FALL 2019
Nonprofit Path, Rich Life Page 8
What's in a name? Everything. Rising rankings, growing classes, great headlines. Piedmont has been capturing a Lion’s Share of good news. For the college to continue to grow, we need the collective, united support of our alumni and friends. Today, we debut a new name for our annual giving campaign that reflects our common identity, and unites the Piedmont Family in a culture of philanthropy.
Lions Share. A N N UA L G I V I N G C A M PA I G N
For our most ardent supporters – those who make an annual gift of $1,000 or more -- we enthusiastically embrace a name that is inspired by the beauty of nearby Mount Yonah and for 100 years has served as the name of the college yearbook.
The Yonahian Society. YO-NĂH-ĬAN Support our Lions Share campaign by giving to Piedmont. Those who make an annual gift of $1,000 or more by June 30 will become charter members of the Yonahian Society, hold an honored place in Piedmont’s philanthropic history, and be celebrated at a Spring gala.
Ways to Give: • Gift • Pledge • Stock • Monthly check draft • Matching gift by employer
Give online at piedmont.edu/giving
Contents
JOURNAL
FALL 2019
ON THE COVER Bryan Schroeder '03, Chief Executive Officer of Giving kitchen
12
Photo courtesy of: The Atlanta Foodcast
15
21
Features 05
10
21
Going Up
Love Letter to Piedmont
In the Pool
Piedmont’s ranks and rankings are rising
Author’s latest work is a testament to Piedmont
Piedmont lauches swimming program
06
05
24
Back Home
Coaching Legend
Piedmont's Past
A Piedmont and Habersham County landmark returns home
The life and times of Howard “Doc” Ayers ’49
The many looks of Leo
02 A word from the President
19 A note from Hobbs
28 In Memory
03 Letter from the Editor
25 News & Notes
The Journal is published for alumni and friends of Piedmont College by the Office of Institutional Advancement. Correspondence may be directed to journal@piedmont.edu.
Trustee Chairman Thomas A. Arrendale, III President James F. Mellichamp Vice President of Institutional Advancement Craig Rogers
Editor/Associate Vice President of Marketing & Communications John Roberts Designers Regina M. McCormick ’08 Jason Fowler Campus Photographer Kasey Brookshire
Contributing writers David Harrell E. Lane Gresham ’10 Ron Wagner Danielle Percival Adam Martin Class Notes Editor Anna McClatchy ’12, MBA ’13
Send address changes to: Piedmont College Institutional Advancement or piedmont.edu/updateinfo Piedmont College @PiedmontGA @PiedmontCollege
magnificent view of the just-completed
Conservatory of Music. Each year,
For Piedmont alumni and members
of our community, the Mayflower
more than 200 students participate
is more than a shiny, eye-catchy
in music academic programs,
ornament.
choirs, and programs at
Piedmont. Now they would
First secured atop the chapel in
1970, the ship has become a Demorest
have a state-of-the-art
and Habersham County landmark.
facility in which to
One-hundred and eighty-seven feet
hone their craft.
above Central Avenue, the Mayflower
In just days,
represents Piedmont’s historical ties to
twenty-seven
the Congregational Church. Almost
Steinway
exactly 400 years ago, an English ship
pianos would
named the Mayflower transported the
be installed in
first Pilgrims to the new world. Since
the building,
that time, the Mayflower has become
a fitting and
ince joining Piedmont
a cultural icon. To many, the vessel
fantastic finish to this
in 1982, I have worked
represents hope, courage in the face of
two-year project.
approximately 9,000 days at
uncertainty, and liberty.
the college. Like any job, some
bucket ascending against the
S
2
and the ship needed to be retired.
Surviving disease and famine,
As I watched the crane
days have been challenging, but most
those settlers and their ancestors
crystal blue backdrop of a
have been good. September 9 was
established Congregational Churches
cloudless sky, I was reminded
among the best.
throughout New England. They also
of Piedmont’s rising fortunes.
founded more than 200 colleges
Earlier that morning, we received
normal humidity made the afternoon
(Harvard and Yale among them). In
news that the college had advanced
bearable as I walked next door to the
1901, the American Missionary Board
13 spots in the annual US News &
Chapel. Resting near the grand steps of
of the Congregational Church began
World Report college rankings. Our
that building was the new Mayflower
supporting Piedmont. The college has
freshman class and total enrollment had
weathervane. Developed by metal artist
since enjoyed a close relationship with
just reached historical highs. Indeed,
David Wall, the seven-foot-long gold-
the churches.
while many smaller colleges are
plated ship glimmered in the sun.
shuttering or contracting, we have
cranes – one for the ship and the
purchased acreage adjacent to
Mayflower was removed from the
other for the workers – were anchored
campus for future expansion.
Chapel steeple. Our plan was to
on Massachusetts Boulevard. As
inspect and repair the ship before
contractors reviewed final calculations
in place near the church spire, the
returning it to its home. But nearly 50
(the cranes and buckets needed to
second crane began to do its work.
years of the elements had taken a toll
be perfectly balanced), I took in a
Rising quickly, the Mayflower
It was hot that day, but lower-than-
Fifteen months before, the original
| P I E DM ON T C OL L EG E JOU RNAL
On this day, two mammoth
With the bucket and workers
moved past the chapel columns and the clock before completing its journey. Expertly, the crane operator positioned the ship just a foot from the steeple’s tip.
The men in the bucket did their
work quickly. Within a few moments, a Mayflower once again towered above the town and the college (the original is on display in a terrace garden between the Conservatory and Camp Hall). The last human hand to touch the Mayflower for another 50 years gently nudged the aft section of ship, setting the weathervane into a slow twirl to the crowd’s delight below. In that windless sky, the Mayflower dazzled, reflecting the late afternoon sun in a brilliance that is symbolic of the future of the college she represents.
I
n the coming pages, you will notice a few not-so-subtle changes in this issue of the Journal. To give the publication some structure, we have portioned our content around several broad categories. “Around the Quad” includes campus news while “Pitch & Court” features stories about our athletic programs. “Alumni News & Notes” contains short alumni stories and announcements. Piedmont has a rich history that dates back to our founding in 1897. Looking ahead, we will highlight snippets of this history in the “Piedmont’s Past” column. This issue includes a piece about the many faces and representations of our dear mascot Leo. Going forward, another staple of the Journal will be an alumnifocused column, a "Note from Hobbs." This contributed piece, named for our alumni house, will encourage Piedmont philanthropy and highlight ways for alumni to connect with alma mater. We’re committed to featuring compelling story-telling in each Journal. That takes good writing. In that vein, we’re delighted to feature the work of E. Lane Gresham ’10 on page 12. A seasoned journalist, Lane is a long-time resident of Habersham County, was the editor of The Northeast Georgian from 2011 to 2014, and now serves as Director of Community Relations at Tallulah Falls School. As always, we welcome your input and letters.
James F. Mellichamp
John Roberts, Editor
College President
SHARE YOUR THOUGHTS We welcome letters on any topic covered in the Journal. They should be limited to 150 words, refer to a subject from the most recent issue, and include the writer’s name, city/state, and class year/degree (if applicable). Your notes may be emailed to Journal@piedmont.edu. Letters are published at the discretion of the editor and may be edited for length and clarity. PIEDMONT COLLEGE JO U RNAL
| 3
News and events from our campuses in Demorest & Athens
Room to Grow College acquires property adjacent to Demorest campus
I
In 2002, the Rohletter Family donated 11 acres of their farm to Piedmont College for incorporation
Piedmont's property
into the wetlands conversion of the former lake.
holdings total more
This July the family, longtime fixtures in the Demorest
community, did another service to the college by
than 400 acres in
selling 80 acres to Piedmont. The land had served as a family farm since the early 1900s and was managed
Demorest.
by Mary and the late Ray Rohletter. It is contiguous to the main campus, southeast of Loudermilk Field and partly bordered by Camp Creek and U.S. 441.
To honor the family, the college has named the area the “Mary and Ray Rohletter Farm Campus.” A future access road through the property will be been named “Rohletter Farm Drive.”
