence having someone that is just like you and has been through the same things you’re going through.”

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Georgia College programs receive accolades Georgia College continues to receive regional and national recognition for programs and educational offerings. The Princeton Review recognized GC on the “2016 Best Colleges: Region by Region” list for the ninth consecutive year. GC continues its climb in the U.S. News & World Report rankings, moving up a slot in the Top Public Regional Universities list. The university was designated ninth among the top public regional universities, tied with Longwood University in Virginia and Murray State University in Kentucky. Georgia College was the state’s only university to be ranked in the top 10 of this category. GC has also been ranked by AffordableCollegesOnline.org as one of the Best Online Colleges in the state. GC was ranked sixth in Georgia. The site also listed the WebMBA program at GC in the top 50 in the country. ValueColleges.com also listed the WebMBA program, of which Georgia College is an affiliate, in the Top 50 Value Online MBA Programs of 2015 list. OnlineMBAReport.com listed GC’s program in several categories: No. 18 in the nation, 16 among public colleges and universities and seventh in the south. The GC online Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) Program was ranked 13th in the top 20 MSN Online Programs for 2015. That list was coordinated by bestnursingmasters.com. SuperScholar.org listed the 50 Best Online Master’s in Nursing Programs for 2015 and ranked GC’s program 16th in the nation. GC was ranked 25th in the country on the list of the Top 50 Online Master’s Degrees in Public Administration 2015 by topmanagementdegrees.com. The Bachelor of Criminal Justice degree at GC has been named to the top 50 Best Programs list compiled by CriminalJustice.com. The GC degree program was ranked 19th in the nation. SmartAsset.com named GC as a Best Value College, ranked as no. 5 in the state. The university was also recently named a Public College of Distinction for the third consecutive year. That ranking comes from the website collegesofdistinction.com. GC was also listed as a Public College of Distinction from 20052009.

Clements Becomes Foundation Board of Trustees Chair The Georgia College Foundation Board of Trustees has named Pierre O. Clements, ’86, as chair. He has served as a trustee since 2008 and recently as the vice chair. Clements is the senior director of national accounts and leads the Food and Beverage Global Sales Unit for WW Grainger, North America’s leading broad line supplier of maintenance, repair and operating products. Previously, he was vice president of sales for Coca-Cola for eight years and a senior executive with Kraft Foods for 10 years. Clements also serves as an advisory board member and managing partner for Inside Group International, a business solutions ﬁrm. He earned a BBA from GC and an Executive MBA from Mercer University with a concentration in international business. Clements is a member of the 100 Black Men Organization (Atlanta Chapter) as well as a life member of Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Inc. In serving the Foundation as chair, Clements remarks, “I look forward to bringing real life and tangible business experiences, new relationships and strategic partnerships that help build the Georgia College brand globally and increase Georgia College students’ career development exposure.”

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Renewing our focus on the liberal arts Liberal arts; it’s a phrase we hear constantly across the Georgia College campus. But what does it mean and why is it important? A new initiative on campus looks to bring folks together to answer those very questions in an eﬀort to align all aspects of campus life, from volunteerism to coursework, with our mission as the state’s designated public liberal arts university. A group including Dr. Julia Metzker, Dr. Cara Meade Smith, Dr. Amy Sumpter, Dr. Nolan White and Dr. Kimberly Cossey, all of whom attended the Association of American Colleges and Universities (AAC&U) Institute on General Education and Assessment over the summer, are spearheading an initiative to reignite the liberal arts focus on campus.

This multiyear project to renew our focus on the liberal arts, kicked oﬀ with guest speaker Dr. Lee Knefelkamp, senior fellow at AAC&U. Knefelkamp, a dynamic and entertaining speaker, is one of AAC&U's foremost experts on the liberal arts. This liberal arts renewal project will start with discussions throughout the year where faculty, staﬀ, students and community members will be invited to develop a shared understanding of the liberal arts at Georgia College through spirited and engaging conversations. Information on those discussions will be available through the Front Page calendar and at the project blog gcsu.wordpress.com.

Carrying the torch Once a recipient of private scholarships while in graduate school, now Richard Sims is content to “carry the torch” for the next generation. He donated $25,000 to establish an endowed scholarship at Georgia College. Sims, who is treasurer of the Foundation Board of Trustees and has served on the board for ﬁve years, has a passion for supporting Georgia College students and in serving with generosity and elective service. “I have thankfully experienced unconditional love, through faith and an intimate network of family, friends and mentors,” he says. “I use this love as inspiration to contribute to both our local community and Georgia College.” As the owner of Pearl Lane Partners since 2005, Sims is also passionate about conserving historic residential architecture. His company renovates and professionally manages commercial real estate. In recent years, he relocated from Piedmont Park in Atlanta to the historic district of Milledgeville. He mentions, “It is a privilege to live in a bright community with the staﬀ, foundation, students and faculty of Georgia College.”

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Students travel across the nation and abroad for NSF research experiences Three Georgia College students were selected for the National Science Foundation Research (NSF) Experiences for Undergraduates (REU) during the summer of 2015. Michael Ziegler, Raira Ank and Forrest Brown completed their REU programs in August and brought back solid research experience.

Michael Ziegler

Environmental science major Michael Ziegler’s summer has been an exploration into fossil sites in Panama. Hard at work in the Azuero Peninsula, the junior, who is also minoring in geology, is uncovering fossils that could answer questions about evolutionary paths and the very creation of animal and plant life we know today.

“Growing up I was always fascinated with rocks so my transition to college and studying geology was an extension of that passion,” said Ziegler. “Having this opportunity to get down in the trenches and learn from others is immeasurable.” Sophomore biology major Raira Ank is also found a set of challenges with her REU experience in Colorado State University. But ever since discovering her love of being in the lab and research, Ank feels as if she’s in her element. Ank spent her time in the program working on the SPN1 protein, an essential gene. She studied which pathways are aﬀected buy the mutated form of the protein and delete other genes. Brown was selected for a research opportunity at Pennsylvania State University.

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Spring 2015 commencement ceremonies Georgia College held the spring commencement ceremonies Friday, May 8 and Saturday, May 9, at the Centennial Center. More than 1,350 students received their undergraduate and graduate degrees at the ceremonies. Lt. Gov. Casey Cagle served as the keynote speaker for the graduate ceremony. In 1994, Cagle was elected the youngest state senator at just 28 years old, and was overwhelmingly re-elected five times. In 2006, he became Georgia’s 11th lieutenant governor— the first Republican in Georgia to serve in that office. The speaker for the undergraduate ceremonies was Kim Martin, ’82, chief strategy officer at Meredith Corporation, which is a leading media and marketing company featuring popular national brands and operators of 17 local television stations including network affiliates in Atlanta, Phoenix, St. Louis and Las Vegas. A Milledgeville native, Martin received her undergraduate degree from Georgia College and serves on the Georgia College & State University Foundation Board of Trustees.

