Connection - Summer 2018 by Georgia College & State University

CONNECTION ..... ..... SUMMER 2018

THE MAGAZINE FOR ALUMNI AND FRIENDS

Homecoming Concert 2018

CONTENTS Up Front News and notes around campus

10 Feature Story GC/Navicent Parternship

12 GC Branding 14 Feature Story The World of Nonproﬁts

20 Student Proﬁle 22 Newell Scholar 24 Sports 26 Alumni Proﬁle 28 Alumni Weekend 30 2018 Homecoming Photo Highlights

32 Class Notes

NEW ENDOWED SCHOLARSHIP HONORS Georgia First Lady Sandra Dunagan Deal

President Steve Dorman Vice President for University Advancement Monica Delisa Associate Vice President for Strategic Communications Omar Odeh Editor/Director of Marketing and Publications Victoria Fowler, ‘12 Writers Margaret Brown Brittiny Johnson, ‘15 Cindy O’Donnell Aubrie L. Sofala, ‘12, ’16 Al Weston Design Jon Scott, ‘83 Brooks Hinton Photography Anna Leavitt Aubrie L. Sofala, ’12, ’16

Please send change of address and class notes to: University Advancement Campus Box 96 Milledgeville, GA 31061 connection@gcsu.edu

Georgia College proudly hosts a scholarship

The Sandra Dunagan Deal Education Scholarship

honoring alumna Sandra Dunagan Deal, wife of

will be awarded to students from Georgia who

Gov. Nathan Deal, and her dedication to literacy.

pursue an early childhood education degree at Georgia College.

State legislative spouses raised more than $120,000 to establish the Sandra Dunagan Deal Scholarship at Georgia College. The endowment, a surprise to Mrs. Deal, was announced at a special luncheon this spring.

Georgia College. The daughter of educators, she served as a public school teacher for more than 15 years. As Georgia’s First Lady, she has made literacy her top priority.

“Mrs. Deal has made tremendous contributions

Contributions to the scholarship honoring Mrs.

to education in Georgia, both from her time as a

Deal are welcome. Donations can be made to the

teacher and as First Lady,” said Dr. Steve

Georgia College & State University Foundation.

Dorman, president of Georgia College. “As her alma mater, Georgia College is honored to

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.

Sandra Deal is a 1963 and 1966 graduate of

endow this scholarship in Mrs. Deal’s name to allow future students to build on her legacy of educating Georgia’s children for generations to come.”

For more information, contact: Monica Delisa Vice President for University Advancement Campus Box 95 Milledgeville, Ga 31061 478-445-1945

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Students recognized for national awards work, and I’m especially glad to see my biggest project, Campus Kitchen, recognized.” The Campus Kitchen Project teams dining services with student leaders to keep food from going to waste and turns it into meals for people struggling with food insecurities. Students are planning to launch the initiative this fall. The Newman Civic Fellowship is a one-year experience emphasizing personal, professional, and civic growth. Jonathan Mangrum, a junior economics and political science major, was selected as a Boren Scholar. The honors student will participate in the South Asian Flagship Language Institute. He will take courses in Urdu at the University of Wisconsin this summer, followed by an in-country study at the American Councils for International Education in Lucknow, India. Mangrum is the first Georgia College student to receive this highly competitive award, and he was recognized as a Newman Civic Fellow last year. “The word that keeps coming to mind is ‘speechless’ on receiving this award,” said Mangrum. “I’m most looking forward to getting to know the cohort of students because they come from all over. Beyond that, I’ve always enjoyed learning and Two Georgia College students have recently received national honors.

traveling in groups. I look forward to immersing myself in the country, city, and culture and meeting the people behind the culture who speak the language I’m learning—just the whole in-

Junior Julia Steele has been named a 2018 Newman Civic Fellow. Steele, an environmental science major and public health minor, was selected by campus administration for the fellowship and is one of the 268 students who will make up the organization’s 2018 cohort.

depth cultural experience.” Boren Scholarships provide funding for undergraduate students to study critical needs languages in world regions vital to U.S. interests. Boren Scholars are those academically ambitious individuals pursuing a career in federal national security.

“I’m so excited and honored to be named a Newman Civic

Recipients will work in the federal government for a minimum of

Fellow,” she said. “I’ve never received an award like this for my

one year after graduation.

Georgia College creative writing professor wins prestigious Fulbright to Ireland Dr. Kerry Neville has been awarded a J.

of the most competitive awards. For

In addition to teaching for the Fulbright,

writers, Ireland has a sort of mythology

Neville will give lectures around the

surrounding it. So many wonderful

country and offer workshops at writer’s

writers have come from Ireland. I feel

festivals. She’ll also provide community-

very, very lucky.”

based workshops with a focus on “transformative writing” – using writing

William Fulbright Foreign Scholarship.

An assistant professor of English, Neville

She will teach creative writing this fall in

has published two award-winning books

Ireland.

of short fiction. She’s also the author of

Returning to Georgia College in January

numerous essays that appear in literary

2019, Neville plans to add an

journals and online publications like the

international perspective to her

Washington Post and Huffington Post.

teaching.

“I’m overwhelmed,” Neville said, “because the Fulbright in Ireland is one

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as a means for therapeutic healing.

Georgia College alumna receives Fulbright to teach English in South Korea Janileyah Thompson was recently named

Nobel Laureates, 82 Pulitzer Prize

she’d worked toward since a high school

a finalist for a prestigious Fulbright

winners, and 16 Presidential Medal of

project sparked her interest in the

Scholarship. The December 2017

Freedom recipients.”

country.

Thompson, who graduated with a mass

Her Fulbright begins in July 2018 and

communication degree, will soon pack

runs through July 2019.

graduate will teach and serve as an American cultural ambassador in South Korea.

her bags to spend a year teaching English

“The Fulbright Scholarship is one of the

in South Korea. Although she doesn’t

oldest as well as one of the most

know exactly what city or school she’ll

prestigious international exchange awards

work in, she’s excited for the opportunity

in the U.S.,” said Anna Whiteside,

to work in a country she’s both familiar

“I am extremely grateful to everyone who aided and supported me throughout this process,” said Thompson. “I would not have had the confidence to even submit my application without Anna Whiteside as

national scholarships coordinator. “As a

with and appreciates.

Fulbrighter, Janileyah will join the ranks of

Thompson studied abroad in Seoul,

recommendations from the faculty of the

such distinguished figures that include 59

South Korea, during summer 2017, a feat

communication department.”

well as the kind words and

Students make prom shine for people with disabilities Hundreds of Georgia College students helped make

Other students participate in the prom through Georgia

developmentally disabled an event to remember.

Children, which is comprised of special education majors.

Milledgeville’s “Night to Shine” prom for the

College’s GIVE Center and Council for Exceptional

Some acted as “buddies” – serving as dates, doing

The university’s communication department provided the

and acting as escorts or paparazzi as guests descended

Professors estimate students contributed about $4,500

professional-style makeup and hair, serving refreshments, from limousines and walked the red carpet.

Nearly half of the prom’s volunteers were Georgia College students from all majors. Many had more fun at “Night to

labor for promotional activities like photography and video. worth of promotional work. In return, students learned to work with real clients at a large function and meet deadlines.

Shine” than they did at their own proms, according to Dr.

“We were able to be a part of something bigger than

and advisor for “Best Buddies,” an organization on campus

Sullivan.

Nicole DeClouette, associate professor of special education that works with adults with disabilities.

ourselves. It was an incredible night,” said senior Jensen

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Georgia College welcomes new dean of the College of Arts and Sciences Dr. Eric G. Tenbus will join Georgia College as dean of the College of Arts and Sciences June 1. Tenbus is a professor of history in his seventh year as department chair in the Department of History, Sociology, Anthropology, and Cross-Disciplinary Studies at the University of Central Missouri. Tenbus will assume his new role after the retirement of current dean Ken Procter.

Women’s Center expands focus on victim advocacy services During their time in college, one in five college-aged

“We are grateful for the work that Dean Procter has done over his

women is a victim of sexual assault or report experiencing

nearly 10-year tenure at Georgia College,” said Dr. Kelli Brown,

violent or abusive dating behaviors, according to national

provost and senior vice president for academic affairs. “Dr. Tenbus

statistics.

brings with him a wealth of knowledge and leadership experience in academia. He is poised to lead the College of Arts and Sciences in our continued track toward preeminence.”

When the Georgia College Women’s Center opened in 2005, founder Jennifer Graham wanted the center to be a resource for victims as well as offer ways to educate

A scholar of 19th-century Britain, Tenbus has taught undergraduate and graduate courses in British and Irish, Middle Eastern, and

students on identifying and preventing sexual assaults and domestic violence.

Modern European history at Central Missouri. Tenbus currently serves

Now the Women’s Center’s services can expand even

as president of the Midwest Conference on British Studies, the

further with the help of a grant from the Criminal Justice

largest regional conference of the North American Conference on

Coordinating Council of Georgia. The nearly $100,000

British Studies (NACBS), and sits on the NACBS Executive Council.

funds a new, full-time victim services coordinator for campus.

