Connection Magazine Fall 2012

Dr. Steve Dorman: 11th President of Georgia College

Georgia WebMBA速 Celebrates 10 years

Lisa Baer: GC Fulbright Scholar

2012 Alumni Award Winners

FROM THE DIRECTOR OF ALUMNI AND PARENT RELATIONS

Dear alumni and friends, It’s my pleasure to say hello to you as the new director of alumni and parent relations at Georgia College. Since early April I’ve enjoyed working to advance the mission of my alma mater. We continue to work diligently on ways to keep our alumni and friends engaged through planning events, building our social media presence and developing ways for you to volunteer. Georgia College is a special place, and we want you to stay connected.

Through the strong leadership of our alumni board and other dedicated volunteers, we’ve been able to expand the number of events throughout Georgia and nationally. This coming year will be no exception, as we’re making plans for activities in just about every region of the state, with New York City and Washington D.C. also on the schedule. We’ve also added some exciting opportunities at Alumni Weekend, Feb. 20-23, 2013. We hope to see you there!

President Steve Dorman

CONNECTION Fall 2012, Vol. XXII, No. 1 Copyright 2012. All rights reserved.

Published by University Communications A Division of University Advancement 231 W. Hancock St. Milledgeville, GA 31061

Vice President for External Relations and University Advancement Amy Amason Associate Vice President for Strategic Communications John Hachtel

As you explore this issue of Connection, you’ll see that we attempt to share a small glimpse of the global influence both coming out of Georgia College, and coming into Georgia College from around the world.

Obviously, it would be impossible to cover every angle of every global influence around our campus. That objective would take years of research and fill many more pages than this one issue of Connection. However, this small sample of stories should give you just a small glimpse of how Georgia College is a very international, diverse and influential institution that is making quite a splash around our world.

We’d love to learn more great stories of what our faculty, staff, alumni and students are accomplishing. If you know of some examples of how Georgia College is making a difference, let us know by sending an email to connection@gcsu.edu.

See you soon, Matthew Mize, '06, '08

Associate Vice President for Development and Alumni Relations Bill Doerr Editor/Director of Publications and Marketing Kyle Brogdon, ‘96 Writers Judy Bailey Candace Morrow Al Weston

Design Jon Scott, ’83 Photography Tim Vacula, ’86 Video production Chris Brown, '03 Stacey Lumley, '99 Bill Wendt, '85 Web production Barbara Monnett, '06 Mark Misinco, '09

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

gcsu.edu

Contents CONNECTION MAGAZINE | FALL 2012

4 Up Front 9 History & Heritage 12 Graduate Programs 14 San Salvador

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Alumna earns prestigious international scholarship

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Theatre students honor Holocaust survivor during performances

16 Cover Story 22 Alumni Profiles 24 Programs of Distinction 26 Alumni Awards 28 Sports 30 Class Notes

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On the Cover: Cover illustration depicting the global influence of Georgia College by artist Ron E. Ott: www.roneott.com

Rosalie Richards: Georgia College’s Kaolin Endowed Chair in Science

Stay connected with Georgia College through our social media channels:

facebook.com/gacollege

twitter.com/georgiacollege

youtube.com/georgiacollege

Subscribe to our monthly alumni enewsletter by sending your email address to alumni@gcsu.edu

UP FRONT

New GC President Dr. Steve Dorman (center) meets with Rep. Rusty Kidd (left) and Sen. Johnny Grant (right) during his first week on the job.

Dorman named president of Georgia College Dr. STeve MICHAel DOrMAN HAS beeN NAMeD AS THe NeW president of Georgia College by the University System of Georgia’s board of regents.

Dorman began his role as eleventh president of Georgia College on Sept. 1, 2012.

“The campus search committee is to be commended for their excellent and diligent work in identifying quality candidates to be considered by the board of regents,” said USG Chancellor Hank Huckaby. “The board and I are excited about the leadership skills Dr. Dorman brings to the University System’s liberal arts university.” regent Doreen Stiles Poitevint, chair of the Special regents’ Committee for the presidential search at Georgia College, echoed the Chancellor’s comments adding that Georgia College “can now begin to write a new chapter under Dr. Dorman’s leadership.”

Dorman comes to Georgia College from the University of Florida, where he served as dean and professor in the College of Health and Human Performance. Previously, Dorman served as professor and head of the Department of Health and Kinesiology at Texas A&M University. before becoming head of the department, he served as professor and division chair.

In 1996, Dorman served as graduate coordinator working with master and doctoral students in Health Science education and Health behavior. He also served as the director of the Master of Public Health degree program, an interdisciplinary degree program initially sponsored by the College of Medicine, College of Health Professions and College of Health and Human Performance at the University of Florida.

Dorman earned a bachelor of Science degree in biology at lee University in Cleveland, Tenn. He earned a Master of Public Health Degree in Community Health education, going on to complete his doctoral studies and earning his Ph.D. in Health education at the University of Tennessee in Knoxville.

"Janie and I are excited to be bobcats and discovering more about what makes Georgia College such a special place," said Dorman. "The advancement of Georgia's public liberal arts university is crucial to the future of the state as a whole. Georgia needs critical thinkers who have been well trained through the excellent education at Georgia College." ■ 4

Georgia College Connection • Fall 2012

Alumnus named director of alumni, parent relations AlUMNUS MATT MIze, ’06, ’08, has been named director of alumni and parent relations.

“Matt’s first-hand knowledge of Georgia College as both a student and a staff member coupled with his experience working within the University System of Georgia make him the perfect person to represent the university to our alumni and parents,” said bill Doerr, associate vice president for development and alumni relations.

Mize earned a bachelor’s degree in political science in 2006 and a master’s degree in public administration in 2008.

He began working at Georgia College as a graduate assistant in admissions in 2006 while pursuing his master’s degree. Mize became assistant director of admissions in January 2007.

“Georgia College is a place I’m passionate about,” Mize said. “As director of alumni and parent relations, I have the opportunity to make an impact on our connections with graduates and the parents of our students. I look forward to this new challenge.” ■

GIVE Center director receives national Girl Scouts award GeOrGIA COlleGe GIve Center director Kendall Stiles has received the 2012 Women of Distinction Award by Girl Scouts of Historic Georgia for setting an example of excellence in her community.

Stiles became one of five honorees to receive this year’s award in central Georgia. The annual award is part of the organization’s 100th Stiles anniversary, celebrating founder Juliette Gordon low’s legacy to develop youth into community leaders. “receiving this type of recognition is exciting and a nice surprise,” said Stiles. “I was a Girl Scout for nearly 10 years. I always admired Juliette Gordon low and still follow her message through the GIve Center.”

As founder and director of the GIve Center and Hands On Milledgeville, Stiles spent the past 18 years working in volunteerism and student development efforts.

Stiles earned both a bachelor’s degree in elementary education and master’s degree in leadership in higher education from Appalachian State University in North Carolina.

Currently, Stiles serves as vice president of training and development for the Georgia Association of volunteer Administrators. She has served as president of the Georgia Campus Community Service Association and on the board of directors for big brothers big Sisters of Oconee, The American Cancer Society, Oconee Prevention resource Council and life enrichment Center.

“Girl Scouts empowers and builds character, which is what the GIve Center affords our dedicated students,” Stiles said. “With this recognition, I received the opportunity to share the GIve Center story and how are students are making an impact in the community. I hope to nominate a worthy person for next year’s award. The award is truly an honor.” ■ Visit gcsu.edu/give to learn more about Georgia College’s GIVE Center. Visit www.gshg.org for more information about the Women of Distinction Award.

Alex Gregory serves as a GEM mentor to GC students, including Meredith Carpenter, ’11, seen here with Gregory at YKK headquarters.

Alex Gregory awarded Mike Mansfield Award Alex GreGOrY, ’78, ’79, WHO HOlDS TWO master’s degrees from Georgia College and has served for more than 20 years as a member of the Foundation board of Trustees, has been awarded the Mike Mansfield Award, presented by The Japan-America Society of Georgia.

“I am proud and honored to receive this award,” said Gregory, chairman of YKK Corporation of America’s board of directors and president and CeO of the Marietta-based company. “The relationship between Georgia and Japan has really blossomed in the nearly 40 years since I went to work for YKK in Macon. Fostering good will between Japan and Georgia comes naturally to me and to most Georgia citizens.”

Gregory has been deeply involved with Atlanta’s and Georgia’s Japanese community for many years. He serves on the board of the Japan-America Society of Georgia. In 2000, Gregory received the annual Yamabikokai Award presented by the Japanese Chamber of Commerce of Georgia. He also received the first Governor George busbee Award from thenGovernor Sonny Perdue in 2004 in recognition of his dedication to stronger relations between Georgia and Japan.

The "Mike Mansfield Awards" were established in December 1985 by the executive committee of The JapanAmerica Society of Georgia in honor of former Ambassador Mansfield's efforts in fostering good will between Japan and the United States. The awards are presented to outstanding Americans and Japanese who continuously contribute their efforts toward promoting better understanding of cultural and economic issues between the people of the United States and Japan.

Gregory also participates annually in the university’s Georgia education Mentorship program, providing valuable experience and guidance to students. He is a member of the Georgia Chamber of Commerce’s board of directors, The Carter Center’s board of councilors and The Georgian Club’s board of directors.

Gregory earned a bachelor’s degree in textile engineering from Georgia Tech, and MbA, ’78, and MSA, ’79, degrees from Georgia College. ■

Georgia College Connection • Fall 2012

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Junior named national green chemistry scholar

Junior Peng Hao was named a 2012 National Science Foundation Scholar for his green chemistry research.

Provost accepts chancellor position at USC Aiken Dr. SANDrA J. JOrDAN, GeOrGIA COlleGe’S provost and vice president for academic affairs, is the new chancellor of the University of South Carolina Aiken.

“Sandra Jordan’s background leading a distinguished faculty and advocating tirelessly on behalf of students give her the experience and vision necessary to take the helm at a thriving campus like USC Aiken,” said USC President Harris Pastides. “The board of Trustees and I have high aspirations for the next chancellor, and I am confident we found the right person for the job.”