For Rob Betzel ’99, supporting a lab renovation “was a pretty easy decision” Since 2000, Georgia College Alumnus Robert “Rob” Betzel has been a successful entrepreneur. Now, he is paying it forward to “enable Georgia College students to gain a great education.” A $50,000 pledge by Betzel will buy new furniture and upgrade the teaching technology in Atkinson Hall’s Lab 307. “I have always believed in giving back to those who support us,” says Betzel, co-owner of Infinity Network Solutions. Betzel also provides a fellowship and endowed scholarship at GC. When he asked Dean Dr. James Payne and Chair Dr. Tanya Goette how he could support GC, they indicated that the management information systems’ labs renovation in Atkinson Hall was key to giving students a quality education. Betzel replies, “That was a pretty easy decision.”

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r e m m u S e c n e i r e Exp

ravels at the t k o lo y. ots: A Snapsh f our GC famil o of some

Student Patrick Steimer toured Europe with his family this summer and spent a week in London. After graduating with his MBA, Tucker O’Brien visited the Apple headquarters this summer in Cupertino, Ca. Students Laura Gramling, Ashley Jonassen, Caroline O’Neil, Megan Raymond and Teddi Strassburger visited the Cité Internationale Universitaire de Paris on their study abroad trip. Professor Ansio Santos and students Sandra Trujillo, Kayla Abercrombie, Anika Bailey, William Bartholomew, Kevin Bennett, Jada Butler, Michael Farmer, Emily Kearney-Williams, Thomas McCarter, Madison O'Bried, Kyle Schreiber, Patricia Thomas and Anna Williamson visited Toledo, Spain on their study abroad trip.

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COVER STORY

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t’s an average Wednesday morning and by the time most are still working on their first cup of coffee, Scott Binkley, ’10 is already ticking items off his to-do list, which include copious amounts of fundraising and a fair amount of lobbying— your average to-do list in Washington, D.C. “My job is demanding, but I truly enjoy it, and it’s also putting me a step further into working and gaining experience in Washington, D.C.,” said Binkley, who is the executive director of the Republican Lieutenant Governors Association (RLGA). Binkley is just one of many alumni and current students who have found themselves in Washington, D.C., pursuing careers they are passionate about. However, with that passion also comes with the stresses of working and living in the nation’s capital. Binkley started out in D.C. with an internship and has worked his way up to his current position at the RLGA. “Campaign work to me is more interesting than policy work, but I also realized that it’s dangerous to tie yourself to one candidate,” said Binkley, who spent 2012 on the campaign trail in Florida and Indiana. “I learned a lot of valuable lessons, and I also learned to be careful because in D.C. your whole career can hinge on what comes out of that candidate’s mouth.”

The ebb and flow of D.C. is also not lost on alumna Debi Bevins, ’88. Bevins is the director of Client Relations in the Office of the Secretary in the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). “When I graduated I took off looking for the first government job I could find,” said Bevins. “Everyday I use what I learned at Georgia College— everything from how bureaucracy operates to utilizing my investigation and research skills.” Bevins majored in criminal justice and, like Binkley, found herself getting deeper into the cogs of D.C. by working herself up the ranks. Majoring in criminal justice when it was a largely maledominated field, she became accustomed to working hard, garnering a 4.0 GPA and maintaining a constant slot on the dean’s list. Bevins has worked with the VA for 27 years and over that time, served eight different Cabinet Secretaries. For some, Washington, D.C. allows for a whole new world of opportunities. Alumna Christy Surrency Ellerbee, ’96 began her consulting firm in 2013 and is now lobbying for a large pharmaceutical company, after a vast career in law and government work. “I’m an optimistic person so I do not feel as jaded like so many others working in D.C. might—I feel inspired,” said Ellerbee. “When lobbying on the Hill and meeting with Congressmen and Senators,

Scott Binkley, ’10 is the executive director of the Republican Lieutenants Governors Association

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from all of our states, I always find that each of them have some commonalities between them.” Ellerbee says being able to work and more importantly, have a voice in Washington, D.C. is part of what makes her proud to be in lobbying but even more so proud to be an American citizen. “We are lucky that we live in the United States, where ordinary citizens have the opportunity to make changes within government,” said Ellerbee. “As citizens, we are able to talk with members of Congress, discuss legislation and together make impactful changes in our lives and the lives of others.”

GC students take D.C. Gaining internship experience is part of the D.C. experience, according to Binkley. It’s part of his prime advice to give to students looking for careers in Washington, D.C. “You’re going to have to do an internship, there’s just no way around it,” said Binkley. “Start on the Hill as almost everything in this town can, in some way, be tied to the Federal Government. That experience can lend itself to a good first job on or off of the Hill and within any industry.” Two students are already cutting their teeth in Washington, D.C. through the GC in DC program in fall 2015. The program places students in a variety of

Jack Bryan and Natalie Eldredge are spending their fall semester interning in Washington as part of the GC in DC program.

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internships in a range of internships including in the House of Representatives, Senate, White House and the Council of Foreign Relations. “After just two weeks in the office, I had already learned so much,” said junior political science major Jack Bryan, who is interning for Congressman Sanford D. Bishop Jr.’s office. “Over the past few years, I have been involved in local politics and campaigns in both Coweta County and Baldwin County, where I developed a passion for being involved and engaged. I love learning about our government and immersing myself in politics so that I can understand how our government functions and help it run more smoothly in the future.” Getting accustomed to D.C. has also been part of Bryan’s intern experience. “D.C. life is far better than I ever could have imagined,” said Bryan. “The other interns that I live with in Washington Intern Student Housing (WISH) housing are very cool and intelligent and I have already made so many close friends through this experience.” Bryan is also joined by sophomore political science major and French and marketing minor Natalie Eldredge, who is interning in Congressman David Scott’s office. Eldredge has spent her internship completing administrative duties such as answering phones, sorting mail and running errands but she’s also getting hands-on experience by writing memos, attending briefings and sitting in on House sessions. “So far, I have been having one of the best experiences of my life. Living in D.C. is always exciting, as you never know what event is going to be going on, or who you may run into on the Hill,” said Eldredge. “The biggest obstacle for me so far is to make sure that I can remember all of the protocol. There are a lot of rules that go along with working in government, and I can only try to learn them all as quickly as possible.” Both Eldredge and Bryan see themselves working in the political sphere after gradating from Georgia College. “I would like to pursue political science in the future, as I have been extremely intrigued by the work that goes on here,” said Eldredge. “Overall I hope to be able to do something that advocates for the rights and needs of others, and I think political work does just that.” Georgia College Senior Mairi Smith also completed an internship with the Smithsonian National Portrait Gallery. As part of her internship, Smith spent time

SGA President Juawn Jackson and SGA Assistant Director of Environmental Affairs Emma Brodzik recently attended the White House Youth Climate Summit in June 2015.