With the acquisition, completed July 12, Piedmont’s
property holdings total more than 400 acres in Demorest. The college also operates a four-acre campus in Athens. The property will provide room for future expansion. Some of the land may be developed into needed athletic fields.
“We are deeply grateful to the Rohletter family, in
particular Ray and Mary’s children Joel Rohletter, Jennifer Rohletter Chambers, and Amanda Rohletter Powell, for their commitment to our students by enabling the transfer of this unique asset,” said Piedmont President James F. Mellichamp.
4
| P I E DM ON T C OL L EG E JOU RNAL
Trending Up Piedmont’s ranking and student body rising
M
ost colleges and universities hold Convocations
Georgia. The college also advanced 13 spots in the annual
each year to celebrate the coming academic
US News & World Report college rankings, which were
year. The event usually involves a bit of pomp
released September 9.
(faculty adorn robes), music, and an inspiring speaker.
among “Regional Universities” in the large 12-state South
When Piedmont faculty, staff, and first-year students
The popular college guide ranked Piedmont No. 50
gathered in the chapel this September for the annual affair,
Region, compared to 63 in 2018 and 68 in 2017.
the institution had something more to celebrate: the college’s
largest ever freshman class. The nearly 300-member class
to measure an institution’s success in helping
of 2023 represents 16 states, three countries and boasts
economically disadvantaged students
an average high school GPA of 3.44. Total enrollment at
advance in their career and life, the
the Demorest and Athens campuses is 2,584, compared to
publication ranked Piedmont No. 19 in the
2,498 last year and 2,368 in 2017.
South Region and No. 1 in Georgia.
Student population is not the only number trending up.
This summer James Magazine, a popular Georgia
in the rankings over time. But it is rare
magazine that covers politics, business, and education in the
for a college or university to advance
Peach State, ranked Piedmont as the top private college in
10 spots or more in overall rankings.
In a new “Social Mobility” ranking that is designed
Institutions move up and down
Piedmont College Class of 2024
PIEDMONT COLLEGE JO U RNAL
| 5
Back Home Mayflower returns to chapel
A
bsent for more than a year,
some may have wondered if
metal sculptor who crafted the shallop
brought the Pilgrims to New England’s
Piedmont’s Mayflower was
and whale weathervanes that sit atop
shore before developing
lost at sea.
New Bedford and Plymouth residence
the weathervane.
The shining ship, a weathervane
The task fell to David Wall, a
rendering of the original ship that
halls. The newest Mayflower arrived in
stationed atop the chapel since
September and took eight months
County, the glittering Mayflower
1970, was removed last May. The
to complete.
ship is stationed 186-feet above
original plan called for the ship to be
ground level and signifies Piedmont’s
inspected, cleaned, repaired, and
is about six-feet high, seven-feet long,
historical connection to the
returned to its home in a few months.
and includes 750 rivets. Bronzed
Congregational Church.
screen wiring on window openings
weathervane concluded that more than
were installed to keep small birds from
original Mayflower? It will be
45 years of the elements had extracted
entering the ship.
the centerpiece of the soon-to-
a heavy toll. The ship would need to
be developed garden adjacent
be replaced.
Mayflower has a life-time warranty,
But a close inspection of the
The 98-pound stainless steel ship
Wall, who jokes that the
A longtime fixture in Habersham
So, what’s to become of the
to the Conservatory of Music.
said he studied an architectural
The original Mayflower was installed in 1970 as the Chapel was dedicated.
The ship was removed for repairs. But it was too damaged to return to the steeple.
70 19
AY
M 6
| P I E DM ON T C OL L EG E JOU RNAL
18 20
A new, sturdier Mayflower was crafted by artist David Wall.
Going up! The new Mayflower was installed earlier this fall.
LY
JU
PT
SE
R
BE
EM
Nordgren named Dean
Former Georgia First Lady joins Piedmont Board
D
r. RD Nordgren, a professor and past chair of Educational
Leadership at National University in La Jolla, California, joined Piedmont College this summer as Dean of the School of Education. A native of Illinois and former bodybuilder, Nordgren has blue-collar roots, attended college in fits and starts as his checkbook allowed, and
earned his undergraduate degree at the age of 29. An English major at the University of South Florida (Tampa, Florida), his passion for teaching was sparked his senior year during a student teaching assignment.
Nordgren began teaching full-time in Pasco County, Florida,
in 1990, quickly moved up the administrative ladder, and was put in charge of mentoring new teachers. He began taking graduate school classes at South Florida with long-range plans of becoming a superintendent.
While progressing through his studies, a passion for serving
in higher education was sparked. After earning a Ph.D. in Interdisciplinary Studies, Nordgren served as an assistant then associate professor of education, department chair, and director of undergraduate curriculum at Cleveland State University (Ohio).
The author of three books and more than 40 articles and
book chapters on school reform, leadership, and curriculum, Nordgren joined National University in 2010 and helped to grow his department’s online offerings.
Thomas A. Arrendale, III, Chairman of the Piedmont College Board of Trustees (left) and President James F. Mellichamp welcomed Sandra Deal to the college’s board in October.
S
andra Deal, an education activist, retired language arts teacher, and former First Lady of Georgia, has been appointed to the Piedmont College Board of Trustees. As the wife of Georgia Governor Nathan Deal, Sandra Dunagan Deal served as the First Lady of Georgia from 2011 to 2019. The daughter of educators, she grew up in Gainesville and is a two-time graduate of Georgia College & State University. She received her bachelor’s degree in elementary education in 1963 and a master’s degree in elementary education in 1966. Before becoming first lady, Deal taught language arts at public schools for more than 15 years and retired as a sixth-grade middle school teacher in Hall County. As Georgia's first lady she was a strong advocate for literacy and education. With the addition of Deal, the Piedmont College Board of Trustees number 30. She will serve on the board’s student life committee. “Nathan and I value life-long learning and opportunities for advancement through quality education,” said Deal. “Piedmont College has through the years educated many of the caring teachers who taught me, taught with me, and inspired others to choose Piedmont. I am honored to be asked to serve on the board.”
PIEDMONT COLLEGE JO U RNAL
| 7
Photo courtesy of: The Atlanta Foodcast
8
| P I E DM ON T C OL L EG E JOU RNAL
Bryan Schroeder ’03 and Jen Hidinger-Kendrick outside Giving Kitchen’s Atlanta office. The non-profit, which helps food service workers, provides about $1 million annually in assistance, up from $300,000 two years ago. Giving Kitchen operates Staplehouse Restaurant (right) and raises funds through community events that often include games, music, and (always) food.
The Nonprofit Path to a Rich Life By David Harrell
Closing in on four decades after his birth and the opening of the family restaurant, Schroeder has circled back into the food service arena – albeit in a broader and more impactful way. He is Chief Executive Officer of Giving Kitchen, an Atlanta-based nonprofit that provides financial assistance and social service connections to food service workers. In a recent interview in his offices at Giving Kitchen, joined by his golden retriever sidekicks, George and Miles (both very good boys), he said “While having a successful restaurant business has certainly been good for my family – allowing my mother, my brother, and me to attend college
D
o you like stories about people whose lives, either by plan or serendipity, come full circle – reconnecting them in the most satisfying way
with their roots? If so, you’re in the right place. Bryan Schroeder ’03 was three days old when his parents opened their restaurant, Schroeder’s New Deli in Rome, Georgia. (It’s still going strong, so if you’re in the area, drop by. You cannot go wrong with the roast beef relief.) Naturally as Schroeder grew and the restaurant prospered, it was all hands on deck. He worked his way through every available job: dishwasher, prep cook, fry cook, pizza cook, sandwich cook, and server.
– the thing my dad loved from day one, and still loves today, is that it is all about relationships. Watching the genuine way he connects with, cares about, and supports his employees, customers, and vendors
PIEDMONT COLLEGE JO U RNAL
| 9
planted the idea
and ‘their’ in my papers. Like I said, embarrassing.
of serving others
I’ll never forget her words, ‘Bryan you are too smart
in my DNA.”
to be doing this. Good, correct writing matters.’
