PIEDMONT
FALL 2020
OurBIGReveal April 8-10, 2021—A new name, a new look, a new message.
Sharing is Caring I seriously could not be here without the support of donors and my friends. I am getting a minor in Spanish because I want to carry on my Cuban grandparents’ legacy. The encouragement I receive makes me want to become the best version of myself.
Elissa Lotter ’24 is a freshman from Sharpsburg, Georgia. She is pursuing her degree in Elementary Education with a minor in Spanish. She hopes to also pursue a master’s degree and teach kindergarten.
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Contents
JOURNAL
FALL 2020
10
ON THE COVER Leo, who is a bit of a ham, is featured on the cover of the Fall Journal. He seems at home on the Swanson Center Stage.
16
14
Features 04
09
14
Remembering Anna
Our Big Day
Legacy of Love
Paying tribute to one of our own
Piedmont to celebrate name change in the spring
Helping-hand scholarships honor former nursing student
05
10
18
We’re Number 1
Crossing the Rubicon
Staying Active
Demorest campus ranked safest in USA
Callahan helps others in crisis
Athletic teams schedule practices, some contests this Fall
02 A word from the President
23 A note from Hobbs
27 In Memory
03 Letter from the Editor
24 Class 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 Design Manager Regina M. McCormick ’08 Campus Photographer Kasey Brookshire
Project Manager Adam Martin Contributing writers David Harrell Ron Wagner Terrie Ellerbee ’95 Class Notes Editor Katie Deal ’02
Send address changes to: Piedmont College Institutional Advancement or piedmont.edu/updateinfo Piedmont College @PiedmontGA @PiedmontCollege
EMBRACING Change
I
t seems not long ago when the Sewell Organ was
current space on Prince Avenue. It offers modern amenities
installed in the Chapel. Named in honor of former
and convenient parking at a cost that is bottom-line friendly.
trustee Charles K. Sewell ’54, “Big Bertha” (as she
We also continue to modernize our on-campus
is affectionately known) includes nearly 3,700 pipes.
living spaces to meet the rising expectations of today’s
It is a magisterial instrument. For nearly two decades,
undergraduate students. In Demorest, we will soon break
I have enjoyed teaching and performing there.
ground on what will be the institution’s largest residence hall.
The completion of this project will set off a musical chairs
While our campus was closed over the summer, we took
the opportunity to clean Big Bertha. Over six weeks, all of
scenario as we move students out of older buildings that
her pipework was removed, cleaned, and reinstalled. After
will be pulled down or refurbished and into newer ones.
she was reassembled, we installed a prototype interface
Our philanthropic organization is taking on a more
that allows the musician
contemporary structure. In
to advance the pages
the spring, we will host our
of a musical score by
inaugural Yonahian Society
pressing a button.
Gala, an event to celebrate
and recognize those who
It is all accomplished
with an app and digital
support Piedmont with an
tablet. No more laborious
annual gift of $1,000 or
page-turning, which can
more. And many of you have
be quite tricky during a
noted that we have made big
complicated piece. The
strides in our publications,
device was developed
including this one.
by Bill Landolina, an
organ technology guru.
reflection of our move
And we have the very
to modernity is our
first one in the U.S. at Piedmont. It is an example
President Mellichamp poses with an organ digital page turner.
of embracing change
name change—from college to university. It recognizes our growth,
and updating a stately and venerable instrument
relevance, and rising profile. These are just a few examples
to meet modern expectations.
of how we are positioning Piedmont for success.
A similar scenario is being played out across
Still, the best is yet to come. This spring, we’ll pull the
our institution.
curtains back on a new UNIVERSITY logo, website, and
exciting branding language that captures our distinctive
As we approach our 125-year anniversary in 2022,
Piedmont is growing, adapting, and modernizing to meet the
qualities and personality (See page 9). I hope you will
demands of a rapidly changing higher education landscape.
join with us in celebrating this momentous occasion.
Our new facility in Athens illustrates this transition.
With so many classes and much of our instruction moving to an online format, we no longer needed the square footage that our current Athens campus offers. Many of our classrooms and office spaces there are not being used.
So this past summer we put the final touches on a plan to
relocate to a new facility that is within walking distance of our
2
Perhaps the greatest
| P I E DM ON T JOU R NA L
James F. Mellichamp, President
aWord from your Editor
S
ervice is one of Piedmont’s three core values. Through our teaching and student experiences, the institution strives to “cultivate a sense of gratitude and duty to humanity.” Stories of service have resonated through the pages of our recent issues.
Bryan Schroeder ’03 was the cover feature last fall. Schroeder is the executive director of Giving Kitchen, an Atlanta-based nonprofit that provides financial assistance and social service connections to food service workers (See page 25).
SPRING 2020
Stories from the Front PAGE 8
Gold stars for the Journal “The last two Journals have been excellent. I can’t say enough words of praise. The articles have been very interesting, and the font and contrast of the issues were excellent, too. They were very easy to read. Gold stars all around.” — Parks Miller MA ’00 and Cathy Miller, former Piedmont staff
Spotlight on
And last spring, we shone the spotlight on Octavius Mulligan ’95, Justine Clay ’12, Brie Ballinger ’15, Daniel Lindsey ’15, Kristen Van Bueren ’17, and Olivia Gibson ’19 who helped heal the sick, slow the spread, and educate our young people during the early outbreak of the pandemic. Our latest installment is Brandon Callahan ’14, an operations manager for Team Rubicon, a veteran-led disaster response organization. Before joining Team Rubicon, Callahan served six years in the U.S. Marine Corps. Based in Houston, Texas, Callahan has worked in a disaster relief role in Florida, Puerto Rico, and Texas. We hope his story inspires you as much as it inspired us.
John Roberts, Editor
the Academic
Power of Pied
mont
2020
Turning a Cold Case H
The work of three forens science stude ic nts, includ Haley Bolt ing ’20, solved a murdemay have r. Pg.8
FOCUS 20.indd
ot
1
8/26/20
3:07 PM
Three cheers for FOCUS "I just finished reading the Piedmont FOCUS magazine and it’s wonderful. The cover really grabs you, just like a murder mystery should, and their story, and all the others, does not disappoint! I really enjoyed the whole issue." Congratulations! —D r. Rick Rose, Retired Chair, Piedmont Theatre Department
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.