Debi Bevins, ’88 is the director of Client Relations in the Office of the Secretary in the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs

Senior Sarah Dickens spent her internship serving as the marketing and communications intern at the American Public Transportation Association.

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Alumna Christy Ellerbee, ’96 started a consulting firm in 2013 and now lobbies for a large pharmaceutical company

digitizing old files into the museum’s database, learned basic skills in care and cleaning of museum objects and aided in research requests directed to the museum. “Moving to D.C. for two months ended up being one of the biggest learning curves of the summer,” said Smith. “The pace and culture of the city proved to be something I was not prepared for, but one of the most exciting parts of my experience. It’s such a beautiful city with something always going on.” That fast-paced environment that can so often conjure images of a type of scenario as depicted on the television show “House of Cards” playing out in D.C. is a façade according to Binkley and Bevins. “The longer I work here, the more I’ve learned how to look out for myself,” said Binkley. “But I don’t think it’s

necessarily a bad aspect of D.C.—I think it’s part of becoming a professional. There are some who take it to the extremes in Washington, but the people I’ve met here are some of the smartest and most resourceful I’ve ever encountered.” Bevins says her work with the VA is rewarding, even though she’s on call 24/7 and answers to the secretary, who ultimately acts as advisor to the president. Despite her demanding position, she not only finds the time for her work with the VA, but she’s also formed her own company, BLING it On Fitness and a nonprofit autism scholarship Camp BLING for Blue. Through it all, Bevins’ commitment remains to be making a difference in the lives of others, whether it is through her fitness business or through the VA. “Everything is worth it to be able to make a difference in the lives of veterans,” said Bevins. “My job is all

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about ensuring veterans are being taken care of and getting everything they deserve for serving our country.” For Ellerbee, her career has been a career built on the necessity of education. “I think my role as a lobbyist is really a role of an educator,” said Ellerbee. “When it comes to an issue on anything from farming to health care—you need to hear both sides of the story. And a good lobbyist will tell both sides of the story to government leaders.” Looking back at the challenges he’s encountered, Binkley also doesn’t think he’d change anything about his time in D.C. “Looking back, even thinking about the campaigns that I worked on and we lost, I still would have taken the path that I did,” said Binkley. “Working in D.C. is all about your personal motivation to be successful. A losing campaign or adversity cannot take that away from you.” ■

STUDENT PROFILE

Baldwin County resident

finds his voice at Georgia College

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evauri Mar-Shall isn’t afraid to be daring. The sophomore music education major moved here from Portland, Oregon in the beginning of high school. Since then, he’s made Milledgeville his home, while trying his hand at sports, chorus and even taking to the stage. “I can honestly say I’ve developed a lot personally while in Milledgeville,” said Mar-Shall. “I’m not afraid to fail, and I’ve learned how to grow from those failures.”

Now in his second year at Georgia College, Mar-Shall has also made Georgia College his home. Entering in the Honors Program as a freshman, Mar-Shall has pushed himself to get involved. In his freshmen year he signed on to be a student ambassador, sang in the Max Noah Singers, the Cat’s Meow and landed lead roles in “The Piano Lesson” and “Anything Goes.” But Mar-Shall’s journey to music started out in high school. “I played sports all throughout high school, but I was still searching for something that I could do for a career —something that I was great at,” said Mar-Shall. “It also helped that I had a music teacher who was very encouraging along the way.” After his first chorus class, Mar-Shall was hooked. “It came so naturally to me,” said Mar-Shall. “And what I loved even more was being able to share this experience with others.” It was shortly after he got into chorus that Mar-Shall discovered his second passion— theatre. His first role was Jack in a production of “Into the Woods.” “Once I was in ‘Into the Woods,’ I realized theatre was also a great fit for me,” said Mar-Shall. “For me there’s a distinct difference between chorus and theatre. In chorus you want to hit that note just right and be consistent every time. But with theatre, it’s almost as if you want it to be a bit different every time you perform. There’s something freeing about that.” As a non-theatre major garnering lead roles, Mar-Shall was stuck at a crossroads at the end of his freshman year: should he pursue theatre or chorus? “I had to think back to when I first started chorus and what inspired me,” said Mar-Shall. “I want to have an opportunity to be that guide for someone like my high school chorus teacher was for me.” Mar-Shall’s can-do attitude is what has helped guide him so far at Georgia College. Looking forward, he has set goals for himself including placing at the National Association of Teachers of Singing competition and also receiving a lead in every theatre production he auditions for. “I’ve always had the attitude that you need to be confident in everything you do,” said Mar-Shall. “You have to believe you are successful before the performance or audition even begins—and that’s what I live by.” ■

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PHYSICS

hat started as nothing more than a thought in the back of Dr. Ken McGill’s mind in the early 2000s, has transformed into the fastestgrowing physics program of all bachelor's-only departments in the nation.

“When I became the department chair in 2000, I came in with the goal to grow the chemistry program,” said McGill. “But I always had this idea that I wanted to revive the physics program at Georgia College.” In 2010, after a nearly 40-year hiatus, the physics program was back at Georgia College— and it came at a time when there was a dire need for physics teachers in Georgia. Since then, the program has thrived, slated to confer 20 degrees by 2016, which lands it on the top 10 list for bachelor's-only departments. “A lot of our success has to do with the dual degree we offer through Georgia Tech,” said McGill. In the Dual Degree Program, students are guaranteed to be accepted at Georgia Institute of Technology after three years at Georgia College and after two years will graduate with a Bachelor of Science degree in physics from Georgia College and a Bachelor of Science degree in Engineering from Georgia Tech. McGill says the program is a major selling point, but says students are also impressed with Georgia College in the process. “They are attracted to the dual degree program with Georgia Tech, but they also like the smaller class sizes and better support at Georgia College.” McGill also attributes the success of the program to the boom in physics programs nationwide. According to the American Institute of Physics, more than 7,000 degrees were earned in the U.S. in 2013, which is more than double the degrees earned since the slump in the late 1990s. With exponential growth, also came a departmentwide effort, says McGill.