Schroeder’s journey from
interest in my success was amazing. Believe me, I
dishwasher
cleaned up my act and what a difference it made.”
to executive
duo that his major (religion and philosophy), in true liberal
impressive stops
arts fashion, was not preparing him to do a specific thing
along the way.
but, rather, to do anything. Another lesson he took to
at Piedmont.
heart, as you can see from this brief recap of his resume. After graduating, he became a wilderness therapist
“I looked at
with the State of Georgia as part of an outdoor hiking
several options.
and camping program for troubled and in-trouble youth.
There are two reasons I knew Piedmont was right for me,”
He earned a masters in nonprofit management from the
he explains, “There are large schools and small schools. I
University of Georgia’s Institute for Nonprofit Organizations
was definitely better suited for
in 2006 in order to refine
the latter. The other deciding
his plans for the future.
There were large schools and small schools. I was definitely better suited for the latter.
factor was the special bond I had with Dr. Timothy Lytle (professor of philosophy and religion). I met him in high school through Camp Mikell in Toccoa, Georgia.
Next up was a stint with AmeriCorps. His first assignment was as a team leader helping with the rebuilding of New Orleans after
I admired his outlook on the
Hurricane Katrina. His
world – focused on the present
second was working
and future, not the past – and knew I wanted to learn
with young Navajo adults in Colorado to earn their
from him. He remains a mentor and friend to this day.”
“chainsaw certification” to prepare them to clear forests
“Another big influence on my life,” he continues, “was (former professor of religion) Dr. Barbara Brown Taylor. It’s kind of embarrassing, but I will share this story. She called me into her office one day for a ‘talk.’ Now, this is a woman of national renown, someone open to discussing big issues and diving into tough questions. However, she had something else in mind that day. She was concerned – and rightfully so – when she saw, among other things, that I was confusing the use of ‘they’re’
10
Schroeder also remembers learning from this dynamic
has had some
It began Schroeder provided cousel to Navajo native Americans in counselN
The fact someone of that statue invested that much
| P I E D M ON T C OL L EG E JOU RNAL
– and ward off fires – on public and private lands. Then it was off to Savannah to join a company that provided environmental education in public schools. That position segued into a leadership role with the Georgia Conservancy where he spent ten years creating programs that he’s proud to say are still utilized today. “I really enjoyed my work at Georgia Conservancy,” he confirms, “I was involved in setting policy that would help people in the long run. I really wanted to work with people directly and be able to help them immediately.” As you’ve probably guessed by now, he
fed that desire to serve by taking the helm of Giving Kitchen. Giving Kitchen provides stability for some of the most hard-working and vulnerable members of our community: food service workers. The simple and critical reality is that restaurant folks often don’t have a safety net. Say a server breaks her ankle in a biking accident and obviously can’t work. Plus, like many, she lives paycheck to paycheck. Where can she turn for help with rent, groceries, medical bills? Giving Kitchen. That’s a simple example, but you get the idea. (NOTE: The founding of Giving Kitchen is a heartbreaking and heartwarming story. Hearing it is worth a visit to the website, thegivingkitchen.org.) In addition to providing financial assistance to food service workers through Crisis Grants, Giving Kitchen has also created the Stability Network to connect restaurant workers who may be dealing with mental health issues with community social services. Since coming on board two years ago, Schroeder has overseen the growth of financial assistance from around $300,000 a year to about $1 million. The staff has expanded from five to 12. Created to support workers in metro Atlanta, Giving Kitchen now offers assistance in every county in Georgia. Even the definition of those served has broadened beyond brick and mortar restaurants to encompass everyone who serves food (i.e. food trucks, caterers, concession employees, etc.). Are people paying attention to all this outstanding work? You bet. And in a big way. Giving Kitchen received the 2019 James Beard Foundation’s Humanitarian of the Year award, given to an individual or organization working in the realm of food who has given
Before joining the Gving Kitchen, Schroeder cleared forests in Colorodo to prevent wildfires.
selflessly and worked tirelessly to better the lives of others and society at large. (If you’re not a foodie,
T
he Giving Kitchen was founded as a tribute to Ryan Hidinger, a popular Atlanta chef who died of gall bladder cancer in 2013. The outpouring of support that Hidinger and his wife, Jen, received after Ryan’s diagnosis informed the values of nonprofit, which provides emergency financial assistance to food service workers who are facing a crisis. Today, Giving Kitchen offers assistance throughout the state. In 2019, Giving Kitchen received the 2019 James Beard Humanitarian of the Year award at the event in Chicago on May 6. Pictured above, Bryan Schroeder, Jen HidingerKendrick, and Ryan Turner of the Giving Kitchen with the 2019 James Beard Humanitarian of the Year award at the event in Chicago on May 6.
a Beard award is the food world’s equivalent of an Oscar.) The official motto of Giving Kitchen is Serving Those Who Serve Us... Every. Day. Words that easily double as the personal mantra of Bryan Schroeder.
PIEDMONT COLLEG E JO U RNAL
| 11
Taylor’s Holy Envy offers glimpse into Piedmont experience
By E. Lane Gresham '10
I
n the classroom, Dr. Barbara Brown Taylor guided the
wonderful answers,” she said. Taylor encouraged her charges to consider ways to expand the Christian practice of loving thy neighbor,
intellectually curious through lessons covering religious
reminding them that studying faith traditions other than
practices, awakening student seekers to a broader
their own didn’t mean they were being disloyal. She
worldview.
reminded students all the major religions had a version
The New York Times best-selling author describes this season in Holy Envy, her latest literary offering. The work
of the Golden Rule embedded in their doctrines. In chapter two, the author recounts a story about a
is a reflection from two decades of teaching “Religions
Christian student who had a simple assignment: Use your
of the World” at Piedmont from 1998 to 2017.
newly acquired knowledge of the world’s great religions
In her Daniel Hall classroom, learners of varied backgrounds gathered to discuss the world’s major religions.
to design an interfaith chapel for Piedmont College. “As I remember it, her chapel was round with
Field trips were woven into the syllabus. Regular excursions to Atlanta offered students the chance to visit worship services in Christian, Buddhist, Hindu, Muslim, and Jewish communities. The choice of title, Holy Envy: Finding God in the Faith of Others, offers a glimpse into Taylor’s intellectual worldview. “I heard it the first time without having a clue what it meant,” Taylor said. The phrase Holy Envy is attributed to biblical scholar Krister Stendahl. It was the last rule on his three rules of religious understanding. Taylor said it fit into her goals for the class so well that she incorporated it into the final exam, posing the question: “What has inspired ‘Holy Envy’ in you this semester?” “The students always gave
12
| P I E D M ON T C OL L EG E JOU RNAL
Taylor taught “Religions of the World” for nearly 20 years at Piedmont.
nothing inside it but polished floors, walls, and ceilings
Reid said. “Some moments of the book transplanted
made entirely of black marble,” said Taylor. No religious
me back into that course as if I were taking the class
symbols nor furniture were incorporated into the space
all over again. Other moments, however, showed me how
“so that no matter where people look, all they will be able
the class varies from each group of students each year, as
to see are each other’s faces reflected back at them.”
many bring into the class their own life experiences and
The student received an A.
questions. Reading the manuscript allowed me to grasp what
Even though Taylor began
can be learned, not only from taking world religions, but the
writing the book while still at
transformative
Piedmont, she completed it after
lessons
leaving the classroom, providing her
Barbara
with time to reflect. After reviewing
gained from
the first draft, her editor sent her
teaching it.”
back to the keyboard, telling Taylor to write more of herself into the story. “Memoir sells books,”
that academic
Taylor said. “With reluctance,
environment, both
I put more of myself in it.”
in the classroom
Taylor was intent on Taylor is a regular attendee and speaker at the The Wild Goose Festival in Hot Springs, North Carolina. The weekend event explores spiritualism, justice music and art.
Taylor misses being in
and being
representing accurately the
immersed in a
traditions covered in the chapters.
university setting.
