Connection - Winter 2019

CONNECTION ..... .....

WINTER 2019

THE MAGAZINE FOR ALUMNI AND FRIENDS

Russell Library, 1967

4

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CONTENTS Up Front News and notes around campus

10 Cover Story An Era of Change

14 Feature Story Men of the Hour

15 Sports GC Hall of Fame Additions

16 Willard Riner 18 Homecoming Schedule 20 Student Profile 22 Faculty Profile 26 Alumni Weekend Photo Highlights

28 Alumni Awards 33 Class Notes

CONNECTION Winter 2019 Vol. XXVIII, No.1 Copyright 2019.

All rights reserved.

Published by University Communications.

231 W. Hancock St. Milledgeville, GA 31061

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 Jillian Bolak, ’16 Eric Jones, ’08 Brittiny Johnson, ’15 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

Alumnus awarded prestigious Marshall Scholarship It’s an esteemed award created for intellectually

application was one of a few selected for the

distinguished young Americans to study at a

Atlanta region, encompassing seven states. The

university in the United Kingdom. The Marshall

Marshall scholarship receives approximately 1,000

Scholarship is extremely competitive, but Kevin

university-endorsed applications annually from

Morris, ’17, was recently granted the award—a first

across the U.S.

for a Georgia College alumnus or student.

Past Marshall scholars include Pulitzer-prize winning In fall 2019, he hopes to pursue a master’s degree

authors, two U.S. Supreme Court Associate Justices

at the School of Slavonic and Eastern European

(Neal Gorsuch and Stephen Breyer), 12 MacArthur

Studies at the University College London (UCL),

Genius Grant awardees, and a Nobel laureate.

where Morris can enhance his research skills and learn more about various regional histories.

“I have a community of people and organizations at Georgia College which made this moment

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.

This year 48 Marshall scholarships were awarded

possible,” said Morris. “My involvement in the

nationwide. It is one of the most selective awards

Honors program played a huge role in providing

for U.S. graduate students, with an average four

me with the community of brilliant and

percent acceptance rate. Marshall scholars are

perspicacious people who inspired me to work

selected based on academic merit, leadership

harder, dream bigger, and push myself to produce

potential, and ambassadorial potential. Morris’

my best work.”

connection magazine | 4 | gcsu.edu

Faculty, students take the lead in water research

History professors, students build new BBQ website

Algae—what most people know to be pond scum, seaweed, or kelp—are mostly invisible to the naked eye, yet supercritical for human existence, producing about half of all oxygen on Earth.

Aquatic Ecologist and Biology Professor Dr. Kalina Manoylov and her students gather samples of water at the Oconee River where they study algae to determine effects of a nearby wastewater treatment plant. They also work at two other sites—the estuaries of Port Wentworth, Georgia, and Three Runs Creek on the border of South Carolina—helping researchers understand effects of dredging in the Savannah River.

“Humans have altered everything,” she said. “Eventually, you will see different organisms and fish in the river. We’re constantly doing something to the environment, and the environment is responding. My job is to document what’s happening.”

Manoylov has monitored changes in algal communities in the Savannah River since 2011, before the U.S. Army Corp of Engineers began dredging and widening four years later.

Another important water study involving algae is at the Oconee River Greenway in Milledgeville. This project is

Georgia College professors and students recently launched the state’s first and only barbecue website called “Georgia BBQ Trails: Georgia History and Culture Through BBQ.” “It’s something that was missing in Georgia,” said Dr. Craig Pascoe, professor of history. “There’s a lot of places that do reviews, but no one approaches it the way we do—in an educational, informative way.”

Pascoe’s lifelong passion with barbecue led him to teach a “Southern Foodways and Traditions” course that includes history of the smoked meat.

interdisciplinary, involving Manoylov’s lab students and Dr.

To help create the website, he teamed up with colleague Dr. James

Samuel Mutiti’s hydrology class. Data is being collected

"Trae" Welborn, assistant professor of history, to fill the historic void

for a spring 2019 proposal for funding from the

of barbecue websites in other states. Many are heavily based on

Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), called “Clean

reviews and lists.

Water of Baldwin County.”

What Georgia BBQ Trails will offer is a list of authentic, locally-owned barbecue places on an interactive map. “Gone, but not forgotten,” barbecues are also featured.

Several students worked on the project. Junior communication major Ansley Robinson compiled content for the website. Putting it all together into a visual masterpiece was senior communication major Christopher Mott. Two other communication students helped establish the basic website design during spring 2018: Makala Hayes and Mallory Haynes.

You can find Georgia BBQ Trails at georgiabbtrails.com or on Facebook at facebook.com/georgiabbqtrails. connection magazine | 5 | gcsu.edu

Heritage Hall Georgia College’s new space pays tribute to significant individuals, milestones It began as a vision from campus administration to create a gathering place for the university’s students, alumni, friends, and community members. They also saw the need for a place to showcase the college’s milestones and the remarkable individuals who facilitated the growth of the university.

The warm, inviting space known as Heritage Hall was unveiled during Alumni Weekend in November 2018.

The main entry of Heritage Hall reveals a timeline mural, dating back from the university’s inception in 1889 until present, that depicts the impact of philanthropy on the university’s growth. Staff from Georgia College’s Facilities Planning, the Ina Dillard Russell Library, and University Advancement were crucial in orchestrating the precise portrayal of Georgia College’s donors, community leaders, and achievements through the years.

The University Galleries feature a scrolling donor list. Images of past presidents, faculty and staff, and donors adorn the walls. An interactive table allows visitors to access yearbooks, a list of gift givers, videos, stories about donors and students, biographies on the Foundation and Alumni Boards, and social media posts.

Across from the galleries is the newly-renovated Pat Peterson Museum Education Room—funded through the support of Foundation Board Member Hugh Peterson and his family. The room is used for staff, alumni, and community functions.

Heritage Hall also showcases a sample of Special Collections for visitors to explore, including the Flannery O’Conner Gallery of Southern Literary Works, the Golden Slipper Award, works of Pulitzer Prize winner and author Alice Walker, and more.

“When we first started talking about renovating the library’s entrance to Heritage Hall, we wanted to create something more than a donor wall where supporters are only listed by their gift amount,” said Monica Delisa, vice president of University Advancement.

“Instead, we wanted to show the impact of philanthropy at the university throughout time,” she said.

“So, we endeavored to illustrate the story of the university through the impact that donors have made across the life of Georgia College.”

Heritage Hall celebrates how generosity has impacted the university throughout the years. This includes a gift of $450,000 from the Georgia College Foundation’s Board of Trustees to help make the renovation possible.

“We want to show the impact of philanthropy on the Georgia College path to preeminence,” said Delisa.

“It has been rewarding and exciting to really look back and see how donors have changed the trajectory of the university over time and how they have changed the lives of our students, alumni, faculty, and staff.”

Now, as visitors journey through Heritage Hall, they can pull up information about Georgia College, connecting with its past and gaining an understanding of how vital a gift to the university can be.

Communities In Schools receives

$2.5 million to focus on local schools

Communities In Schools (CIS) of MilledgevilleBaldwin County, in partnership with Georgia College, will receive $2.5 million in funding over the next five years to launch a new program for Baldwin County students.

Funding from the Department of Education’s Full Service Community Schools (FSCS) grant and in-kind

The Campus Kitchens Project launches at Georgia College The passion and dedication of two

But the goal is to expand their

students led to a new way to fight

services even further once the CK is

hunger in Milledgeville while cutting

fully functional.

down waste from the university’s dining hall.