“The faculty have all done such wonderful jobs to meet the needs of the program, volunteering to teach courses even if that means a course overload,” said McGill. “The buy-in for the program had to come from across the board, and that’s why we’ve seen such a tremendous team effort in our department.” Part of that effort stems from the moment students begin their time at Georgia College. Taking a personalized approach to recruiting, McGill starts each semester by reaching out to students— with a simple telephone call. “It’s such a rare occurrence in our society today to receive a phone call,” said McGill. “So I call them up, pitch the program and try to make that connection early on. It’s that type of personal touch that you’re not going to get at other institutions.” McGill says the types of students that are in the physics program are also unrivaled. “What’s different about Georgia College students is that they are not intimidated by the high entrance requirements or the levels of math that are required once they’re in the program,” said McGill. “They enter into the physics program purely by choice, and it really evens the playing field.” It’s the same type of determined students who are making strides in the Physics Club, which will be installed during fall 2015 as a Sigma Pi Sigma honor society. Looking forward McGill sees being the largest physics program of all bachelors-only universities in their sights— but managing that growth will be the next obstacle. “We’ve dreamed bigger, that part is done,” said McGill. “Now it’s about being real about it and understanding how to manage it while maintaining other programs.” ■

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FACULTY PROFILE

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Movers and shakers Two faculty members take on new roles at Georgia College that aim to serve the community

rs. Catrena Lisse and Donovan Domingue have added new roles to their repertoire this fall—and are reaching out to the community in the process. Over the summer, Lisse was named the director of the Science Education Center, and Domingue is currently kicking oﬀ his initiative as the new Kaolin Endowed Chair. “Science is the one subject that encompasses everything in life and helps students be curious, ask questions and make connections,” said Lisse. “Young children are naturally curious, and they question everything around them, looking for clues and answers as to why the world is the way it is. However, as children enter school, especially middle school, their interest in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics) subjects seriously diminishes, particularly in girls.” As the director of the Center, her goals include building a successful Center focused on learning, teaching, scholarship and outreach. During the summer, she launched a ‘STEMing in the Community’ series, which sought to do just that.

ASTRO National Network, which aims to pair local teachers and astronomy professionals/enthusiasts together to increase the study of astronomy in the classroom. “Making those partnerships between our students and local schools is very important,” said Domingue. “It gives our students valuable teaching experience while also providing resources to the teachers that they might not otherwise have access to.” As part of the program, Georgia College students will focus on community outreach in the surrounding area schools. Domingue’s goals include developing a speaking series, increasing the number of astronomy-related science fair projects represented at the Regional Science and Engineering Fair and preparing for the Great American Eclipse, which is slated for August 2017 and will be the ﬁrst time the entire U.S. will be covered since 1918.

“Letting students explore and investigate ideas and watching them learn is truly a passion that most K-20 science teachers have in common,” said Lisse. “It is exciting to watch a student systematically work through a complex science problem and get to that ‘aha’ moment of understanding.”

“The public beneﬁts when they get to see the universe. As astronomers, we also like answering people’s questions and witnessing the excitement they get from seeing the universe,” said Domingue. “Part of the experience is sharing what you love, and that’s what this opportunity is for us. My favorite part of astronomy is getting to explore the origins of everything— and then sharing that knowledge with others.”

Domingue has also made strides in his initiative as part of the Kaolin Endowed Chair, which is a three-year competitive chairmanship. As part of the initiative, Georgia College has been added to the Project

For more information on Project ASTRO, visit astrosociety.org/education/k12educators/project-astro-national-network/. For more information on the Science and Education Center, visit gcsu.edu/science. ■

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FEATURED ALUMNUS

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Brigadier General Jonathan McColumn, ’86, AChieved his dreAM … on the Ground

rom his early years spent studying at Georgia College, capped oﬀ nightly with good conversation among fellow Kappa Alpha Psi fraternity brothers with “group think tanks to cure life’s ills,” to engaging with allied French north Atlantic treaty organization (nAto) military leaders, Brigadier General Jonathan J. McColumn, us ArMY 103 esC (us) can say that what once seemed like a dream somewhere over the rainbow, is now a reality. Yet, McColumn didn’t set out to go into the army. As a teenager, he dreamt of attending college and taking a commission in the u.s. Air Force while working toward becoming an F-15 pilot. “e F-15 Air Force fighter aircraft seemed somewhat dreamy and emboldened the strength of the u.s.,” he states. “Although i didn’t enter the Air Force, and i did not become a pilot, i still accomplished my dream; however, on the ground.” McColumn credits his role as a master fitness trainer in his military youth to his fitness class at GC. he also was so impressed by dr. Malone’s logistics class that McColumn took many logistics courses, unaware that someday he would serve in logistics and acquisition in the military. every day, after studying at GC, McColumn made time for student life. he has since tried to apply a similar balance today while serving in the military. “Without a doubt, hard work with spurts of play has provided balance,” McColumn states. “At Georgia College, we enjoyed the camaraderie of friendship, teamwork, frolic and fun; attributes i would develop with greater intensity while serving in the army.”

upon graduating from GC, he entered the military in virginia. McColumn was promoted to 1st Lieutenant while assigned as a property book officer. en, while serving as a depot storage officer in new York, he was promoted to captain. McColumn became a major while assigned as an operations officer/liaison officer in Germany. his promotion to Lieutenant Colonel took place while he served in the 374th Contracting squadron in Japan. McColumn became a Colonel while he directed the Contract Administration support office, office of the Chief, Army reserve in virginia. in 2014, he became a Brigadier General as he departed the Mission and installation Contracting Command in texas. today, he is stationed at the 103rd sustainment Command (expeditionary) in des Moines, iowa. As the Commanding

General, McColumn leads four regional support Groups (Brigade Commands) and a headquarters detachment. he also directs individual and unit readiness of the command providing trained and equipped units with the Army Force Generating Model in support of deployments and operations abroad. Plus, McColumn coaches, teaches, mentors and leads 5,500 individuals comprised of officers, soldiers and civilians of the command located in iowa, illinois, Michigan, Minnesota and Wisconsin. he works daily to build a cohesive and efficient leadership team capable of providing combat logistics and sustainment support to any combatant commander and administrative support to all subordinate units. “i have enjoyed success in grasping the intricacies of our nation’s national security strategy as it relates to how the u.s. exerts its influence in the world,” mentions McColumn. “understanding our national tools of influence, diplomacy, information, military and economic policy is critical in how military leaders develop ancillary policy.” With his new position comes the challenge of sequestration, reducing government funding for mandatory (social security, welfare, etc.) and discretionary (department of defense) spending. “reduced funding overall affects my ability to ensure soldiers are trained and ready,” says McColumn. “it [sequestration] has much greater implications, but challenges me to find areas to reduce while ensuring readiness. e plethora of cultural changes and personnel readiness, in general, remind me that the current military culture is not like the one i entered.” despite the challenges he faces, McColumn is motivated by watching a young private or a lieutenant discover his God-given unalienable rights. “if pursued, soldiers would seek to perform their best,” he states. “not only does this equate to success in the military, but success in every area of life. For that reason, it is well within my demeanor to give subordinates a little space to fail.” in his messages to subordinates, he often insists that failure is not fatal if one gets up. McColumn believes that if someone has not achieved desired ends, he suggests, “Just because you failed does not necessarily mean it’s fatal – get up, now. if life has dealt well with you, reach down and around to pull someone to your level. undoubtedly, someone will replace me one day. i may as well ensure i am a part of future solutions by sharing much of what i have learned over the years.” ■