Many of our Journal readers also receive FOCUS, an annual publication that highlights the academic power of Piedmont. If you’d like to be added to the mailing list, please contact us at journal@piedmont.edu.
P I E DMO N T J O U R NA L
| 3
Remembering Anna By John Roberts
L
ast fall the
“College is for becoming who you are, and it is easy to
Piedmont
see the fault in humanity in these moments—the fragility of
community
the human experience,” she said. “But we also see the good in
was shaken by
people; the good that comes in our little college town tucked
news that one of
away in the foothills of the North Georgia mountains.”
its own—freshman
Anna Mackenzie
father Joey Whitlock ’93, mother Leigh, and siblings Drew,
Whitlock—had died
Abigail, Maggie, and Maley—chatted with professors
in an automobile
and posed for photos at the flower-laden bench.
Following the ceremony, members of Anna’s family—
accident while on the way to campus. In August, members of Anna’s family visited the Demorest campus to celebrate her life and dedicate a memorial bench in her name.
The bench, flanked by three pink dogwood trees,
is located near the Swanson Center for the Performing Arts & Communications. It’s a place where Anna, a mass communications major, would have spent a lot of her time.
Known for her Christian faith, open heart, and caring
nature, Whitlock was remembered with comments from friend and classmate Laura Platé ’20, Dr. Joe Dennis, chair of the mass communications department, and Piedmont Campus Minister Tim Garvin-Leighton.
Platé, who described Whitlock as “a fellow
Lion…an artist, an actress, and a dancer,” spoke to 40 students, faculty, and staff members who gathered for the mid-afternoon remembrance.
4
| P I E DMO N T J O U R NA L
Members of the Whitlock family pose with a memorial bench for Anna Whitlock that was dedicated August 18. Pictured, from left, are Drew, Maley, Maggie, Joey, Abigail, and Leigh.
New residence hall planned
A
Piedmont ranked safest campus in America
P
iedmont College has the safest campus in America
according to a popular website that researches
s part of a
and rates colleges, schools,
continuing plan to
neighborhoods, and
enhance housing
companies.
facilities, construction
on a 60,000-square-foot
Pittsburgh, uses student
residence hall is scheduled
reviews, statistics, and U.S.
to begin early next year.
Department of Education
data to compile the rankings
Mystic Hall will house 264
students and is to be located near Plymouth Hall. When completed, it will be Piedmont’s largest residential complex
Niche, based in Chief Jim Andrews is a native of Habersham County and joined Piedmont in 2019.
on 1,336 colleges and universities. Fred Bucher, associate vice president for facilities, is a former U.S. Army Ranger.
With a main residential campus in Demorest
and a commuter campus in Athens, Piedmont enrolls approximately 2,500 graduate and undergraduate
and pave the way for a string
students. During a time of pandemic and uncertainty,
of additional housing renovations. The building, named after
safety is a growing concern with students and parents.
a Connecticut seaport, recognizes Piedmont’s historical
ties to Congregational Churches, which were established
a genuine interest in our students both personally and
by Pilgrims throughout New England during the 1600s.
academically,” said Piedmont Police Chief Jim Andrews.
“Piedmont is a community where people look after and
Fred Bucher, associate vice president for facilities, said
when the new building opens, Purcell Hall (constructed
“Our success is due to having a faculty and staff take
out for our neighbors.”
in 1969 and located near the athletic facilities) will be shuttered for a year-long renovation project.
After the Purcell project is completed, Wallace Hall, built
in 1959, will be razed to make room for a parking lot, and Getman-Babcock will be converted to administrative offices.
P I E DMO N T J O U R NA L
| 5
A license to destroy Piedmont loans houses to firefighters for training By John Roberts
L
ate this summer, fire vehicles and flashing lights were a
break through windows, demolish walls, and destroy property
common sight on the Demorest campus. But there was
on multiple structures.
no emergency.
Northeast Georgia were there to conduct training exercises using five Piedmont houses.
“This is a great opportunity for our firefighters,” said
Firefighters throughout
The college, which had
the homes constructed in the 1960s, had plans to raze the properties to make room for a new residential hall (See page 5). Before calling
Demorest Fire Chief Kenneth
This is a great opportunity for our firefighters. It is really rare that we get a building to train in. But it is really special when we get several to train. —Kenneth Ranalli, Demorest Fire Chief
in the bulldozers, though,
Ranalli. “It is really rare that we get a building to train in. But it is really special when we get several to train.”
Ranalli learned through
a college employee that the houses would be demolished and reached out to Piedmont to determine if the structures could be used. The college was
administrators developed a
more than happy to comply.
plan to loan the structures to area firefighting agencies
for training.
so it’s been a tremendous benefit to the firefighters,” said
Fred Bucher, assistant vice president for facilities
More than 50 firefighters representing Habersham,
“They don’t normally get to do this live training,
Stephens, and White counties completed exercises at the
management. “It is a great community project for us because
houses throughout July. Most were mock rescues with
it helps our neighbors.”
artificial smoke. It was a singular chance for the firefighters to
Photos by Daniel Purcell 6
| P I E DMO N T J O U R NA L
Four join Piedmont Board By John Roberts
P
iedmont welcomed four new
the University of Georgia, lives in
members—Febby Faerber,
Demorest, and is Trustee of the Pruitt
Dr. Dionne Rosser-
Foundation, a family foundation that
Mims ’99, Lisa P. Hamby, and
supports community initiatives. Pruitt-
Kimberly Melton—to the Board
Hamby has also served on the board of
of Trustees October 23 during the
the Stephens County Salvation Army.
governing body’s fall meeting.