The inspiration to bring this idea to life came from senior environmental

contributions from partners will help create a new initiative called Wraparound Baldwin (WB).

The program goal is to increase services, literacy in K-2 students, and parent engagement with the school system.

“The U.S. Department of Education received 121 applications for FSCS grants, but they were only able to fund 15 projects,” said Donna Douglas, Georgia College grant and contract administrator. “It was a very competitive process, and we are excited to

As part of the national network of

science majors Julia Steele and

receive this grant and what it means for Baldwin

The Campus Kitchens (CK) Project,

Cameron Skinner. The pair have

County.”

students will use recovered food

worked for about two years to gain

from the university’s dining services,

support on campus and have

The program focuses on several initiatives, including

repackage it, and deliver it to

collaborated with The Campus

literacy supplemental instruction, a summer

people in need in Milledgeville.

Kitchens Project national

education and literacy program, a kindergarten

headquarters in Washington D.C.

transition program, and a school-based health clinic.

Officially launching in September

Efforts will also be made to engage parents with the

2018, the project started out small,

Nationally, The Campus Kitchens

school system and in the educational process of

serving about 40 people at the Life

Project boasts more than 32,000

students.

Enrichment Center (LEC)— a private

volunteers at 63 campus locations—

nonprofit program for adults with

Georgia College marks the 64th

Along with working to increase literacy, the funding

intellectual disabilities living in and

location.

will create a health clinic at the Early Learning Center

around the Baldwin County area.

in Milledgeville to diagnose and treat basic ailments of children in the district. connection magazine | 8 | gcsu.edu

Georgia College 2018 State of the State Poll Georgians remain positive about the state’s economy and say

Sociology. “Most respondents also say they are satisfied

education and health care rank as the top issues facing the

with the economic development efforts in their area.”

state, according to a recent poll conducted by Georgia College.

However, the majority of Georgians are dissatisfied with public The Georgia College Department of Government and Sociology

education and, like last year, would be willing to invest more

released its fifth edition of Georgia's State of the State Poll

money to improve the system. Only nine percent of Georgians

(GSSP), which takes the pulse of residents on key issues. The

report strong satisfaction with public education, with 24.9

poll focuses on the economy, job performance of elected

percent indicating a strong dissatisfaction. Just over 65 percent

leaders, and more.

of respondents say they’re willing to pay more taxes to improve education.

“Overall, Georgians continue to be optimistic about the direction of the state,” said Dr. Min Kim, co-author and interim

For the full poll results, visit gcsu.edu/poll.

chair of the Georgia College Department of Government and

Physics students energize science for elementary school kids

Sociology student records history in Milledgeville Senior sociology major Tavaris Johnson hopes his fellow students take the time to really get to know their community.

Johnson has created a Facebook page with hundreds of followers called “Humans of Milledgeville.” It introduces students to people they pass by every day.

Georgia College physics students spent time helping local

He got the idea from a former student’s webpage, “Humans of

elementary kids learn the power of science this fall. It was all

Georgia College.” Both are modeled after the popular

part of Dr. Hasitha Mahabaduge’s third Renewable Energy

Facebook page by Brandon Stanton, “Humans of New York,”

Workshop.

which catalogues the inhabitants of New York City.

Their audience was a group of 60 gifted first and second

“I just like being around people. I’m extroverted. I thought, I

graders from Midway Hills and Lakeview Primary Schools in

can be the liaison between the community and campus,”

Baldwin County.

Johnson said. “College students spend time downtown and on campus, and that’s it. We live here for at least four years, and

“It’s a good time,” said senior physics major Robert Andrews.

we don’t know anything about the 30,000 people who live

He enjoyed the demonstrations as much as the youngsters.

around us.”

“I’m not really used to working with kids,” Andrews said. “So,

Johnson wanted to burst the bubble that kept him and fellow

it’s nice to bring physics down to their level. It teaches them

students from seeing citizens as real.

how stuff actually works.”

So, the budding sociologist made it his business to learn more The biggest challenge for his thermodynamic and research lab

about the people living around him. Now he posts stories of

students, Mahabaduge said, was simplifying information so 7-

every-day residents in Milledgeville – like those of a street

and 8-year-olds could understand. They used creative games

preacher, local barber, and community gardener. They will be

and household items to illustrate difficult concepts.

turned into PDFs and digitally saved at Russell Library.

Mahabaduge plans to hold a similar event this spring.

Search “Humans of Milledgeville” on Facebook to find his page.

connection magazine | 9 | gcsu.edu

A

walk into the archives of Special Collections gives you an instant glimpse into the past. There are rows of old newspaper clippings, an orange vase with long, delicate peacock feathers billowing out, and even former President Rosemary DePaolo’s

nametag sits idle on a shelf. The history of the university is held intact among the archives, and every so often there comes a time to revisit the past.

A little over fifty years ago, the university saw transitions that would shape the history of the public liberal arts university that stands today. In January 1967, the once all-female institution made the decision to admit males, and this spurred a litany of additions, firsts, and innovations. The increase in enrollment and the changing look of the student body gave way to the creation of new academic programs including an associate’s in nursing, a master’s in business administration, and the addition of the criminal justice program.

During this time of growth, former President J. Whitney Bunting made it his mission to strengthen ties between the community and the university—eventually hiring a campus director for the Adult and Community Services, which later became the Office of Academic Outreach. In 1964, the university admitted Cellestine Hill Hunt, the first African-American to attend the college who, in 1968, would also become the first African-American to graduate—paving the way for many others.

F I R S T

G E O R G I A

C O L L E G E

B A S E B A L L

T E A M

Larry Barlow, Larry Herndon, Steve Blair, Wayne Allen, Sammy Jones, Jimmy Wildman, Don Moore, Standing: Mr. Floyd Anderson, Jimmy Corbett, Richard Erwin, Bill Fogarty, Charles Bryant, Jerry Seymoure, Danny Edmonds, Al Dixon, Mike Bryans, Larry Bosserman In 1967, Floyd Anderson came to

what is now known as West Campus. He was

and am still very proud of everything,”

Milledgville to build an athletics program

instrumental in the development of West

Anderson said. “We had the firsts of many

from the ground up. For the wide-eyed 42

Campus and its recreational fields. “There

teams, and they weren’t all champions but

year-old who wanted nothing more than to

were key people in the college and in the

they were good representatives of the

teach for a living—it was a dream come

town that I had to work through that helped

school and became leaders.”

true.

us make that happen. There were also some that said ‘You’re a fool. You don’t have a court

In the new era of athletics and male

“It was a challenge coming in when they

and you’re going to play?’ But I just knew that

enrollment, former president Bunting was

made the switch to co-education,” said

we could borrow it and make it work until we

appointed to guide the college in its new

Anderson, who served as athletic director

got something else.”

path. While enrollment continued to climb

for 24 years. Anderson said there were some

to 1,401 in the fall of 1967, which was the

on campus who didn’t agree with the

Anderson was also the head coach of the first

highest since 1939, Bunting began to focus

change, making his job to form an athletics

baseball team. The 13 players still attend an

on relations between the college and the

department difficult. “I just worked hard and

annual barbecue at his house, which

wider community.

everyone seemed to cooperate and get it

Anderson says is a huge point of pride.

done. I had the help of the athletic

“I am very proud of them,” said Anderson.