“I am honored to become part of the Georgia College tradition of excellence, to have an opportunity to continue the exemplary work of Dean Procter, work he has accomplished together with the students, faculty, and staff of the College of Arts and Sciences,” said Tenbus. “Wonderful things are happening at Georgia College. The students I met during my campus visit enthusiastically described their learning experiences and opportunities in the most positive terms. That learning, those opportunities, and that enthusiasm doesn't happen by accident. It happens as the direct result of a dedicated,

“Men and women can be victims of sexual assault, domestic, or power-based violence,” said Emily Brookshire, victim services coordinator. “My goal in this role is to help victims begin the healing process, connect them with the resources they need, and assist them throughout their time at Georgia College and even after they graduate.” Brookshire joins three part-time victim advocates working

knowledgeable, and hard-working team.”

to build relationships on campus and in the community

Tenbus completed his Ph.D. in history at Florida State University

developing policies for responses, and meeting students at

with partners, coordinating after-hours responses,

(FSU). He also holds a Master of Arts in history and a Master of Arts in

the hospital when needed. The future goal is to also add

communications from FSU. He earned his Bachelor of Arts in

volunteers.

professional writing from Carnegie Mellon University. Prior to

The team will soon launch a 24/7 hotline for students,

entering higher education, Tenbus worked in public relations,

faculty, and staff to call and report instances of sexual

marketing, and event management for the Los Angeles Dodgers,

assault or domestic violence. The hotline will be manned

both at the major league and minor league levels.

by Brookshire and her team.

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Georgia Colleges welcomes new vice president for student aﬀairs Dr. Shawn Eric Brooks has been selected as Georgia College’s incoming vice president for student affairs. He will assume his new role as vice president for student affairs at Georgia College after the retirement of our current Vice President Dr. Bruce Harshbarger on June 30, 2018. “We are proud to welcome Dr. Brooks to Georgia College. His extensive experience working with students and leadership in academia will allow him to serve Georgia College well,” said Dr. Steve Dorman, president. “We also would like to thank Dr. Harshbarger for his dedicated and enthusiastic service to our students for more than 23 years, and we wish him well in retirement.”

Madeline Olliff received this year’s Giving Tree Award—given annually

Brooks has served in various roles in higher education for more than 30 years. He recently served as vice president for student affairs at the University of Pittsburgh where, since 2005, he held positions as assistant director and director of residence life and associate dean of students. Brooks previously worked at St. Lawrence University, University of California — Los Angeles, and Georgia Tech. “I am very honored to have the opportunity to serve as the new vice president for student affairs,” said Brooks. “It is an exciting time to be at Georgia College & State University, and I look forward to working with the talented students, faculty, and staff to help provide students with the best possible collegiate experience.”

by the GIVE Center to a student who has left a lasting legacy of service at the university. The May 2018 graduate has always had a heart for animals, and after volunteering at the local animal shelter her freshman year, she decided she could do more for the organization. She founded Shelter Buddies, a registered student organization, in fall 2015, and Olliff’s first interest meeting attracted more than 30 students. Her passion for animal welfare became contagious to each student that heard about her cause. “My parents have always raised me to not be a bystander. When you see something wrong, you always stand up and do something about it,” said Olliff. “And what I saw at the shelter, it was wrong. The animals didn’t deserve that, and the people that work and volunteer there didn’t deserve it.”

He received his doctorate and master’s in higher education and organizational change from University of California— Los Angeles. He also has a master’s degree in student personnel services from Indiana University of Pennsylvania and his bachelor’s of business administration from Thiel College.

Giving Tree Award winner recognized for volunteerism

Throughout the last three years, Olliff has remained committed to Shelter Buddies, organizing training sessions, training senior members to be leaders in the group, taking a stand for animal welfare in campus and local government, and leading consistent fundraisers for the shelter. The group has grown from Olliff and two friends to an organization of more than 80 members. Shelter Buddies also took home the Horizon Award, given to new service groups, and Student Organization of the Year.

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Georgia College named one of 10 universities to combat ‘digital polarization’

Georgia Education Mentorship program celebrates 15 years of developing Georgia College’s leaders Learning firsthand from the state’s top leaders in business, politics, law, education, and health care is an opportunity that has been afforded to Georgia College students for 15 years now. The Georgia Education Mentorship (GEM) Program—a one-of-a-kind partnership between the Georgia Chamber of Commerce and Georgia College— pairs leaders from the Chamber with juniors and seniors. “Our mentors represent a broad range of Georgia's leaders. They exemplify Georgia College’s commitment to challenge students to think independently and lead creatively,” said Dr. Harold Mock, director of leadership programs at Georgia College. “They show our students firsthand that leadership means forging powerful connections to our communities through mentorship, civic engagement, social justice, thinking strategically, and global mindedness.”

Digital polarization – it’s all about ‘fake news’ and the deep divide that separates people into two camps of rigid bias.

Each year 25 of the top students at Georgia College are selected to join the GEM program. Mentors become integrally involved in the education of the students, reinforcing the qualities and characteristics needed in the next

The “Digital Polarization Initiative” to build public awareness for web literacy was created by the American Democracy Project (ADP), a program of the American Association of State Colleges and Universities (AASCU). AASCU selected Georgia College as one of 10 schools nationwide to develop curricular activities that build analytical web skills. “Being chosen to lead a national digital initiative at this crucial moment in our nation’s history is a testament to Georgia College’s reputation for producing innovativelyprepared and engaged students. We are proud to serve both truth and trust – the two essential values of a healthy and thriving democracy," Dr. Janet Hoffman, rhetoric professor and member of the Georgia College’s DigiPo Committee. Georgia College is launching its version of “DigiPo” – a yearlong effort to test and create activities that develop civic reasoning and critical thinking. The goal is to help students and community members evaluate massive amounts of information they’re bombarded with every day. Faculty are being asked to test lessons and activities developed by Stanford History Education Group. They’re also being asked to get creative with lessons and activities of their own. They’ll promote extracurricular events about fake news too – like library talks, public lectures, panel discussions, community forums, and common readings.

generation of our state’s leaders. “The experience has honestly been amazing,” said junior mass communication major Nancy Leslie. “Chris Clark is my mentor. He’s the president and CEO for the Georgia Chamber of Commerce.” Now, thanks to the programs, she’s more confident and open to new experiences. “GEM taught me to push myself outside my comfort zone. It was kind of stressful to think about working with a professional, but I realized I had to put myself out there to get the most from this experience,” she said. “Before this I was totally afraid of politics. I went from hating it to loving the whole lobbying side of things after Chris encouraged me to attend the legislative session. I learned it’s all about building relationships.” This year marks not only 15 years, but also the 500th student participant in this highly-successful program, which was celebrated April 10. Participants were joined by State Sen. Burt Jones and State Rep. Rick Williams who presented commendations for Georgia College and the Georgia Chamber of Commerce on behalf of Gov. Nathan Deal. “Established in 2002 and piloted by a grant from the Robert W. Woodruff Foundation, GEM emerged from the mutual recognition that Georgia College students could benefit from relationships with the state’s top leaders and that members of the Georgia Chamber of Commerce could benefit from directly investing in the next generation,” said Mock. “We are grateful for the collaboration with the Chamber and look forward to this continued partnership for many years to come.”

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F E A T U R E

S T O R Y

Georgia College nursing enters partnership with Navicent Health Baldwin

eorgia College nursing programs now

competent on their first day of work.

training session to teach neurological

have a center dedicated to simulation

One of the things I think is incredibly

content, a senior level medical-surgical

and transforming research into practice

important to nursing in general is to

nursing course taught in the Navicent

within Navicent Health Baldwin,

create robust academic-practice

space.

previously Oconee Regional Medical

partnerships."

Center, in Milledgeville, Georgia.

“The virtual space allows for innovative This collaboration gives students unique

teaching through active learning from

“It’s a combined effort between the

learning opportunities that are aided by

real case scenarios and hands-on

School of Nursing and Navicent Health

working alongside health care

practice, just as a nursing student will

Baldwin, and we’re very excited about

professionals in a range of clinical

encounter once they have graduated

it,” said Dr. Deborah MacMillan, director

environments. Dr. Glynnis Haley,

with their bachelor’s and become

of Nursing Programs. “It’s hard to teach

assistant professor, developed and

certified as a registered nurse,” said Dr.

students everything they need to be

implemented a hands-on simulation

Haley.