An Ohio native, Febby
Windsor Stevens Holdings in Atlanta,
Faerber attended Marshall University
Kimberly D. Melton earned a bachelor
(Huntington, West Virginia) and in
of science degree in mechanical
2014 moved with her family to the
engineering from Kettering University
Atlanta area where she has been active
(Flint, Michigan) and an MBA from
in charities that support children
the University of North Carolina in
and education. Faerber’s daughter,
Chapel Hill. In addition to serving
the late Alexandra Nicole, graduated
on nonprofit boards, including the
from Piedmont’s R.H. Daniel School of
Georgia Justice Project, Melton has
Nursing and Health Sciences in 2015.
been a homeschool educator for the
Rosser-Mims serves as Vice-
An investor relations manager at
Dr. Dionne Rosser-Mims
last 15 years, promoting creative
Chancellor for the Phenix City
learning and independent thinking.
Campus at Troy University (Troy,
Alabama). She earned her master’s and
Mims, Pruitt-Hamby, and Melton
doctoral degrees from the University
helps to create a more diverse Board,
of Georgia. Rosser-Mims, who has
which includes 32 members.
worked in higher education for more
than two decades, has authored four
esteemed women have joined the
books and published many articles
Piedmont Board of Trustees,” said Board
and book chapters. As a Piedmont
Chairman Thomas A. Arrendale III. “And
student, she served as president of
we look forward to benefiting from
the student government association.
their wise counsel and insight. Diversity,
in its various forms, helps to create a
Lisa Pruitt-Hamby is a stakeholder
Febby Faerber
The addition of Faerber, Rosser-
“We are delighted that these four
in PruittHealth, a large network of
more robust and vibrant organization
senior healthcare facilities located
that is reflective of our community.
throughout the Southeast. She earned
Piedmont continues to strive for
a bachelor of science degree in dietetics
diversity, and these appointments
and institution management from
represent a big step in that direction.”
Lisa Pruitt-Hamby
Kimberly Melton
P I E DMO N T J O U R NA L
| 7
New home in Athens Piedmont College plans to relocate its Athens campus to this four-story downtown building in February By John Roberts
P
iedmont College’s next Athens campus
illustrates our enduring commitment to the
home will be a modern, four-story brick
Athens-Clarke County community.”
building at 1282 Prince Avenue.
The 32,700-square-foot edifice is still under construction
The new campus is conveniently located within
walking distance of Athens’ vibrant and historic
and is located about half a mile from the current campus.
downtown district. Piedmont will be the sole tenant of
Piedmont plans to move into the new space in February.
the building, which features an interior that is flooded
with natural light and has a 160-space parking garage.
The college has entered into a lease-purchase agreement
for the institution’s current Athens campus at 595 Prince
Avenue. That property, a former church campus and private
500 students and 50 faculty and staff who study and work
school, has served as Piedmont’s Athens home since 2006.
on the Athens campus. Those enrolling in undergraduate
programs at the Athens campus must have earned
“This move opens an exciting new chapter for Piedmont,”
The move will have little impact on the approximately
said President James F. Mellichamp. “Next year, we will have
at least 30 hours of transferable college credit.
a new name and a modern, new Athens home. The upgrade
reflects our transformational growth and emergence
transitioned many classes and courses to an online or
as a regional liberal arts university. Piedmont opened
hybrid format in recent years. The new campus space in
an Athens campus 25 years ago. And this relocation
Athens will give the college greater flexibility to meet
To meet the needs of working adults, Piedmont has
the changing demands of non-traditional students.
8
| P I E DMO N T J O U R NA L
By John Roberts
A
pril 8-10. Mark it down. On those days Piedmont officially
gets a new name, a new logo, and a new message.
And the college is planning a big
celebration and an even bigger reveal.
Arts and Sciences,
and Education—will
“Lion Fest: The Big Reveal” will likely include a
Friday night gala, a community event, and an on-campus
be transitioning to college,” said
Saturday evening celebration with live music.
John Roberts, associate vice president of
marketing and communication. “So, in many
A group of 15-20 staff, faculty, students,
and alumni are developing details for the event,
ways this will be a comprehensive makeover.”
which should be available in January.
Roberts added that the committees are
“This will be a historic
developing plans for
and transformational moment
a weekend when the
for Piedmont,” said President James F. Mellichamp. “In a sense, we will be closing one chapter and opening another. We want our entire Piedmont family to join us and share our enthusiasm for the future.”
Mellichamp said the
college began laying the
“This will be a historic and
transformational moment
for Piedmont. In a sense, we
will be closing one chapter and opening another. We want our
entire Piedmont family to join us and share our enthusiasm for the future.”
groundwork for the weekend last spring when a team of faculty and staff developed
—President James F. Mellichamp
college/university pulls back the curtain on a new logo, new signage, messaging, and a website. All events will be held during the inaugural Lion Fest, Piedmont’s Alumni Weekend. The inaugural Yonahian Society Gala, which will celebrate those who make an annual contribution of $1,000 or more, will kick-start the activities. Events may be held on the alumni
branding and messaging
quad and will likely include
that is informing Piedmont’s
musical performances, short
new website, which is currently under construction.
speeches, open houses, and food, he said.
Earlier this fall, the college hosted a series of focus
The committees are also developing
groups with students, alumni, faculty, and staff to gather
alternative plans in the event there is inclement
feedback on a new Piedmont logo. Regina McCormick ’08,
weather or strict public health protocols.
design manager, and Tyler Mann, assistant professor of
graphic design and photography, are leading the logo effort.
outdoor gathering,” said Roberts. “But we also know
that we are working with two big unknowns: public
“Not only is the name of the institution changing, but the
names of the four academic areas—Harry W. Walker School of
“We are optimists and are hoping to host a traditional
health and early April weather in Northeast Georgia.”
Business, R.H. Daniel School of Nursing and Health Sciences, P I E DMO N T J O U R NA L
| 9
BRINGING
Calm
Callahan serves with veteran-led disaster response organization Team Rubicon By Terrie Ellerbee ’95
10
| P I E DMO N T J O U R NA L
TO G
reyshirts are hard-charging, take-control, and get-stuff-done types who bring a sense of calm after a catastrophe. They belong to Team Rubicon, a nonprofit organization led by
veterans that combines the skills and experiences of military veterans with first responders to rapidly deploy emergency response teams. Team Rubicon has deployed across the U.S. and around the world to provide immediate relief to those impacted by disasters and humanitarian crises.
“We challenge the idea that ‘good enough’ is an acceptable answer when
people are suffering,” said Brandon Callahan ’14. He is operations manager for Team Rubicon’s Project Rebuild program and based in Houston, Texas.