“There is a huge variety among
“What I miss
faith traditions; I just provided a
the most are student
perspective on it,” she said.
responses to new
While teaching, she connected
information,”
deeply with her students, mentoring those who revealed
she said. “The
and honed their own spiritual gifts. Taylor was especially
questions they
careful with the student profiles included in the book.
asked, the
“Anytime I told a recognizable story I cut that
insights they
I had other invitations to go be happy at other schools, but I wanted to be a part of Piedmont's mission. I wanted to be with students who might be the first in a family to go to college. –Barbara Brown Taylor
piece out and sent it [to the student],” she said. “Some
had, the papers
students wanted to be anonymous. Two changed their
they wrote, the projects they dreamed up – all of it
names. Two wanted their full names included.”
so surpassed my imagination. The students would
One former student, Patrick Reid, currently enrolled at Yale Divinity School, Taylor’s alma mater, was asked to read, review, and comment on the manuscript. “I had not considered what Barbara had learned by teaching us, and the many students that came before me,”
bring it [assignments] to life over and over again.” She describes Holy Envy as a love letter to Piedmont College. “Clearly, I was happy. I had other invitations to go be happy at other schools, but I wanted to be a part of
PIEDMONT COLLEG E JO U RNAL
| 13
Piedmont’s mission. I wanted to be
S
ince retiring as the Butman Chair of Religion, Taylor remains invested
with students who might be the first in a family to go to college,” she said. “Piedmont has a wide and diverse student body but I felt like I was serving near home...to produce a fabulous graduate enriched by the Southeast. I was with such a broad range of students with all kinds of abilities and interests. I loved their breadth; I was never bored.” The book’s dedication illustrates Taylor’s commitment to the college and its leadership: “For Ray Cleere (Piedmont President 19952011) who hired me, (current President) James Mellichamp,
in the foundational work of
who retired me, and Timothy
building community through
Lytle, my closest ally all along.”
conversations about faith. She speaks at conferences
At Piedmont, she and Dr. Lytle shared an office
and leads writing workshops,
entryway in the northeast corner of Daniel Hall. Lytle misses the everyday
adding her graceful and lyrical
interactions developed through a long-term connection of like minds.
commentary to inspire others. Taylor is a New York Times
“I miss the quiet grace that she brings with her,” Lytle said. “I think that it is what made her such a great teacher. She would approach classes
best-selling author, an Episcopal
as an opportunity for her students and her to learn together, and she was
priest, a world-class wordsmith,
always eager to hear their voices, their views, and their questions.”
and a gifted preacher. In 2014, she was included on the list of Time’s 100 Most Influential People, just after “Learning to Walk
Lytle said students at all levels enrolled in the “Religions of the World” class as it satisfied a core requirement. It was for some, he said, the first time they might encounter someone from a different religion. Taylor provided that safe space to explore new ideas, he said. “That was a powerful gift that she gave to her students,” he said. “College
in the Dark” was featured
is an incredibly important time, especially that first year. The world is opening
as a Time cover story.
up to them in a way that many of them have never before experienced. It is
She was also featured on
crucial to be able to understand a multiplicity of perspectives – our own and
Oprah’s Super Soul Sunday and
those of others – if we are to function successfully in this global community.
is a regular attendee at The Wild
Reading Holy Envy was a real pleasure for me, partly because I knew so
Goose Festival, a merging of
many of the people involved, but mostly because I was reminded of the care,
spirit, justice, music, and art, held
the passion, and the gentle grace that Barbara brought to her teaching.”
each July in Hot Springs, NC. Taylor and husband, Ed, live on a working farm in Habersham County where they care for the land and a menagerie of horses, chickens, cats, and dogs. 14
We’ve kept gathering around communion tables, just like Jesus told us to. That meal holds a central place in my tradition. It’s what keeps me at home in my faith.
| P I E D M ON T C OL L EG E JOU RNAL
Taylor said her spiritual practices have evolved, and she “borrows” from other traditions, but she remains rooted in her Christian foundation. “I’ll do yoga; I’ll sit in something that approximates meditation,” she said. (Continued on Page 18)
A Beloved Legend
By John Roberts
P
art of Howard “Doc” Ayers’
and countless athletes. They spill
the Georgia Sports Hall of Fame. There
office is walled with 1970’s-style
out into an adjacent bathroom.
are images of him leading the Georgia
wood paneling, the kind with
Some are tacked to the ceiling.
Bulldog football team onto the Sanford
the black-grooved vertical lines and
If Ayers, now 97, can’t recall
Stadium field before kick-off. And there
mock wood grains. But his visitors
the big games he’s coached or the
are family remembrances, too. On
see none of it. Every square foot of
accolades showered upon him, his
his desk rests a yellowed newspaper
the space represents a memory.
office, located off Main Street in
clipping about his father, Dr. Clarence
Cedartown, Georgia is a reminder.
Ayers, a much-loved physician in
Photographs, certificates, and newspaper clippings canvas the
“If I can’t remember
Toccoa who delivered more than 5,000
office. Admiring notes from legendary
something, then I’m sure it’s on here
babies and served several terms as a
football coaches Bear Bryant, Steve
somewhere,” he says making a
state senator.
Spurrier, and Vince Dooley (Ayer’s
sweeping gesture with his hands.
boss for 16 years) are there. So are the images of professional golfers
Behind Ayers’ desk is a page from the program when he was inducted into
Much of the wall is a time warp to
a simpler era when high school football was the entertainment lifeblood of
PIEDMONT COLLEG E JO U RNAL
| 15
small-town Georgia. Each Friday night,
Georgia. The younger Ayers, though,
he enrolled at Piedmont College
townspeople crowded around dusty,
continued his ways. As his grades
and commuted 15 miles down US
grass-spectacled fields to cheer on their
languished in the classroom, his
441 each weekday for classes.
hometown heroes. And each Saturday,
reputation on the field soared. He
high school scores and highlights were
was a sudden celebrity in Northwest
and very quiet,” said Ayers. “They
splashed across the front page of the
Georgia and very popular with
expected you to behave, and I
sports section of the Atlanta-Journal
the girls.
thought it was a very good school.
Constitution. And every boy who could
And, of course, because it was close
toss a bale of hay tried out for the
a damn,” he said. “He sent me to
“My daddy didn’t like it worth
high school team.
to Toccoa it was economical.” All the while,
Ayers’ life, at
though, Ayers was
least early on, did
desperate to get back
not seem destined
into football and
for the gridiron.
maintained contact with
The youngest of
his Georgia coaches.
four children, he was
“I was just always
a sometimes tag along
interested in athletics. It
when his father made
got me really excited.”
house calls. Later,
He graduated
the boy developed
in 1949, a year
a habit of carrying
after Georgia Coach
a miniature black
Wally Butts helped the
medical kit around the neighborhood,
young man land his Doc Ayers’ Cedartown office is filled with memories.
mimicking his
first head coaching job at Lavonia High
father and pretending to practice
Darlington Prep to study medicine, but
on his classmates. The endearing
the only thing I wanted to study was
behavior stuck. Soon adults began
Shorter (Academy) girls.”
he said. “I thought I was
calling him “Doc” like his father.
coaching at Notre Dame.”
As a teen, though, Ayers lacked
Ayers ambition to play
college football at the University of
School, a team with just 16 players. “I was thrilled to death,”
Ayers compiled a 25-4-1 record
the patience and classroom work
Georgia was put on hold by World
at Lavonia and coached one season
ethic of an aspiring physician. A
War II. He joined the Navy and
at Winder High School before moving
cocksure running back, he emerged
served three and a half years on
as a young star for Toccoa High,
an aircraft carrier that patrolled
leading the team to a 17-3 record
the Atlantic and Pacific oceans.
his freshman and sophomore years. “Oh, I thought I was real good,”
A wiser, more humble Ayers traded his navy whites for apple red
remembers Ayers. “I didn’t weigh
in 1946 when, college scholarship
but 130 pounds, but I went around
in hand, he joined the University of
telling everyone I was 190.”