Jordan will become the fourth chancellor of USC Aiken, succeeding Dr. Thomas l. Hallman who is retiring after 13 years in that position.

Jordan is the first woman to assume the top position at the university.

“I have enjoyed a privileged career, which includes the honor of serving as provost and vice president of academic affairs at Georgia College,” she said. “I am proud of Georgia College’s accomplishments and grateful for the support I’ve received and the life-long friends I’ve made while serving at this fine university.”

Jordan became Georgia College’s first provost beginning July 2009.

J. Whitney bunting College of business Dean Dr. Matthew liao-Troth is currently serving as interim provost. The search for a new provost began late this summer, with mass communication Professor Dr. Mary Jean land serving as search committee chair. ■ 6

Georgia College Connection • Fall 2012

GeOrGIA COlleGe JUNIOr PeNG HAO JOINeD student scholars of Ivy league schools to present his “green” research at this year’s international Green Chemistry & engineering Conference.

The chemistry major from eatonton became a 2012 National Science Foundation (NSF) Scholar for his green chemistry research, which he presented during the 16th annual event earlier this year in Washington, D.C. “When I found out I became a NSF scholar, I thought it was impossible,” said Hao. “This recognition is a first for me, so I feel lucky and blessed.”

The undergraduate research student was selected to join 22 NSF science scholars from schools such as Yale University, University of Pennsylvania, University of Iowa and University of California, berkeley.

His work earned NSF’s highly competitive Student Travel Scholarship to participate in the conference with Georgia College faculty mentor Dr. Koushik banerjee.

“This scholarship is very competitive,” said banerjee, assistant professor of chemistry. “It’s exciting that Georgia College’s talented, innovative students like Peng are recognized for great research on an international level.” ■

Mass communication professor named among top 50 in the country MASS COMMUNICATION PROFESSOR Dr. Ginger Carter Miller has been named one of the top 50 journalism professors in the United States.

Miller also represents one of only two University System of Georgia faculty members to make the top 50, published earlier this year by journalismdegree.org.

“It’ s always humbling to receive recognition for the work I love so much,” Miller said. “After looking at the list, I’m truly honored to be chosen. I know and have worked with many of the professors on the list.

It’s an outstanding group.”

The online journalism site selected the professors after researching nominees. The selection process included professors’ student reviews, experience, expertise, web presence and nominations from peers.

Miller received a 2011 national teaching award presented by the national Association for Education in Journalism and Mass Communication (AEJMC). The award recognized her commitment to connecting Georgia College public relations students to the community through service learning projects.

Miller earned a bachelor’s degree in journalism from Georgia State University. She earned a master’s degree in speech communication with a concentration in public relations from Auburn University and a doctorate of philosophy with an emphasis in journalism history from University of Southern Mississippi. ■

Telescope completes Herty Hall expansion Georgia College contributes $183 million to local economy The new Wellness and recreation Center was a major element of the economic impact on the local economy A RECENT STUDY ESTIMATES GEORGIA COLLEGE contributed $183 million to the local economy during the 2011 fiscal year — a $6 million increase from the 2010 estimate.

Despite the recent economic downturn, the report by the Selig Center for Economic Growth in the University of Georgia’s Terry College of Business also showed Georgia College’s presence in the community provided 2,256 local jobs — both on and off campus.

“The transformation of becoming Georgia's public liberal arts university nearly 16 years ago has been vital to the overall economic health of this region,” said Paul Jones. “It is great to see the university's influence and its contributions to the overall health and well-being of our economy. Not only have our faculty, staff and students had a positive impact, but the impact of several construction projects and other vendor activities has also had an equally positive impact on the region.”

The annual Selig survey for Georgia College’s economic impact includes Baldwin, Hancock, Putnam, Wilkinson, Jones and Washington counties.

Georgia College’s effect on the region’s economy is part of the combined economic impact of the University System of Georgia’s 35 institutions on their host communities that reached $13.2 billion in fiscal year 2011, which is 5 percent higher than the $12.6 billion reported for fiscal year 2010. ■

FARAWAY GALAXIES, STARS AND PLANETS COME TO LIFE through the viewer of a new 24-inch research telescope atop Georgia College’s Herty Hall.

The snare drum-shaped observatory telescope, erected in Herty Hall’s 15-foot-high, corrugated aluminum dome in May, completed the science building’s $3.4 million, 17,000square-foot expansion.

“This telescope will not only allow students more observation and research opportunities,” said Dr. Donovan Domingue, professor of physics and astronomy at Georgia College and telescope facilitator, “but also will provide sky viewing for our local community.”

As powerful as many telescopes along the East Coast, the 300-pound telescope can zoom to planets and deep-sky objects like star clusters and cosmic clouds. The highpowered telescope gathers nearly six times the amount of light as the previous 10-inch model located on Herty Hall’s outside rooftop.

Chemistry professor Dr. Doug Pohl donated more than $100,000 to help Georgia College purchase the observatory telescope.

“The telescope will provide a positive outreach into the community for science,” Pohl said. “I hope it will interest more young people to develop a love of science.”

“It’s exciting to have the telescope installed and ready for use,” said Domingue.

“Now the public and our campus can search for asteroids and galaxies like never before.” ■

Georgia College Connection • Fall 2012

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PEOPLE Georgia College’s first Fulbright Scholar:

lisa baer

Alumna earns prestigious international scholarship GeOrGIA COlleGe AlUMNA lISA bAer, ’11, has become a member of a prestigious international group of scholars. baer has been accepted as a U.S. Student Fulbright Scholar — a first for Georgia College.

The award provides the psychology major and honors graduate opportunities to teach, study and conduct research in various countries. baer’s english Teaching Assistantship position sends her to teach english to Mongolian students at Mongolian State University of Agriculture during fall semester 2012.

“My initial reaction was to laugh and then cry with happiness,” said baer. “I couldn’t sleep for hours. receiving a Fulbright award is one of the hardest things to accomplish.”

The Fulbright Program, sponsored by the U.S. Department of State’s bureau of educational and Cultural Affairs, awards approximately 8,000 grants annually.

Its U.S. Scholar Program sends approximately 1,100 American scholars and professionals per year to roughly 125 countries. Scholars gain experience in lecture and research skills from a variety of academic and professional fields.

Dr. Steven elliott-Gower, who has served as a Fulbright adviser at both Georgia College and University of Georgia, encouraged baer to apply for the international scholarship. “lisa was competitive for this award well before applying,” said elliott-Gower, director of the Georgia College Honors Program. “The Honors Program has a special interest and focus on global learning. lisa was

prepared and had a good sense of Mongolia’s history, culture and national aspirations in the modern world.” baer studied psychology at Georgia College because she enjoys research and the scientific process that goes into learning about something as unique as humans. After earning her bachelor’s degree, baer moved to China to teach english.

“I love the common threads that tie individuals together and exploring how the brain copes with various events,” baer said. “Chinese students are under immense pressure to excel in school, but they are still developing teenagers in a traditional society. It is helpful to have my psychological science degree because it aids me while teaching and living in China.” baer had planned to volunteer with the Peace Corps in Ukraine after her China experience, until she found out she earned the Fulbright award to Mongolia located in east and Central Asia.

“This assistantship in Mongolia includes an independent research interest,” baer said. “My research interest is a study on ‘Family and Cross-Cultural values,’ which includes Hungarians, Italians, Americans and now Mongolians.” baer helps students learn the english language while advancing her research.

“I hope to gain a better cultural understanding of Mongolians while providing them with a clearer view of American cultures and traditions,” she said. “I want to learn their language, customs and traditions while having an amazing time.” ■

Visit gcsu.edu/honors to learn more about Georgia College Honors Program.

Visit iie.org/en/Fulbright/ to learn more about the Fulbright Scholarship.

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Georgia College Connection • Fall 2012

HISTORY&HERITAGE

ennis Hall

TOP: Ennis Hall in the early 1900s.

MIDDLE: Today, Ennis Hall is in the midst of a renovation that will equip the historic building for university usage once again.

BOTTOM: Interior image shows the desperate need for renovation.

For more information about the history of Georgia College, search “archives” at gcsu.edu.

FOr STUDeNTS DUrING THe 1930s, eNNIS HAll became their final home on the campus of Georgia Normal & Industrial College. Seniors would spend their last year living and studying together in the four-story dormitory across the street from Front Campus.

The 94-year-old building is named after the late state rep. J.H. ennis of Milledgeville. ennis introduced a state bill in 1917 to upgrade Georgia Normal & Industrial College to a four-year college with the authority to confer degrees upon its graduates. built in 1918, the building housed special guests during the 1940s: members of the Women Accepted for volunteer emergency Service (WAveS). The WAveS were a World War II division of the U.S. Navy consisting entirely of women.

Seniors moved out of ennis Hall to make room for these female sailors during their three-month studies to learn clerical work, medical professions, communications, intelligence, storekeeping and science and technology. ennis Hall’s first academic assignments came later. First, psychology students, and later, nursing students, kept long hours in ennis Hall’s classrooms.

During the past few years, ennis Hall has fallen into disrepair and became vacant earlier this year after The GIve Center relocated to the Maxwell Student Union. Today, ennis Hall stands poised for a new mission.

Georgia Gov. Nathan Deal signed the 2012-2013 state budget in May that includes $9.6 million in bond funding to preserve and renovate ennis Hall.

“Georgia College is grateful to Gov. Deal and the Georgia General Assembly for their support,” said Amy Amason, vice president for external relations and university advancement. “We also greatly appreciate the leadership of our local legislators, Sen. Johnny Grant and rep. rusty Kidd, in our efforts to maintain and renovate our historic facilities.”

The renovation will bring 34,000 square feet of high quality, specialized instructional space back into use and directly enhance learning outcomes for students.

The ennis renovation project has been Georgia College’s highest construction priority for several years. Georgia College already has invested $350,000 in design, making the project ready for its recent launch.