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The acquired space comes after a

situation more realistic,” said Caitlin

of nurses. We believe that education and

decision by the university to phase out

MacDonald, a senior nursing major who

training provided on-site are key to

operations at the Macon Graduate Center

was in Haley’s course. “You can actually

developing the health care leaders of

and redirect academic activities to main

go to different rooms, the nurses station,

tomorrow. We are proud to partner with

campus. The facility is approximately

and medication/supply rooms. Practicing

Georgia College & State University at

5,500 square feet on the third floor of the

in the hospital space helps the students

Navicent Health Baldwin and add this

Cobb Tower. The simulation labs used by

feel more confident in their abilities. You

component of education to our rich

nursing students are meant to mimic a

learn a lot in class, and this space allows

history,” said Dr. Ninfa M. Saunders,

variety of patient acuity levels in diverse

students to make the connection with

president and CEO of Navicent Health.

health care settings. Housed within the

classroom learning.”

new center will be adult and pediatric

Members of the Georgia College and the Navicent Health community gathered for

simulations using both high-fidelity

MacMillan said this new center opens

mannequins and standardized patients.

doors for students like MacDonald when

The new center is already equipped with

it comes to exposing them to a

patient rooms, nursing stations, and labs,

community hospital setting. The

and is set up for delivery of patient care

partnership also serves students focusing

complete with medical equipment for

in community health, as they will have the

"I see this collaboration as a symbiotic

students to take vital signs, perform

potential to work with Navicent Baldwin

relationship. The hospital will continually

patient assessments, provide oxygen

Health staff and directly serve local

help Georgia College to define what

delivery, and access to a code/crash car.

community members. Additionally, the

competencies nurses need to

a ribbon cutting May 9 to celebrate the partnership that is beneficial to both parties and to the larger middle Georgia community.

proximity to main campus opens up more

demonstrate,” said MacMillan.

“It is nice to be able to practice in the

collaboration between graduate and

“Hopefully, what Georgia College can

nursing lab because you have peers and

undergraduate nursing students.

give back to the hospital is assistance

instructors there to help students master

with such things as continuing education,

necessary nursing skills. Being in the

“Navicent Health has long been

hospital for a simulation makes the

dedicated to training the next generation

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research development, and assistance with evaluation of programs.” n

A few good words can mean a lot.

Georgia College adopts Recently, Georgia College

Shaping public perception isn’t

memorable, distinctive, and

announced the words it will be

easy – especially when an

specific,” Odeh said. “We want to

known by – and what

institution does so many things

occupy a preeminence-type niche

administrators hope will better

well. If a brand puts out too many

in people’s minds. When they hear

define and distinguish the

concepts at once, it all gets lost in

‘Georgia College,’ we want certain

university’s liberal arts mission.

people’s minds. The challenge was

associations to come to mind.”

to choose a few, simple but Think Independently.

profoundly-identifying words.

Lead Creatively.

“‘Think Independently. Lead Creatively.’ describes the essence

The Office of University

of liberal arts and what we do at

This branding slogan took a year of

Communications hired a branding

Georgia College in a short phrase

research to uncover. After impartial

company in 2016 to carry out

and in a way people can

surveys, questionnaires, focus-

preliminary studies, which showed

understand,” he said.

group discussions, and

a public confusion about liberal

conversations with influencers –

arts. The term means different

This was the first solid,

these four words were chosen to

things to different people,

fundamental research ever done to

sum up the Georgia College

according to Omar Odeh,

determine public perception of

experience.

associate vice president of

Georgia College, according to

strategic communications. Some

Odeh. More than 2,000 people

“We know the liberal arts concept

people have erroneous or distorted

were surveyed and questioned.

is not always understood or

opinions; others simply don’t have

Input was received from faculty,

appreciated by the general public,

enough information. But once the

staff, undergraduates, alumni, and

so we saw the need to explain it in

term is explained, many parents,

legislators, as well as prospective

words that resonate with our

students, and employers decide

students and their families. Certain

stakeholders and are motivational

liberal arts is exactly the kind of

hypothesizes and words were

for prospective students,” said

education they want.

tested for effectiveness online, by

President Steve Dorman. “Our new

phone, and in person.

slogan does this in a unique way

“We need to be associated with

that truly represents Georgia

liberal arts, so the branding

To ensure impartiality, no one knew

College, its values, and its

campaign was born out of a

the research was being done on

mission.”

necessity to describe that concept

behalf of Georgia College until late

in accessible terms that are

in the process. People were asked

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new branding slogan to name the university’s strengths and

universities before coming to Georgia

minds. It should also help the

types of opportunity it provides.

College in 2016. “It’s grounded in

university with its commitment to

Thousands gave their opinions,

research. It resonates with our target

diversity and recruit more students

helping the communications office

audience. They actually care about

pinpoint certain attributes Georgia

those attributes. So, I’m pretty

from underrepresented areas. It’ll

College could claim as its own.

excited.”

Data was collected, synthesized,

“People immediately get it. They’re

analyzed, and tested. Several themes

very happy about it, and it’s not

kept reemerging, and a slogan was

surprising, because of the extensive

independent thinking and creative

born.

testing we’ve done. I’m delighted it

leadership,” Odeh said, “then I think

has been received so well,” he said.

we’ve done a lot to advance the

Then the branding company did

“We want it to resonate with a broad

liberal arts mission at Georgia

more studies to see how people

swath of our constituency, so they

College and really wrap up who we

reacted to the slogan. It was

remember it. It should invoke a sense

are in a few words.”

overwhelmingly positive. Georgia

of pride and affinity for the

College is now in the process of

institution.”

trademarking the words, “Think Independently. Lead Creatively.” In

According to Odeh, by being

the fall, this slogan will be amplified

selective about what we want to do

across all disciplines and used in

and how we do it, Georgia College

advertising campaigns.

will leave a valuable and lasting

help recruit top faculty and staff, as well. “If we can own this idea of

“We’ve hit the ground running. We’re rolling it out,” he said. “Everything we do from now on will adopt that wrapping, that branding through videos, social media, our stories. Our

impression with the public. The brand

executives, our provost, our deans –

“I feel confident this is the slogan,”

should help keep recruitment

everyone’s already talking about the

said Odeh, who spearheaded

selective, so Georgia College can

same thing. We’re all on the same

branding campaigns at two other

continue to attract the brightest

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page. And that’s a good start.” n

Doing the GOOD

F E A T U R E

S T O R Y

How the university primes students for the world of nonprofits

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hen Tracy Ide, ’06, was 10 years old, she held her mother’s hand in their kitchen in Waynesboro, Georgia, where her mother had collapsed and lay still on the ground, just a couple feet from the table where Ide had just abandoned her bowl of Fruit Loops. In just a few short minutes, her mom’s heart stopped beating. “I am 34 years old now, and I can remember every single detail from that day,” said Ide. Ide’s mother had a sudden cardiac death episode that day, just a few weeks after being diagnosed with cardiomyopathy at the age of 38. She later went on to receive her first heart transplant just one week before Ide started her first year at Georgia College. “I remember my dad having this video camera on his shoulder the entire day during move-in,” said Ide. “Even though mom had just had her transplant and she wasn’t able to be here—I was still just so happy because she was alive.” Ide started as a business major but soon knew she had the personality and knack for marketing. She also knew she wanted to find ways to give back all that had been given to her family during her mother’s illness. She found that opportunity at the GIVE Center.

“Our main goal is not just to get students to volunteer,” said Kendall Stiles, director of community engagement. “What we do is focused around finding those service leaders and making them even stronger. The ones that have passion and understand there’s something bigger than just them out there—those are the ones that will go on to be the game changers.” Ide took the lead on Life Takes Guts, a service group dedicated to organ donation awareness. That’s where Ide figured her future was in nonprofit work that revolved around everything her family had experienced after her mom received two heart transplants. She now works as the senior public affairs coordinator with the LifeLink Foundation, a nonprofit focused on recovery of organs and tissue for transplants. “The best part of my job is knowing that we are helping families probably during the worst part of their lives, and we are just hoping to give them some sort of peace by knowing they are helping someone else,” said Ide. “The simple fact is my mom would not be here today if it wasn’t for organ donation, and we owe donors everything.” Stiles said the goal isn’t to groom students like Ide to go into the flourishing industry of nonprofits—but to make opportunities for service leadership a reality, hopefully unleashing their inner

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passions that will lead them to fulfilling work. Ide is just

“Laura’s short life gave a whole new direction to my life,

one of hundreds of students that turn to the Center

and that led me to the most wonderful job in the whole

looking for help starting volunteer organizations,

world,” said Knight. “I loved going to work every day. I

guidance with community engagement projects, or

got there of course because of Laura, but it became my

connections to start volunteering in local charities.

career, and I will be forever grateful.”