Callahan grew up in North Georgia and was dual enrolled at Piedmont
while a student at Rabun County High School. History professor Dr. Al Pleysier is one of the reasons he came “right back to Piedmont” after serving six years in the U.S. Marine Corps. He’d taken a class with him. Callahan was a Marine Reservist when he doubled-majored in history and criminal justice.
He was in graduate school at American University in Washington,
D.C., in 2015 when he was so moved by the suffering following a 1,000year flooding event in Columbia, South Carolina, that he took a break to go help out. That was his first experience volunteering with Team Rubicon.
“I fell in love,” Callahan said.
He completed his master of science in justice, law, and criminology in 2016.
After Hurricane Harvey in 2017, Callahan was deployed to Houston.
Harvey lingered in the area for four days that August, dropping historic amounts of rain. The Houston Chronicle reported that the total was approximately 27 trillion gallons, enough to fill the Astrodome 86,000 times.
That is the type of disaster that Team Rubicon Greyshirts tackle, and
they can be on the ground in hours. Callahan said they “speak the same language” as the Federal Emergency Management Agency and similar state and local organizations. They reinforce them and amplify their efforts.
“Veterans who’ve been formerly deployed are not going
to be as overwhelmed by the chaos that comes after a disaster, so we’re able to bring some calm to that chaos and act swiftly Brandon Callahan helped homeowners affected by flooding in South Carolina during his first operation with Team Rubicon in 2015.
and decisively when others may not,” Callahan said.
Greyshirts show up, clean out houses, and “rip out what needs to be
ripped out,” he said. “That is a good start. If you’re a survivor of a disaster and a homeowner, that puts you on the right track. Now you’re left with a house that is stripped down to bare studs and there’s nothing in it.”
“So, what comes next? Our Rebuild program launched in 2018 to rebuild
P I E DMO N T J O U R NA L
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Team Rubicon names some disaster clean-ups. Above left, Operation Herschel’s Ace was in Graves County, Kentucky, after a tornado left a path of destruction 19 miles long in 2016. Herschel pays homage to the late World War II pilot Herschel Green, who was born in the county. At right, Team Rubicon in action in Moore, Oklahoma, in 2013. The organization assisted more than 450 homeowners during Operation Starting Gun. That name refers to the 1880s land rush that started with a gunshot.
The name Team Rubicon came about because that first team crossed the Artibonite River from the Dominican Republic into Haiti. Julius Caesar had his Rubicon, the river he was ordered not to cross but did anyway, risking death. Like Caesar, what would become Team Rubicon had passed the point of no return. people’s houses free of charge.”
meaning “just go. Don’t look back. Make a decision.”
To date, Project Rebuild has built 105 homes in
Houston; 40 in Collier County, Florida, after Hurricane
“You might be wrong, or you might end up the emperor of Rome,” Callahan said.
Irma; and 503 in Puerto Rico, which was also affected by Irma before Hurricane Maria devastated the island.
best possible way. It flips the traditional red cross of aid
on its side. The river down the middle is the Artibonite.
Team Rubicon got its start in 2010 after a 7.0 magnitude
earthquake in Haiti. Co-founders Jake Wood and William McNulty gathered a small group of veterans, first responders, and medical professionals and headed for Port-au-Prince.
12
The logo is like the organization: disruptive in the
They stopped by an R.E.I. store to find matching shirts
Restoring a sense of purpose
While all are welcome to join Team Rubicon—after
a background check and some online courses—most of
on their way to the airport to make that journey to Haiti. All
the 135,000 people and counting in the organization are
they found on the clearance rack that covered the sizes they
military veterans. For them, Team Rubicon restores a sense
needed were grey Under Armour t-shirts. Hence, Greyshirts.
of purpose and the camaraderie found in military service.
The name Team Rubicon came about because that
“Losing that support system of brothers and sisters
first team crossed the Artibonite River from the Dominican
amplifies every other problem in your life,” Callahan said.
Republic into Haiti. Julius Caesar had his Rubicon, the river
“We’re not a veterans’ service organization. We don’t provide
he was ordered not to cross but did anyway, risking death.
services to veterans. We create opportunities for service
Like Caesar, what would become Team Rubicon had passed
so veterans can help themselves. It’s an amazing model.
the point of no return. “Burn the boats” is a common refrain,
| P I E DMON T JOU R NA L
“There really is nothing else like it other than, for
a “normal” year, but many in the organization now work from home due to COVID-19 concerns.
He was deployed for two weeks to New York City
in the early days of the pandemic to assist multiple local and state agencies as well as several hospitals while Team Rubicon assessed how best to help out. The organization has leaned forward into the pandemic while aggressively seeking out opportunities to assist communities.
Callahan advises Piedmont students who
are struggling with the changes brought about by COVID-19 to write their own story.
“You make the best of it, and if it doesn’t turn out
the way you wanted it to, that’s on you,” Callahan said. “Second, don’t get discouraged when your story doesn’t work out the way your draft looked. Don’t be afraid to change. There is nothing wrong with a ‘new normal.’ It is what it is. Look for ways to make the best of it.”
Callahan could have never predicted how his
path would lead to a job he loves, but he does know me, the Marine Corps. We in the organization point
that Piedmont prepared him. His passion as a student
out all the time that it’s all the things that we love
was debate, and he said “it has been entirely too
about the military without all the bull,” he said.
long” since he has talked to Dr. Janice Moss, the mass
communications professor who leads the debate team.
“Service is probably the best way that people can work
on themselves,” Callahan said. “In service of others—it’s one
of the noblest things we can do for our fellow humans.”
open to not just me, but every student trying every crazy
idea we had just to see what would happen,” he said.
There are no typical days, weeks, or months with
Team Rubicon. Callahan would frequently travel in
“Everyone on the faculty and staff at Piedmont was
“That’s how you learn how to lead. You learn how to fail.”