Georgia College anticipates the renovation will be complete in about 12 months. ■

Georgia College Connection • Fall 2012

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Center stage in the Czech Republic Theatre students honor Holocaust survivor during international performances

“The Flights of Jan Wiener” explores political issues surrounding the legacy of Wiener, who escaped Nazi occupation and fought for the United Kingdom’s Royal Air Force (RAF) during World War II.

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Georgia College Connection • Fall 2012

GeOrGIA COlleGe ACTOrS PUSHeD ArTISTIC boundaries this summer in an inspiring performance about Czech republic hero and Holocaust survivor Jan Wiener (1920-2010).

Nine theatre students traveled nearly 5,000 miles to celebrate the legacy of Wiener during the annual european regional Theatre Festival — Central europe’s largest international festival featuring 200 performances in plays, concerts, exhibitions and workshops.

Throughout the festival, the student actors gave four stage performances of “The Flights of Jan Wiener” in the Czech republic capital, Prague, and the town of Hradec Králové.

“We’re the only academic student group that performs annually at the festival,” said Dr. Karen berman, chair of the Georgia College Theatre Department. “Our on-site host, professor Standa bohadlo at the University of Hradec Králové, arranged our performances and provided our students with educational and historical tours throughout the town.”

The student actors performed “The Flights of Jan Wiener” for hundreds of audience members, including Wiener’s widow, zuzana Wiener. “zuzana attended the play and ran on stage to hug our actors after the third curtain call,” berman said. “During lunch with us at a restaurant dedicated to her husband’s life, she told us about her work as a dance teacher and film instructor, urging our students to ‘follow your heart and you will always be happy.’”

Georgia College senior theatre major Amy Carpenter played Wiener’s stepmother, eva Wiener.

“The play took a new meaning when we met zuzana,” said Carpenter. “When she gave us firsthand accounts of the events we portrayed on stage, suddenly everything we did and said had more weight. My biggest challenge was getting the emotions correct for the suicide scene. It was a hard place, but I trusted my fellow actors and myself.”

The play also stretched the student actors physically.

Students used their bodies to create a british bomber plane and barbed wire fence.

“At one point I was upside down for several minutes to create the back of a plane,” Carpenter said. “It was really hard.

I had to teach myself to live in a place where I could find peace since my body was so uncomfortable.” born into a Jewish family in Hamburg, Germany, Wiener and his family fled to Prague when the Nazis seized control of Germany and took over Czechoslovakia. His father committed suicide and his mother died in a concentration camp.

Wiener escaped through Italy to join the rAF. He served as a radio navigator throughout the war. When the war ended in 1945, he returned to Czechoslovakia.

During 1948, the communists took over Czechoslovakia and imprisoned Wiener for five years as an enemy of the state.

Wiener emigrated from the Czech to the United States during 1964 and became a professor of history at American University in Washington, D.C. After 1989, Wiener frequently returned home to Prague and eventually moved back for good, becoming a lecturer at Charles University and New York University’s campus in Prague. berman wrote the play with professional writer Paul Accettura. Georgia College Theatre Department then coproduced the play with professional theatre company Washington Women in Theatre, of which berman is a member. berman’s international troupe performed the inspiring play on campus fall semester in the Campus black box Theatre.

“The play provides an understanding of Jan Wiener’s contributions as a Czech hero, U.S. citizen and American professor,” berman said. “He brought Czech culture to the United States, and we brought his legacy back to his home to share with the Czech republic.” ■

To see this year’s complete theatre schedule, visit gcsu.edu/theatre.

Georgia College Connection • Fall 2012

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Head of the Class Celebrating its 10th anniversary, the Georgia WebMBA® continues to be ranked among the best online programs in the nation.

Interim Provost Dr. Matthew Liao-Troth has led the Georgia WebMBA® at Georgia College up the list of national rankings in recent years.

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Georgia College Connection • Fall 2012

GRADUATE PROGRAMS

THe J. WHITNeY bUNTING COlleGe OF business at Georgia College celebrates the 10th anniversary of graduates from its Georgia WebMbA® program this year.

The Georgia WebMbA® online program provides mid-career professionals opportunities to advance their degrees while keeping the demands of their careers and families in mind.

“These graduate students receive the benefit of an accredited MbA that is received without time and place limitations,” said Dr. Dale Young, interim dean of J. Whitney bunting College of business. “The program allows students to expand their education without having to put their careers on hold as is the case with a full-time program. The students also receive a significant value for the dollars invested because the program is so competitively priced.”

Georgia College is one of the founding members of the online Georgia WebMbA®. The University System of Georgia consortium program is a cohort-based, 21month accelerated program. The consortium currently includes Columbus State University, Kennesaw State University, Georgia Southern University, University of West Georgia and valdosta State University.

Five Georgia College business faculty members participate regularly in the program, including Management Information Systems professor Dr. Howard Woodard who earned the Georgia WebMbA® 2011 Teacher of the Year award.

The program has grown significantly during the past 10 years. It now offers seven cohorts each year across the consortium as opposed to only one cohort a year during the program’s infancy.

“I chose the Georgia WebMbA program because it allowed me to earn the same degree as residential students,” said Will Perry, ’10, of Orlando, Fla. “My MbA gave me the confidence to start my own firm, romulus Capital Holdings, llC. I serve as the company’s CeO and founding principal.”

Georgia College has graduated 98 students through the program during the past 10 years. Spring semester found the program’s highest enrollment ever at Georgia College with 56 students — just three students enrolled its first year.

“The program is an exceptional learning experience, offered by a consortium of the Association to Advance

Collegiate Schools of business accredited schools,” Young said. “Members of the consortium place heavy emphasis on high interaction, responsive instruction to our students.”

The Georgia WebMbA® program accounts for 38 percent of the enrollment in MbA programs at Georgia College.

“The online program is an important component of the suite of graduate programs offered by the College of business,” Young said. “For MbA degrees, we offer a fulltime, cohort-based program for non-business undergraduates; a part-time, classroom-based program for working adults, and the Georgia WebMbA ®, meeting graduate training needs for recent graduates of undergraduate programs.” earlier this year U.S. News & World report ranked the Georgia WebMbA® at Georgia College 43rd, 44th and 85th among graduate online MbA programs.

More than 900 colleges and universities across the United States were invited to participate. The scores represent faculty credentials and training (43); student services and technology (44); and student engagement and accreditation (85).

CeO Magazine has selected the Georgia WebMbA® as a top-tier online MbA program for three consecutive years, one of only 26 programs selected worldwide.

Geteducated.com also ranked Georgia WebMbA® No. 1 in student satisfaction and No. 2 in public perception among online MbA programs. businessMbA.org ranks the program 15th for best value.

“The program will very likely expand as interest in high-quality, moderately priced education continues to grow,” Young said. “The program is meeting the needs of graduate students in Georgia and beyond. Online graduate education meets the needs of a significant segment of the adult population.”

“We are very proud of offering an accredited MbA program online for the people of Georgia, and are happy to mark this milestone in the history of the program,” said GC Interim Provost Matthew liao-Troth, on leave from his role as dean of the College of business. “As one of the oldest MbA programs in the state, we are very proud of providing this access to a quality program with an active and successful alumni base.” ■

For more information on the Georgia WebMBA®, contact Lynn Hanson at 478-445-5115, or visit makeyournextmove.org.

Georgia College Connection • Fall 2012

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Studying in

San Salvador Dr. Melanie DeVore annually takes a group of students to the Bahamas, but they’re in for more than a day at the beach.

Coral reefs and marine life create an underwater classroom along the shores of San Salvador Island in the Bahamas like no other across the globe.

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Georgia College Connection • Fall 2012

JUST A FeW YArDS FrOM THe beACH, THe SHAllOW patch reefs, seagrass, green sea turtles, barracuda, starfish and conch provide students real life experience in biology, geology, environmental science and archeology.

“San Salvador offers a unique opportunity for students and researchers,” said Dr. Melanie Devore, Georgia College professor in the Department of biological and environmental Sciences.

“The island provides access to coral reefs, mangrove swamps and caves with unique ecosystems that you cannot find within driving distance of each other anywhere else in the world.”

Devore led a group of 17 Georgia College students during a two-week Maymester research study abroad experience at Gerace research Center — Devore’s 13th year escorting students to the underwater classroom.

The curriculum was challenging and the pace grueling.

Fourteen-hour days meant hours of snorkeling and scuba diving to collect data and samples, miles of hiking and overcoming fears to explore water-filled caves. Two hours of lectures and laboratory experiments brought the days to their end.

“Holding labs and lectures at night taught us about the textbook stuff,” said junior Antoinette Nienaber. “The cool part was going out the next day and seeing it.”

The research Georgia College graduate Matt Doyle, who completed his biology degree in May, made the trip for the fourth consecutive year.

“It just keeps calling me back,” Doyle said. “The research center and the island have a strange pull on me. It’s magical. I can’t seem to get enough of it.”

Doyle helped newcomers in the group with snorkeling skills, sample gathering and their research.

Students logged between 30 and 40 hours snorkeling along the water’s surface, peering underwater to count fish and check the health of reefs. Some of the students saw healthy green turtles and conch and came face-to-face with barracuda.

“I’ve watched changes in the marine life during my research here,” Doyle said. “We recorded an abundance of brown algae and a shrinking fish population this year. Our studies measure those changes to help preserve the reefs and ocean life here.”

Students spent hours collecting and identifying algae species — a good indicator of the health of the ecosystem. They also used grids to record the types of living species in an assigned area.

“These exercises helped us realize the amount of life along the shoreline and in shallow water,” Nienaber said. “Attention to detail makes the research tedious but accurate.”

One of the new concerns for researchers is the invasion of lion fish — a spiny poisonous fish to the area that creates an imbalance in the ecosystems. Posters around the island request snorkelers and scuba divers to kill any lion fish they find.

Doyle sharpened a limb and speared several lion fish during this recent trip. He removed the poisonous spines and cooked the fish for fellow students to taste.