“For me, once they know their destiny, everything else

It was at Shands that Knight, who had been a March of

makes sense and falls into place,” said Stiles. “The dots

Dimes volunteer in high school, became reacquainted

connect for them here, but we’re also sure to connect

with the organization and their new mission of

them to opportunities and relationships that can help

preventing birth defects and infant mortality and their

them grow.”

dedication to the health of mothers and babies. She and her husband quickly became “hooked,” becoming

Lynda Rogers Knight, ‘67, found fulfillment in her path

board members and active volunteers. Over time,

to volunteering at a nonprofit that eventually led her to

Knight served on various community boards, including

taking the helm of the organization in her community

being president of the Junior League. In 1990, she

for 20 years. Knight credits Georgia College, then

turned in her March of Dimes volunteer hat to become

Woman’s College of Georgia, for giving her the

executive director of the North Central Florida Division

foundation she would need to be successful in a career

of March of Dimes.

she never anticipated. “Without realizing it when I was there, Georgia College “We were the last class of women at the university, and

had prepared me to work in the nonprofit world by

that was pretty special,” said Knight. “We were a small

giving me opportunities to develop leadership and

enough school that we knew lots of folks on campus,

other skills that would serve me well for the rest of my

the professors knew the students, and it was a place of

life,” Knight said. “Networking, public speaking, event

great learning and opportunities as well as a lot of fun.

management, organizational skills, and volunteer

As I think about it today, even though we didn’t have a

recruitment, as well as a good liberal arts education,

Greek system then, in a lot of ways, it was like we were

were all there for me at Woman’s College of Georgia.

one large sorority.”

Those are skills that were critical to me in managing a fast-paced, goal-oriented nonprofit.”

After receiving her bachelor’s in home economics, Knight went on to earn her master’s in the same subject

Her work for the nonprofit became even more personal

from the University of Georgia. She then taught in the

when, during her tenure, the organization launched the

Colquitt County and Athens-Clarke County school

nationwide campaign to increase folic acid awareness,

systems. In April 1973, her life changed dramatically.

fought for legislation to be passed to fortify grain products with folic acid, and ultimately saw a significant

“Life has a way,” said Knight. “Things change course

decrease in neural tube defects.

when you least expect it. You’re never prepared for what happened to us, but you learn to live through it

“To work for an organization that found the answer to

and hopefully let something good come out of it.”

our own daughter’s birth defect was more than I could have ever asked, and to know that our other two

Two months before their move to Gainesville, Florida,

daughters didn’t have to fear neural tube defects with

where her husband had taken a job at the University of

our grandchildren was wonderful,” said Knight. “Laura

Florida (UF), the Knights’ first daughter Laura was born

lived for only three years, but her legacy continues. If,

with an encephalocele, a neural tube birth defect

through my work, I have made a difference in even one

similar to spina bifida, except for location. Knight would

child’s life, then Laura’s short life was well served, and

spend the next three years in and out of UF Health

that gives me a sense of both comfort and joy.”

Shands Hospital, where Laura underwent multiple brain surgeries before her death in 1976.

connection magazine | 16 | gcsu.edu

Tracy Ide Senior Public Affairs Coordinator LifeLink Foundation Megan Edmonds Marketing Coordinator Goodwill

Jacob Zawoysky Development Coordinator Rally Foundation for Childhood

Janelle Johnson Draper Founder Foundation to Fly

Jamie Newton Registered Nurse Childrenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Healthcare of Atlanta

connection magazine | 17 | gcsu.edu

Learning the right tools to succeed in a nonprofit is what

are super cause-driven, for me it was more about being in

Sara Faircloth has taught for 15 years as program

a nonprofit and seeing it flourish because of what I could

coordinator for the Nonprofit Leadership Alliance

bring to the table. I never want to leave something that’s

Certification Program, which includes courses in nonprofit

not doing well.”

management, accounting courses, a 300-hour internship, Milner comes from a family with an educator and a sister

and more.

who is a community counselor. She knew there was a world “Nonprofits have really begun to grow in the last 20 years to

of work beyond profit, and it became second nature for her

where it’s now a professionalized sector,” said Faircloth. “If

to follow that path. In her current role with CASA, no day is

you work in any size nonprofit now, you will most likely need a degree. The program is all about creating that next workforce of skilled professionals and leaders in the nonprofit sector,” she said.

the same. She attends juvenile cases across four different counties and manages 55 active volunteers who testify in court. As an alumna who still lives in Milledgeville and works in

Both Faircloth and Stiles agree that the university’s liberal arts mission makes it much easier for students who want to traverse the nonprofit path. “I think we ended up being an ideal place for the program because of our liberal arts approach. In this program, we have curriculum from business, government and sociology, mass communication, and more. We also pull students from all disciplines that want to work in nonprofits.” Maggie Milner, ‘11, spent her college career in Faircloth’s courses, graduating with a Certified Nonprofit Professional designation and a liberal studies degree with concentrations

the welfare system, Milner said by working in nonprofits, she’s seen first-hand the widespread economic, social, and racial disparities that exist in locally and statewide. “It’s opened my eyes. I would say I was naïve before getting involved with nonprofits,” she said. “It makes you realize that life doesn’t just revolve around us as individuals.” The passion that Milner has for nonprofits as a student, and now as a worker, is what Stiles said the university helps bring out of students, helping them receive a holistic view of the world before they even leave campus.

in rhetoric, sociology, religion, and political science. Milner

“Once they have that passion, Georgia College can help

now works as volunteer supervisor at Ocmulgee CASA Inc.,

them harness it,” she said. “We have an atmosphere for

which recruits, trains, manages, and supports volunteers to

community engagement and many opportunities to take

act as the Court Appointed Special Advocate for neglected

advantage of that. They are getting the best of both worlds

and abused children.

as they can get a Nonprofit Certificate designation, but there’s also co-curricular activities they can get experiences

“When I started nonprofit management classes, I fell in

from such as Greek Life, residence hall activities, and

love with the structure and function of nonprofits.

service groups. We are giving them those transferrable

Everything from working with volunteers to how the books

skills that will grow them into leaders on campus and

run. It was so interesting to me,” said Milner. “While others

beyond.”

A belief that one can change the world is something that Faircloth instills in her students, and she believes it’s the plight and pleasure of nonprofits everywhere.

connection magazine | 18 | gcsu.edu

Maggie Milner Volunteer Supervisor Ocmulgee CASA Inc.

Ian Bridgeforth, ’11, is one such service leader who started his

organization that was dedicated to engaging young people in

journey of founding Georgia Shift, a nonprofit organization

Georgia.

dedicated to giving marginalized young people a seat at the table through electoral action, civic media programs, and handson education, at Georgia College. While Bridgeforth was a junior, he interned with Congressman John Barrow and was able to get a taste of political work. “You realize that it’s truly meaningful work, if you’re doing it for the right reasons,” said Bridgeforth. “You can have a real impact. Policy affects everyone and everyday life.”

“I didn’t see myself doing this, but I always liked creating things and building something out of nothing,” he said. On a daily basis, Bridgeforth manages a six-member Board of Directors and more than 60 volunteers. He is currently hiring a full-time organizing director and is in the early stages of developing a fellowship program that will allow for a six-month stipend for individuals who want to work for the organization. He also is zeroed in on what is important to the youth of Georgia— from youth criminalization to college affordability.

Bridgeforth was a mass communication major, where he was

“Once I started doing research and saw that there were a lot of

part of SpectrumPR and honed his skills in graphic design and

groups focusing on immigrants, women, or people of color—I

social media management. After graduation, he started realizing

realized there just weren't a lot of options for young people who

he preferred working for nonprofits. He went on to work in

represent all of those identities. There was a huge gap," said

digital communications for a couple of nonprofits in New York

Bridgeforth. "There is a significant disconnect between young

City. Knowing he wanted to move back to Georgia, he had a

people and policy makers, and I always wanted to bridge that

fateful meeting that made him realize the need for an

gap." n

connection magazine | 19 | gcsu.edu

“ ” S T U D E N T

P R O F I L E

SLUMDOG MILLIONAIRE ACTRESS PAINTS

WomeN of tHe World AT GEORGIA COLLEGE Georgia College helped a girl from

“That’s why I started painting women from

Lonkar hopes her paintings will embolden

Mumbai, India, develop into a critical

different cultures, whose stories remain

women and help society be more

thinker – eager to use her celebrity and

untold. They’re kind of hidden from the

accepting.

unique creative expression for women

world,” Lonkar says. “I’m hoping one day,

worldwide.

when my art becomes famous, hopefully

“College does help with critical thinking,”

these women will notice it and see

she says, “and so that encouraged me to

themselves the way I see them – looking

think outside my spectrum and take risks.

In the multi-Oscar-winning 2008 movie “Slumdog Millionaire,” Tanvi Lonkar played a beautiful, preadolescent girl kidnapped and forced into the crimeridden slums and brothels of India. Now she just graduated with a degree in psychology. The major helped her grasp the type of human nature that leads to sexual slavery – something she didn’t quite understand at age 11 playing the role of ‘middle Latika.’ College also helped Lonkar rediscover her love for art. She painted “Women of the World” – a vibrant-colored series being followed by more than 16,400 people on Instagram

very confident.”