Georgia football team. A knee injury
Sensing his son could benefit from
16
“It was a very small campus
during spring practice, though, ended
a stricter academic environment, Dr.
his career. Despondent, Ayers stayed
Ayers packed him off to Darlington
on as a student coach for a year,
Preparatory Academy in Rome,
then moved back to Toccoa where
| P I E D M ON T C OL L EG E JOU RNAL
The original Doc (Dr. Clarence Ayers) was a longtime family physician in Toccoa.
to Northwest Georgia to coach
“Doc Ayers’ halftime pep talks were
played a key role in the success of
Cedartown High School. In that small
legendary… During one game when
Georgia’s program. The players on this
town, Ayers’ coaching star began to
we were not playing well I expected
walk-on squad competed for football
rise. His teams, it seemed, were always
we were in for a real chewing out.
scholarships. Each year, a few made
out-manned and under-sized. But a
Instead, he opened a letter. ‘Boys,’
it. Dooley wanted a big personality,
hard-scrabble Cedartown team won the
he said. ‘This is a letter I received
energetic recruiter, and inspirational
today from my mother.’ ‘Dear son,’ he read. ‘I
Along the way, Ayers earned a reputation for doing things the right way.
coach to lead the program. “Doc was all the things we
know this is an important game
needed in a freshman coach
for you and Cedartown High. I
and more,” said Dooley.
know that your
Ayers
boys will play
coached
their hardest for
Georgia’s
you and for the
freshman team
team. I want you
for ten years,
to know that I
compiling a
North Georgia championship in 1956.
believe with all my
28-12 record.
Seven years later, the Bulldogs were
heart that this team is
He had a
crowned 1963 AAA state champions.
the greatest team in the
knack for
Along the way, Ayers earned
state. I hope you will
canvassing
a reputation for doing things the
win and bring home
the state
right way. He never cursed in front
the championship
of his players or asked a hurt player
for Cedartown High.
to play through an injury. Coach
Love, your mother.’
Ayers never ran up the score on an
With a tear in his
opposing team and placed character
eye, Coach Ayers asked us to win the
development before winning.
game for his mother. We were so fired
In a 2004 issue of Georgia Trend
up after that letter that we scored two
magazine, then editor and publisher
touchdowns in the second half and put
Neely Young, a starting guard for
the game on ice. Later I discovered
Cedartown in 1958, wrote: “Ayers
that players on the 1956 team had
held to the theory that the water boy
heard a similar letter, and also the
was just as important to the team as
1957 squad. But it didn’t matter.”
the quarterback. At the end of each
All of Ayers’ Cedartown Ayers lifelong friend is former Georgia Coach Vince Dooley. Paul William “Bear” Bryant was a great admirer, too.
game he would take time to give praise
quarterbacks earned college
to someone who was a substitute,
scholarships. Many of his players
who might have run in a play for one
went on to play football at Auburn
down. He always thanked the trainers
University where they impressed
and recruiting promising off–the-
and mentioned the other staff.”
a young Vince Dooley, then an
radar players, some of whom earned
assistant on the Auburn staff. When
scholarships and starting positions.
Ayers’ greatest coaching gift, according to many, was
Dooley was named head football
his ability to inspire.
coach at the University of Georgia
coach of the freshman team, Ayers
in 1964, his first hire was Ayers.
became a Georgia football jack of all
“In almost every game we would be behind at the half,” wrote Young.
In those days, the freshman team
After stepping down as head
trades. He gave motivational talks to
PIEDMONT COLLEG E JO U RNAL
| 17
He was my go-to coach. I would send Doc after them, and they always came back together. –Vince Dooley the team, continued to recruit, spoke at civic organizations and was the headline at Bulldog club meetings. “He was fantastic with public
back to Cedartown and became reacquainted with
festoon his office, Ayers has a special
many years, he dropped
place in his heart for Piedmont. A
by Cedartown football
mention of the college brings a soft
practices, gave pre-game
smile. Each month, like clockwork,
motivational talks and
the school’s advancement office
encouraged the players.
receives a hand-addressed envelope
Ayers has also served
from Ayers. Inside is a check.
on non-profit boards and
The memo line on each captures
started a charity golf
his feelings for alma mater.
tournament in 1991. named the football field in his honor on September 3, 1999, the
people, and was always at home
the kindly gentleman keeps
wherever he went,” said Dooley. “Doc
regular office hours and spends
was just a tremendous ambassador
much of his day visiting with
for the University of Georgia.”
friends and corresponding the old fashioned way (hand-written
and left the program, Dooley always
notes). He attends luncheons,
called Ayers.
civic meetings, and is a favorite
and popular downtown fixture.
Dooley. “I would send Doc after them,
The coach’s charm, quick wink,
and they always came back together.”
and wit remain ever-present.
After the Bulldogs won the
It reads simply “with love.”
When Cedartown High
entire town showed up. Today,
“He was my go-to coach,” said
While Georgia red and black
high school football. For
relations, knew how to relate to
When a player became homesick
ask you how you’re doing.”
“You know you’re old,” he
national championship in 1980, Ayers
says, “when all three funeral
left the Georgia program, moved
homes in town call you to
For many years, Ayers led the Georgia Bullogs onto the field before home games in Sanford Stadium.
Love Letter (continued from page 14) “But the daily-ness of the divine
Christian tradition where people
is at the heart of my practice.”
gather around a table.
Beyond retirement in the
“Whatever else Christians have
keeps me at home in my faith.” In times of global turmoil and shrinking worship practices, she said it is important to seek out
traditional sense, she continues to
gotten wrong during the years, we’ve
teach, lead, and guide important and
kept gathering around communion
relevant conversations about faith.
tables, just like Jesus told us to,”
your eyes peeled, see where God
she said. “That meal holds a central
is active and go there. Go and see
place in my tradition. It’s what
what’s happening; what’s missing.”
“My hope is in the activity of the Holy Spirit,” she said. “I’ve received more invitations because of this book.”
18
She reminds readers of the
| P I E D M ON T C OL L EG E JOU RNAL
and invest in a faith community. “People are on the move...keep
A Note from Hobbs Your alumni house
Join Us on the Front Porch phi·lan·thro·py
/fəˈlanTHrəpē/ noun the desire to promote the welfare of others, expressed especially by the generous donation of money to good causes.
P
hilanthropy. It’s a powerful four-syllable word. John F. Kennedy called it “a jewel of
an American tradition.” Poet Henry David
Thoreau said “philanthropy is almost the only virtue which is sufficiently appreciated by mankind.” A modern definition, which combines the humanistic with social science traditions, is “private initiatives for the public good, focusing on quality of life.” My job at Piedmont is to facilitate a culture of philanthropy, one in which participants realize the joy and fulfillment of giving. I know that sounds corny and idealistic, but that is how I see it. That said, few will give to a cause that does not inspire and excite them. Since arriving at Piedmont in July, I have experienced both. I’ve met wonderful people and have become delightfully immersed in the campus culture. My perspective grows each day. I gain more optimism and become more aspirational about what can be accomplished. We have an amazing renaissance curriculum that combines the arts, business, education, and health sciences with an experience that is grounded in broad-based learning. Ours is an entrepreneurial
Craig Rogers, Vice President of Institutional Advancement, is joined on the front porch of the Pyle-Davis House (Graduate Admssions) by Bailey Jo.
culture that responds to the marketplace and student needs. And the campus is bustling with energy and growth. Most recently, we put the finishing touches on a sparkling new Conservatory of Music, purchased 80 acres adjacent to campus for expansion, and have plans to renovate and convert Nielsen Hall into a new home for the School of Education. These facility and program expansions inspire a culture that is focused on the core goal of philanthropy: improving lives. A large number of our students are the first in their family to attend college. With us, many take their
PIEDMONT COLLEG E JO U RNAL
| 19
first trip abroad to study a new culture. And they graduate with a job secured or plans to advance to graduate school. U.S. News & World Report recently ranked Piedmont No. 1 among Georgia’s regional colleges and universities in social mobility,
Meet the Designer
a ranking that is designed to measure an institution’s success in helping economically disadvantaged students advance in their career and life. Piedmont changes lives every day. My responsibility is to inspire a vibrant philanthropic culture among our alumni, parents, and friends that ensures our transformational work with our students continue. Cultivating that culture begins with building relationships. Ours is a front-porch philosophy that engenders comfort, trust, and sharing. This approach is captured in the name of our annual fund campaign, Lions Share.