After taking office in 1968, one of Bunting’s

committee, the student body, the dean, and

“I wanted to show them how I grew up and

first orders of business was to meet with

the president.”

was trained. I knew that if we’re going to do

Milledgeville’s civic and business leaders. In

this, I’m going to do it to the best of my

“Centennial History of Georgia College,”

ability.”

Bunting is described as going into the

Under his helm, women’s gymnastics, men’s baseball, men’s and women’s tennis, men’s

meeting wanting to know how the college

soccer, men’s and women’s basketball,

During Anderson’s time with athletics, he

women’s volleyball, and men’s golf were all

also was responsible for hiring some of the

initiated. Anderson had to get creative when

most influential coaches in Georgia College

“’What can the college do for you?’ Bunting

it came to sports facilities as the college

history: John Kurtz (baseball coach), Geza

recalled that ‘They were somewhat

didn’t have fields or courts. Games often

Martiny (women’s gymnastics coach),

astonished that I asked, because in their

had to be played using Baldwin High School

Michael Peeler (former athletic director and

opinion the college had previously kept to

gyms or at Georgia Military College.

golf coach), and Stan Aldridge (former

itself. They looked upon it as a rather

“I would go and talk to a member in town

athletic director and basketball coach).

isolated, ivory tower intuition.’”

could help the community.

who was on the Board of Regents and talk about the 600 acres of land the university had

“I think everything I managed to do

out near Highway 49,” said Anderson about

exceeded what I thought I could do. I was connection magazine | 12 | gcsu.edu

***

One office that began to grow was the Adult

looking for a full time job makes the search

and Community Services, which received a

much easier. Students of any major work

campus director in 1972. That office is now

with us. They learn skills beneficial to all

the Office of Academic Outreach. The office,

walks of life."

much to Bunting’s mission, offers free programs to Pre-K through 12th grade

Since it’s inception, the Office of Academic

students. Georgia College students also

Outreach has provided services to

benefit from the office, as students become

approximately 7,000 individuals a year in the

involved through volunteering, service-

area, according to Eilers.

learning, and as paid employees through work-study or graduate assistantships.

“We average around 60 Georgia College students being involved in a year, and that

"My students and I go into the community

number has also fluctuated greatly,” said

as the face of Georgia College. After

Eilers. “That would be thousands of GC

working a program, sometimes years later,

students over the years reaching out into the

my students or I will be in a local store and

community, gaining valuable experience

feel hands around our waist of a child that

beyond what they would experience in the

has seen us and needs to give us a hug, or

classroom, and offering an invaluable

we hear a sharp intake of breath, see a face

resource to area teachers and community

light up, and hear 'Georgia College!' when

groups.”

they see us,” said director Ruth Eilers. "That

One of the office’s annual programs is the

Eilers and her team in the Office of

elementary students. During the field trip,

resource to underserved populations throughout middle Georgia— at no cost.

Eilers said because they use the Georgia Standards of Excellence and teacher input to guide their programs, teachers get muchneeded resources in the classroom that might otherwise be impossible. On the flip side, Georgia College students have the opportunity to work with experts in the community, which leads to discussions on how to create better, more successful communities.

"We have paid staff that often work with us for several years, volunteers, and servicelearning students. The most obvious benefit that students gain is hands-on application of classroom studies,” said Eilers. "I personally

American to graduate from the college.

Hunt went on to become a Ford Foundation Fellow, where she advocated to increase racial and ethnic diversity of university and collegiate faculties. She was also one of the

impact alone is a pretty powerful one.”

Academic Outreach provide a valuable

her bachelor’s, becoming the first African-

day at Lake Laurel offered to Baldwin County students hike the trail, learn about pond life, participate in environmental games and learn about nature while in nature. But Eilers said she’s also looking toward the future of new, creative ways to learn such as integrating food science into their programming.

first African-American women to be on a commercial platform at what is now the Bank of America. Hunt passed away June 17, 2008.

In November 2018, Hunt won the Alumni Heritage Award after being nominated for the award by her 1968 classmates. Her daughter Maia Hunt Estes accepted the award on her behalf.

Estes spoke of the difficulties Hunt endured

"Partnerships breed partnerships as well.

Working with one group inevitably leads to conversations about other needs or ideas from both sides, and this organic percolation of ideas helps GC and the community grow through new projects. It leads to benefitting more members of the community and more GC students, faculty, and staff,” said Eilers.

"Building a love for the place you are is beneficial."

being the first African-American to enroll at an all-white, southern university, including threats which Hunt’s sister remembers to this day. Estes also remembered the lifelong friends and lessons her mother learned while at Georgia College.

“I have to say thank you, because I have to thank you for all the things not on her resume,” said Estes. “Yes, she was a Ford Fellow. Yes, she was active in the Civil Rights

***

believe there is no better way to learn a topic than to teach it to someone else.

In 1964, Cellestine Hill Hunt walked onto the

Taking a topic that may seem advanced and

campus of Georgia College as the first

learning how to effectively convey it to a

African-American to ever be enrolled at the

younger person is a wonderful way of

university. During her four years, she studied

ensuring the concept is fully understood.

psychology and was part of the psychology

Secondly, we provide job experience.

and sociology club. During her summers in

Learning those basic skills needed to be

school, she dedicated herself to registering

successful in the job force before you go out

voters in Milledgeville. In 1968, she earned connection magazine | 13 | gcsu.edu

Movement. Yes, she registered voters in the summer when she was in school. Yes, yes, yes, yes. But, I have to thank you because what she taught me, and what she took through the world, is you can walk into any room and you belong just as much as anyone else that is there.” n

MEN OF THE HOUR Looking back at how co-education bolstered enrollment, expanded programs In the spring of 1967, local newspapers

hotly debated on campus, the former

faltering interest and was last completed

from Eatonton to Macon were littered

president of the Alumnae Association had

in 1970.

with headlines of the monumental change

a positive outlook.

to the nearly 80-year-old Woman’s College of Georgia.

The university was going co-educational.

With the swift change also came a larger “I’ve been looking forward to having my

emphasis on academic and facility

two daughters come down here,” said Mrs.

expansion. In the late 1960s and early

Jane Willis. “Now my son can come, too.”

1970s, extensive remodeling and enlargement of the Russell Library was

The transition came quickly, as the Board

Former university president J. Whitney

completed. With more students, there

of Regents made the decision in January

Bunting ushered in this new era of co-

was a need for more options in sciences,

1967 that 35 males would enroll in the

education and swelling enrollment. He

so Herty Hall saw an enlargement. In

spring quarter. Even more, the university

predicted that by 1975, the university

January 1969, the university was

was faced with a name change and

would reach an optimum enrollment of

authorized to begin offering its first

eventually settled on Georgia College at

3,500 students. Total enrollment by that

Master of Business Administration, which

Milledgeville—which would later be

period was 3,770.

was followed by an offering of a Master of

shortened to Georgia College. At the time

Arts in 1971. With an increase in graduate

of the first enrollment of men, there were

While enrollment was up, the period of

and undergraduate offerings, also came

approximately 1,100 females on campus.

co-education did see the decline and

the need for more faculty.

elimination of some traditions of the The change was strongly endorsed by

university. The beloved Golden Slipper, a

What began as a somewhat controversial

many, while some worried of the staying

theatrical competition between freshmen

step for an institution steeped in history

power of the tradition and historical

and sophomores, saw its last performance

paved the way for the liberal arts

context of the institution. But while it was

in 1972. The Annual Hike also saw connection magazine | 14 | gcsu.edu

university that exists today. n

A T H L E T I C S

The GC Hall of Fame committee inducted a twomember class this year, featuring two of the best hitters in Bobcat Athletics history. For Georgia College Softball, Joni Frei picked up the honor, as did Justin Mills from Bobcat Baseball.