I want to change the way society looks at

As a young girl, Lonkar loved drawing and

important to show the world we have all

painting. She took art in high school. But it wasn’t until junior year at Georgia College – with a need to do more and a “craving for art” – that Lonkar realized she could minor in painting and use it as a mouthpiece. Her art shows only head and shoulders – powerful portraits with expressive lips and eyes that look directly at the viewer.

anything different. I think it’s very these women as well – women who are not outcasts but who are strong.” Lonkar was bullied in middle school, after her role as Latika. Because of the movie, kids called her a “prostitute,” and she had only one friend. She became anti-social and angry at her parents for allowing her to be in a movie like that. Then, in high school, it took kids awhile to adjust to their new movie-star classmate. They thought she’d be snobbish.

and nearly 5,000 on Facebook.

Lonkar’s tribal Ethiopian woman is painted

“When I did ‘Slumdog Millionaire,’ my

bejeweled neck and beaded, cotton-

role in the movie was a girl who was

tuffed hair. A Tibetan woman, against

was to the world. It was a world-famous

human trafficked. So, that really put me in

effervescent yellow, wears fresh flowers on

movie and people still talk about it,” says

a situation where I got angry,” the 22-

her head and flowing jewels. A woman

Lonkar, who feels the experience made

year-old says. “It started me on this

from India wears a large silver nose ring,

her stronger and ready to lead.

journey in my head that I need to do

beads in her hair, and a veil with silken

something that will empower women.”

robes.

against a turquoise background with a

connection magazine | 20 | gcsu.edu

“But as I grew up, I thanked my parents, because I realized how important that role

Coming to America and Georgia, Lonkar

Lonkar became good friends with other

“The whole purpose of me doing these

says she was surprised by the friendliness

international students from Germany,

paintings is to lift women, and I feel that

and “Southern hospitality.” Lonkar’s

Sweden, Italy, and Albania. She danced

lifts me up in the end as well.”

cousin lived in Milledgeville at the time.

hip hop for two years with Sassy Cats,

She told Lonkar about Georgia College’s

worked at the library, promoted

After graduation, Lonkar plans to get a

small, personalized classes and its

inclusiveness on campus as a diversity

yearlong work visa and a nonprofit job

scholarships for international students.

peer educator, and did psychology

helping communities. Then she’d like to

Lonkar rejected other “big-name” schools

research on what it means to be happy.

get a master’s and Ph.D. in special

she applied to. Instead, she chose

She found satisfaction volunteering and

education and teach. She’ll continue to

Georgia College and stayed. Shy and

helping others.

paint women, focusing next on South

nervous as a first-year student, she

Americans and Europeans.

graduated as a young woman eager to

Most importantly, Lonkar learned to think

make a difference in the world.

outside the box. She discovered art as a

Lessons learned at Georgia College will

form of activism, and her creative

guide her. Along with “Slumdog

“I love this school; it’s a perfect fit,”

“Women of the World” series was

Millionaire,” the university shaped Lonkar

Lonkar says. “I love Millegeville. I love the

showcased at the Georgia College

into what she is today: A “girlie” feminist,

people. Growing up in Mumbai, it’s a

Women’s Center last spring for Women’s

who’s ready to use her voice.

huge, big city, and people don’t really

History Month. In April, her art was also

care about each other. They’re just doing

featured on the cover of Peacock’s Feet,

“I think I can finally speak out about it.

their own thing. When I came here,

Georgia College’s literary journal. One

When I was growing up and still learning

people just greet you on the street. It’s

larger painting, an 8-by-4-foot drape of an

about these issues going on in the world, I

pretty awesome.”

Indian woman, is displayed at Metropolis

was hesitant to talk. But I’ve reached that

restaurant in Milledgeville.

point in my life, where I think I can talk

“College has changed me so much in

and represent women,” Lonkar says.

ways of how I think about the world and

Lonkar hopes her artwork will inspire

how I perceive things,” she said. “College

people to see beauty in all women.

made me more passionate in a way that

“I can finally show the world I was that kid in the movie, and now I’m grown up, and

makes me want to contribute. I love this

“Sometimes we only care about our own

place. I’m so sad to graduate.”

lives and our own happiness, but lifting others will raise you too,” Lonkar says. connection magazine | 21 | gcsu.edu

I’m ready to tackle these issues through my art and get people talking.” n

N E W E L L

S C H O L A R

BEHIND THE CURTAIN

NEWELL SCHOLAR SHARES CENSORSHIP, THE ARTS OF CUBA

Before he turns his back to the car he’s just helped float to safety from Cuban shores taken over by masses of the living dead, the title character in “Juan de los Muertos” (Juan of the Dead) harkens back to Cuban survival in the face of the country’s past and presentlyfictional troubles, saying: “I’m a survivor. I survived Mariel, I survived Angola, I survived Special Period and this thing that came after. And I will survive this. Maybe people will see me and join me to help. I’m fine. I like it here.” “It’s just a parody, right?” asked Dr. Yael Prizant. “Or is it saying something more about Cuba— maybe Cubans are turning into zombies, that they are all sleeping, and they should blame the government? But in the end, Juan stays even though everyone else leaves… so what is the director really telling us?” The complex dance of how art thrives in a censorship state is what the 2018 Newell Scholar Prizant has spent her academic career studying. For her book, “Cuba Inside Out: Revolution and Contemporary Theatre,” she focused on how playwrights create work living in a

connection magazine | 22 | gcsu.edu

censorship system and work around it by saying what

During her residency, Prizant also gave four lectures

they want to say without getting in trouble. Finding that

covering diverse topics such as American musical

imaginary line between freedom of expression and

theater, theater and science, and translation and

government censorship in Cuba was the main idea

adaptation for the stage and screen. One lecture

behind Prizant’s spring semester course Cuba: An Artistic

revolved around musicals of the Rodgers and

Exploration. In the class, students delved into the music,

Hammerstein era, presented for the Learning in

theatre, dance, visual arts, and films of Cuba.

Retirement Milledgeville group.

“Whether its Cuba or Tanzania—it doesn’t matter,” said Prizant. “What I want for them to have is that internationalism that isn’t a tool regularly taught. It’s going to help them in graduate school and beyond to have a worldview that’s more rounded.”

of Advanced International Studies in Bologna, Italy, first Georgia College for a chance to teach in the American south, a place she never had

culture in Georgia was the

connection this region has with the country, she said. “Cuba will directly affect people in the south whether

its farmers, trade agreements, travel to and from Cuba, or

not know about the productions they have seen,” she said. “What I didn’t expect was to learn from them about taught me how the city has changed in relation to the arts over time.”

“You know, I always tell my students every time I go to Cuba, I come back with 1,000 more questions rather than answers,” she said “And that’s the point of it, right? That it’s not something you can grab onto — you have to reinvent and reimagine it every time.”

{ }

experienced before. An added benefit of teaching Cuban

generation, showing them some things that they might

how they experienced musicals in Milledgeville, and it

Prizant, who teaches writing at the John Hopkins School applied to the residency at

“I wanted it to be something they experienced in their

even hurricanes,” she said. “It’s always going to have a

direct affect, and we have to acknowledge that just due to proximity alone, you’ll be dealing with Cuba.”

Students have made personal connections with the course, some having Cuban roots or Cuban family

members. Prizant said viewing the country through an artistic window-like vantage point allows students and others to view what life and culture is really like in a

The act of creating bridges between a community and its university is important to Prizant, as she values the history, context, and knowledge community members have to offer. But she knows the difficulty in building those bridges. In 2012, Prizant founded Ultreia, Inc., a nonprofit organization dedicated to bringing artistic endeavors to South Bend, Indiana—the same city where

Prizant taught at the University of Notre Dame. “I knew that South Bend needed high-performing arts that were focused on the community, not necessarily the university,” she said. “And I knew that we needed to offer it as cheaply as possible so as many people as possible could enjoy it.”

country plagued by a turbulent political past.

Being based out of Italy and organizing and managing a

“It allows them to have conversations about what has

out of necessity. The New York born, Los Angeles raised,

happened to their families and in their history,” said Prizant. “These are students who may have only ever

nonprofit can be difficult, but Prizant has made it work dramaturg, who’s been in and out of Cuba six times, has learned that being a world citizen is a fundamental part

heard bad things about Cuba, so allowing them to talk

of who she is—breaking beyond the limits of her own

about music or dance makes space to communicate and

College. n

for them to understand the complexities of the country.”