Through this effort, we are asking members of the Piedmont family to
share their friendship, time, and treasure. Many of you remember the College yearbook, the Yonahian. This publication, celebrating 100 years, shares the name of our most intimate supporting family. The Yonahian Society recognizes donors who contribute $1,000 or more annually to Piedmont. This group will be recognized at a gala each year.
In closing, if you are in the area or on our beautiful campus, please stop by
our front porch, the Hobbs Alumni House. You’ll be greeted with a warm smile and welcoming handshake. We hope you’ll share your story and join our campaign.
Craig Rogers, Vice President of Advancement
(Craig Rogers is Vice President of Institutional Advancement. Before joining Piedmont, he served in advancement leadership roles at Hargrave Military Academy, Hampden-Sydney College, and Longwood University).
Yonahian Society Giving Levels YO-NĂH-ĬAN
20
Chairman’s Circle
$25,000+
Mayflower Circle
$10,000 – 24,999
1897 Founder’s Circle
$5,000 – 9,999
President’s Circle
$1,000 – 4,999
| P I E D M ON T C OL L EG E JOU RNAL
I
t’s good to have home-grown talent nearby. Before developing a design for our giving society in house, we decided to give our students a crack at it. We had high expectations, (after all they are Piedmont students) and we weren’t disappointed. The simple, elegant Yonahian Society design was developed by Hayden Giovino, a junior art and religion major from Rabun County. Hayden developed several working drafts and concepts, presented them to our staff, and worked with us to develop a final product that made everyone smile. Going forward, this circular design will be featured on coffee cups, lapel pins, and other marketing materials. Furthermore, the student behind the work illustrates why giving to Piedmont is so important. Hayden receives scholarship aid that is made possible through your gifts to Piedmont. We hope you like the Yonahian Society branding. And we’re sure it will enhance Hayden’s resume.
- Regina McCormick '08
Athletics accolades & accomplishments making the mountains of western North Carolina an unlikely hotbed for collegiate swimming, Guyer was a champion weight lifter. Those two things may not seem to have much to do with each other, but you don’t bench press 550 pounds or pull dominant athletic programs out of thin air without a unique ability to build things. Piedmont Athletic Director Jim Peeples knew almost right away Guyer was the person to lead the college’s 20th and 21st sports. “Any time you’re starting something from scratch, having somebody that has experience starting a program from basically ground zero is important,” Peeples says. “That’s not an easy thing to do, especially from a Division III standpoint where you don’t have any athletic scholarship money.” Guyer, 56, may no longer be quite possibly the strongest swim coach who has ever lived, but quick and sustained success at both Warren Wilson College Swim coach Teddy Guyer will host practices and meets at the Ruby C. Fulbright Aquatic Center in Clarkesville.
Trifecta
Guyer founded two college swim programs. Piedmont will be his third.
By Ron Wagner
I
and Mars Hill University, where he compiled an overall dual meet record of 354 wins and 73 losses, saw 19 swimmers make NCAA national cuts, and earned seven Coach of the Year Awards, is nearly as remarkable as the unlikely journey he took to get there. When Guyer was growing up in the 1970s in Bethel, a small, unincorporated community about 30 miles west of Asheville, North Carolina, swimming was pretty far down the list of popular athletic pursuits. No high schools in the area had teams, and Guyer taught himself to swim at a YMCA in nearby Canton.
f there’s one thing Teddy Guyer, tabbed to coach Piedmont new men’s and women’s swimming teams in July, has proven in his life, it’s that he’s not afraid
to do some heavy lifting. Figuratively and literally. Before he got into the business of single-handedly
That evolved into life guarding, teaching swim lessons, and some competition in local summer league teams, which in turn evolved into Guyer being offered a job – and a place to live — running a pool in Fontana Village, North Carolina, after he graduated from Pisgah High. While there,
PIEDMONT COLLEG E JO U RNAL
| 21
Guyer got into weight lifting. Really into weight lifting. “By the time I stopped lifting, which was early 2000s,
Rachel Nichols is a fifth-grade English teacher at Tallulah Falls School who swam sprints in the freestyle
I was benching around 550 in competition,” he says,
and butterfly for Guyer at Mars Hill from 2015-18.
noting he held several American and state drug-free records
She says Guyer’s ability to communicate is special.
in the bench press in the 1980s and ‘90s. “But then the injuries caught up with me, and I had to give it up.” In 1985, Guyer met his future wife, Haven, who was
“He wrote the workouts. He did what you’re supposed to do as far as coaching goes,” Nichols, whose grandmother (Sandra G. Barrow) is a member of the
a student at Western Carolina
Piedmont Board of
University, and she persuaded
Trustees, says. “But he
him to enroll there. He became a
was like your parent
high school coach and physical
away from home,
education teacher, but some Warren Wilson students Guyer had taught to swim as kids told him about a job opening to run the college’s pool and teach some PE classes. He like that idea. He also had one of his own. After being hired at Warren Wilson, they said, “We know you want to coach, and if you would like to start a team, we’ll back you 100 percent,’” Guyer remembers. “I never planned on being a swim coach, but in ’93 I started the Warren Wilson swim team. Of course I had a lot to learn, but I knew the basics from all my years of instructing swimmers and my summer league experience.” The rest, as the cliché goes, is history. Despite having
him with anything
no scholarship money, Guyer put together a 146-36 record
… Because he
before leaving for Mars Hill in 2005. He was just as
gives everyone that
successful there, and looking back, Guyer thinks his lack of
sense of belonging,
a traditional coaching background worked in his favor.
you immediately
“What got me into being a swim coach was I had so
feel comfortable,
much experience running pools and teaching young kids to
and you can trust him. Having that bond with him
be competitive swimmers … Once I got to the college level,
ultimately helped us bond as a team together.”
the experiences I had working with the club coaches who used our pool helped me a lot,” he says. “I’ve definitely had to learn the sport from the ground up, but sometimes I think
22
too. You could go to
That bond also eventually motivated Nichols to take over the Tallulah Falls swim teams, which she coaches. “I always knew I wanted to teach,” she says. “He
it’s been good for me because I have a way of being able
made a lasting impact on me… and I want to make
to talk to the kids in a way that I’m not talking above them.”
that kind of impact on other young peoples’ lives.”
| P I E D M ON T C OL L EG E JOU RNAL
One of the biggest reasons Guyer took the Piedmont position is that, for the first time in his career, impacting the lives of young people will be his only job. At Warren Wilson and Mars Hill, Guyer spent more time managing pools than he did instructing athletes, but the Ruby Fulbright Aquatic Center in Clarkesville, Georgia, where the Lions will train and race, will be maintained by the Habersham County Parks and Recreation Department. “For 40 years now, I have run pools … I have had to deal with all the chemicals and maintenance and cleaning, and the last couple of years it’s really gotten to me,” Guyer says. “When Coach Peeples offered me this job, he said I wouldn’t have any pool responsibilities … I said sign me up.” That extra time to recruit Atlanta’s rich talent pool could allow Piedmont, which has won three consecutive USA South Presidents Cup awards, given to the top-performing athletic program in the conference, to hit the water swimming. “Atlanta swimming has some of the biggest and best clubs in the United States. Period,” Peeples says. “Finding somebody with the years of experience Teddy has and having the recruiting connections that he does to this local swim community I thought was a pretty important factor … The goal is, like in any of our sports, we want to have a program here that can hopefully first be very competitive within our region and, hopefully in time, be a competitive D-III program on a national level.” Piedmont will start competition in the 2020-21 season. Guyer, who once bench-pressed 550 pounds, has collected more than his share of power-lifting hardware (top left). His family (above) includes Haven, his wife, and four sons: TC (third from left), Lance, Colby, and Trace.