Brandon Callahan, standing, third from left, with Team Rubicon Co-Founder Jake Wood, CEO; Art delaCruz, President and Chief Operating Officer; and Dennis Clancey, Disruptor in Residence. The seated “just dudes” (Callahan’s words) are the five living former presidents in 2017 who were part of the One America Appeal fundraising event in College Station, Texas, after a devastating hurricane season. From left, Jimmy Carter, Barack Obama, George H.W. Bush, George W. Bush, and Bill Clinton. President Donald Trump appeared via a recorded video. “It was inspiring to witness a unified voice of support during such a disastrous event,” Callahan said.
P I E DMO N T J O U R NA L
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Legacy of Love
Craig and Febby Faerber with a portrait of their daughter, Alexandra.
Alexandra Faerber still offering others a helping hand through scholarship By Terrie Ellerbee ’95
A
lexandra Nicole Faerber ’15 was a kind soul with a free spirit who could be tough when she needed to be. She liked to help people in
need and would not abide anyone being excluded. “She didn’t judge others,” said her father, Craig. “She
accepted people and just assumed they were good.” Alexandra, who was 27 years old when she passed away on April 8 after a short illness, had always looked out for people who were older or otherwise fragile, Craig said.
talked about the flexibility that the degree would provide. “I think nursing is such a noble profession, and there are so many options,” Craig said. “I was really happy that she became a nurse, and I encouraged her to, but she was a free spirit. She was going to do what she wanted.” Her mother, Febby, said Alexandra was a worrier as a student. “She didn’t take grades for granted, that is for sure,” she said. “She was one of those people who say, ’I know I just failed
This became evident
that test.’ You would ask later
when her elementary
how she did, and she would
school took students to
say, ’Oh, I got a B-plus.’”
nursing homes for visits.
She pressured
“She would come away
herself because she
with all the folks there loving
wanted to do well.
her, and she was friends with
“She was very proud
them,” he said. “Even while
that she graduated as
growing up, if there was
a nurse,” Febby said. “It
a need or somebody was
is not an easy major.”
shunned, she was the one
Alexandra shared
who would always reach out
stories about her work life
to them. She would be the
with her family. They could
one to take up for them.”
be gross—like why she
Alexandra became a nurse and was caring
Alexandra Faerber is pinned during a ceremony that initiates new nurses at Piedmont’s Athens campus in 2015.
for patients who
would have to purchase new shoes—and Febby said they weren’t always “G-rated.”
were fragile and in
“She was no shrinking
some cases elderly when she passed away. She worked
violet. She would come home and say, ’you wouldn’t
at a long-term acute care (LTAC) facility that provides
believe what somebody said to me today.’ People say all
specialized care and extended rehabilitation, including
sorts of things to you, but she was not easily offended.”
prolonged mechanical ventilation for patients. The technicians at the LTAC loved Alexandra because she would help them out in ways other nurses typically didn’t. She went out of her way to lend a hand. Alexandra had chosen Piedmont’s Athens campus after considering the University of Georgia and attending Clemson University for a semester.
At the same time, Alexandra was not one to say negative things about others. Febby said her daughter believed “if you send good out into the world, you’ll get good back.” The scholarship that bears her name will carry on that legacy for her. The Alexandra Nicole Faerber Memorial Scholarship in Nursing was established earlier this year through generous
Craig said Piedmont wasn’t overwhelming.
gifts from family and friends. It is awarded annually to two
“She felt that it was a better school for her
students who have been accepted and are in good standing
and would be a better experience,” he said. She started college undecided about a major. Craig has always been a “big fan of nurses." He and Alexandra
in the R.H. Daniel School of Nursing and Health Sciences. The first recipients are Jasmine Lopez and Garion Williams.
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Dr. Mary Griggs, 1962 Yonahian yearbook photo
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History highlights & interesting stories
Keeper of the Flame Dr. Mary Griggs served Piedmont for 35 Years By Terrie Ellerbee ’95
T
he Yonahian staff honored Dr. Mary Griggs ’32 by dedicating the annual to her in 1962. It would be dedicated to her again
two decades later, following her death in 1982. Athens-based journalist Pete McCommons, a nephew
Honorary Scholarship Society, Alpha Chi. Even after she retired, Griggs remained involved with Piedmont, including guiding The Torch until she died. Griggs also played a prominent
by marriage, wrote about Griggs in a column not long after
role in the city of Demorest. She
she passed. He titled it “Keeper of the flame” and wrote that
helped number all the houses in
Griggs was the protector of the old homeplace, family history,
town and served on the board of a new
and heirlooms, including a coverlet woven by Elijah Kimzey,
nursing home in nearby Clarkesville.
an ancestor who was a Georgia legislator in the 1860s.
McCommons wrote about Griggs’
Griggs taught at schools around north Georgia
thriftiness as well. Each year she would gift
until the late 1950s when she became head of the
Christmas cookies in Cool Whip containers
mathematics department at Piedmont, her alma mater.
she saved all year just for the occasion.
“There her lifelong love of learning found a
“Her frugality in small things
forum,” McCommons wrote. “Math to her was not an
contrasted with her large generosity
isolated system but a way of coming to grips with the
whenever family members needed her
world she loved to study and teach. She demanded
help,” he wrote.
competence from her students but would work with
Her generosity extends to Piedmont
them as long as they wanted her help. Her home was
students. The Mary L. Griggs Mathematics Scholarship was
frequently filled with students she tutored for free.”
established by family members and colleagues on November
Griggs was chair of mathematics for 20 of the 35 years she served at Piedmont. She was as beloved a teacher as she was a force on the faculty. She served on the academic affairs
22, 1982. The name was changed to the Griggs Mathematics Scholarship in 1993. Griggs could see Yonah Mountain from her front yard,
committee, self-study financial resource committee, self-
making the dedications of the Yonahian even more fitting.
study steering committee, and the faculty social committee.
McCommons referred to her as a “quietly loving example of
She also took on extra responsibilities, including advising the Gamma Chi Society, the Torch Club, and the National
a stalwart woman” rising before and challenging those left behind—just like that very mountain.