One of the top hitters in program history, Frei was a two-time National Fastpitch Coaches Association (NFCA) All-Region honoree. She played her best when it mattered most, taking spots on the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) Division II Championships All-Tournament Team and on the NCAA Regional All-Tournament Team, joining with fellow GC Athletics Hall of Famer Jennifer Joiner to guide her Bobcat squad to a National Runner-Up spot in 2003.

The first three-time All-Peach Belt Conference (PBC) player in program history, Frei is the school's all-time total bases leader with 306, and she ranks second with 24 career home runs. She ranks in the school's top-10 in virtually every offensive category, including second in both runs scored and doubles. A complete student-athlete, she was the first Academic AllDistrict honoree in program history as well.

A consensus First Team All-American in 2007, Mills was a fixture in the lineup for some of the best baseball teams in program history. He was the PBC Player of the Year in 2007 as well, leading the Bobcats to the PBC Regular-Season title by hitting .319 with 85 runs, 49 RBIs, and 38 stolen bases.

GC Hall of Fame Adds Two Bobcat Greats This past November Georgia College athletics inducted its eighth class into the GC Athletics Hall of Fame. For the first time, the inductions were included as part of Georgia College’s Alumni Awards in the Magnolia Ballroom, making for an excellent night of fun and fellowship, full of memories and honoring relationships.

Mills owns the school record for triples with fellow GC Athletics Hall of Famer Keith Slocumb, and he adds NCAA-era records for runs scored (226) and stolen bases (106). He owns the NCAA-era record for single season runs and steals as well, both coming in that epic 2007 campaign. n

connection magazine | 15 | gcsu.edu

THE “GENERAL MANAGER” OF GC BASEBALL

Willard Riner The 50 years of baseball at Georgia

GC Baseball, clearly an honor that goes

Hall of Fame and the titular head of the

College provides a long and storied

above all others in its exclusivity. A retired

Georgia College Baseball field – John

history, including multiple Peach Belt

number means something significant. The

Kurtz Field – Kurtz and his 577 career wins

Conference (PBC) regular season and

desire to let everyone know the value of

over 18 years put Georgia College

tournament championships, National

the person that wore that number, to the

Baseball in the national conversation, a

Association of Intercollegiate Athletics

extent that no one would wear the

spot where the program has remained

(NAIA) district titles, multiple trips to the

number again, shows an extra level of

ever since.

College World Series, and a slew of All-

respect to that influential person.

Americans and Georgia College Athletics Hall of Fame selections.

The second retired number – No. 40 – The No. 31 belonged to a familiar name

belongs to a lesser-known name in the

in collegiate baseball in the southeast:

annals of GC Baseball, Willard Riner.

Considering all of that, there are

legendary head coach John Kurtz. An

Dubbed the “general manager” of

surprisingly just two retired numbers for

inaugural member of the GC Athletics

Georgia College Baseball by coach Kurtz,

connection magazine | 16 | gcsu.edu

projects like treating fire ant hills around

Athletics Hall of Famer and director of

the ballpark and helping to remove rocks

athletics at the time, Dr. Stan Aldridge,

from the playing surface before and after

recalls the end of that role for Riner.

practice. As he got more and more involved, he gradually found a seat in the

“He came back from a road trip and

dugout, becoming “invaluable not only

mentioned that he wouldn’t be doing the

because of his support of the program,

batboy job anymore. He said he had

but his energy and spirit helping the

gotten hit by a bat, so he needed to

players and coaches enjoy the day and

leave that to the younger guys. He said it

keep things in proper perspective,”

with a smile on his face,” said Aldridge.

according to Riner’s bio in the annual Georgia College Media Guide. In

In the spring of 2000, the baseball

addition, one of the jobs Riner took the

program, now under the guidance of

most pride in was hanging the American

Steve Mrowka, retired No. 40 to honor

Flag out in center field at every contest.

Riner and began an endowed scholarship in his name. In a fitting note, the Bobcats

At home games, after his pregame duties

picked up 39 wins that season and

were complete, Riner would often be

advanced all the way to the NCAA

found in an area of Kurtz Field that came

Regional title game.

to be known as “Riner’s Hill” near the cement bench put in place to honor Kurtz after his death in 1993.

“His relationship with John wasn’t just at the field,” said Kathy Kurtz, widow of coach Kurtz. “When we built our house, he was there. He helped with painting and straightening up, doing whatever he could to help. I’ll never forget, the

“

Just the kindest, sweetest man you’d ever meet.

”

Kathy Kurtz

morning after John died, I looked out the front window and there was Mr. Riner sitting in his car out on the road, feeling

Mrowka used a youth camp, combined

sad. Just the kindest, sweetest man you’d

with eager donations from Colonial and

ever meet.”

Bobcat Baseball alumni, to fund the

scholarship. Given annually to a member Riner would bring his “folding chair, a

of the Baseball team who “excels

cigar, and a smile” according to longtime

academically and demonstrates

Riner began his relationship with the

broadcaster and GC Athletics Hall of

exceptional athletic talent and work

program, its players, and coaches after he

Fame member Scott MacLeod. “It

ethic,” this scholarship has awarded over

retired as a long-time employee of the

seemed like his perch there, where he

$4,000 in the past four years.

produce department at Piggly Wiggly.

could oversee all of the goings on at the

Looking for something to fill all of his

park.”

new-found free time, Riner started

If you would like to help Riner’s legacy live on by contributing to this scholarship

hanging out during practices and games,

Also accompanying the team on road

and investing in the future of Georgia

and struck up a strong friendship with

trips, Riner would sometimes serve as bat

College baseball, please contact

coach Kurtz.

boy for away games, including the World

Elizabeth Hines at

Series trip in 1995. One of the local Riner’s assistance with GC Baseball

papers in Idaho took to giving Riner the

evolved gradually, starting with small

title of “World’s Oldest Batboy.” GC

vconnection magazine | 17 | gcsu.edu

elizabeth.hines@gcsu.edu. n

Wednesday

Friday

February

13

February

Women’s Basketball

Alumni Registration

vs. Clayton State

Magnolia Ballroom

th

5:30 p.m.

15

th

2 – 5 p.m.

Centennial Center

6 p.m.

7:30 p.m.

Men’s Basketball vs. Clayton State Centennial Center

Thursday February

14

th

6:30 p.m.

Saturday February

16

th

Blue and Green Day

9 a.m.

Tent City Opens Centennial Center Parking Lot

Baseball vs. Georgia Southwestern John Kurtz Field

10 a.m.

Alumni Registration Magnolia Ballroom

7 p.m.

10 a.m.

Homecoming Concert Doors Open

Parade Line-up

Centennial Center

Irwin St. Parking Lot

7:30 p.m.

10 a.m.

Homecoming Concert

NPHC Historical Plaza Ribbon Cutting

Centennial Center

and Reception

Glow Run 5K

8 p.m.

West Campus

Meet and Greet Social Donahoo Lounge

NPHC Plaza

11 a.m.

Homecoming Parade Begins

11 a.m.

3:30 p.m.

Tailgating Begins at Reunion Tents

Women’s Basketball

Centennial Center Parking Lot

vs. Augusta

7:30 p.m.