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SPORTS

Ke Kontan –

“The Joy they bring you” “Ke Kontan” is the Haitian creole translation for “Joy”. GC Volleyball junior mass communication major Caroline Long has joined her uncle Danny Long on four mission trips to Haiti in the past two years, working her hardest to spread “Ke Kontan” in the developing country. She and her uncle travel with the Until the Whole World Knows mission group, stay at the House of Hope and do their best to ease the strife of Haitians in that area, whether it be helping with medicinal trips to the community, providing food and working with local building crews to restore schools and homes, all while sharing their Christian faith. “They speak French creole, so you can’t communicate very well,” said Long. “The way you communicate is by serving them and seeing the smiles on their faces. That’s what I fell in love with, the joy that they bring to you, not necessarily the joy you bring to them. Every time I come back, the children in the orphanage always remember my name and come running to my arms.” Long speaks of a specific orphanage of 24 kids in town, four of whom she has grown the closest with; Djoodel, Bendji, Kender and Donsley. Long sees her main duty as relationship building with the kids as well as the 10-15 translators, ranging from ages 16-25. Now some of her best friends, these young men and women have been sponsored by Americans to attend school, learning the English language as well as other skills to help the surrounding community. Long also assists with maintaining the House of Hope for the other 40-plus volunteers, aiding with cooking and cleaning, and musing that “you have to wake up at 5:30 a.m. if you want to crack 70 eggs by breakfast time”. It’s not easy work but the time flies by for Long. “When I’m there, I’m never really ready to come home,” she revealed. “I could see myself living there for a few years. It’s shown me I want to take the direction into missions now. We want them to know God’s love through serving them. We want them to know we are all equal in God’s eyes.” “Espere” is Hatian creole for “Hope”. Something Long strives to provide for families of Haiti. Families that surprise her by “continuing to find so much joy in the littlest of things.”■

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Where are they now?

r. Bethany Loushine Douglas was the first elite runner in Georgia College Women’s Cross Country history. Originally from Augusta, Georgia, running has always been a passion for Douglas, one that continues today, as the current endodontist can be found competing in marathons and triathlons in her spare time. Her husband, Charlie, and their dogs, Percy and Sunny attend nearly every race cheering for her along the route. Douglas had a run like few others from 2001-03 as a Bobcat, helping the college into the top half of the Peach Belt Conference (PBC) standings for the first time in program history. She had three career victories, taking first in the 2001 Paine College Invitational, the 2002 Bobcat Invitational and the 2003 Saint Michael’s Invitational. The three wins are still tied with Cheryl Bambrick (1999) for the most in school history. Douglas was also the first to pull in All-PBC status in Bobcat Women’s Cross Country, that coming when she finished 14th at the 2001 PBC Championship. A year later, she set the school’s 5K record in the 2002 PBC Championship, crossing the line in 19:44, a record that would hold for eight years. Now residing in Jacksonville, Florida, Douglas has worked as a Board Certified Endodontist for Great Expressions for the last three years. What was your career path after graduation? After graduating with a degree in chemistry, I returned to Augusta, Georgia for dental school at Medical College of Georgia. I continued my education there as I specialized in endodontics. How did your role as a student-athlete help shape you as a person? The most beneficial aspect of being a student-athlete was the time management skills I acquired and continue to utilize today. Coach Samprone also made academic excellence a top priority which allowed me to pursue my dreams of going into the dental field. What attracted you to Georgia College? I was immediately attracted to the beautiful southern-style front campus and also Coach Joe Samprone. I knew I wanted to run in college and was impressed by Joe’s fairly laid back coaching style and his big plans to grow and improve the cross country program. What was your favorite place on the Georgia College campus? Saga (aka the dining hall) stands out as a very special place during my college experience. Whether it was meeting up with old friends and making new ones during lunch or attending the midnight pancake event during exam week, I have some of my fondest college memories there. What advice would you have for incoming student-athletes? Take advantage of the support, encouragement and motivation you will receive from your teammates and coach(es). Being a collegiate athlete is something very special that not everyone gets to experience. You will become a more responsible, confident and self-motivated individual as a result and I’m forever grateful for the four seasons I spent on the GC cross country team. ■

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Class Notes

1980s Anne Pacosa, ’81, has been the director of development at Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Warner Robins since April 2015. Dr. Colette Pierce Burnette, ’83, began serving as president of Huston-Tillotson University in Austin, Texas on July 1. She is the first female president and chief executive officer of the merged university and the second female president in the college’s 140-year history. “From the first time I stepped on the campus I knew I belonged there and could bring my experiences to the role serving a mission that is near and dear to my heart,” she says. Burnette previously served as interim president at Pierce College in Puyallup, Washington and as vice president for administration and chief financial officer at Central State University in Wilberforce, Ohio.

1990s William Thomas “Tommy” Barnes III, ’94, was named executive director of practice plan operations for Mercer Medicine in December 2013. He will help provide advanced primary and specialty care to patients throughout Central Georgia and enhance the medical education and research initiatives conducted by faculty physicians through the school of medicine. He previously was a practice administrator and director of business development for Nexus Medical Holdings, LLC. Robin Gilkey, ’96, became a controller for Spalding Regional Hospital/Medical Center in July 2015.

Susan deBey, ’97, has been a nurse practitioner at Gastroenterology Associates of Central Georgia, LLC since April 2015. Brijit Chandra, ’99, has been a product marketing manager for Polycom in Atlanta since June 2015. Jon Filson, ’99, has been a certiﬁed general, SRA, AI-RRS appraiser and real estate agent with Dorsey Alston working in the Atlanta Metro market, focusing in the North Fulton and East Cobb area. He has been president of Filson’s Real Estate Appraisal Service since 2002.