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Athletics accolades & accomplishments
Persevering through a Pandemic By Ron Wagner
P
iedmont athletic teams had no problem
“What I’ve seen is it was so tough on these kids in the
getting dressed up for the fall season. Finding
spring, and to come back and have the opportunity to be
somewhere to go proved to be a challenge.
practicing and being in a routine—I think they’re happy
“Almost impossible,” said athletics director
Jim Peeples when asked how difficult it was to schedule
they get to do that,” he said, referring to the season being halted in March when students were sent home for remote
opponents in the fall,
instruction in response
“and I think that has been
to the pandemic. “There
a drain on our coaching
are many Division III
staff. They were given
institutions that are not
permission to do this, and
even allowing their teams
they got the commitment
to practice, so our kids
from our administration.
see this as a blessing
The frustration is not being
that we’re having the
able to find (other) people
ability to do what we’re
who are willing to do that.”
doing right now.”
Piedmont
About 10 percent
administrators made the
of nearly 3,000 colleges
decision in August to open
nationwide were remote-
the college to in-person
only for the 2020 fall
instruction and allow the school’s 21 teams to
Matthew Leemann ’22 continues to set school records for the men’s golf team only to break them again in the next tournament.
prepare and participate in
the Chronicle of Higher Education, and 34 percent
games and tournaments. The problem was very few other
more were primarily online. Only 27 percent were primarily
NCAA institutions followed suit, meaning that two months
or fully in-person. Individual schools and conferences made
after the start of classes the only sports that had been able to
their own decisions about whether to play sports in such an
find anyone to compete against were men’s and women’s golf.
upended landscape. For cost and safety reasons many opted
Throw in the NCAA’s decision to cancel all fall sports championships, and coaches and athletes both
18
semester, according to
not to or abandoned attempts after COVID outbreaks. The USA South’s member institutions voted
were forced to do some soul-searching about why they
unanimously in July to postpone conference competition
were pushing through practices, daily temperature
until the spring but left the option available for non-
checks, and unpleasant weekly COVID-19 tests.
conference games or tournaments. Though only golf was
Peeples thinks they liked what they found.
able to take advantage initially, September experiences at
| P I E DMO N T J O U R NA L
the Transylvania Fall Invite in Lexington, Kentucky, and the JT Poston Invitational in Hartwell turned out, in some ways, to be better than what would have been possible in a normal season. At the JT Poston, for example, the Lion men were the only non-NCAA Division I team in the six-school field but ended up finishing ahead of Mercer and Central Arkansas. In Lexington, the Piedmont men and women teed it up together for safety reasons, which is highly unusual. “That was cool for our athletes to compete against scholarship athletes … I think it’s tremendous for the growth of the program,” Peeples said. “And rarely in any golf events today do men and women play at the same time. They are always separate events.” Peeples said the institution’s can-do attitude extends beyond athletics. Theatre productions are still being held. So are concerts, art shows, and other student activities. “President Mellichamp has encouraged all of us to forge ahead and find something that is close to normal for our students. He understands that these experiences make us Piedmont,” he said. “Doing this takes courage. His leadership during this time has been inspirational.” Though Piedmont has been more active than most schools in pursuing athletic competition, Peeples stresses safety has always been paramount and will remain so. “From the beginning the mindset was, ’how are we going to get our students back to campus in the fall safely
Piedmont swim teams excelled in their first meet, with the men finishing first and the women second.
from the Peach State. Twenty-six are freshmen. “COVID has affected our season with the
and provide them the education that they deserve?’” he said.
cancellation of a few meets, so we’re not swimming
“We’ve put in place the things the NCAA has required, and
as many as we would like to,” Guyer said.
the protocols for the rest of the student body aren’t that much different from what our student-athletes have.” Also, the new men’s and women’s swim teams began
Normalcy will return, and when it does, Peeples thinks it will come with a new perspective. “It’s tough to see how difficult this has been on the
practicing September 8 and working out six days a week.
student-athletes, but the realization that something
The first meet in school history was held October 31 at
can be taken away I’m not sure has ever been more real
Point University in Valley, Alabama. The men’s team took
than in the moment that we’re living in right now,” he
first and the women second. The inaugural home meet at
said. “I think there’s a ton of valuable lessons that they’re
the Ruby Fulbright Aquatic Center is slated for January 16.
learning from this, and if they get to compete, it will be
Coach Teddy Guyer mined Georgia heavily to build
icing on the cake. And if we have the chance to compete
his roster from scratch, with 23 of 28 swimmers hailing
for championships that will be like the candles on top.”
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Alumni Awards Each year, the Piedmont Alumni Association recognizes exemplary alumni. These awards were scheduled to be given during Lion Fest (formerly Alumni Weekend), which was canceled in 2020 due to coronavirus safety concerns. It is expected to return in spring 2021. To honor this year’s recipients, members of the Institutional Advancement team, along with Alumni Association President Lisa Black MA ’01, Ed.S. ’07, visited honorees individually to present awards. Read more about them and see a video commemorating the presentations on the Lions Share Network Alumni Awards page at alumni.piedmont.edu.
Distinguished Alumni Kelly Girtz MAT ’98
2020-21 Alumni Association Board of Directors
Alumni Service Esther Charmaine Schneider Ed.S. ’98
Officers Lisa Black MA ’01, Ed.S. ’07, President Sierra Nicholson ’03, President-Elect Michael Santowski Jr. ’06, Vice President David Abbot ’67, Secretary Dock Sisk ’72, Treasurer Lauren Goza ’05, MBA ’07, Alumni Trustee Directors Nicole Booth ’02, Director Jill Bradley ’80, Director Stefanie Couch ’07, Director Matt Desing ’02, Director Jacob Douylliez ’12, Director Gerald Dunn ’65, Director Pamela Getman ’12, Director Nicholas Kastner ’03, MBA ’06, Director Judy Lunsford ’87, Director Evan Nissley ’08, Director
Excellence in Education
Pacesetter
William "Billy" Harrell Ed.S. ’13
Bennett Bryan ’05, MBA ’19
Bryan Schroeder ’03, Director Bill Secor ’06, Director Jenni Shepard ’03, MAT ’05, Director Student Representative Danielle Barker
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Sports Hall of Fame Walter Scruggs (1965) When he enrolled in 1965, Walter “Willie” Scruggs was the first Black student-athlete to play at Piedmont. He was also the first Black studentathlete on any collegiate or university varsity team in Georgia. He was a starting forward on the basketball team. Scruggs passed away after his first semester due to injuries sustained in a Christmas Eve car accident. Because so many hundreds of people wanted to attend Scruggs’ funeral, it was moved to a larger church.