“It’s delicious,” he said. “Kinda tastes like grouper but a little sweeter.”

The research center biologists, environmentalists and ecologists travel from across the globe to conduct research at Gerace research Center, The College of The bahamas.

The centre, occupying a former U.S. Navy base, has provided education and research opportunities for scientists for more than 30 years.

Directly across the Queen’s Highway lays Grahams Harbor, offering an underwater classroom filled with reefs and other marine life.

“It offers the most beautiful view in the world,” Doyle said.

“It’s breathtaking.”

Geology students study Pleistocene and modern carbonate environments for research in sedimentology, stratigraphy, paleontology and field mapping. biology and ecology students study the varied habitats including hypersaline lakes, shrubcovered terrestrial settings, rocky keys, sea grass beds, mangroves and coral reefs. And archaeology students focus on both prehistoric and historic sites.

Study abroad Studying abroad offers students more than a unique site to pursue their chosen subject matter.

"Studying abroad is an essential part of a university education,” said Dr. Dwight Call, Georgia College’s assistant vice president for international education. “In addition to building skills that enhance employment prospects, studying abroad extends learning beyond the classroom and campus.”

Georgia College offers its students opportunities to study most any subject in countries around the world. Students gain in-depth knowledge of other cultures, customs, languages and people.

As a group, the San Salvador students presented their recent research findings in a letter penned to the bahamas’ newly-elected deputy prime minister as a plea to help preserve the islands natural resources.

“That letter sparked some action with the deputy prime minister forwarding it to the bahamian National Trusts that’s responsible for developing protected marine areas,” Devore said.

“The students were able to see that their research was more than for a grade. This year’s research provided value to the island and its residents.”

The San Salvador program also offered several firsts for Georgia College students. One student took her first trip on an airplane; another her first dip in the ocean; and for several, their first snorkeling experiences.

The students also grew into a team, helping each other and snorkeling in pairs. After their return, the students developed a Facebook page about their adventures and as a way to stay in touch.

“Study abroad is a life-changing experience,” Call said. “It helps students mature emotionally and intellectually.” ■

For more information on study abroad at Georgia College, visit gcsu.edu/studyabroad.

Georgia College Connection • Fall 2012

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ALUMNI LIVING ABROAD • Afghanistan • Antilles • Argentina • Armenia • Australia • Azerbaijan • Belize • Belgium • Bolivia • Brazil • British Virgin Islands • Canada • Chile • China • Colombia • Costa Rica • Democratic Republic of the Congo • Denmark

• Dominican Republic • Ecuador • El Salvador • Gambia • Germany • Guatemala • Hungary • India • Italy • Honduras • Jamaica • Japan • Kenya • Tanzania • Mexico • Mongolia • Morocco • Nepal • Netherlands • Niger

• Nigeria • Norway • Oman • Peru • Poland • Russia • South Korea • Spain • Sweden • Switzerland • Taiwan • Thailand • Trinidad & Tobago • Tunisia • United Arab Emirates • United Kingdom • Venezuela • Zambia

STUDY ABROAD OPPORTUNITIES • Argentina • Austria • Australia • The Bahamas • Belgium • Belize • Bolivia • Botswana • Brazil • Bulgaria • Cameroon • Canada • Colombia • Chile • China • Costa Rica • Croatia • Czech Republic • Denmark • Dominican Republic • Egypt • Ecuador • Estonia • Fiji • Finland • France

• Germany • Ghana • Greece • Hungary • Iceland • India • Indonesia • Ireland • Israel • Italy • Japan • Jordan • Kenya • La Reunion • Latvia • Lithuania • Madagascar • Malaysia • Malta • Mexico • Mongolia • Morocco • Nambia • Netherlands • New Zealand • Nicaragua

• Nigeria • Norway • Oman • Panama • Peru • The Philippines • Poland • Romania • Russia • Scotland • South Africa • South Korea • Spain • Sweden • Switzerland • Taiwan • Tanzania • Thailand • Trinidad & Tobago • Tunisia • Turkey • Turks & Caicos • Uganda • United Arab Emirates • United Kingdom • Wales

North America:

South America:

International Students or Alumni from: Antilles, Belize, British Virgin Islands, Canada, Costa Rica, Dominican Republic, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, Jamaica, Mexico, St. Kitts & Nevis, Trinidad & Tobago

International Students or Alumni from: Argentina, Bolivia, Brazil, Chile, Colombia, Ecuador, Peru, Venezuela Faculty/Staff from abroad:

Faculty/Staff from abroad: Myron Avila - Guatemala Dave Bachoon - Trinidad & Tobago Steve Barsby - Canada Gael Guzman-Medrano - Nicaragua Ron Fietkau - Canada Renee Fontenot - Canada Jude Hirsch - Canada

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Jim Lidstone - Canada Johanna Ramirez-Suero Dominican Republic Rosalie Richards - Antigua Marlene Roldan-Romero - Mexico Liz Speelman - Canada

Georgia College Connection • Fall 2012

Sunita Boodhan-Day - Suriname Aurora Castillo - Colombia Josefina Endere - Argentina Anisio Martins dos Santo - Brazil Sergio Patitucci Saieh - Colombia

Europe: International Students or Alumni from: Austria, Belarus, Bulgaria, Croatia, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Italy, Moldova, Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Romania, Serbia, Slovakia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Ukraine, United Kingdom Faculty/Staff from abroad: Tony Alcarria - Spain Hauke Busch - Germany George Cazacu - Romania Rodika Cazacu - Romania Caroline Collier - France Marcela Chiorescu - Romania Beate Czogalla - Germany Steve Elliott Gower - UK

Hedwig Fraunhofer - Germany Agnes Kim - Switzerland Kalina Manoylov - Bulgaria Aran MacKinnon, UK Vladislav Manoylov - Bulgaria Joe Mocnik - Croatia

BOBCAT ATHLETES FROM • Olavarria, Argentina • Sydney, Australia • Sao Paulo, Brazil • Arris, Canada • Coordimanche, France • Paris, France • Frankfurt, Germany • Rottweil, Germany • Novi Sad, Serbia • Bratislava, Slovakia • Helsingborg, Sweden • Karlskoga, Sweden

PARTNER INSITUTIONS IN • Australia • Belize • Czech Republic • England • France • Germany • Hungary • India • Japan

• Mexico • Morocco • Nigeria • Peru • Romania • South Korea • Spain • Sweden • Turkey

Africa:

Asia:

Australia:

International Students or Alumni from: Burundi, Cameroon, Chad, Congo, Cote D’Ivore, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Egypt, Ethiopia, Gabon, Gambia, Ghana, Kenya, La Reunion, Morocco, Niger, Nigeria, Rwanda, South Africa, Zambia, Zimbabwe

International Students or Alumni from: Afghanistan, Armenia, Azerbaijan, Bangladesh, China, Georgia, India, Indonesia, Iran, Iraq, Israel, Japan, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Mongolia, Nepal, Oman, Pakistan, The Philippines, Russia, Singapore, South Korea, Sri Lanka, Syria, Taiwan, Tajikistan, Thailand, Turkey, Uzbekistan, Vietnam

International Students or Alumni from: Australia, New Zealand

Tom Ormond - New Zealand Catherine Whelan - Australia

Faculty/Staff from abroad: Faculty/Staff from abroad: Mahamadou Diaby-Kassamba – Burkino Faso Funke Fontenot - Nigeria Chrispen Matsika - Zimbabwe Fadhili Mshana - Tanzania Christine Mutiti - Kenya Samuel Mutiti - Zambia Larbi Oukada - Morocco Eustace Palmer - Sierra Leone Indiren Pillay - South Africa Charles Ubah - Nigeria Mehenna Yakhou - Algeria

Koushik Banerjee - India Andreii Barkovski - Russia Lilia Biktyahkova - Uzbekistan Young Ho Cha - South Korea Tsu-Ming Chiang - Taiwan Kwan Christensen - Thailand Flor Culpa-Bondal - The Philippines Ellen France - South Korea Rui Kang - China

Faculty/Staff from abroad:

TeaYoun Kim-Kassor - South Korea Juan Ling - China Leng Ling - China Yi “Kathy” Liu - China Sunita Manian - India Yeprem Mehranian - Armenia Lucky Narain - India Sudeshna Pal - India Amit Poddar - India

Susmita Sadhu - India Samaparma Samanta - India Huaiyu “Henry” Wang - China Zhouyan Xie (Ambrose) - China Zhenhui Xu - China, Jiaqin Yang - China JF Yao - Taiwan Hong Yue- China

Georgia College Connection • Fall 2012

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n May 2012, Georgia College biology professor Ken Saladin took 12 students to the Galapagos Islands for a Maymester study abroad adventure. GC Photographer Tim Vacula accompanied the group, coaching them on capturing the surroundings they were learning about during their journey.

Their results were so outstanding, Connection magazine wanted to share the students’ perspectives of their trip, along with a sample of their photography.

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1 3

2 "The water was cool and crystal clear. The most beautiful water I've ever been in! The sun was going down as we floated so it was even more peaceful and humbling...I felt like I was the only person on earth. I will remember that feeling and the time and place forever."

- Jenna Flitcroft

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Georgia College Connection • Fall 2012

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7 "I felt something knock my fin and then if felt as if something grabbed and tugged on it. I freaked out and turned around to be face to face with a sea lion. He looked at me as if to say 'tag, you're it,' and then playfully did some underwater acrobatics and swam away."

- Jimmy Gardner

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11 1. Holly D’Amico—Biology major, senior 2. Jenna Flitcroft—Environmental science major, junior 3. Jimmy Gardner—Environmental science major, junior 4. Janet Ortega—Biology major, senior 5. Robert Gasper—Environmental science major, Spanish minor, junior 6. Max Donnan—Biology major, junior 7. Anna Wells—Psychology major, photography minor, senior 8. Sarah Hazzard—Biology graduate student 9. Anne Kennedy—Biology major, junior 10. Katie Smith—Chemistry major, senior 11. David Sanders—Biology major, Spanish minor, junior 12. Elizabeth Berkes—Biology major, senior

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Georgia College Connection • Fall 2012

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ENDOWED PROFESSORSHIP

Dr. Rosalie Richards Georgia College’s Kaolin Endowed Chair in Science

Serving as an endowed professor takes commitment, nonstop collaboration, communication, and campus and community support across all disciplines and professions.