Tops in USA South – Again
F
or the third consecutive year Piedmont has been awarded the Presidents Cup by the USA South Conference. The Cup, established more than
40 years ago, recognizes the conference’s top performing athletic program.
Piedmont College also won the Women’s Presidents
Cup trophy.
Overall, Piedmont athletic programs took home a
total of four regular season championships and won five conference tournaments in 2018-19, including the inaugural USA South Track & Field Championship. On the women’s side, this marks the fourth consecutive season in which the Lady Lions have finished first. Courtesy of conference tournament championships in soccer, basketball, and track & field, Piedmont took the Women’s Presidents Cup by a school-record 20 points, coming in with 76.5 points, 20 ahead of second-place Meredith.
Piedmont won the overall Cup by a record margin
with 133 points, 22 ahead of runner-up Methodist. On the men’s side, the Lions finished a school-best second, just 3.5 points behind Men’s Presidents Cup winner Methodist. The season was highlighted by a West Division Regular Season Championship in men’s tennis, track & field taking the first ever USA South title and finally, men’s lacrosse winning the USA South Tournament in only its second season in the league. The margin of victory by Piedmont in both the overall and women’s final standings are the largest in the USA South since Christopher Newport ran away with all three cups in the 2012-13 season.
Keep up with all of our sports news, schedules, and scores at www.piedmontlions.com
PIEDMONT COLLEG E JO U RNAL
| 23
History highlights & interesting stories
The Many Looks of Leo
L
eo the Lion has had many different looks through the decades. During the 1970s and early
1980s, Leo was a throwback to his grandfather who starred in the Wizard of Oz. With a face strangely human and a stringy red mane, Leo had a roomy pajama-like body that was suitable for disco-dancing and MC hammering. By the early 1990s, a kinder,
gentler Leo emerged. But this one, with a long snout, white chin, and no mane, looked more like a friendly dog
2019
than a lion. It was around this time that a lady lion (perhaps it was Leo’s girlfriend) happened upon campus. Like the human hairstyles of the day, this lioness had a frizz. And judging from her fangs, she must have been sassy, too. The relationship did not last long. The lioness disappeared into the north Georgia Mountains as the new century dawned.
2016
Today, Leo has benefitted from modern beauty products. The white chin of yesteryear has regained much of its original color. And Rogaine has thickened his mane. He is fullerbodied, the result of a slowing metabolism. But his smile is broader. Single life must suit him.
1998
– John Roberts
1993
1966
1988
1990 24
| P I E D M ON T C OL L EG E JOU RNAL
News&Notes CLASS
2
1
1990s Matthew Stewart ’99 and Leslie Stewart announced the birth of William Emory Stewart, March 15. William’s older sister, Katie will be 13 in April, and older brother, Wiley will be 11 in April. The Stewarts live in Americus, Georgia where both parents work for Habitat for Humanity International.
2000s 1
Regina McCormick ’08, Design Manager at Piedmont College, married Tyler Mann, Assistant Professor of Graphic Design at Piedmont, in Big Hendy Grove, California on May 27. 2
Lisa Diehl ’09 was awarded the Excellence in Teaching Award by the University of North Georgia. Diehl teaches English Composition and British Literature II at the University of North Georgia where she has been for seven years. Diehl was also a recent Gabrielle Straub residency awardee offered through the Lillian E. Smith Center.
3
2010s 3
Heather Rose ’10 is now the Administrative Assistant to the Assistant Vice President of Research & Engagement at the University of North Georgia. Her daughter Annabelle (age 2), and son Emmett (age 6) are pictured, along with her husband Patrick Rose ’12. Patrick Rose ’12 will be celebrating his 7th year at Mill Spring Academy in Milton, Georgia at the Technical Director/Tech Theater Teacher.
4
4
Molly Atkinson ’12 is presently a postdoctoral fellow at Miami University, Oxford, Ohio. 5
Sarah Hafeman ’12 and Darren Hafeman announced the birth of Ryker Maddox Hafeman August 13. Sarah is also the daughter of Professor Keith Nelms.
6
Dilyn Cox ’12, MBA ’15 and Zachary Cox ‘16 announced the birth of Addilyn Truett Cox July 12.
PIEDMONT COLLEG E JO U RNAL
| 25
News&Notes CLASS
5
7
Patrick Steck ’14 completed an Iron Man in Lake Placid in July in under 12 hours. Current student and brother-in-law to Patrick, Harris Sailors, came along to support and went on a pre-race ride around Lake Placid. Matt Stephens ’15, MBA ’17 and Taylor Cramsey ’17 were married August 24.
6
7
8
Krysti Elam ’16, MA ’19 is now employed with Zaxby’s Franchising LLC in Athens as a ZFL Subject Matter Expert. As a Certified Field Training Specialist with Zaxby’s, Elam travels the country training managers and team members as new locations open. Porcha Simmons ’17 graduated with her Master’s in Social Work from the University of Georgia May 10. 8
Owensby included in Georgia Trend list Jessie Owensby ’15 has been included in
In this position, she oversees strategic planning
Georgia Trend Magazine’s
and manages tourism, an area that has fueled business
distinguished 40 under 40
growth and investments in Cornelia and the surrounding
feature. This list is a who’s
area. In August, Owensby was awarded a level-one
who in their profession and
certification by the Georgia Downtown Association at the
represents those passionate
group’s annual conference in Jekyll Island, Georgia.
about community service. Owensby has deep roots
A mass communications major, Owensby said Dr. Dale Van Cantfort was among the many Piedmont
in northeast Georgia. After
professors who have offered her valuable career counsel.
graduating from Piedmont,
“Dr. Van Cantfort kept me motivated throughout my time at
she became news director at WCON in Cornelia, where
Piedmont,” she said. “He remains my biggest cheerleader,
she interviewed interesting people and built relationships
mentor and supporter; I call him for advice today.”
and connections throughout the community. It was her passion for community that led to her next job: Community
26
Development Manager for the city of Cornelia.
| P I E D M ON T C OL L EG E JOU RNAL
- Adam Martin
Second Nature to Give Back Michele
“Being an Athenian, I would think, what did I
Pearson ’03,
see? What did I complain about?” she said. “I am one
a longtime board
of the strong believers in ‘you don’t complain; you do.’
member of the
So, being an engaged citizen was just like breathing.”
Athens Housing
After graduating Piedmont in 2003, her vision
Authority and
was to attend law school, but an internship at a law
Athens Area
firm changed her mind. She sought advice from a
Chamber of
Piedmont professor and ultimately changed course
Commerce, has
and received her MBA from the Harry W. Walker
been awarded
School of Business in 2005. She learned one of the
the President’s
best ways she could effect change in her community
Fulfilling the Dream Award. The award by the University of Georgia, Athens-Clarke County Unified
was to help people learn more about finance. “No matter what socioeconomic level you are,
Government, and the Clarke County School District is
if you are able to understand financial freedom, then
given to an outstanding member of the Athens-Clarke
you could actually take charge and do things.”
County community who is advancing Martin Luther King, Jr.’s dream of equality and justice for all. The award was presented at the 16th annual Martin Luther King Jr. Freedom Breakfast on January 18 at the Grand Hall of the Tate Student Center at the University of Georgia in Athens.
Since graduating, she has worked in the financial community and five years ago, opened her own branch of an Edward Jones strategic investment firm in Athens.
- Adam Martin
Photo courtesy of University of Georgia
We'd love to hear from you! Send us your news at classnotes@piedmont.edu and look for them in the next Journal. Visit our alumni page to update your contact information so you don’t miss out on invitations to alumni events! Visit us online at www.piedmont.edu/alumni.
PIEDMONT COLLEG E JO U RNAL
| 27
In Memory Omer E. Bryant
College on a piano scholarship.