2000s Edward Jay Davis, ’00, was recently named director of bands at Houston County High School. He received his master’s degree in education from Auburn University in 2002. His wife, Dr. Tina Davis, ’01, completed her doctorate in music education from Boston University in February and has accepted a position at Georgia College as the associate professor of music education. David Brown, ’01, received his Ph.D. in teaching and learning with a concentration in language and literacy from Georgia State University in March 2015. Renee A. T. Deibert, ’01, was named satellite operations director for the Blairsville campus of North Georgia Technical College. She is a graduate of the Executive Leadership Academy for the Technical College System of Georgia and the Georgia Academy for Economic Development. Kaneice Lantre Bembry, ’04, has been a science coordinator with Henry County Schools since July 2015.

Justin Mufalli, ’98, Lieutenant Colonel (U.S. Army) Justin T. Mufalli, ’98, took battalion command of 1st Battalion, 19th Field Artillery at Fort Sill, Oklahoma on June 17. He is responsible for the training of initial entry recruits to become U.S. Soldiers. He was accompanied by his wife Lesley Panzarella Mufalli, ’00, and their three daughters.

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Lance Cramer, ’05, of Sandersville is a chemistry instructor for Southern Nuclear DBA: Southern Company since April 2015. Mareece Gotel, ’05, has been a mental health counselor with Pulaski State Prison since July 2015. Jessica Taylor, ’06, became the program coordinator of the Master of Science in Clinical Counseling program at Central Methodist University’s College of Graduate and Extended Studies campus in Maryland Heights, Missouri. Taylor graduated summa cum laude from Georgia College with a major in psychology. She earned her master’s degree in professional counseling from McKendree University in Lebannon, Illinois in 2008 and her Ph.D. in counselor education at the University of Missouri – St. Louis in 2013. Alaina Bennett, ’07, of Warner Robins is the executive director of Administrative Financial Services with Central Georgia Technical College as of April 2015. Raymond “Dennis” Peavy, ’07, was named Teacher of the Year for Lake Joy Elementary School in Warner Robins. He was also one of ﬁve teachers nationwide to receive the Excellence in Teaching about Agriculture Award from the U.S. Dairy Association and the National Agriculture in the Classroom Consortium. Elijah Scott, ’07, became dean of Libraries, College Testing and Curriculum Innovation at Georgia Highlands College in Rome, Georgia. on July 1. He received his master’s from GC in English and worked in the Ina Dillard Russell Library from 1998 - 2002. Tyler Cole, ’08, received his doctorate of nursing practice (DNP) in May. He and his wife Libby, '08, and son Witten reside in Charleston, South Carolina. Cole received his bachelor’s of nursing degree at the Medical University of South Carolina (MUSC) in 2011, where he worked as a registered nurse. In 2012, he started the DNP program at MUSC. Cole graduated with his DNP and became certiﬁcated as a family nurse practitioner in May 2015. In July 2015, he became a family nurse practitioner at St. James Santee Family Health Center in Georgetown, South Carolina. Miley Jared, ’08, became a digital content manager at Cinemassive in December 2014.

2010s Scott Binkley, ’10, has been the executive director of the Republican Lieutenant Governors Association in Washington, D.C. since February 2015. Philip Gubser, ’10, of Lawrenceville became a professional musician with Peachtree Symphonic Winds & Atlanta Wind Symphony in April 2015. Laura D. Belle Isle, ’10, of Decatur, became a research associate with Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta in May 2015. Paige Cunico, ’11, became the human resources administrator for TKE ThyssenKrupp Elevators since December 2014. Starr Gibbs, ’11, has been a police officer with Covington Police Department since April 2015. Zach Mullins, ’11, was named digital sales manager for Cox Media Group’s (CMG) Atlanta Radio on May 20, 2015. He joined CMG in 2011 as a sales associate, then was promoted to a digital media specialist where he helped shape digital strategy and fulfillment campaigns. Mullins will work with the leadership team to deliver integrated marketing solutions to clients while developing new, profitable revenue opportunities for the Atlanta cluster’s radio stations including WSB News 95.5 FM/750 AM, WSB FM B98.5, WALR KISS 104.1, WSRV 97.1FM and WTSH X107.1FM. Judy Gainer, ’12, became a nurse practitioner with CVS Pharmacy in Belleville, Michigan in April 2015. Brittany Bomba, ’14, of Turin has been in Global Marketing and Sales for Walt Disney World since May 2015. Gordon Deeds, ’14, has been an online marketing consultant with Train with Jennette Personal Training in Eatonton since July 2014. Angela Lintz, ’14, became director of nursing services for Coliseum Health Systems in Macon in September 2014. Zacharel T. Veal, ’14, was named the 2015 Teacher of the Year for Carver Road Middle School in Griffin, Georgia. He will represent this school next year and will also compete for the district teacher of the year. Veal writes, “I want to say thank you to each of you for your guidance, expertise and excellence in teaching.” Veal received his education specialist degree from Georgia College.

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Jade Disque, ’15, expresses her appreciation for Dr. Renee Fontenot. “Thanks for creating a curriculum that ultimately got me hired by an exciting company, MarketSource. As a mandatory event in your class, I attended the Career Fair in March. After one phone interview and three personal interviews, I was oﬀered a position as a recruitment specialist, which is an area of marketing that had always interested me. I can honestly say that without your curriculum for strategic management, I would be struggling to ﬁnd a job that can compare to the one that I have lined up.”

Elizabeth Jeﬀcoat, ’15, became a multimedia coordinator/account executive with The Macon Telegraph in July 2015. Ryan Sabalaskey, ’15, was named to the inaugural North Country Baseball League All-Star Teams and the West Empires Team. He is hitting .333 with two home runs and 15 RBIs. He leads his squad in runs.

Weddings, Anniversaries, Engagements and Births Caroline “Callie” Hagler, ’11, wed Michael Cosper of Augusta Georgia. on June 13, 2015. She earned her degree in marketing. Mike holds an undergraduate degree in ﬁnance from Georgia Regents University (GRU), and is working on a second degree in accounting. The couple was married at St. Mary on the Hill Catholic Church in Augusta. Jackie Beese Kish, ’11 was in the wedding party. Following her honeymoon, Hagler-Cosper began her career at Georgia Regents University as an alumni aﬀairs coordinator.

Lainey Schmidt Washburn, ’06, Lainey, Brad and big brother Ryan are pleased to announce the birth of Charlotte Bradley Washburn on May 1, 2014.

Courtney Clark Yearwood, ’07, ’09, and spouse Ross Yearwood welcomed Henry William Yearwood May 7, 2015. Courtney earned her bachelor’s and master’s degrees at Georgia College in business administration.