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Georgia College Connection • Fall 2012

THe POSITION AlSO reQUIreS A DISTINCTIve personality — a person who is passionate about excellence in scholarship, research productivity and providing leadership and engaging learning opportunities inside and outside the classroom.

“An endowed professorship is a chance for a faculty member to bring a niche area of distinction into Georgia College,” said Dr. rosalie richards, Georgia College’s first Kaolin endowed Chair in Science. “The Kaolin endowed Chair in Science allows me to work with various disciplines to provide science-related possibilities for people of all ages.”

What the professorship is: The Kaolin endowed Chair in Science is an esteemed position in higher education. established during 2001, the kaolin industry of Middle Georgia and Georgia eminent Scholars endowment Trust Fund at the University System of Georgia (USG) created the professorship to support science education at Georgia College.

Many local kaolin companies contributed approximately $700,000 to establish the Kaolin endowed Chair in Science and Science education Outreach Program fund.

The Georgia eminent Scholars Program at USG matched those funds with a $500,000 contribution for the endowed chair in Georgia College’s Department of Chemistry, Physics and Astronomy.

Kaolin, known as “china clay,” is a white, alumina silicate used to produce products such as plastics, paper, paints and rubber. It is one of Georgia’s largest natural resources.

“Science is integral to our lives, education and economy,“ richards said. “The professorship offers opportunities to explore the many realms of science.”

Holding this position, richards is the founding director of Georgia College’s Science education Center, a resource center dedicated to excellence in science teaching and learning.

The center partners with local, state and national organizations to provide diverse professional development for faculty, students and K-12 teachers; scientific research experiences for students; scientific competitions; summer campus; community events; and program development.

Why she fits the position: richards started teaching science at age 18 in her homeland of Antigua in the West Indies.

“I learned early in life that in science the boundaries are boundless,” the science scholar said. richards earned a bachelor’s degree in chemistry with physics from the University of the virgin Islands in the U.S. virgin Islands and a doctorate in chemistry from the University of Southern California in los Angeles. before joining the faculty at Georgia College, richards worked as an educational consultant at Drew University of Medicine and Science in los Angeles; served as the first Model

Institutions for excellence Fellow in Chemistry at Spelman College in Atlanta; and co-developed the Program in Physical Science, a program funded by the Office of Naval research that significantly increased the number of women of color graduating with degrees in chemistry and physics at Spelman.

“I learned about the endowed chair position while teaching at Spelman but dismissed it as a ‘dream job,’” said richards.

“Fortunately, my resume was in the American Chemical Society’s database. Now, I’m contributing to Georgia College’s liberal arts mission through science education.” richards is responsible for accomplishing multiple goals throughout the academic year in the professorship: • Develop and support meaningful partnerships in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STeM) within and beyond campus • establish and support initiatives that promote faculty-student collaborations • Collaboratively identify challenges in science education and implement solutions • Connect the Middle Georgia community to science at Georgia College and beyond • Acquire resources to support science and other educational initiatives “My job requires a huge time commitment,” said richards.

“Our center’s work is to strategically build and position university projects and initiatives in science to ensure their sustainability. With that, I want to support learning experiences in science where people can simply wonder.” ■

Connecting the numbers: Dr. rosalie richards works alongside a range of students, faculty, staff, community members and state and national agencies to provide engaging sciencerelated opportunities at Georgia College. Throughout the academic year she collaborates with: • Approximately 250 faculty and staff members across campus • More than 100 students in her classrooms each semester • roughly 300 participants of the Science education Center’s summer science academy, including camps, teacher workshops, research programs and academic programs • More than 31 counties to foster projects and partnerships She also brings in approximately $600,000 per year in funding for science education through partnerships with individuals and organizations.

Visit www.gcsu.edu/science to learn more information about Georgia College’s Science Education Center.

Georgia College Connection • Fall 2012

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ALUMNI PROFILES

Global Graduates Two Indian alumni credit Georgia College for creative careers GEORGIA COLLEGE HAS CONNECTED with educational institutions more than 8,300 miles away in India to create global experiences for students and faculty.

For the past year and a half the university has formed strategic partnerships with India-based institutions Bharati Vidyapeeth University, Vidya Prathishthan’s Institute of Information Technology, Bangalore University and Institute of Health Management Research.

Georgia College representatives have traveled to India to identify and form sustainable relationships with higher education institutions for new study abroad and research opportunities.

During the visits, Georgia College reconnected with alumni — Ajay Agrawal, ’01, and Anshul Singhal, ’04 — who attribute their thriving careers to their educational experiences at the university.

“I served as the international student adviser when these students enrolled at Georgia College and worked with them closely,” said Libby Davis, associate director of Georgia College’s International Education Center. “They were active on campus and are now successful businessmen. As we form partnerships in India and recruit more students, our alumni are natural partners to help strengthen the Georgia College network around the globe.”

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Georgia College Connection • Fall 2012

Ajay Agrawal Alumnus Ajay Agrawal takes pride in his challenging business.

As founder and CeO of official academia licensing company Pride Forever in Mumbai, India, Agrawal supervises a range of apparel and gifts that brand educational institutes in India — a first for India.

“We create licensed academia merchandise via retail chains at schools, colleges and institutes,” said Agrawal, ’01. “Thanks to Georgia College’s bookstore, I got this thought of bringing this industry of campus stores to India.”

Pride Forever provides campus stores with merchandise for India-based educational institutions such as xlrI Jamshedpur, bombay Stock exchange, Christ University, Alliance University, ITM University, Manipal University, Pandit Deendayal Petroleum University, Peoples education Society and Whistling Woods International.

Agrawal developed the business after earning master’s degrees in business administration and management and information systems at Georgia College.

“I decided to pursue my master’s degrees at Georgia College since my cousins earned their education there and had really good thoughts about the university,” said Agrawal. “Milledgeville being a small town made it easy to adapt to the new culture.”

Agrawal earned his bachelor’s degree in commerce from Christ University in bangalore, India.

He always wanted to start and operate his own business. Georgia College helped him develop the skills needed to make his passion a reality.

“Georgia College helped me with communication and time management skills,” he said. “I also learned to interact with different ethnic groups from around the globe and give presentations to various audiences.

My fondest memory is of the university’s annual International Dinner and the new friends I made globally.”

His Georgia College experience also prepared Agrawal to connect with the people working at Pride Forever; use technology effectively to promote the company; and manage the overall operation of the business.

“I see Pride Forever growing during the next couple of years from a national to global platform,” Agrawal said. “We plan to set up at least 100 campus stores among top institutes during the next five years. Georgia College provided a great platform for education in all areas for me to build my career for tomorrow.” learn more about Agrawal’s company by visiting www.prideforever.com. ■

“What made my stint at the White House even more special was the fact that I was the only Indian awarded the internship out of 8,000 applicants across the nation.”

Anshul Singhal Anshul Singhal drives the vision of his company, JSW Severfield Structures ltd. — India’s first company to provide complete structural steel building solutions.

Singhal’s company plays a vital role in India’s economy, generating employment opportunities for more than 500 citizens. “every individual owes a lot to their nation and should make a conscious endeavor at all times to give back whatever possible to the motherland,” said Singhal, director of JSW Severfield Structures ltd.

“I’m delighted to share my organization because each employee is an integral part of my extended family.”

The international student studying economics wanted to contribute to his country, so he decided to advance his education at Georgia College.

“I’m a firm believer that it is not necessarily the biggest and best that always works for you,” said Singhal of Mumbai.

“You can make great things out of relatively smaller dwellings of life. Georgia College provided me with the ideal opportunity to not only fulfill my desire but put my belief to the test.”

While taking core classes at Georgia College, Singhal connected with the campus community by serving as a member of the International Club, Student Judiciary board and University Student Council. He also held positions as Campus Activity board chairman and economics and Investments Club president.

“I developed independent thinking and the ability to question authority in order to find the rationale behind any decision,” he said. “I gained the willpower and conviction

to get out of any hard-hitting situation with grace.”

Singhal’s on- and off-campus involvement also prepared him for a once-ina-lifetime experience: an internship with the White House through the Presidential Classroom Internship Program.

Singhal received the opportunity to intern at the White House during the George W. bush administration. He worked with the secretary of state and other high-level dignitaries for the U.S. government.

“What made my stint at the White House even more special was the fact that I was the only Indian awarded the internship out of 8,000 applicants across the nation,” said Singhal.

Today, Singhal applies his Georgia College and White House experiences into joint ventures between JSW Steel ltd., India’s largest steelmaker in terms of installed capacity, and Severfield-rowen PlC, the largest fabricator in europe.

This partnership created JSW Severfield Structures ltd., which is managed by highly qualified europe and India engineers. These engineers use cutting-edge construction technology to assemble buildings.

“I took up this journey because it has always been my earnest desire to become part of new ideas and initiatives that promote India as an economy,” Singhal said. “As head of the organization I have to maintain a calm state of mind and the ability to think through problems. I cultivated these virtues during my foundation days at Georgia College. If your foundation is strong, it enables you to rise above challenges.” learn more about Singhal’s company by visiting www.jssl.in. ■

Georgia College Connection • Fall 2012

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PROGRAMS OF DISTINCTION

The Economics of Education Policy Center at Georgia College

Sam Rauschenberg (left) is a 2007 graduate of Georgia College and a 2012 graduate from Duke University’s Sanford School of Public Policy. He is now a research and policy specialist at the Governor's Office of Student Achievement in Atlanta. His master's thesis examines grading variation in North Carolina high schools, comparing students' grades in Algebra I and English I with their scores on mandatory end-ofcourse tests in those same courses. He set out to research the test/grade relationship because these grades play an important role in college admissions but have limited comparability between schools.