Department of Natural Resources
‘49 of Carnesville,
Whitmire-Chandley graduated cum
Fisheries Division. He was a member
Georgia died July
laude in 1951 from University of
of Hills Crossing Baptist Church
10 at the Veranda
Florida with a BA in Music and
where he was past deacon chair and
of Carnesville.
Education. In 1953, she married
Sunday school teacher, mission trip
Bryant received
Quinton J. Whitmire, whom she
coordinator, and was a RA leader
his masters from
had met at Piedmont at First United
and audio technician. Chestnutt spent
Peabody College
Methodist Church, Lake Wales.
many years coaching, refereeing,
in 1954. An educator, he taught at
Her loves were her husbands and
and umpiring with Habersham
Rentz High School in Laurens County;
children, family, friends, church,
County Athletics, and he was an avid
Upson County, Red Hill, Franklin
world travel, reading, music, nature,
woodworker.
County High School, Carnesville
teaching, learning, helping others,
Elementary, and Banks County.
and volunteering. Her first husband,
Bryant was girls’ basketball coach
Quinton, died in 1978 and she
at Franklin County High School from
was widowed for 20 years. In
1956 to 1957. He served as a
1998, Whitmire-Chandley became
principal at Carnesville Elementary
reacquainted with Dick Chandley.
and Banks County elementary and
She and Dick married on February
primary schools. Bryant was Franklin
14, 1999.
County School Superintendent from 1965 to 1968, and eight years from 1977 to 1984. A Korean War veteran, he served in the US Army Signal Corps in Germany. He had been a member of the Carnesville Lions Club and the Kiwanis. Bryant had been a member of the Cross Roads Baptist Church since 1945 and had served as trustee and treasurer. Mary N. Whitmire-Chandley ‘50 of Lake Wales, Florida died June 9, at the age of 88. Born on January 5, 1931, to Cleo and Neil Hardman, both residents of Lake Wales. Throughout her life, WhitmireChandley was very active in school, church, community service, youth organizations, music, and other local projects. She graduated with honors from Lake Wales High School in 1948 and attended Piedmont
28
| P I E D M ON T C OL L EG E JOU RNAL
John T. Ward ‘97 of Alto, Georgia died June 25 at the age of 66. Born in Demorest, Georgia on June 14, 1953 to the late John Buford and Dorothy “Dot” Henson Ward, John was a lineman and worked his way up to an operations manager with Habersham EMC
Mackie D. Brown ‘68 of
with 37 years of service. During his
Gainesville, Georgia died August 26
career, he received GEMC Foreman
at his residence.
& Supervisors’ Cofer-Langston Award
Hal W. Chestnutt ‘81 of Clarkesville, Georgia died August 22 at the age of 69. Born in Sylvester, Georgia on May 16, 1950, Chestnutt was the son of the late Sam L. and Wynell C. Howell Chestnutt. He graduated from Tift County High School and earned an AA Degree in Wildlife from Abraham Baldwin Agricultural College and BA Degree in Psychology from Piedmont College. Chestnutt was a United States Army Vietnam era veteran,
for outstanding leadership. Ward was a member of the Cherokee Gun Club, past president of the Lake Burton Water Ski Association, ground man, team leader, and founding member for HEMC’s first Lineman’s Rodeo team, who placed first in the state and third in the nation. Ward enjoyed hunting, fishing, gardening, traveling, and the water, especially the lake and early Saturday morning ski trips with his kids while they were growing up
was stationed at Camp David, and
Gary Shattuck ‘98 of Agora
was a fire fighter and chaplain
Hills, California died June 1. Dr.
with Clarkesville Fire Department
Shattuck was born February 5,
with over 20 years of loyal service.
1947 in Corpus Christi, Texas.
Chestnutt was the retired manager of
He was the son of the late Rear
Lake Burton Hatchery and Regional
Admiral Charles William Shattuck,
Stock Coordinator with the Georgia
SC USNR-R and the late Violet
Louise McNair Shattuck, formerly
She stressed to pray for others, to
School. She later moved into the
of Manhattan Beach, California.
look at the big picture, and to always
role of the curriculum director for
Dr. Shattuck graduated from Mira
be thankful.
Lowndes County. She also served as
Costa High School in the Class of 1965. Dr. Shattuck received a BA degree in History with a minor in Geography from UCLA and a MAT degree in Social Studies Education from Piedmont College. He took his Ed.S. degree in Instructional Technology and his Ph.D. in Instructional Technology from The University of Georgia: Dissertation, “Understanding School Leaders’ Role in Teachers’ Adoption of Technology Integrated Classroom Practices.” Dr. Shattuck worked 17 years for the Newton County School System where he served the last 15 years as director of technology. In 1980, University of Georgia History Professor Emeritus Dr. Albert Saye proposed Dr. Shattuck to the Republican National Committee. Then, Dr. Shattuck became one of four GOP Georgia State Field Officers who were instrumental in helping Ronald Regan win in Georgia’s presidential election. Deanne I. Duckett ‘09 of Dacula, Georgia died May 17 at the age of 51 in her home and went to be with her Father in heaven. Duckett was born October 30, 1967 in Hialeah, Florida to Arlene and Frank Swider. She graduated from Piedmont College with a degree in early childhood education and married Michael Duckett on November 24, 2006. Together, they raised six children. Duckett spent her life working with special needs children and their families. Although trained in school, Duckett had a gift from God in this area. She was full of joy, and her presence touched everyone she came in contact with.
Joshua L. Merrill ‘11 of Merrill’s Farm Drive died June 25 at the age of 31. He is the son of Tim Lane and Susie Hyatt Merrill. Merrill played baseball for Limestone and Piedmont College. He served on the Madison County Youth League Baseball Board where he also coached for three years and was
superintendent in Atkinson County and retired after serving as the Dean of Graduate Admissions at Piedmont College. Dr. Dickson was very involved with Georgia Retired Educators Association, Learning in Retirement, the Annette Howell Turner Arts Center, BARC, and the Theatre Guild of Valdosta.
an assistant coach for the Mountain
Paul J. Reeves
Xplosion travel baseball team. Merrill
(trustee
was an avid outdoors man, who
emeritus) of
loved mountain biking, fly fishing,
Cornelia, Georgia
hiking, and camping. Merrill hand
died July 18 at
carved spoons and forks out of raw
the age of 93 in
wood which became a hit with his
his home. Born
family for Christmas gifts. He had a
December 15,
desire and love for the kids in this
1925, in Clarkesville, Georgia,
community and was always striving
he was the son of the late Francis
and working to have more for his
Marion and Hester Ayers Reeves, the
children. Sandra B. Dickson (former Dean of Graduate Admissions) of Valdosta, Georgia died May 10, at the age of 72 at South Georgia Medical Center following a period of declining health. She was born in Valdosta on January 5, 1947 to the late Otis Willard and Grace Devereaux Belote. She was a retired educator and was a member of the Clyattville United Methodist Church. Dr. Dickson began her teaching career at Northside-Warner Robins. From there, she taught at Hahira Junior High and was a social worker for the Lowndes County School System, and then served as the Assistant Principal at Hahira Middle
youngest of eight children. Shortly after his 17th birthday, he joined the US Navy and served with the 5th Amphibious Corp in Saipan during World War II. He returned home in 1946 and began his hardware business career by managing his brother’s hardware store in Highlands, North Carolina. Later in 1946, he returned to Cornelia and in short order met and married the love of his life, Doris Elder, and started Habersham Hardware with his brothers. He and Doris began their family, eventually welcoming four daughters. He was a member of the Rotary Club, Cornelia Optimist Club, and was a member of the Cornelia Masonic Lodge #92 F&AM for 69 years. He also served as a Trustee of Piedmont College for many years. In 2015, he was inducted into the Habersham County Chamber of Commerce Hall of Fame.
PIEDMONT COLLEG E JO U RNAL
| 29
Leo in Vietnam Leo traveled with a group of Piedmont students to Vietnam this summer where he visited the Tᝍ Hiếu Temple, a Buddhist monastery on the outskirts of Hue, a city in central Vietnam. The stop was part of a cycling tour of the country that began in Hue and finished 300 miles away in Nha Trang.