“bubble,” her very intention for students at Georgia

connection magazine | 23 | gcsu.edu

G C

A T H L E T I C S

IMPACTPlAYer

As Georgia College Women's Basketball’s

Over the years, the National Collegiate

meeting included panelists ESPN

all-time leading scorer, Shanteona Keys

Athletic Association (NCAA) has adopted

basketball analyst Jay Bilas and NCAA

(2011-15) always made an impact on the

a number of the Commission's

chief legal officer Donald Remy.

court. As a student, the Valedictorian,

recommendations, including the rule that

Academic All-American, and four-year

requires teams to be on track to graduate

“I had a great time getting know and

member of the National Student-Athlete

at least 50 percent of their players to be

learn from the esteemed members of the

Advisory Committee (SAAC), the balance

eligible for postseason competition. The

commission [see sidebar],” said Keys.

between athletics and academics had

Commission's Athletic and Academic

“There's a former NFL commissioner,

always been at the forefront of Keys’

Spending Database provides financial

former U.S. Secretary of Education,

college experience. It’s no surprise that

data for more than 220 public Division I

corporate executives, and university

her involvement in intercollegiate

institutions, creating greater financial

presidents. There's so much knowledge in

athletics has continued after graduation,

transparency on athletics spending.

the room of not only intercollegiate

as Keys has been appointed a new

athletics, but also education and

member to the Knight Commission on

Keys joined the group for the first time

business. I've had experience with the

Intercollegiate Athletics, widely

May 7, working with members of the

Division II (D2) SAAC learning about the

recognized as the leading voice in

Commission on College Basketball, led

structure and model of the NCAA, but

amateur athletics.

by former Secretary of State Condolezza

this weekend was a crash course and

Rice, to form recommendations for the

deeper look in policy, legislation, and

The Knight Commission was formed by

NCAA. The latest meeting focused on the

governance.”

the John S. and James L. Knight

findings of the Rice Commission, and how

Foundation in October 1989 to promote

they related to Governance, Integrity and

Keys is one of three new members to the

reforms that support and strengthen the

Financial Transparency, and Student-

commission, joining Dr. Christine Copper,

educational mission of college sports.

Athlete Education and Development. The

professor of Chemistry and NCAA faculty

connection magazine | 24 | gcsu.edu

athletics representative at the United

One of the most decorated student-

States Naval Academy, as well as Peter

athletes in Peach Belt Conference

Roby, who has served as director of

(PBC) history, Keys was named a

Athletics and Recreation at

Capital One Academic All-American

Northeastern University for 10 years.

twice and a finalist for the Arthur Ashe

Knight Commission

Leadership Award. Winner of the

Co-Chairs

women's basketball PBC Elite 15

Dr. Carol A. Cartwright

“We are very proud of the work Ms. Keys did while she was at Georgia College both on the court and in the classroom. Her work ethic, dedication, and experience as a college athlete make her a perfect fit for the Knight

Award, she graduated with a degree in mass communication and a 4.00 GPA.

Former U.S. Secretary of Education

the Year, she served as the PBC's representative on the national SAAC Committee for three years and has

Athletics,” said Dr. Steve Dorman,

been featured in NCAA Champion

Georgia College president. “We have

Magazine. Named to the PBC

no doubt she will serve current and

Presidential Honor Roll all four of her

future athletes in support of the

years, she was named to the Women’s

Commission's goal to strengthen the

Basketball Coaches Association

educational mission of college sports.”

(WBCA) Allstate Good Works team, one of 10 women's basketball players

specialist for Growing Leaders, a nonprofit leadership training and development company, which equips the next generation and its parents, teachers, coaches, and mentors

from all three divisions and the National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics (NAIA) to be so recognized. Keys was equally impressive on the court as the school's all-time leading scorer with 1,822 career points, sixthhighest in PBC history. The 2012 PBC

and resources.

Freshman of the Year, she was named All-Conference all four years she competed.

impact on the lives of student-athletes “I said it when she was here, and I say

feel I can pull heavily from my

it today, 'you get a Shanteona Keys

experiences on the National SAAC

once in a career if you are lucky,' so

leadership for Growing Leaders. I'm looking forward to being a part of the decision-making process for legislation and big-picture ideas. I feel prepared to serve on a committee that focuses on the balance of academic and

Dr. Christine Copper Faculty Athletics Representative and Professor, United States Naval Academy Dr. Scott Cowen President Emeritus, Tulane University Dr. John J. DeGioia President, Georgetown University Dr. Walter Harrison President Emeritus, University of Hartford Dr. Christopher Howard President, Robert Morris University (Pittsburgh, PA); Former Football Player, U.S. Air Force Academy Derek Kerr Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer, American Airlines Athletic Leadership Specialist, Growing Leaders; Former Women’s Basketball Player, Georgia College Penelope Ward Kyle President Emeritus, Radford University Jonathan Mariner Former Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer of Major League Baseball Anna Spangler Nelson Chairman, Spangler Companies Inc.; Member, UNC Board of Governors

through this committee,” said Keys. “I

and in my current role in athletic

Members

Shanteona Keys

through relevant and innovative events

“I'm excited to once again have an

and Bowling Green State University Arne Duncan

The 2014-15 PBC Scholar Athlete of

Commission on Intercollegiate

Keys works as an athletic leadership

President Emeritus, Kent State University

each time she reaches another pinnacle of success, I am not surprised at all,” said Wendell Staton, director of athletics. “She will play a vital role in being a part of the elite thought

Dr. G.P. “Bud” Peterson President, Georgia Institute of Technology David Robinson Co-Founder and Principal, Admiral Capital Group, Former NBA Player and Former Men’s Basketball Player, U.S. Naval Academy Peter Roby Director of Athletics and Recreation, Northeastern University Myron Rolle, M.D.

leaders regarding the alignment of

Neurosurgery Resident at Harvard Medical

higher education and athletics. Head

School/Massachusetts General Hospital;

Women's Basketball Coach Maurice

athletic ventures because that is what

Smith deserves all the credit for

was modeled in my past both at

identifying her talent, bringing her to

Georgia College and at the D2 level.”

Georgia College, and helping to nurture her path.” n

Former Football Player, Florida State University Paul Tagliabue Former NFL Commissioner; Member, Georgetown University Board of Directors Nicholas Zeppos Chancellor, Vanderbilt University Dr. Nancy L. Zimpher Chancellor Emeritus, State University of New York

connection magazine | 25 | gcsu.edu

A L U M N I

P R O F I L E

EXEMPLARY LEADERSHIP

expands across the globe connection magazine | 26 | gcsu.edu

Dilanka Seimon, ’03, leads a team of 30 professionals with a portfolio that spans multiple continents. He serves as the general manager of Petroleum Marketing for the Atlantic Basin for BHP - the world’s largest mining company. He is accountable for transporting and selling oil, gas, and natural gas liquids produced in the United States, Algeria, Mexico, Trinidad, and the United Kingdom both onshore and offshore. He has to be 100 percent on point at all times. Seimon’s management skills weren’t acquired overnight. He crafted them while he was a student at Georgia College, serving as president of the International Club, Eta Sigma Alpha Honor Society, Economics and Investment Club, chair of the Dean’s Student Advisory Committee, and senator of the Student Government Association. He also served for six years on the Alumni Board. “What I didn’t realize is the leadership opportunities we have in college give us a head start in our leadership journey in our careers,” Seimon said. “The leadership opportunities in college taught me many important skills like how to manage multiple things at the same time, to lead peers from vastly different backgrounds to my own, the importance of being involved in

Murali Thirumal is recognized with a scholarship named in his honor.

the community in which you live, and how to manage stakeholders.”

Scholarships made it possible for Seimon to travel overseas and He grew up in the commodities trading industry and liked the

attend Georgia College.

fast-paced nature of the petroleum trading and marketing business.

“I could not afford college if not for the Rotary Scholarship and the subsequent scholarships that Georgia College kindly offered

“There is a significant customer interface element of my work

me,” he said. “This taught me the importance of generosity,

that I enjoy a lot,” Seimon said. “Oil and gas is a great business

because it was the generosity of these organizations that gave

because it touches people in ways most of us don’t realize, and

me a shot at the American dream.”

it’s essential for the world to operate and grow.” Seimon took his gratitude to heart when he recently endowed a The Sri Lanka native faces challenges every day and considers

scholarship in honor of Muralidharan “Murali” Thirumal, ’91,

his position “dynamic.”

’98—his friend and mentor who Seimon acknowledges made a positive impact on his experience at Georgia College.

“There is no ‘typical’ day for me,” he said. “I have to be ready to tackle unplanned challenges, including task-switching every

“Georgia College gave me so much—lifelong friends, a great

day.”

education, leadership opportunities, and scholarships,” he said. “So, part of it is about giving back and paying it forward. But I

Seimon’s liberal arts experience also helps him on the job.

also believe in the potential for Georgia College and want to be part of that journey.”

“The diversity of experiences you gain from a liberal arts education is difficult to replicate,” he said. “It’s the combination

To learn how you can join Seimon

of the courses in your discipline, together with the broader educational experience enhanced by small class sizes and leadership opportunities, that create a graduate ready to

in paying it forward , contact elizabeth.hines@gcsu.edu

successfully take on challenges post college.” connection magazine | 27 | gcsu.edu

or call 478-445-1944

Save the Date for Alumni Weekend 2018! Make a nomination for an Alumni Award The Alumni Association helps preserve the legacy of GC by honoring alumni and friends with seven diďŹ&#x20AC;erent awards. The distinguished honorees represent just a few of the many alumni who contribute in numerous ways to their fellow alumni, to the university, to their communities, and to their professions. Our winners will be recognized at our Alumni Awards dinner on Saturday evening of Alumni Weekend. To learn more about the awards and make a nomination, visit gcsu.edu/alumni/awards.

Weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re looking for reunion class committee members! If you are a member of the class of 1968, 1973, 1988, or 1993 and would like to serve on your reunion class committee, please email alumni@gcsu.edu.

connection magazine | 28 | gcsu.edu

U P DATES

C A P ITA L

C A MPA IGN

$22,091,445 CURRENT DOLLARS RAISED

77%

PERCENTAGE INCREASE IN GIVING FROM 2014 TO TODAY

(from $2,541,209 raised in all of 2014 to $4,495,922 as of March, 31, 2018).

8,000+ DONORS WHO HAVE PARTICIPATED

3,000+ GIFTS MADE THIS FISCAL YEAR

$.05 - $1,000,000+ RANGE OF GIFT SIZE

$7,908,555

*Totals as of March 31, 2018

TOTAL TO BE RAISED TO REACH GOAL

DID YOU KNOW?

On March 31, 2018, (four years into the Passion and Purpose campaign) Georgia College doubled the amount that was raised in the universityâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s entire first campaign (Pillars of Support).

connection magazine | 29 | gcsu.edu

1960 s 2000 s Susan DeHoﬀ, Ph.D., ’68, received her Ph.D. Dawn Butterwick Williams, ’01, was in counseling psychology and religion from Boston University in 2012. Her ﬁrst book was published in February titled “Psychosis or Mystical Religious Experience? A New Paradigm Grounded in Psychology and Reformed Theology.” She was also ordained in the Presbyterian Church in 2014 and currently serves the United Presbyterian Church in Whitinsville, Massachusetts.

promoted to assistant vice president at BB&T Bank. She was the ﬁnancial wellness consultant for the Southern Georgia region.

1980 s Richard Eisel, ’80, ’97, was recently promoted

Crystal Mullins Smith, ’05, is excited to be back in Milledgeville. In 2017, she bought a house there and opened a business as a ﬁnancial advisor for Edward Jones.

to senior vice president at State Bank and Trust in Macon, Georgia. He and his wife Dr. Charlotte Eisel, ’81, have two daughters and two grandchildren.

CLASS NOTES

1990 s John “K” Hall, ’90, ’96, was selected as Brunswick High School’s STAR Teacher for the 2017-2018 academic year. The STAR program recognizes high school seniors who have the highest SAT score in their graduating class among other program requirements. The STAR Teacher is selected by the declared high school STAR Student for having made the most signiﬁcant contribution to the STAR Student’s scholastic development. Hall teaches AP physics, honor’s physics, and zoology. This is his second nomination for the award. Hall resides in Brunswick, Georgia, with his wife Shelly and their son Brett. Katrina M. Moore Miller, ’90, ’97, was selected as Teacher of the Year for East Laurens Middle School in Laurens County. She has been teaching for 21 years. Dr. Cedric Howard, ’94, vice president for Enrollment and Student Services for The State University of New York at Fredonia, was awarded the Scott Goodnight Award for outstanding performance as a dean by NASPA – Student Aﬀairs Administrators in Higher Education in March 2018. NASPA recognizes Howard as a model for taking the global perspectives on the higher education landscape. He gains insights through the association, applying them for the betterment of the campuses he serves. Student success is his driving motivator.

Dr. William Hatcher, ’03, ’04, is an associate professor of public administration at Augusta University located in Augusta, Georgia. He also directs its Master of Public Administration program.

Lauren Faulkenberry, ’06, graduated with her M.F.A. in Creative Writing. Since 2016, she has published two novels and two novellas in the "Bayou Sabine Series" with independent publishers. Faulkenberry’s next Bayou Sabine book will be released in the summer of 2018. In summer 2017, she co-founded Blue Crow Publishing, an indie publisher of fiction and nonfiction based in Chapel Hill, North Carolina. To see her titles, including her novels, visit: bluecrowpublishing.com. Faulkenberry resides in Whittier, North Carolina. Brandon Barth, ’07, obtained his emergency manager certification from the International Association of Emergency Managers, which consisted of an extensive credentials package, a management essay, and a written examination. He is employed as the emergency management officer with the Flower Mound Texas Fire Department. Barth was also deployed to the Texas coast for 10 days to aid with Hurricane Harvey efforts before, during, and after landfall. Sara Low Jett, ’07, was nominated to the National Trial Lawyers Top 40 Under 40 attorneys and chosen to be a member of the 2018 Georgia Bar Association Young Lawyers Division Leadership Academy.

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Elizabeth Barth, ’08, received her certiﬁcation with the International Council of Shopping Centers as a certiﬁed marketing director. She is celebrating her 10th year as a marketing professional in the retail property management industry. Barth has been with Retail Properties of America, Inc. for three years as the marketing director for Southlake Town Square in Southlake, Texas. She is married to Brandon Barth, ’07. Sarah Treleven Buckley, ’07, and her husband welcomed their second daughter Quinn to the world Nov. 9, 2017. The couple’s older daughter McKenna, age two, is adjusting nicely to the role of big sister. The couple met at Georgia College in fall 2003 and have been together since. They have been married since September 2010.

Jennifer Irish, ’09, successfully defended her doctoral dissertation in February and graduated from Florida State University in May 2018 with a Ph.D. in Hispanic literary and cultural studies. She has accepted a tenure-track position as an assistant professor of Spanish at Ferrum College in southwest Virginia to begin fall 2018. “I could not have done this without the amazing education I received from the Department of World Languages and Cultures at Georgia College,” Irish said.

2010s Adam Hammond, ’10, is an Emmy nominated anchor/reporter. After two years with Denver 7 News, he will join co-anchor Amy Watson for News Channel 5, Nashville’s number one morning show. Prior to Denver, Hammond came to Memphis News Channel 3 in August 2011. Before moving to Memphis, he was an anchor and reporter for WGXA in Macon, Georgia. In 2009, the Professional Association of Georgia Educators awarded him for “Outstanding Coverage of Education.” Hammond enjoys

Patrick Gamble, ’11, joined Pepsico’s DX Shopper Marketing Team in New York City as a marketing analyst supporting the Kroger Customer Team. He will manage the execution of Kroger Thematic and custom programs for its ambient beverage brands and lead the transformation of the beverage program communication within the Kroger system. Brock Holley, ’13, ’14, will serve as assistant principal at Calhoun Middle and High School during the 2018-2019 school year. He was the lead special education teacher and has led this department for two years. Holley is also the assistant varsity and head junior varsity coach for the boys’ basketball teams at Calhoun High School. Aaron Allison, ’17, remarks, “I just want to thank Dr. Chuck Ryan for showing me how to think in a business sense and for teaching me the power of math. Before taking him for business statistics and operations and management, I didn’t know what I wanted to do or what my real potential was. A little over a year later, I’m training to advise people how to invest their money for a company that manages over $2 trillion in financial assets. He is by far one of the most influential people in my life.” Nicholas “Trent” Childs, ’17, is working on his doctorate of physical therapy at Brenau University. He is part of the third class that officially marks the filling of the Doctorate of Physical Therapy Department at the university. He has also been elected as president of the Department of Physical Therapy Club. Clint Edmunds, ’17, attends graduate school at the University of Georgia and is working on his master’s degree in the field of animal science. He said, “I love living in Athens so far, but Milledgeville and Georgia College will always have a special place in my heart.”

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CLASS NOTES

Virginia Marie Greene, ’08, became a mom to a wonderful little boy Maxwell David Greene, in March 2013. He is a four-year-old preschooler at Little Caterpillars Development Center. She also completed her eighth year of work with Baldwin County, Georgia’s public library—part of the Twin Lakes Library system. She continues to live, work, and play locally.

being a journalist because it gives him an opportunity to explore with viewers the world they live in and how they can all make a diﬀerence in it. He is married to Lauren Lawson Joyner, ’10. They enjoy spending time with their daughter and future Bobcat.

Emily Hane, ’17, has taken a fulltime ski instructing position on Mammoth Mountain. “Moving clear across the country was not an easy decision to make,” Hane said. “Being from Georgia, I don’t particularly like the cold, and here in Mammoth Lakes, California, it’s cold and snowy. But, the people I have met and the world-class ski runs are well worth the leap I took to independence.” Lindsey Card Allison, ’12, and Alex Allison, ’13, welcomed their ﬁrst child—Reynolds Daniel Allison—into the world Dec. 15, 2017.

CLASS NOTES

Emily Routh Diaz, ’13, and Ryann Diaz welcomed their son Jonathan Marcial on Nov. 6, 2017.