Centennial Center

A Taste of Milledgeville

Women’s half-time: Intro. of Duke and

Front Campus

Noon Community Stage Entertainment Centennial Center Patio

Noon Tent City Family Zone Grassy Area near Centennial Center

Duchess Courts

5:30 p.m.

Men’s Basketball

For more information about

and Queen Courts

Homecoming 2019 and to register for events, visit

Baseball Doubleheader

SGA Election Results

2 p.m.

Cornhole Tournament (RecSports) Centennial Center Patio

Donahoo Lounge

Men’s half-time: Intro. of King

After Men’s Game:

John Kurtz Field

Reunited Celebration

vs. Augusta Centennial Center

1 p.m. vs. Georgia Southwestern

8 p.m.

Parade Winners Georgia College Early College’s King and Queen Intro.

Duke and Duchess Winners King and Queen Winners

homecoming.gcsu.edu.

S T U D E N T

P R O F I L E

Graduate student writes about Peace Corps travels connection magazine | 20 | gcsu.edu

Jennifer Watkins’ love for traveling has put her in

years in a private school there—after Burma’s military

unfamiliar territories and uncomfortable situations—like

dictatorship had fallen, opening the country’s Buddhist

working in countries where she doesn’t know the language.

monasteries and old temples to tourism.

These are not obstacles to her but opportunities to learn.

Watkins writes with simple eloquence, as if she’s having a casual conversation over coffee. Recently, she wrote about

“I guess I just like to try new things and see where it goes. I

winning a prize in the foreigner’s category for the mayor’s

like exploring new places,” said Watkins, a graduate

mini-marathon in Mandalay, Myanmar. She also detailed a

student in Georgia College’s Masters of Fine Arts (M.F.A.) creative writing program.

male-only, West African tea ceremony she was invited to attend in Guinea.

Love of adventure led Watkins first into theatre and then to traveling. She joined the Peace Corps for two assignments, where she discovered a passion for teaching. Then, when sharing her experiences, Watkins found she also liked writing. This brought her to Georgia College—the only writing program in the United States with a Peace Corps fellowship.

“I love acting, but I don’t love auditioning. I tend to be more quiet than I need to be for theatre,” said Watkins, who got her undergraduate degree in theatre and French from New Mexico State University in Las Cruces.

“Writing is a better fit for me,” she said.

Along the way, Watkins taught theatre stage combat in

Like all adventures in her life, writing is also something

Florence, Italy, not knowing Italian. She learned soccer in

Watkins jumped into. And it suits her. She has a knack for

Niger, West Africa, in order to do a Peace Corps job. And

storytelling.

she taught high school math—not her best subject—in Burkina Faso, West Africa, for another Peace Corps job.

Critiques from classmates can be hard, since she’s writing about herself. But Watkins said the M.F.A. writing program

All were ways to experience something different.

is a supportive place, where criticism is meant to make writing better, not tear it apart. She hopes to get published

Watkins’ parents had been to Ghana with the Peace Corps.

soon.

Her sister and brother-in-law went to Panama as Corps volunteers. Following in their footsteps, Watkins worked in

“Most of the writing I’ve done up to this point has been

Niger from 2007 to 2009 as an education volunteer,

sharing with my friends and family about travels,” she said.

bringing West African girls into the city to acclimate them for high school. She added theatre to the camp’s soccer routine, using skits to teach things like the importance of hygiene and sleeping with mosquito nets.

She loved the countryside, which reminded her of home in Thoreau, New Mexico, which has a stark but dynamic landscape of desert flowers, dust devils, and tumbleweeds, browns and sage greens, canyons, and red mesas.

“In some ways, the country in West Africa reminded me of

“I’m having to focus on style and shaping. It’s challenging, but in a good way.”

Georgia College’s Peace Corps fellowship is an assistantship. So, teaching is part of Watkins’ time here. She tutored in the Writing Center and now teaches writing to seventh graders at the university’s Early College program.

Watkins is also co-managing editor of the writing journal, Arts and Letters. She reads submissions and does layout, design, and advertising—more things that are new to her.

New Mexico. It was familiar to me,” Watkins said. “I was welcomed into the community, fed, and taken care of.”

And the South’s new to this New Mexico girl too, giving her more places to explore before graduating in spring 2020.

Now, Watkins mesmerizes fellow graduate students with writings of West Africa and Myanmar in Southeast Asia, where she also lived and taught. She used her Peace Corps

After that? The only thing certain is it’ll be unexpected, and an opportunity to learn more. n

experience to get certified and taught English for three connection magazine | 21 | gcsu.edu

F A C U L T Y

P R O F I L E

connection magazine | 22 | gcsu.edu

RETIREMENT

couldn’t stop HARRIETT WHIPPLE BOTANIST TEACHES 50 YEARS AT GEORGIA COLLEGE educational learning, and practical

Whipple had a master’s in forest

application of classroom studies—Dr.

pathology from Clemson University in

Whipple was doing this before those

South Carolina, where the ratio of men

were even buzz words!” said Ruth Eilers,

to women, she remarked, was 90 to 1.

director of Academic Outreach.

Then she got a Ph.D. in botany at the University of North Carolina at Chapel

M

any of her peers stopped

The community program impacts about

Hill, a place where she liked watching

working at retirement. But

7,000 people per year. Even at

basketball.

when Dr. Harriett Whipple

conservative estimates, according to

retired in 2007, she continued teaching

Eilers, Whipple’s efforts touched the

Her love for sports continued at Georgia

part time for another 10 years.

lives of “hundreds of thousands of

College. Whipple played first base and

community members” over 50 years.

was the only woman on the faculty

“I kept chugging along. I’m the last

softball team. She also practiced tennis

one,” said Whipple. “Worked up to last

“From the beginning, reaching out to

every day on courts outside Beeson Hall

year, my 50th at Georgia College,

the community was important to her,”

which was a dormitory at the time. In

because I love the students and the

Eilers said, “and she got her classes

exchange for a free apartment in the

people here.”

involved in all sorts of science

hall’s basement, she became advisor to

outreach.”

the Christian Association.

botany to implement new ideas like

Whipple came to campus by bus in

It was there Whipple first met former

integrating instruction and reaching out

1968 for a job interview. A former

student and longtime friend, Sherrill

to the community.

professor of hers at Furman University in

Crowell Jones of Milledgeville. Jones

South Carolina offered her the position.

was president of the Christian group.

Whipple started Academic Outreach her

Dr. George Christenberry had moved on

Recently, they flipped through a 1969

first year at Georgia College. Over the

as dean at Georgia College, and he

yearbook together—reminiscing,

years, it went by many names, like

wanted to hire a botanist.

laughing at old hairdos, and pointing to

A maverick in her youth—Whipple used

Community Action Team for Service

people who’ve retired or passed away.

(CATS) and Science Education. But its

To accept, Whipple had to learn how to

Jones is a retired elementary principal,

objective never changed—to provide

drive in two days. She laughs,

who worked 30 years in the Baldwin

fun, outdoor learning for area residents

remembering she aced the written exam

County education system. She recalled

and teaching opportunities for Georgia

but barely passed the driving test. She

teaching Whipple’s son in first grade.

College students.

got her license, bought her first car, and

And Whipple taught Jones’ son at

arrived on campus at a time when

Georgia College.