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Georgia College Connection • Fall 2012

Dr. Ben Scafidi (right) is director of the Economics of Education Policy Center and associate professor of economics in the J. Whitney Bunting College of Business. He is known across the United States as an expert on local, regional, state and national education issues. He is often quoted on education policy topics in media outlets throughout Georgia and as a resource by state education agencies, school systems and elected officials from both major political parties.

DOeS TAKING ADvANCeD PlACeMeNT ClASSeS IN high school lead to a higher rate of success in college?

What effect does class size have on teacher effectiveness?

How is Georgia really doing in educating our children, and how we can ensure their academic success?

If you’ve ever thought about these questions, you’re not alone. Numerous policymakers, educators, faculty and citizens across the state of Georgia have debated these and many more questions about the way education is done in our state.

The desire for research and investigation to improve Georgia’s education system led to the formation of the economics of education Policy Center, a Georgia College Program of Distinction.

The economics of education Policy Center works with faculty across Georgia College to produce cutting-edge and policy-relevant research, to promote dialogue about improving state and local education policymaking. It also allows for one of the hallmarks of the liberal arts education: the opportunity for undergraduate students at Georgia College to join in doctoral-level research with their professors.

“We really want to discover how education works best, and through studying the economics of education, we can realize opportunities to improve our education system,” said center Director Dr. ben Scafidi, associate professor of economics in the J. Whitney bunting College of business.

Scafidi leads students into research of many complex educational strategies and issues. The center also has developed a new and more accurate measure of teacher attrition and analyzed teacher quality and the effect of high school grading standards on success in college. This opportunity for in-depth undergraduate research helps Georgia College students earn admission to top-notch graduate programs.

The center’s very first student is the epitome of just what those undergraduate research opportunities can yield. Scafidi introduced his first student into the program in 2006 — Sam rauschenberg, an economics major and from Dalton, Ga. In fall 2006 in Scafidi’s economics of education course, rauschenberg presented a memo from the economics of education Policy Center to the then-head of the Governor's Office of Student Achievement, Dr. Martha reichrath, who had travelled to Georgia College for the presentation.

The memo explained rauschenberg’s policy recommendations to reduce mid-semester course withdrawals, which had increased after the HOPe Scholarship was created.

At the end of the semester, reicharth told Scafidi how she thought that rauschenberg had a bright future in education policy.

“The economics faculty stirred up a passion in me for education policy,” said rauschenberg. “That passion led me to write my Scholar's Project on the HOPe Scholarship and pursue teaching in the recovery School District in postKatrina New Orleans after graduation. rauschenberg finished his undergraduate degree at Georgia College in 2007, went on to teach high school math

in New Orleans for three years and has recently completed his Master of Public Policy from Duke University.

“Dr. reicharth has proven to be prophetic about Sam,” said Scafidi. “He started a job in her old office this summer.”

Students have also presented their recommendations for improving education to policymakers from the Georgia State Senate, the Georgia Department of education, the Office of the Governor, the Georgia Association of educators, the Georgia Charter Schools Commission, Gwinnett County Public Schools and others.

“We’ve have had an impressive list of important Georgia education policymakers come and interrogate my economics of education students on their education policy recommendations,” said Scafidi. “This is a great liberal arts experience that allows students to dialogue with smart and serious policymakers on real education policy issues. It’s good training for job interviews and interacting with their future bosses.”

The economics of education Policy Center produces cutting edge and policy-relevant research that is guiding the most important education policy debates in Georgia.

These faculty and students crunch the numbers and analyze education to see what works and what can be done better. They want to help parents, educators, policy makers and the business community make informed decisions.

Along with rauschenberg, ’07, Georgia College has produced five economics graduates through the economics of education Policy Center: • brad Cone, ’10, from barnesville, Ga. • ryan erwin, ’10, from Grayson, Ga. • Kathryn Jones, ’11, from St. Simons, Ga. • David browne, ’11, ’12 (MbA) from Marietta, Ga. • Joel Graham, ’10, from Marietta, Ga. These students have performed undergraduate research along with Scafidi and other professors at Georgia College who are a part of the center: • John Swinton • Chris Clark • brooke Conaway • J.J. Arias • Howard Woodard “It's really about having a dialogue,” said Scafidi. “How can we make education better and what are the measurement tools we need to use?

“We have a passion for education because it affects the future of our children and the future of Georgia.” ■

To see a video on the Economics of Education Policy Center, visit gcsu.edu/Connection.

Georgia College Connection • Fall 2012

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2012 Alumni Awards The Georgia College Alumni Association presented its 2012 Alumni Awards during the annual banquet held April 20.

William Bone Golden Key Award: Stan Wilson, ’77

Alumni Achievement Award: Sherrilyn Kenyon, ’85

Stan Wilson has dedicated himself during the past three years to chair “Pillars of the Future,” the university’s first comprehensive capital campaign.

The 1977 accounting graduate served as the public face for the campaign, surpassing the goal of $10.35 million.

The trial lawyer and his wife, Debi, ‘77, made one of the first campaign lead gifts, pledging to create a new presidential scholarship.

After earning a law degree, Wilson joined the firm of elarbee, Thompson, Sapp & Wilson in Atlanta, serving as managing partner.

Wilson serves on the board of Trustees at Georgia College; the board of Directors at Transitions Hospice Care; and the board of Directors at Atlanta Convention and visitors bureau. He’s a fellow of the College of labor & employment lawyers, best lawyers in America, Chambers USA leading American business lawyers, Georgia Super lawyers (Top 100 vote-Getter) and Georgia Trend’s legal elite.

The William bone Golden Key Award honors alumna William Thomas bone of the class of 1910. It is presented from time to time to honor friends of Georgia College who have rendered outstanding service to both the university and community.

The New York Times bestselling author Sherrilyn Kenyon has claimed the No. 1 spot 16 times during the past three years.

With more than 25 million copies of her books in print in more than 100 countries, her current series include: The Dark, The League, Chronicles of Nick, and Belador. Since 2004, she has placed more than 50 novels on The New York Times list.

Kenyon describes Georgia College as an integral part of her life that opened writing career doors for her. She first conceived and penned the Dark-Hunter novels while living in Wells Hall.

Professors, faculty, staff and librarians inspired her hopes and dreams of becoming a writer.

A native of Columbus, Ga., Sherrilyn is married and has three sons.

The Alumni Achievement Award is presented annually to a graduate who has excelled in a professional field and attained prominence by having a positive effect on either the state, regional or national level.

Alumni Heritage Award: Barbara “Babs” McAlister, ’62 babs McAlister emerged as an alumni leader shortly after earning her education degree in 1962. She works tirelessly behind the scenes for her alma mater.

During the past few years, the retired teacher has been one of the volunteer leaders for the Golden Slipper reunions in Milledgeville and Atlanta. She also chaired the Class of 1962 50th anniversary reunion to fantastic results.

She has served as a leader on the Alumni board, chairing the Scholarship Committee for the past several years.

McAlister is a servant leader who demonstrates quiet leadership and serves as an example. In addition to her Georgia College work, McAlister serves in volunteer leadership roles at her church and throughout her home community.

The Alumni Heritage award is presented annually to an alumnus who, in four or more decades, has lived a life that exemplifies the traditions and heritage of the university.

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Georgia College Connection • Fall 2012

Recent Alumni Award: Anthony “Morgan” Stallings, ’03 After graduating with an economics degree in 2003, Stallings pursued a master’s degree in economics and quickly distinguished himself as a Senior Consultant at booz, Allen, Hamilton — a leading technology and organizational consulting firm.

While his professional achievements are noteworthy, they come with the exercise of moral character.

His personality traits, combined with his education and work experience, augur well for continued success in his career — one that provides great benefits for society.

Morgan gives back to Georgia College, a place that helped build his foundation of business knowledge and analytical thinking, preparing him for a successful career.

Since graduating with a master’s degree from American University, Morgan regularly has been a part of panels on career services and getting into graduate school.

Stallings is a certified project management professional and serves as a deacon for Mountain Park First baptist Church in Stone Mountain, Ga. He and his wife, Amy, a Georgia College alumna, have two children, Jackson and Charlotte.

The Outstanding recent Alumni Award is presented annually to an alumnus who has graduated within the past 10 years and has established notable recognition in a professional or business career with promise for continued success.

Ethel Rae Mozo-Stewart Service Award: Keith Barlow, ’91 Keith barlow is dedicated to the Milledgeville-baldwin County community. As publisher of The UnionRecorder, he influences the lives of citizens five days a week, helping keep the community informed.

His commitment and civic contributions go deeper. He serves with Habitat for Humanity, Milledgevillebaldwin County Chamber of Commerce, Milledgeville Players, Salvation Army,

American Heart Association and Forward baldwin.

The information systems and communications graduate is an active rotarian, serving in numerous leadership capacities. He also currently serves on the advisory board for the J. Whitney bunting College of business at Georgia College.

A native of Columbus, Ga., barlow and his wife, Paige, have two sons: Kevin and branden. The family attends Milledgeville First United Methodist Church where Keith has served on the personnel committee and chairman of the board of trustees.

The ethel rae Mozo-Stewart Alumni Community Service Award is presented annually to honor alumni with a history of service that resulted in visible improvements within the community. The award was established to honor an alumna from the class of 1946. ■

Annette left a legacy for Georgia College students.

You Y ou can too.

Annette Hodges Callahan, ‘45, (1924 – 1988) The Annette Hodges Callahan Scholarship was established by her husband, Dr. Dr. Leslie Callahan Jr. Jr. (great-grandson of Dr Dr.. Marvin Parks, Georgia College president from 1904-1926), to honor his wife’s memory. The scholarship was established through a generous bequest in Dr. Dr. Callahan’s will.

Callen Bennett is a junior in the school of nursing and is the current recipient of the Annette Callahan Scholarship. She is from Cumming, Ga., and spends every summer working in a day camp for special needs students. She says the scholarship has made a huge dif differ ference in helping with the cost of attending nursing school.