Robert “Rob” J. Hudgens, ’13, married Dr. Katie Morgan Hudgens June 2, 2017, in Atlanta, Georgia. Rob and Katie met while he was teaching at Ola Middle School in McDonough, Georgia. During that time Katie was completing her M.D. at Morehouse School of Medicine. They have relocated to Shreveport, Louisiana, where Katie is completing her residency at the Louisiana State University Hospital in pediatric and internal medicine. Rob teaches sixth grade at Caddo Parish Magnet School. The couple is expecting their ﬁrst child in October.

Megan “Maggie” O’Shea Perkins, ’14, and her husband James Perkins welcomed their daughter Josephine Elizabeth Perkins on March 13. She weighed 6.5 pounds. Maggie hopes she will join the Georgia College class of 2042.

Kelsea Luce Matson, ’13, ’14, married Sam Matson, ’15, Nov. 4, 2017, at Frogtown Cellars in Dahlonega, Georgia. The couple met while working as managers for Mellow Mushroom in Milledgeville. Members of the bridal party included Tyler Nable, ’14, best man; Carly Atkins, ’13, Hunter Ellis, ’14, Joseph Hanson, ’13, Jennifer Hill, ’14, and Ian Thomas, ’14.

Anette Torres Gratzer, ’10, ’11, married Brandon Gratzer at Indigo Falls in Dallas, Georgia, in June 2017. Her bridesmaids included Kerry Harth, ’10, ’11, Sherri Hawe, ’11, and Courtney McMahon, ’10. The couple went to Mexico for their honeymoon. Anette is a high school teacher at North Paulding High School.

Please submit your news for Class Notes at: webforms.gcsu.edu/classnotes

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senior year, and we couldn't be happier. We both have full-time jobs in Alpharetta, Georgia. We'll never stop being thankful for our time together in Milly. Georgia College truly shaped us to be the people we are today. As for the rest of our story, maybe we'll have a few more Cades stumble through Georgia College in the far-oﬀ future. Milly Forever.”

Dylan Elder, ’14, married Sarah Hassett Elder, ’14, Dec. 8, 2017, in Cancun, Mexico. Members of the wedding party included Erica Perkins Hilliard, ’14, Matt Hilliard, ’14, and Taylor Maloney, ’14. Sarah resides in Atlanta, and Dylan is in his third year of medical school in Alabama. Josh Cade, ’16, married Alex Cade, ’16, Nov. 11, 2017. The couple met during their sophomore year at Georgia College.

“Georgia College was inﬂuential in growing our relationship,” said Sarah. “Some of our best memories are from school.” n

In Memoriam Catherine Vincent* Coressa Veal* Joseph McMillan* Flory Ford Wells, ’17 Vera Brinson Rowe, ’22 Mabelle Swan Noack, ’36 Frances Ivey Miller, ’37 Elizabeth Worthy Andrews, ’39 Dixie Barrett Carey, ’39 Mildred Strickland Cooper, ’39 Dora Turner White, ’39 Marle Slade Brandenstein, ’40 Uldeane Rice Peacock,’40 Helen Price, ’40 Helen Mumford Scherer, ’40 Sara Brandon Meredith, ’41 Runette Hitchcock Davis, ’42 Mildred Trussell Gatehouse, ’42 Blanche Muldrow Shamma, ’42 Olympia Diaz LaFuente, ’43 Norma Willis Lankford, ’43

Wynelle Shadburn Northcutt, ’43 Laura Boddiford Tribble, ’44 Dorothy Sapp Deane, ’46* Ruth Sheppard Decker, ’47 Barbara Camp Durshimer, ’47 Marlon Hood Wilson, ’47 Thelma Frazier Evans, ’48 Sara Tate Herndon, ’48 Margaret Vaughan Brown, ’49 Joan Carter, ’49 Ann Shuman Green, ’49 Dorothy Kennedy Walker, ’49 Elizabeth Matthews Wren, ’49 Sara Pool Young, ’50 Christine Rice Tiller, ’51 Mavis Fleeman Daniell, ’53 Martha Davis Mixon, ’53 Elsie Haines Brown, ’55 Agnes Burgamy Dent, ‘56* Manita Berrong Folendore, ’56* Sybil Grimsley Liggin, ’56

Billi Lewis Blus, ’58 Richie Duckworth, ’58 Sara Williams Lofty, ’59 Mary Trussell Turner, ’59 Constance Vincent Warr, ’60 Barbara Low Miller, ’61 Eulalie Massee Woeitgen, ’61 Martha Hampton, ’63 Judy McCrone, ’63 Marguerite Jones Truax, ’63 Judy Smith, ’65 Margie Tankersly, ’65 Judy Machen Rader, ’67 Billie Goode Mosteller, ’68* Joy Gugel Duchman, ’69 Raymond Fiveash, ’70 Andrea Mees Garmon, ’71 W. Jerry Langston, ’71 Patricia Stone Wayne, ’71 Gregory Hollis, ’72 Madalyn McAdams Monroe, ’73

Steve Batson, ’74 Edward Kozlowski, ’74 Clyde Moore, ’75 Gregory Garnto, ’76 Betty Etheridge Gill, ’76 Leavy Riggs, ’78 Glenn Davis, ’79 Jean Cummings Smith, ’79 Nina Booker Peterson, ’80 David Askew, ’81 Wynette Whitesley Samper, ’83 Patricia Smith Byrd, ’85 Wesley Jones, ’90 Jana Bruner, ’92 Christina Clements Thigpen, ’93 Emma Wall Chambers, ’94 Angela Hill Sams, ’99 Andrew Mobley, ’06 Horace Harwell, ’13

*Denotes alumni of Peabody School. This list recognizes deceased alumni that the university has been made aware of as of April 30, 2018. connection magazine | 35 | gcsu.edu

CLASS NOTES

“Alex and I began dating the summer before our junior year,” said Josh. “Life was amazing. We loved Milledgeville, our intentional community, and our awesome professors. Alex and I began talking plans for engagement at the end of our

Sarah McCullough Van Ginkel, ’17, married Nate Van Ginkel in fall 2017 surrounded by four Bobcats, including Christian Domalski, ’17, Taleya Middlebrooks, ’18, Kelsey Oakes, ’16 and Nick Smail, ’18. The couple met at the Baptist College Ministries club on campus and dated the last two years of college.

University Communications Campus Box 97 Milledgeville, GA 31061

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Reinforcing a bond for the greater good Three years ago, Assistant Professor of Music Dr. Dana Gorzelany-Mostak began teaching at Georgia College and discovered a new-found confidence. As a new faculty member, she wasn’t sure how her proposal for her innovative website—Trax on the Trail—would be received by her department chair and the dean. However, it was their willingness to embrace this original idea that made all the difference. “A lot of things impressed me when I first stepped foot on campus,” said GorzelanyMostak. “I told my department chair this crazy idea I had for a website, and he scheduled a meeting with the dean. I met with him the next week. Three weeks later, they funded this project.”

parents’ close friends of 30 years who were avid music fans. “This endowment will allow our students to perform great works of music and have large-scale concerts that will feature the choir, wind symphony, and orchestra,” she said. “My greatest memories from my college years are of singing major works and witnessing the way the music bonded us all together. I want to see that same thing happen at Georgia College.” In addition to supporting the endowment, Gorzelany-Mostak’s legacy gift through her will also supports a lecture series at Georgia College. “What I really like about Georgia College is that it encourages the exchange of robust cultural and intellectual ideas,” she said. “A diverse lineup of speakers will introduce new perspectives and start new conversations on campus.” Gorzelany-Mostak knows the importance of community ties.

The first-of-its-kind website tracked and analyzed the entire musical soundscape of the 2016 U.S. presidential campaign. It became known worldwide, capturing the attention of the BBC, Boston Herald, Pacific Standard, Vanity Fair Italia, and more. “It was their willingness to take a chance on me that immediately instilled a lot of faith and confidence in me,” said Gorzelany-Mostak. “Perhaps I have greater confidence as to what the students can do, because that’s what this institution has shown me.” In addition to teaching a variety of music courses and directing the women’s ensemble, Gorzelany-Mostak conducted a workshop in May at the Bill Clinton Presidential Library in Arkansas, where she taught teachers how to incorporate campaign music into their classrooms. Now, Gorzelany-Mostak, her father Stanley, mother Connie, and sister Jennifer want to enrich others’ lives through the John and Margaret Terry Endowed Concert Series. The endowment is in memory of her

“A scholarship really changes the life of one student, but I feel that if it’s an event where everyone is participating, the community becomes a part of it,” she said. “The gift I’ve given is in that spirit of collaboration, cooperation, and community engagement.” Gorzelany-Mostak feels a bond with Georgia College and wants it to last for many years to come. “I think many of us give 20, 30, and more years to our institution. And, we become a part of our institution, and our institution becomes a part of us,” she said. “I feel that connection to Georgia College. So, I just want to know that bond will last beyond my own lifetime.” If you’d like to leave a learning legacy and create opportunities for future generations, like Gorzelany-Mostak has done, contact Elizabeth Hines at 478-445-1944 or elizabeth.hines@gcsu.edu to learn more.