“Talk about learning beyond the

women scientists were even more rare

classroom, community-based

than today.

connection magazine | 23 | gcsu.edu

“Oh, look. This is priceless,” Jones said, pointing to a picture of herself as a senior, hair teased high on her head. She gestured to a student handbook, which she said was “like the Bible.” In it, rules and regulations included which restaurants to patron and how to behave

That’s when she decided to fully retire and

“Experiential Integrative Workshops”—where

on a date.

spend more time with family—a son and

history, art, math, literature, and science were

daughter, four grandchildren, and daughter-in-

taught together in one course. They’d go to

In 1968, Georgia College was in its second

law Katie Whipple, who teaches music therapy

ponds or for walks in forests to experience the

year of co-education. There were less than a

at Georgia College.

outdoors and identify plants, like Christmas

thousand students, about 95 percent still female.

Fern or Wild Ginger.

At 77, Whipple no longer teaches college.

She is no longer faculty advisor for Alpha Delta

It made a difference in how Jones later taught

Back then, the four classes competed for the

Pi Sorority, a position she held more

first graders.

Golden Slipper award; freshmen wore beanies

than 40 years.

during “Rat Week;” and everyone looked forward to the Annual Hike, where students

“She is an amazing mentor and has been for But she’s not exactly idle either.

split into crazy-titled groups—like the Irish,

not just hundreds but, I would say, thousands of students,” Jones said.

Royals, Elephants, or Thunderbirds. They

Whipple still decorates Georgia’s Old

dressed funny, competed in silly games, and

Governor’s Mansion at Christmas and

“Anybody who’s taken a class under her feels

voted for king and queen.

Centennial Center for commencements.

privileged,” Jones continued. “They love her.

She acts as a consultant for Academic

They love the way she teaches. I think she is

Whipple said she came to Georgia College to

Outreach and sits on boards at Lockerly

probably one of the most admired professors

get “her degree in M.R.S.” She met her

Arboretum and the Boys and Girls Club of

on this campus, past and present.”

husband, Fielding Whipple, over breakfast

Baldwin County. She also teaches Sunday

downtown. The restaurant was crowded, and

school at First Baptist Church.

Whipple said softly, “Thank you.”

She misses her college classes—especially

“Absolutely,” Jones said. “She’s a friend to so

courses that prepared elementary education

many, not just students. She’s made an impact

students in science.

on the entire community.”

he motioned for her to join him. Two weeks later, they were married.

“I knew he’d be a good catch,” she said.

Fielding got sick last year and recently passed away, after 47 years of marriage. Around that

Jones recalled the only class she took with

time, Whipple had knee-replacement surgery.

Whipple. It was a summer unit called connection magazine | 24 | gcsu.edu

n

U P DATE C A PITA L

$22,091,445 $4,902,108.36 TOTAL NEEDED TO REACH GOAL

C A MPA IGN

Total fundraising for FY18 $6,055,617.

As of Dec. 31, 2018, the total raised for the campaign was $25,097,891.64 out of $30,000,000. Join us as we seek to raise the additional $4,902,108.36 to meet our goal by June 30, 2020.

Visit campaign.gcsu.edu for more information about Follow Your Passion.

Find Your Purpose.

$25,097,891.64 CURRENT DOLLARS RAISED

connection magazine | 25 | gcsu.edu

Alumni Weekend in Photos

connection magazine | 26 | gcsu.edu

connection magazine | 27 | gcsu.edu

Eight individuals recognized during

Alumni Weekend

connection magazine | 28 | gcsu.edu

he Alumni Awards Ceremony, honoring seven

I have to say thank you. Thank you for all the things

alumni and one friend of the university, was

that weren’t on her resume.”

T

held Nov. 3, during Alumni Weekend. The

event paid tribute to their achievements, perseverance,

Estes’ mother instilled powerful values in her.

and service to others and their community.

“She would say, ‘You can walk into any room, and you belong just as much as anyone else,’” Estes said.

Cellestine Hill Hunt, ’68

“She knew what it meant to love fiercely and taught Cellestine Hill Hunt, ’68, was bestowed the Alumni

me that her love and truth were unconditional.”

Heritage Award. The award is given to an alumna who, in four or more decades of service, has

Cecile Hattaway Parker, ’56

demonstrated in her own life those ideals that best exemplify the traditions and heritage of the

Cecile Hattaway Parker, ’56, received the Honorary

university. Hunt exhibited those ideals in her service

Alumna Award for rendering outstanding service to

to the community and her alma mater.

the university through her work with the Alumni Association, of which she serves on the Board of

She was the first African-

Directors. Parker graduated from Peabody High

American student to attend

School then attended Middle Georgia College. She

Georgia College in 1964.

was the secretary to past Georgia College Presidents

In 1968, she became the

Drs. Edwin Speir and Rosemary DePaolo from 1987

university’s first African-

until 2003. During part of that time, the college

American graduate, as well,

transitioned to become Georgia’s designated public

earning a bachelor of arts

liberal arts university.

degree in psychology. Hunt went on to become a Ford

“This was a busy and sometimes stressful time.

Foundation Fellow, where

Everything had to be changed—the name, stationery,

she advocated to increase

and signage. Our colors changed from brown and

racial and ethnic diversity of university and collegiate

gold to blue and green, and our basketball team

faculties. She passed away June 17, 2008, and is

changed from Colonials to Bobcats,” she said.

survived by her daughter Maia Hunt Estes, who

“However, it was great to feel a part of the changes

accepted the award on her behalf.

and how we would grow and become Georgia’s public liberal arts university.”

“I want to thank the class of 1968, who honored my mother. She would be overwhelmed,” said Estes.

Parker regards Peabody School as a treasured memory.

“And, to be honest, she would also be a little conflicted. It’s hard to be the first, and its hard to be

“Peabody will always be a bright spot in my life,” she

doing it by yourself.”

said. “Our classes included things that other grammar and high schools did not have, including

As challenging as it was for her, she persevered and

swimming, dance, and art lessons. We were exposed

earned her degree.

to an excellent education from every one of the student teachers and professors. Plus, I made

“Mom would’ve been here accepting the award,

friendships that are still going today.”

because she made friends at Georgia College,” said Estes. “There are women here whom she trusted. So,

connection magazine | 29 | gcsu.edu

Leaders Fellowship and an author of several children’s religious dramas.

Career awards for Newman-Powell include Outstanding Young Educator of the Year, National Institute for Staff and Organizational Development medal, Thelma Raley Endowed Faculty Chair at Polk Community College, and the National Council of Teachers of English Nell Ann Pickett Award for Distinguished Service to Two-Year Colleges.

“When I entered college as a freshman, there was a cultural mindset that even college educated women were more ancillary than true partners,” said Newman-Powell. “However, being surrounded by strong, capable women of the class of ’68 and influenced by administrators and professors dedicated to empowering young women led me to see possibilities I had not envisioned before.”

After earning four degrees, including a Ph.D., and teaching at the college level for 34 years, she suddenly experienced a call to ministry—a career inconceivable to her as a first-year college student.

“The Woman’s College of Georgia was an important part of my ‘of course you can do it’ journey,” said Newman-Powell.