When asked about the generosity of the Callahans for endowing this scholarship, Callen said, “It is amazing that they would want to help people without even knowing them.”

Callen Bennett with a photo of Annette Hodges Callhan, ‘45.

If you want happiness for a lifetime; help the next generation.

Proverb - Chinese Proverb

To learn more about creating a legacy of your own at Georgia College contact Elizabeth Hines at 478-445-1944, elizabeth. hines@gcsu.edu or visit gcsu.plannedgiving.org gcsu.plannedgiving.org.

If you have already included Georgia College in your will or other estate plans, please let us know so we may acknowledge and thank you.

Please consider Geor Georgia gia College in a meaningful way when you cr create eate or update your will or other estate plan.

Georgia College Connection • Fall 2012

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SPORTS

Tennis brings the world to Georgia College

Wadstein

Leborgne

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Georgia College Connection • Fall 2012

Georgia College tennis has a long history of recruiting international studentathletes, and as two of the most successful programs in the history of Bobcat Athletics, the melting pot that is GC tennis often produces a golden outcome.

This past season, the men’s team has student-athletes from Sweden, Brazil, France, Germany and nearby Greensboro, Ga. The women’s squad had players from Australia, Germany, France and five from the Peach State. The trend of international recruiting exists not just in Milledgeville, but across NCAA Division II tennis.

“NCAA Division II tennis is mostly international athletes due to numerous factors,” said GC tennis coach Steve Barsby. “They are purely looking for the best option financially, academically and athletically to serve their needs. They don't have any loyalties or ties to a program or institution like American kids do.”

Barsby himself was an international recruit, leaving his native Canada to play collegiate tennis at then Troy State University in Alabama.

The tennis teams produced another great season in 2011-12, as both squads once again advanced to the NCAA Tournament. A doubles pairing on the men’s side, France’s Jerome Leborgne and Sweden’s Johan Wadstein, capped the season with Division II tennis’ highest honor, being named Intercollegiate Tennis Association (ITA) All-Americans in doubles.

The duo were just the second doubles pairing in GC men’s tennis history to take AllAmerica honors, the first coming in 2009, as Brazil’s Erick Siqueira and Australia’s Justin Pickham picked up the hardware.

Leborgne, an academic marvel who completed his undergrad in mathematics early to take on a Master’s in Business Administration that he will finish in a little over a year, signed up for a French recruiting organization called ISP. The company paired the 2012 Capital One Academic All-District First Team selection with Georgia College, Division I Fresno State University and a few others, but it was the scholarship and Leborgne’s credit transfer that helped him pick Georgia College.

“This was my first year living on my own,” said Leborgne. “In France, colleges don’t have a campus, so you go to class and still live at home. I expected to have more trouble meeting people. Living in the residence halls helped a lot. (Teammate) Bobby Angelucci and the French players on the women’s team also helped a lot.”

Wadstein’s recruiting was a bit more arduous. He visited Florida with a friend, taking in Florida Southern College, the University of Central Florida and more, but couldn’t find the right fit. After returning home, he emailed “tons” of schools in both Division I and Division II. After hearing back from Georgia College, Wadstein was offered a “great” scholarship and chose Georgia College.

“I moved to America away from all my friends, family and safety that I built up all my life. I had no expectations and I knew nobody,” said Wadstein. “I enjoyed living where I lived and I had a great group of friends and family that was very important to me. America and Sweden are two totally different cultures and I was worried about fitting in right away. Despite this, the journey went easier than I thought, especially tennis-wise where I met a great group of guys and girls that was friendly outside the court and professional on court.”

Leborgne describes doubles play with Wadstein as a great contrast in styles.

Wadstein is a “loud” player with a high level of confidence. He likes to “move aggressively to the net, and put pressure on the other team”. Leborgne sees his own role as being more consistently technical, and he serves as a barometer to “calm the team down if things get too excited.”

Wadstein says something similar about his partner. “He is very talented, has great hands, plays fast and can do almost everything with the ball. He always works hard and is a great teammate. He is a great guy outside the court too which makes you respect him on court even more.” ■

Ola Bjorklund,’00, contacted Georgia College golf coach Jimmy Wilson after Bjorklund’s freshman year at Valdosta State University, looking for an opportunity to play. The Swedish import’s “funky swing” had kept Bjorklund low on the depth chart at VSU, and Wilson offered him the opportunity to come to Milledgeville and battle for a starting spot on an even playing field.

Bjorklund made some adjustments in his putting game before his senior season and exploded, winning a handful of tournaments and becoming the first Peach Belt Conference (PBC) Player of the Year in school history. He took eighth at the 2000 PBC Championship that season, helping the Bobcats to their first PBC title. Before the

SPORTS

International Golfer reflects Where are on decision to attend they now? Georgia College Bobcat Alumni:

year was over, the Bobcats finished second at the NCAA South Regional, and 10th at the National Championship; as Bjorklund was rewarded with All-America Third Team honors.

He has helped create a direct lineage of Swedish golfers at Georgia College, including four-time All-American Niclas Johnasson and All-American Johan Cronvall. Bjorklund graduated from Georgia College with a degree in economics, and currently works as a business controller for ST Ericsson in Lund, Sweden.

Bjorklund met his wife, Vanesa, ’01, at Georgia College. A native of Spain, she was introduced to Ola though another Swede, Igor Glavan. Ola and Vanesa have two sons, Noah (5) and Liam (3). ■

Q&A What attracted you to Georgia College?

It was Jimmy Wilson, the awesome golf coach at Georgia College that really made a good first impression at me being helpful and a “buddy” already from start. Then after checking out the school a bit deeper I noticed it had a really good student program and much to offer.

What is your fondest memory of being at Georgia College?

The atmosphere the campus and Milledgeville creates gets to you and I sure miss it a lot. Of course I also have to mention my buddy Jimmy Wilson and all other great people I met during my three years at Georgia College.

How did your role as a student-athlete help shape you as a person?

It’s really a matter of becoming an adult, taking a lot of responsibilities both on and off the golf course and in school. It’s a demanding schedule being a studentathlete where many things have to fall into place for it to work well and it sure helped me grow and shape me as a person.

What advice would you have for future international Georgia College studentathletes to get the most of their experience at GC? I would say to get to know the American students and not just hang out with the internationals. It’s easy to hang out with people in the same situation as you, but to really get the whole package you need to explore it all. Also to hang in there and stay patient, or else you won’t get the results you want. You need to fight and sometimes lose to become a great winner! Last but not least, have a whole lot of fun along the way!

■

What was your favorite place to be on the Georgia College campus?

I lived in Terrell Hall for a year and liked that, but the place I really liked the most was just outside Atkinson Hall taking a break and hang out with friends and class mates in-between classes.

Georgia College Connection • Fall 2012

29

CLASS NOTES 1940s Helen Matthews Lewis, ’46, recently authored a book titled Helen Matthews Lewis: Living Social Justice in Appalachia.

1970s Alex Gregory, ’78, ’79, who holds two master’s degrees from Georgia College and has served for more than 20 years as a member of the Foundation Board of Trustees, has been awarded the Mike Mansfield Award, presented by The JapanAmerica Society of Georgia. Please see the full story on page 5.

1980s Valerie Ackiss Stanley, ’82, was honored with a 2011 Director’s Community Leadership Award by the Jacksonville, Fla., division of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI). Valerie was recognized for her notable service, leadership, and significant contributions to investigations of crimes against children in Northeast Florida.

Valerie serves as director of First Coast Child Protection Team for the FBI in Jacksonville.

1990s Ivan Allen, ‘96, was named interim president of Central Georgia Technical College.

Rob Betzel, ’98, president of Infinity Network Solutions, led his company in creating the Infinity Network Solutions Continuing Education Scholarship in Georgia College’s J. Whitney Bunting College of Business. This scholarship was created as a token of appreciation for the education and knowledge gained by Rob while earning his management information systems degree at GC. Amy Bruce Greenway, ’92, successfully completed Certified Financial Planner Board of Standards certification requirements, which includes completion of financial planning coursework and passing a comprehensive examination. Amy has worked as a financial adviser for Edward Jones in Loganville, Ga., since 1999.

Tracy Clark, ’97, ’00, ’07, was named principal for Creekside Elementary School in Baldwin County, Ga. Tracy earned her bachelor’s in early childhood education in 1997, her Master of Education in 2000 and her Specialist of Education in 2007.

Chris Ingle, ’95, accepted a position as learning support specialist with Heritage

30

Georgia College Connection • Fall 2012

High School in Conyers, Ga. Chris is also the offensive line coach for the Heritage football team. Chis is also the owner of Ingle Courier Service, Inc. Ryan Pierini ‘98, was recently honored as a 2012 Instructor of the Year by Mississippi Gulf Coast Community College. A native of Chicago, Ryan received a bachelor's degree in theater with an emphasis in performance from Georgia College and his master's degree in acting from The University of Mississippi.

2000s Michael Antonini, ’06, received every baseball player's dream: a call to become a member of the Los Angeles Dodgers bullpen in April 2012 and again in May. Michael returned to the AAA affiliate Albuquerque Isotopes in August.

Ashley M. Baena-Lampp, ’06, a science teacher at Robert Toombs Christian Academy in Lyons, Ga., was recently named Upper School Teacher of the Year for 2012, the first-ever recipient of this award. Ashley was also selected as STAR Teacher by two of her students.

Craig Copelan, ’08, was recently named as a full-time faculty member at Athens Technical College in the school’s Technical and Industrial Division. Craig earned a bachelor’s of business administration degree from Georgia College.

Christina N. Douglass, ‘05, completed her three-year residency in Family Medicine at Floyd Medical Center in Rome, Ga. Christina now practices family medicine at an outpatient clinic in Summerville, Ga. Sarah Gaither, ’02, has been named branch manager and vice president of the Georgia Commerce Bank in Marietta, Ga. Sarah earned her undergraduate degree at Georgia College in business administration.