Synethia Owens, sister of Walter Scruggs (1965), accepted the Hall of Fame Award for her late brother.
Sarah Lane May ’08 Sarah Lane May ’08 serves as Associate Athletics Director for Business Operations at the University of Virginia in Charlottesville. She was an All-Academic in both volleyball and basketball in the same season at Piedmont. May was one of four Lady Lions with more than 1,000 career kills, second all-time in service aces (205), and the volleyball team went 84-58 during her career. She was named MVP of the 2007 Great South Athletic Conference volleyball tournament when Piedmont claimed the title.
Kevin Caldwell ’13 MBA ’14 Kevin Caldwell ’13, MBA ’14 holds multiple career records and numerous individual awards from his baseball career at Piedmont, with several in the Top 10 All-Time. He ranks No. 1 all-time in the NCAA era for wins (23) and second for innings pitched (297). He places third in fewest walks allowed per game (2.36), strikeouts (201), and games started (40). In 2013, he received the ABCA National Gold Glove Award as the country’s best fielding pitcher.
P I E DMO N T J O U R NA L
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For a lim ited time, ma ke a gift of $10 or more to any fu nd and receive a free Piedmon t mask!
Enjoy more connections with fellow alums!
It’s now easier than ever to connect with your Piedmont
College classmates! The Office of Institutional Advancement is excited to announce that we’ve updated the alumni portion of Piedmont’s website, creating a unique way for alumni to engage with the college and each other.
Join our new Lions Share Network at alumni.piedmont.edu! The Lions Share Network will enable you to: • Search for more than 20,000 alumni using our new Online Alumni Directory • Register for Piedmont events • Join one or more Communities for networking •
Apply to be a mentor
• Shop in our online store • Make a financial gift to support an area at Piedmont that is special to you We hope that you and your Piedmont friends will enjoy this new website. Sign up today and encourage your fellow alumni to join us in this exciting new venture. See you there. Katie Deal Director of Alumni Engagement and Development kdeal@piedmont.edu | 706-776-0146
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Golf Tourney Winners Piedmont’s 32nd Annual Coach Cave Memorial Golf Tournament generated approximately $20,000 for the college’s athletic programs. Eighty-seven players took part in the July 27 event, which was hosted at the Highland Walk Golf Course in Royston. The winning team, top photo, was comprised of (left to right) Adam Smith, Ronnie Edwards, and Tim Travis. The second place team (below) represented The Classic Center in Athens and included (left to right) Steve Card, Paul Cramer, Fred Butler, and Nick Arnold.
A Note from Hobbs Your alumni house
A Call to Action So many opportunities to give It has been just a little more than 15 months since my family and I arrived in Habersham County and joined the Piedmont College (soon to be University!) family. It is funny the journey life’s path takes us. My wife, Denise, and I both agree God has smiled on us! I am a passionate person, and this passion has become aspirational. Aspirational for Piedmont. Piedmont needs our alumni, parents, and friends to share the aspirational passion. There are a few things I ask you to consider.
Lions Share Network
Lions Share
We need all Piedmont family members
Please make a gift of any size that
to sign up on our Lions Share Network.
is either unrestricted or designated
It allows us to communicate more
for your favorite cause at Piedmont.
efficiently. PLEASE check the mentor
Pledge, give, check draft, cash! This
box. Our students need mentors.
campaign year ends on June 30, 2021.
Your fellow alums need networking
We had a great year this past year.
opportunities.
This year, our goal is to surpass 1,000 alumni donors!
Join the Lions Share Network. alumni.piedmont.edu
Make a Lions Share Gift. piedmont.edu/lions-share
Yonahian Society The Yonahian Society is Piedmont’s most intimate, benevolent group of alumni, parents, and friends who choose to give $1,000-plus annually. In our inaugural year, we already have more than 120 members. We will celebrate this spring at the inaugural Yonahian Society Gala. This will be an event the likes of which Piedmont has never seen! Consider this opportunity! Consider becoming a Yonahian. piedmont.edu/yonahian
A Moment in Time This spring, Piedmont’s journey will come upon a watershed moment. It will be a crossroads where we all will gather. Stay tuned for more information. Be present for Piedmont’s Moment in Time!
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News&Notes CLASS
1
2010s Juanita Shope ’81 currently serves as the president of Rabun County Chamber of Commerce and has also been named director of business development for Forward Rabun. 1
2
David Limbach ’01 and wife, Lisa, welcomed son Dawson Mattox Limbach on September 8. He weighed 9 pounds, 3 ounces, and was 20 inches long. 2
Yetta Bailey Smith ’09 was named Hampton High School Teacher of the Year for the 2019-20 school year. Out of 52 teachers in Henry County, she was also selected as one of six semifinalists who are competing for Henry County Schools District Teacher of the Year. 3
Sarah Simler Daglis ’10 and husband, Daniel, tied the knot on February 22, just before the quarantine began.
3
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5
4
Dr. John Michael Grigsby MAT ’11 graduated from Augusta University in December with his doctorate in nursing. His thesis focused on increasing political efficacy to help increase political participation for nurse
practitioners in Georgia. John Michael hopes to run for the Georgia House of Representatives in the near future. Sarah West MA ’07, Ed.S. ’11 married husband, Thomas, in 2003. They adopted six children in 2016 and three more in 2019. They were honored with the 2017 Georgia Foster Parents of the Year Award. 4
Dr. Molly Atkinson ’12 received her Ph.D. in chemistry from the University of Georgia in 2018, followed by a Postdoctoral Fellowship at Miami University. She is currently a tenure-track assistant professor of chemistry at the University of North Texas in Denton, Texas, conducting chemistry education research. Jay Evans ’14 was named Head Men’s and Women’s Tennis Coach at West Virginia Wesleyan College in Buckhannon, West Virginia. 5
Dilyn MacLean Cox ’13, MBA ’15 and Zachary Cox ’16 will welcome their second child this December. William Zayn Cox, named after Dilyn’s late father, will be a younger brother to his sister, Addilyn T. Cox.