Dr. Georgia NewmanPowell, ’67, (’68)

for two-year college representation in the largest academic professional association in the nation. In 2001, she returned to

Dr. Georgia Newman-Powell, ’67, (’68)

Georgia College as associate professor of

was presented with the Alumni

English and coordinator of student

Achievement Award, granted to alumni

retention. At age 58, she began four

who have excelled in their profession,

years of post-doctoral religious study and

attained prominence, and had a positive

a two-year hospital residency leading to

effect on the state, region, and nation.

her second career as a hospital chaplain with clergy ordination in the Episcopal

Newman-Powell became a college

church. Newman-Powell is an advocate

professor of English at age 23. Since

for racial justice and reconciliation as well

then, she held national leadership roles

as a leader in interfaith alliances. She is

and was instrumental in securing the vote

also a member of Atlanta Interfaith

“I have no secret to success, just awareness that success is individual only in part,” she said. “The sacrifices of supportive others – one’s sacrifices of personal privilege and certainly great blessings are all a part. So, striving less to achieve honor than simply to live honorably, to affirm the support I receive along the way, and to be mindful of ways that I can best support others – I hope to make my niche in the world a little better.”

As creator of Georgia College’s mascot

pushed me to get my master’s. It was just

Thunder, Hendrix captured the Bobcat

the simple fact that professors were being

Jason Hendrix, ’09, received the

spirit. He has been active on campus

patient and kind with me when I didn’t

Outstanding Young Alumni Award,

volunteering with the sports information

deserve it. And now, years later, this is

granted to Georgia College alumni who

department and mentoring College of

who I am.”

have graduated within the past 10 years,

Business students. He also served on the

achieved notable recognition in a

Young Alumni Board.

Jason Hendrix, ’09

Today, Hendrix sees himself as a mentor in his profession. He serves as a guest

professional or business career, and show “When I attended Georgia College, I

lecturer at Florida State and Florida A&M

battled a lot of maturity issues,” said

Universities and Tallahassee Community

He received his master’s degree in sports

Hendrix. “It took me until my senior year

College.

management from Florida State University

to grow up and get everything together.

promise for continued success.

“Sitting back and doing average work,

in 2011. Hendrix has worked in the athletics media relations industry,

“It’s not just the education, the people, or

not being able to pass these skills onto

progressing from graduate assistant to

the time I spent on campus. It was a real-

the next person, is not an option in my

staffer to assistant director to director at

life investment from professors who were

life,” he said.

various NAIA and NCAA Division I

real with me that made a difference.”

“These things encourage me daily to do

institutions until becoming the director of communications for Florida Sports

His professors exhibited patience and

my best by empowering the next

Foundation, where he leads the state’s

kindness that carries into Hendrix’s work

motivators and leaders of our industry,”

communications efforts in sport

today.

Hendrix said. “I see myself teaching people what I have learned and the

development and the tourism industry. In 2016, Hendrix was recognized as a “30

“These two traits remain the biggest

experiences I have gained through my

under 30” recipient by the College Sports

motivators in my life,” he said. “It was the

hardships and trials, while having a

Information Directors of America.

professors’ patience and kindness that

positive impact on them.”

lunchroom at Blandy Hills Elementary

He holds a bachelor’s degree in English

School in Baldwin County.

and master’s degrees in English and math from the University of Georgia. Fuller also

“I enjoyed watching the students grow,”

served as a U.S. Navy officer, teaching

said Nunn. “As a nurse, it was also

English at the U.S. Naval Academy in

interesting to see some of the early

Annapolis, Maryland. He was discharged

development of health issues.”

from active duty in 1969. Fuller returned to graduate school, where he retrained in

She volunteers, serving meals to senior

math. Four years later, he became an

citizens with Meals on Wheels.

associate professor of math at Gainesville College. Now, Fuller volunteers as a math

“I like serving meals very much, because I

tutor at Georgia College’s Learning

get to go to people’s homes to visit with

Center and loves it.

them,” said Nunn. “It’s good to have an outsider check on people every now and

“I’ve never had a job before in which I

Dr. Maidana Knott Nunn, ’57

then.”

literally woke up each morning looking

Dr. Maidana Knott Nunn, ’57, received

She is also a member of the American

working, the clock seems to move too

the Ethel Rae Mozo-Stewart Alumni

Legion.

fast,” Fuller said. “The students whom I

forward to going to work. In which, as I’m

Community Service Award. Established in

work with at Georgia College are

memory of an alumna from the Class of

She frequently gives financial gifts to

invariably polite and grateful, making my

’46, the award is granted to graduates,

GCSU Foundation to memorialize

work environment one which seems like

associates, and honorary alumni to honor

departed acquaintances who served in

heaven on earth.”

the spirit of volunteerism. Award

higher education, music, or theatre. Her

recipients have a proven history of

unselfish devotion, expressed through

He especially appreciates that golden

exemplary service that resulted in visible

generous gifts, leaves a legacy that

moment when students understand what

improvements within the community.

reflects the core values of Georgia

he’s trying to convey.

College.

After receiving her bachelor’s degree in

“Multiple times every day I have the

psychology from Georgia College, Nunn

“I hate to see students graduating from

fulfillment and pleasure of seeing the

earned her Bachelor of Science in

college with a big debt,” she said. “I

light bulb turn on with students I’m

Nursing Education from the Medical

hope scholarships enable students to

working with, and that is one of life’s

College of Georgia School of Nursing in

start their careers fresh without a large

great highs,” said Fuller. “When it

Augusta. She also earned a Master of

financial obligation.”

happens, I know I’ve been a collaborator

Science degree from the University of Maryland. Then, Nunn earned a

with them in producing something that is,

Donald “Dee” Fuller, Jr.

Doctorate of Nursing Science from Boston University. While Nunn was in

Donald “Dee” Fuller, Jr., a Peabody

Boston, she fulfilled her long-time wish to

School graduate, was presented the

travel as a U.S. Air Force nurse. She

William Bone Golden Key Award,

served 21 years, traveling extensively and

honoring friends of Georgia College who

retiring as a colonel. Nunn also worked as

rendered outstanding service to the

a nurse and clinical instructor at Central

university and its community.

State Hospital for 34 years.

Fuller is also a 2005 recipient of the William Since retiring, Nunn has volunteered,

Childes Award from the Bobcat Club and a

serving ice cream to students in the

2008 winner of the Bobcat Award.

connection magazine | 32 | gcsu.edu

at the moment, the best that they are capable of.” n

1970s Ida Beal Harding, ’71, is retired from two careers—one in higher education and another at IBM as a project manager. In 2008, she helped found a nonprofit which drills wells in Niger, West Africa. She considers this cause her third career, as she is also a board member and director of Volunteer Management there.

The organization celebrated its 10th anniversary in September and has drilled 547 wells to date. In addition, Harding is a Project Management Institute volunteer, serving on a university accreditation committee and cancer support community in Los Angeles, California.

She travels frequently and has been to 70 countries.

Dr. Ken Simpson, ’76, received his doctor of chiropractic from Life College of Chiropractic in 1981. He recently retired from private practice in Milledgeville. He also practiced several years in Hattiesburg, Mississippi. He and his wife of 40 years, Tina Brabson Simpson, ’76, ’03, were the original developers/owners of Subway restaurant franchises in Milledgeville and Madison, Georgia. Ken also started and owned Strictly Southern, a Southern and Confederate gift shop in downtown Milledgeville. They spend their retirement playing with their five grandchildren, traveling, camping, and writing.

1990s Dr. Jeff Hall, ’91, ’95, is the principal at Maxwell High School of Technology in Gwinnett County. He was named the 2018 Trade and Industrial Educators of Georgia (TIEGA) Administrator of the Year. The award commemorates exceptional individuals who have contributed to the success of Career and

2000s Michael Haun, ’04, just celebrated two years at the Atlanta Community Food Bank and recently became head diving coach for Emory University. During the same time period, Michael and his wife Tifanie Schmalenberger Haun, ’06, doubled their number of children by adding two foster children to their household.