Billy Grace, ’09, ’11, started work as interactive marketing specialist at Stone Mountain Park in Stone Mountain, Ga. Roger Harrison, ’09, senior vice president of economic development with the Covington-Newton County Chamber of Commerce, recently graduated from the University of Oklahoma's Economic Development Institutes, a three-year program.

Ryan Hendrix, ’02, opened a State Farm Insurance office in Flowery Branch, Ga., in May 2012.

Audrey Holliday, ’00, has recently graduated with a Juris Doctorate, Cum Laude, from Atlanta's John Marshall Law school on May 19, 2012. Audrey earned her Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice in 2000 from Georgia College.

Evan Horton, ’09, has been named principal of East Coweta High School in Sharpsburg, Ga. Evan is a 14-year educator.

A native of Birmingham, Alabama, and raised in Oxford, Alabama, Horton earned his Education Specialist degree in Administration from Georgia College in 2009.

Richard Kerr, ’07, a graduate of Naval Officer Candidate School in Newport, R.I., was commissioned an Ensign in March 2009. In February 2013 Richard will leave his current position as supply and logistics officer for the USS Kentucky and will be placed as comptroller and logistics war planner of Naval forces Korea in Seoul for the next two years.

Courtney Olney, ’09, and Albert Swann, ‘09, were recognized as Bausch + Lomb Platinum winners. They are in the top 10 percent of the sales organization.

Mallory Schrampfer, ‘09, has joined the Harry Norman, REALTORS® corporate office as advertising and public relations manager. Mallory most recently worked at Shorter University as director of special events in the department of public relations. She graduated from Georgia College with a Bachelor of Arts in mass communication and earned an MBA from Shorter University.

2010s Alexander Burkard, ’10, has been promoted to the Class A affiliate of the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim, the Inland Empire 66ers. Alexander was a 49th round draft pick of the Angels in 2010 out of Georgia College.

Cameron Gauntner, ’10, has taken a new job consulting for Oracle in Atlanta. He is working on the Oracle Transportation Management product, working part of the week in Toronto and traveling back to Atlanta at the end of each week.

Marcus Green, ’10, is now working as a license analyst in Securities for the Georgia Secretary of State's Licensing Boards in Macon, Ga. Sean Harrell, ‘10, who played centerfield for the Southern Illinois Miners minor league baseball team for two seasons, recently left the club to begin medical school at Ross University.

Jenna Marae Hanson, ’12, recently accepted a position as 8th grade language arts teacher at Dutchtown Middle School in Hampton, Ga. Evan Karonovich, ’12, has taken a job as special assistant to the commissioner in the Georgia Department of Agriculture.

Mindy Mahrer, ’10, has been named assistant director of alumni relations at High Point University in High Point, N.C. Mindy is also currently serving her second year of a volunteer term as National Board of Trustees President of Sigma Alpha Omega Christian Sorority, Inc. Melanie Wooten, ’11, recently finished her first year of medical school at University of Alabama School of Medicine.

Organizations Kappa Sigma fraternity held a Georgia College reunion April 21, 2012 at Little Fishing Creek Golf Course in Milledgeville.

Weddings, Anniversaries, Engagements and Births Lesley and Adam Bradley, ‘11, are the proud parents of Austin Luci Bradley born May 29, 2012. Luci weighed 6.5 lbs. and brothers, Conner and Mac are very proud to have a new baby sister.

Sarah Parillo, ’08, married Breck Heidlberg on Aug. 4, 2012 at St. Luke's Chapel in Charleston, S.C. Sarah is a graduate of the Mass Communication program at Georgia College. She works as a public relations specialist for a non-profit in Washington, D.C., where the couple now resides.

Jason Childers, ’07, from Stone Mountain, Ga., married Brooke Floyd on March 31 on

In Memoriam *Sybil Fowler, *Harold Goodrich Lady Ruth Bryson, ’18 Kathleen Stow Harper, ’20 Mary Page Walker, ’26 Bernice Legg, ’27 Minnie Stow McCann, ’27 Hazel Bivins Craig, ’32 Clara Spillers Moore, ’33 Sara Hodges Brogdon, ’34 Elizabeth Edwards Newton, 34 Annie Russell, ’34 Sarah Mallard Yarbrough, ’34 Neoline Boykin, ’35 Etta Colvin Holmes, ’35 Marie Pinkston McBride, ’35 Sara Brannen Deloach, ’36 Sarah Bloodworth Ivey, ’36 Josephine Oglesby, ’36 Sara Patton Russell, ’36 Virginia Drewry Thaxton, ’36 Virginia Doke Miller, ’37 Beatrice Sirmons Roper, ’37

Front Campus at Georgia College. Brooke and Jason met at Georgia College in 2001 through their involvement with the History Club. Jason is a staff sergeant with the Georgia National Guard and a program director for Liberty County, Ga. Brooke is a district representative with United States Congressman Jack Kingston.

Angela Farley, ‘09, ’12, was married to Jarvis L. Lawson on Saturday, July 28. Angela earned a bachelor’s degree in psychology and a master’s in special education, both from Georgia College. She now works for the Putnam County Board of Education. Her new husband is an eight-year veteran of the United States Navy.

Carter Rhea, ’10, and Katie Van Galder, ’10, were married in Atlanta on November 19, 2011. They met at Norcross High School and were just friends, but their feelings changed when they both ended up at Georgia College.

They went on their first date to Amici their freshman year at GC.

Pi Eta honor society. Christopher received a bachelor’s degree in history and philosophy from Georgia College and was president and founder of the college chapter of Amnesty International. He began law school this fall at the University of Chicago.

Georgia College Director of Alumni and Parent Relations Matt Mize, ’06, ’08, and Kati Mize, ’07, celebrated their fourth wedding anniversary on June 14, 2012.

Heather Michelle Wilson, ‘10, ‘11, and Matt Chapman, ’10, ’11 are pleased to announce their engagement. Their wedding is planned for November 18, 2012. Heather earned both a Bachelor of Arts in History and Theatre and a Master of Arts in Teaching in Secondary Education at Georgia College. Matt earned his bachelor’s in history, bachelor’s in psychology, and Master of Arts in Teaching in Secondary Education at Georgia College.

Eric Sanderson, ’07 and Kaci Jackson, ’06, were married Nov. 12, 2011. During their time at Georgia College, Eric was an outdoor education major and Kaci studied special education.

Elizabeth Hunt, ‘10, married Travis Byrd, ‘10, on Aug. 11, 2012 at Harlem United Methodist Church in Harlem, Ga. Elizabeth and Travis both earned graduate degrees from Georgia College.

Christopher Patrick Eby, ’11, married Haley Lauren Lowe, ‘12, on Saturday, June 9, at St. Elmo United Methodist Church in Chattanooga, Tenn. Haley received a bachelor’s degree in mass communication from Georgia College and was president of Lambda

Caitlin Fern Davison, ’10, and Kenneth Brooks Vinson, ’08 are pleased to announce their engagement. The wedding is planned for Saturday, Oct. 20, 2012, at Trinity on the Hill United Methodist Church in Augusta, Ga.

Mary Hasty Brunson, ’38 Gussie Dickson Hingson, ’38 Grace Nevels Aderhold, ’39 Luvoise Chason Landen, ’39 Ruth Settle Smith, ’39 Georgia Stow Spence, ’39 Frances Royston Stanford, ’39 Beverly Mills Twersky, ’39 Louise Shockley Walker, ’39 Marion Bennett Duncan, ’40 Mary Jones Kinney, ’40 Myrtice Lanier, ’40 Maurine Brown Smith, ’40 Margaret Boddiford Waters, ’40 Carolyn Stringer Allen, ’41 *Ouida McCoy Ayers, ’41 Marjorie Grant Cook, ’41 Agnes Lawrence Hardy, ’41 Evelyn Parker, ’41 Wanda Cloer Reville, ’41 Sarah Ivey Twilley, ’41 Elsie Heath McKinley, ’42 Mary Moorhead Brewster, ’43 Mada McDonald Heins, ’43 Annie Cook Norton, ’44

Evelyn Andrews Allen, ’45 Marie Leverette Gordon, ’45 Betty Armour Jones, ’45 Helen Crotwell, ’46 Jenelle Poss Flynt, ’46 Jacqueline Burton Landrum, ’46 Virginia Norris Anderson, ’47 Margaret Dorris Hart, ’47 Marjorie Leach Wages, ’47 Patricia Ridley Barnett, ’48 Martha Kemp Hargreaves, ’48 Caroline Crotwell Good, ’50 Betty Cole Hines, ’51 Marolyn Bragg Odom, ’51 Dorothy Fowler Thompson, ’51 Margaret Meadows Thrasher, ’51 Clara Allen Smith, ’53 Sarah Ellen Jones, ’54 Lilly Ruth Parker, ’55 Helen Turner Rodgers, ’56 Frances Dunaway Sprayberry, ’56 Beverly Branch Tarpley, ’56 Jane Bonner Andrews, ’58 Sara Rice Sherberger, ’58 Barbara Temple King, ’59

Submit your class notes to gcsu.edu/alumni or alumni@gcsu.edu.

Frances Peacock Parkerson, ’59 Elizabeth Bridges Rife, ’59 Reggie Cox Smith, ’60 Lutrelle Flynt Armour, ’63 Patricia Foster Jackson, ’67 Hilda Godard Bailey, ’68 Sara Barnard, ’68 Milly Waters, ’70 Thomas Boyd, ’72 Eloise Smith Wolfersteig, ’73 Pamela Stanley Yates, ’73 Margaret O’Connor, ’74 James Hughes, ’75 Louie Hansford, ’76 Paul Milton, ’78 Billy Carver, ’80 Sara Kinney Cason, ’81 Sudie Lewis Dorris, ’84 Larry Lake, ’84 Treeasian Flowers Howard, ’85 Martha Stevens, ’85 William Andrews, ’91 Scott Price, ’91 *Peabody School alumni

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