Allison Brown Wilkinson, ’09, Allison, Eric and big brother Judson welcomed Tucker Eric Wilkinson into the family on March 4, 2015.

Jennifer Wilson, '13, and Brock Holley, '13,'14, along with fellow Bobcats, friends and family in attendance, joined in marriage on July 11, 2015. The couple ﬁrst met at GC and are now educators in Calhoun City schools. The wedding was complemented with a GC groom's cookie cake.

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In Memoriam Mimi Hughes Baird

Elna Rogers Cook, ’48

Anna Walker Smith, ’70

Dorothy Benford Castelli*

Lonnie “Lee” Morrison, ’48

Deborah Fountain Touchton, ’70

Emogene Burnum Jarvis Kirland

Martha “Jean” Hayslip Bolus, ’49

Jane Youmans Babb, ’71

Kate Davis Morris*

Delma Carr Lassetter, ’49

William Boone, ’71

Gordan Mosley

Cloa Harvey Lloyd, ’49

Bertha Martinez, ’71

Sue Owen Peeler

Alice Durrett Bradford, ’50

Ronald Nocera, ’71

Joel Radney

Bernadine “Dene” King Findley, ’50

L. Alice Simmons, ’71

Dale Tanner Tennile*

Barbara Johnson Appleby, ’51

Donald Bolger, ’72

Sara Godard Waddell*

Daisie Carter Crittenden, ’51

Ann West Fugate, ’74

Mable Williams Gillespie, ’13

Mary “June” Tuggle Horton, ’51

Nancy Bady McBrearty, ’74

Nina Harden, ’24

Geraldine Spivey Norris,’51

Dorothy “Dot” Jessup Meadows, ’74

Jennie Meadows Pond, ’27

Mary Harden Wilcox, ’51

Maxine White Power, ’74

Margaret Vaughn Chandler, ’28

Frances “Fran” Harris Hanthorn, ’52

Alfredia Stewart, ’75

Helen Branan Heath, ’28

Sarah Jackson Kimery ’52

Carolyn Harvey Mays, ’76

Ophelia Brogden Tate, ’28

Anne Graham Rix, ’52

Evelyn Benns Nichols, ’76

Kathleen Blalock Brock, ’31

Zelle Ross Rowland, ’52

Ronal Stewart, ’76

Vida Thurman Prevatt, ’36

Charlotte Harvey Gilchrist, ’53

Josephine Herring Eisel, ’80

Rachel Persons Birdsong, ’38

Marie “Mimy” Herfurth Grover, ’53

Robert Carter, ’82

Lytell Stripling Calhoun, ’38

Barbara Craig Mercer, ’54

Jerry Seaman, ’82

Helen Prince Moynihan, ’38

Mary “Smitty” Smith O’Neal, ’55

Edward Walsh, ’83

Emily Cheves Garrett, ’39

Sylvia McCluskey Betts, ’56

Jeannie Berkst Gause, ’88

Beulah Dowda Colquitt, ’40

Wyolene Freeman Bragg, ’56

Gary Conlee, ’95

Dorothy “Dot” Peacock Madding, ’40

Blanche Hollander Edwards, ’57

Kenneth Daniels, ’97

Catherine Leach Thorp, ’40

Mary Barbara Tate, '57, '62

Leah “Beth” Jaquinta, ’98

Harriett Hudson Varn, ’40

Patricia Garrett Haymore, ’59

Kenneth Taranawsky, ’98

Eva Love Brown, ’41

Lucille Sheﬃeld Craft, ’60

James Guthrie, ’99

Agnes Hardeman Jamerson, ’41

Betty Jo Jones Veal, ’60

Bernell Thomas Holliman, ’00

Frances Campbell Reeves, ’41

Anne Dennis Maloy, ’61

Sandra Clements Prince, ’05

Eugenia Turner Sorrells, ’41

Peggy Sue Barﬁeld Veal, ’63

Deborah Linder Simmons, ’05

Augusta Slappey Carruth, ’42

Henrietta Maret Mabrey, ’64

Ryan “Moose” Baird, ’06

Estha Spence Coon, ’42

Suzanne Wheeler, '64

Angel Joy Williams Colllins, ’06

Alice Strickler Marshall, ’43

Linda Hackson Sagaert, ’65

Chasity “Chatt” Ellison, ’06

Helon Burton Seigler, ’43

Norma Farmer Boggs, ’67

Daniel Roets, ’07

Saranell Marlowe Travis, ’46

Gussie Sutton Escoe, ’67

Lauren Clark ’15

Grace Burel Puckett, ’47

Wanda Garrett, ’67

Winnifred Harrington Brooks, ’48

Beverly Wade, ’67

*Denotes alumni of Peabody School. This list recognizes deceased alumni that the university has been made aware of since April 2, 2015.

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Thursday, Nov. 12 U.S. Army Jazz Ambassadors Concert Enjoy the sounds of the premier touring musical representatives for the United States Army. This event is free, but tickets are required to attend. For ticket information, call 478-445-8289. Presented by the Department of Music. Russell Auditorium, 7:30 p.m.

Friday, Nov. 13 Registration Sally Ellis Davis House, 9 a.m. - 5 p.m. Breakfast at the MAX with President Dorman Start your morning oﬀ right with breakfast with the President! MSU Commons, The MAX, ($5 if purchased in advance), 9 a.m. Campus Tours See what’s new around campus with a personal tour. Student Activities Center, times TBA Go Back to Class Sit in a class of choice and feel like a freshman again as you open your mind to the teachings of GC professors. TBA Peabody Reunion Luncheon The graduates of Peabody High School are invited to celebrate their reunion. Magnolia Ballroom, ($20), 11 a.m. Women in Philanthropy Women, wealth and wisdom: Strategies for protecting what you have worked so hard to accumulate. University Banquet Room, 1 p.m. GIVE Center Open House Stop in and see what impact the GIVE Center is having on campus and the surrounding community. MSU, Commons GIVE Center, 1 - 4 p.m. Career Center Drop-In Alumni are invited to stop by to meet our staﬀ or get resume assistance and career advice. If you’re working for a company interested in hiring GC students for jobs or internships, you can also talk with a member of our employer relations team. 110 Lanier Hall, 1 - 4 p.m. Class of 1955 Reunion Tea Join fellow classmates to celebrate the Class of 1955 60th Reunion. Old Governor’s Mansion, 2 p.m.