Jonathan Lupo, ’06, ’08, was recently chosen as director of Business Recruitment for the Douglas County Economic Development Authority. He began his new job Sept. 24, 2018. Lupo manages all requests for information and proposal projects. He also plays a key role in the Economic Development Authority’s marketing and branding initiatives.

2010 s Laura Lindsey, ’10, was named a 2018 March of Dimes Nurse of the Year at the ninth annual March of Dimes Georgia Nurse of the Year Awards Gala. More than 800 nurses from across the state were nominated. Lindsey, who works as a registered nurse at Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta, was recognized and honored as the best in neonatal intensive care.

Robert Clifford Moseley, ’10, ’12, recently earned his doctor of philosophy in energy science and engineering at the University of Tennessee in Knoxville. He also married Cierra Jolee Cathey, ’13, in September 2018 at Chateau Elan in Braselton, Georgia.

The couple has recently made their home in Durham, North Carolina, where Robert began a post-doctoral position at Duke University. He applies theoretical and experiment methods to answer

connection magazine | 33 | gcsu.edu

CLASS NOTES

Lloyd Moate, ’73 became an internal review officer at Polari Missile Facility Atlantic after graduating from Georgia College. Moate was transferred to the Naval Research Facility in Panama City, Florida, where he was promoted as head of the Command Evaluation Office. He attended classes at the Naval Post Graduate School in Monterey, California, and the Professional Military Comptroller School in Montgomery, Alabama.

Technical Education (CTE) through the quality of their work and involvement in the CTE community. Hall is in his eighth year as principal of Maxwell High School of Technology in Gwinnett County and 21st year in education.

questions related to the evolution and robustness of genetic networks. Cierra works for the Sazerac Company as the national marketing and brand specialist for the Buffalo Trace Distillery bourbon profile.

CLASS NOTES

Patrick Hall, ’14, recently accepted a position as Circle K International (CKI) director at Kiwanis International in Indianapolis, Indiana. Circle K International is the world’s largest student-led collegiate service organization with over 13,000 members across 14 countries.

Kathryn Stanley, ’14, joined the Home Depot team in August as a manager of public relations and product innovation. Prior to joining Home Depot, Stanley worked at Ketchum, a leading global public relations and communications firm, where she served in corporate and public affairs. She also worked at B2B and B2C industries, including the agricultural, airline, action sport, clean tech, retail, academic, financial, food and beverage, insurance, technology, and automotive sectors. At Georgia College, Stanley was an active member of Phi Mu, SGA, ODK, Lambda Pi Eta, PRSSA, and Women in Public Relations.

Ayana L. Shepherd, ’17, and her fiancé Michael Anderson welcomed twins Declan Michael and Delaney McKenna Anderson on July 2, 2018.

Mallory Chapman, ’14, and Ian Agnew, ’14, married Sept. 15, 2018, at Three Oaks Farm in LaGrange, Georgia. Thanks to Mark Moughamian, ’15, the couple met in 2010—their first year at Georgia College.

Members of the wedding party included Haley Bogan, ’14, Lauren Lee, ’14, Tanner Mortensen, ’14, and Taylor Ray, ’14. The couple resides in Atlanta where Mallory is an assistant marketing manager for TOTO USA. Ian is a mechanical engineer for sonnenBatterie.

Victoria Bailey, ’15, married Kyle Olson, ’15, Dec. 30, 2017, at Sacred Heart Cultural Center in Augusta, Georgia. They met in their first-year chemistry class in 2011. Members of the wedding party included Ruchi Patel, ’14, Lauren Hoover, ’15, Paige Eber, ’14, Michael Simmons, ’15, Matthew Brady, ’17, William Cann, ’14 and Evan Crane, ’15.

Please submit your news for Class Notes at:

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In Memoriam Catherine Vincent* Coressa Veal* Joseph McMillan Floy Ford Wells, ’17 Vera Brinson Rowe, ’22 Mabelle Swan Noack, ’36 Frances Ivey Miller, ’37 Elizabeth Worthy Andrews, ’39 Dixie Barnett Carey, ’39 Mildred Strickland Cooper, ’39 Dora Turner White, ’39 Marie 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 LaFunete, ’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 Marion Virginia Hood Wilson, ’47 Thelma Frazier Evans, ’48 Sara Tate Herndon, ’48 Margaret Vaughan Brown, ’49 Joan Carter, ’49 Ann Shuman Green, ’49 Marian LaNelle Bailey Lasseter, ’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 Eulalle Massee Woeltjen, ’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. J. 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, ’83 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 Dec. 7, 2018.

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A special bond that lasts forever It was during her first year at Georgia College that Judith Hadley Maxwell, ’64, and her team won the Golden Slipper award. She remembers it vividly. Maxwell was a pianist, pretending to play “Somewhere over the Rainbow” while sitting on another student who acted as her piano bench.

“Everyone had a part in it,” she said. “Golden Slipper week was sheer excitement. Everybody worked together, and even the professors helped.”

‘I didn’t know learning could be so much fun.’ This was because we not only learned the theory, but we also applied it,” she said.

While teaching, Maxwell faced a unique challenge. The principal of the school informed her that the boys shop class was canceled, and he wanted her to teach 16 boys how to type. She had never taught an all-boys class before.

“This was one of the most challenging and fun years of teaching I’ve had,” she said. “When I returned to the school for its 25th reunion, one of those boys’ mothers ran up to me with a big hug saying, ‘Thank you for saving my son’s life.’”

There was also less homework assigned during that week.

“Afterwards, we all would gather around and celebrate,” Maxwell said. “My mother even came down and brought her homemade coconut cake.”

Winning the Golden Slipper Award was one of the contributing factors that played into her decision to stay at Georgia College for four years instead of her original plan of attending two years for business. Her professors also made the difference in her pursuing a four-year teaching degree in business education.

“When I first started at Georgia College, I did not even realize that teaching was one of my gifts,” said Maxwell. “All the professors got me on the right track, so I appreciate that.”

Maxwell was especially fond of Dr. Rosa Lee Walston, HA ’72, professor emeritus of English.

“Her love of learning commanded my respect,” she said. “It inspired me to apply myself.”

Soon after she graduated, Maxwell emulated the positive learning environment she experienced at Georgia College as a high school business teacher and head of the department.

“I remember one of my eighth grade students in typing class who remarked,

The woman’s son was drafted. However, because he was the only one in his unit that could type, he stayed in the U.S. while everyone else shipped off to war in Vietnam.

Although retired, Maxwell still teaches Sunday School as well as the Good News Club after school program. She also served on the 50th Class Reunion Committee at Georgia College.

“Our class had that special connection that people don’t have today,” she said.

“Being a small, all-girls school brought us closer. We had camaraderie and the Golden Slipper was a focal point. It just holds a special meaning and connection that becomes easily rekindled every time we get together.”

Maxwell feels it was a good four years. Now, she and her husband Joe want to honor Georgia College by including it in her will. She hopes students who receive her scholarship will relish the educational opportunity it affords.

“I want to invest in the future of someone else with the same benefits that helped me,” she said. “I just want to give them an opportunity to do something with their lives in an environment that teaches and encourages students to do their best.”

You can leave a learning legacy as well and create opportunities for future generations. Contact Dan Lavery at 478-445-1236 or dan.lavery@gcsu.edu to find out how.