Class of 1965 Reunion Dinner Join fellow classmates as the Class of 1965 celebrates their 50th class reunion and becomes members of the Half-Century Club. University Banquet Room, 6 p.m. Choral Reunion Party Celebrate the growth of the Choral programs as you gather with fellow alumni and faculty. Porter Hall, ($12), 7 p.m. National Pan-Hellenic Council Re-Charting (Divine Nine) Join fellow alumni and current students for a special ceremony of the re-charting of the National Pan-Hellenic Council at Georgia College. Magnolia Ballroom, ($20), 5 p.m. Front Campus Party Join your fellow graduates for a Front Campus party as we enjoy music and good times! Front Campus, ($10), 8 p.m.

Saturday, Nov. 14 Registration Sally Ellis Davis House, 10 a.m. - 2 p.m. Bobcat Ramble Put on your running shoes to help raise funds for scholarships to beneﬁt local high school students in this 12th annual 5K and Fun Run honoring a GC cross-country athlete John Bruner, who died Aug. 4, 2007 while competing in race in Tennessee. The Depot, ($25 per person), 8:30 a.m. Flag Football Tournament Relive your intramural glory days at West Campus by joining in a 4-on-4 tournament! Teams may be compiled of alums, friends and students. West Campus, Intramural Fields, ($30 per team), 10 a.m.

Campus Tours See what’s new around campus with a personal tour. Student Activities Center Legacy Admissions Tour Do you have a child interested in GC? Join the oﬃce of Admissions for a special information session and tour, just for GC alumni and family members. Ina Dillard Russell Library, Welcome Center Picnic on Front Campus Enjoy lunch and relax in the Georgia sunshine with fellow alumni and their families. We’ll have music and activities for Bobcats of all ages. Front Campus, ($5 per person) 12 p.m. Class of 1965 Wine and Cheese Reception with Big Sisters The Classes of 1963 and 1967 are invited to join their big/little sisters as the Class of 1965 celebrates their 50th Reunion. Old Governor’s Mansion, 2 p.m. Choral Reunion Concert Join us as alumni and students come together for a special alumni weekend concert. Porter Hall, Max Noah Recital Hall, 4 p.m. Alumni Awards Join the Alumni Association as we honor the exceptional achievements of your fellow alumni. The cost includes beer and wine and dinner. Magnolia Ballroom, ($35), 6 p.m.

Sunday, Nov. 15 Before departing campus, enjoy an all-youcare-to-eat brunch. MSU Commons, ($5 if purchased in advance), The MAX, 9 a.m.

ALUMNI WEEKEND REGISTRATION All alumni and guests must register for Alumni Weekend to receive a name badge and campus pass for access and admittance to attend any scheduled Alumni Weekend event. The cost for registration is $5 per person and includes an Alumni Weekend gift. Reservations must be received by Monday, Nov. 9. Register by Friday, Oct. 23 to receive a special Alumni Weekend giveaway. Name: __________________________________________________________Class Year:___________ Spouse/Guest Name: _____________________________________________Class Year:___________ Cell Phone: __________________________________________________________________________

Tips:

Email: _______________________________________________________________________________ Additional guests attending with you: ___________________________________________________

Use #GCALUMWKND before and throughout the weekend on social media to share your memories.

____________________________________________________________________________________ Registration is also available online at gcsu.edu\alumniweekend Event

Members of the Class of 1965 are invited as guests of the Alumni Association to their reunion events.

Quantity

Alumni Weekend Registration US Army Jazz Ambassadors

No Cost

Breakfast with President Dorman

X $5

Peabody School Luncheon

All alumni and guests must register for Alumni Weekend to receive a name badge and campus pass for access and admittance to attend any scheduled Alumni Weekend event. Registration is $5 and includes an Alumni Weekend gift. Reservations must be received by Monday, Nov. 9. Register online by Friday, Oct. 23 to receive a special giveaway.

Total/No. Attending

X $5

X $20

Women in Philanthropy

No Cost

Class of 1955 Reunion

No Cost

NPHC Re-Chartering Ceremony

X $20

Class of 1965 Reunion Dinner

No Cost

Front Campus Party

X $10

Bobcat Ramble

X $25

Flag Football Tournament

$30

Legacy Admissions Tour

No Cost

Picnic

X $5

Class of 1965 Big/Little Sisters Wine and Cheese

No Cost

Alumni Awards

X $35

Brunch

X $5 Event Total

Gift to the Heritage Fund Grand Total Send checks payable to: Georgia College Alumni Association, Office of Alumni Relations, Campus Box 96, Milledgeville, GA 31061.

Complete the information below to pay by credit card: ■ American Express

■ Discover

■ Mastercard

■ Visa

Cardholder’s Name: ___________________________________________________________________________________________________ Credit Card Number: __________________________________________________________________________________________________ Expiration: ____________________________________________________________________________Security Code:__________________ Signature: __________________________________________________________________________________Date:_____________________ Please contact the Office of Alumni Relations at 478-445-1186 for additional information.

University Communications Campus Box 97 Milledgeville, GA 31061

CHANGE SERVICE REQUESTED

gcsu.edu/alumni facebook.com/georgiacollegealumni

Anonymous Donor Endows Music Scholarships it is better to give than to receive. in this case, the donor went one step further by remaining anonymous. is particular donor included a $500,000 gift in his or her will to provide scholarships to students who are studying music. Currently, there are 41 students enrolled in either music or music education at Georgia College. e scholarships will be oﬀered to music students in perpetuity considering scholarship awards will be generated from interest earned on the endowed fund. “Personally, i am always amazed at the generosity of people,” states dr. sergio ruiz, professor and chair, GC Music department. “is really touched me that the individual chose to remain anonymous. is selfless act with a significant commitment to the arts is altruistic in its truest sense. Music students will benefit greatly from this gift.”

A planned gift is:

When arriving at the university in 2013, ruiz was told a music student had to work three jobs just to “make ends meet” while attending GC. A short time later, ruiz heard that the electricity was turned oﬀ in this student’s apartment as the student could not aﬀord rent, tuition and other incurred expenses. “Because of this student and many others in similar situations, i made it my goal to raise student scholarship money,” he says. And, this anonymous donor feels the same way. “once again, my personal thanks for helping and guiding me through the legacy planning process,” states the donor. “i couldn’t be happier or more content with the outcome.” Learn how easy it is to plan your gift. Contact elizabeth hines at 478-445-1944 or elizabeth.hines@gcsu.edu.

> Simple. Provide a few sentences in your will or trust. > Flexible. Change your mind any time. > Versatile. Specify particular items or a cash amount or leave a percentage of your estate. > Tax relief. If your estate is subject to estate tax, your gift is entitled to an estate tax charitable deduction at its full value.