6
Hayley Major ’16 was promoted to editorial account manager at the University of Georgia.
April Williams ’17 received her MBA in December 2019 and began a new career as Project Manager for Southeastrans Inc. in July 2020.
6
Ashton Simpson Krajcovic ’17 and husband, Nick, had their first child on August 13. His name is Liam Alexander.
8
7
Dr. Erika McKinney Ed.S. ’17, Ed.D. ’20 and husband, Matt, welcomed daughter Amelia Harper McKinney on September 10. She weighed 6 pounds, 13 ounces, and was 20.5 inches long.
7
Jessica Bagwell Coker ’18 and Drew Coker ’19 married on July 11 in Cleveland, Georgia.
8 Kensley Brown ’19, MA ’20 began a new job at White County Middle School teaching sixth grade social studies.
Crisis creates clarity
of our mission: supporting workers who are sick or injured, dealing
By David Harrell
significantly expanding our outside resource partners, enabling
A
us to refer laid-off workers to everything from job assistance to
year ago, Bryan Schroeder ’03 was the Journal cover story. He is the executive director of Giving Kitchen, an Atlanta-based nonprofit that provides financial
assistance and social service connections to food service workers. Knowing the devastating impact the coronavirus pandemic has had on the restaurant industry, one can only imagine the pressure his organization faced to offer relief.
As he explains, “It was scary. Like many nonprofits, we were
uncertain about the future, especially since the industry we serve is also the cornerstone of our financial support. We had to focus in order not to fail. There was just no way to be everything to everyone.”
with family crises, or facing unexpected disasters. Step two was
Schroeder continues, “Step one was looking beyond our
traditional revenue stream to raise funds. Major benefactors like the Atlanta Falcons’ Matt Ryan and the Atlanta Braves’ Freddie
mental health counseling and telemedicine.”
Bottom-line results: Since the pandemic began, Giving
Kitchen has awarded more than $100,000 to those with COVID-19 or who are under medical mandatory quarantine. Another $400,000 has been awarded for other emergencies. By the end of the year, the agency plans to distribute more than $1 million to people in need.
Freeman made significant gifts and put us on the map. Over 5,000 people contributed $100 or less (85 percent were first-time givers). This outpouring provided the money to continue the core
Send us your Class Notes! classnotes@piedmont.edu
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News&Notes CLASS
“They love these guys so much. They are so interested in what they are thinking and feeling and how to help them,” Murley said. “I’ve been proud to be part of this dedicated team that advocates for service users literally around the clock.” She hopes to continue working with the homeless when she comes back to the U.S.
Bethany Murley
Murley’s mission is helping Dublin homeless
B
ethany Murley ’13 has been in Dublin, Ireland, since October 2019 serving as a volunteer for the Dublin Simon Community. The 50-year-old organization
Small college helps big dreams come true
D
aniela Cintron ’09 decided to give Piedmont
a try despite her doubts it would bring her closer to
battles homelessness with the attitude, “Until they can close
her dreams to work for a
their own door behind them, the most vulnerable members of
network like NBC. It was
our society will always be at their most vulnerable.”
the caliber of the professors
Murley’s father was a pilot with the nonprofit Flying
that sold her. Professor of
Mission, so she has roots in nonprofit work. She spent time in
Mass Communications Dale
Southern Africa working with HIV/AIDS orphans in daycare
Van Cantfort, a former radio
centers. After graduation from Piedmont, Murley worked for
station owner, became a
Mansfield Oil Co. in business development and then for CLASS
mentor and friend.
Inc. as a leasing specialist in the Atlanta area, providing sales and
Daniela Cintron with President Mellichamp.
After graduation, Cintron did work for NBC, starting
marketing solutions to more than 20 multifamily housing clients.
with Telemundo in Atlanta as an account executive. Then
“I was working so close to where people live. Housing is
Telemundo’s parent, NBCUniversal, chose her from 3,000
very personal. People need to feel safe and taken care of and
candidates to train as a sales associate in New York. One year
feel a sense of ownership,” she said. “During my work in property
after she moved to New York, she was sent to help start up a
management, I saw many people housing-insecure and right on
new station: Telemundo 20 in San Diego.
the edge of losing that sense of security.” Murley wanted to get back into nonprofit work and to travel. As a Piedmont student, she had studied abroad in England and Scotland. In Ireland, she found that volunteering is very formal and structured, and comes with high expectations in exchange for the housing and weekly stipend Dublin Simon provides.
“Who would have thought that this small college I thought was not going to get me anywhere would get me everything and more than I could have expected?” Cintron said. She married, started a family and returned to North Georgia to be near her mom in Rabun County and away from the fast-paced life she had been living. She became the social media strategist for the Northeast
Murley works in a “high support” housing unit where 32
Georgia Region of Community Newspapers Inc. thanks to Van
men live. She feels the same way about them that other staff
Cantfort, who suggested Cintron talk with Regional Publisher
members do.
Alan NeSmith. Cintron is now the social media coordinator for Bader Scott Injury Lawyers, a growing law firm based in Atlanta.
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In Memory FRIENDS AND HONOREES Leroy Sheppard Young of Clayton, Georgia, passed away on April 26 at the age of 77. He is survived by his wife, Tatum Young, and one son. Young served as associate professor of art at Piedmont from 2000-2008. He was passionate about art and inspired the formation of the graphic design program at Piedmont and many colleges and universities where he taught. Judith Griggs Slade of Jacksonville, Florida, passed away on July 29 at the age of 83. She was the niece of Dr. Mary Griggs '32 (see page 16). While Slade did not attend Piedmont, she was a great supporter of the college. Her love for Piedmont grew through family ties. Slade’s mother, Melrose Mathis Griggs ’52, and father, Junius Herbert Griggs ’32, were proud Piedmont alumni, as was her aunt, Jessie Mathis Puckett ’42. Teresa Joy Straner, originally of Toccoa, Georgia, passed away on September 1 at the age of 67. She worked as an elementary school teacher for 30 years in the Gwinnett and Stephens County school systems before retiring in 2007. Post-retirement, she returned to school to teach education courses at Piedmont for six years. Straner was also an accomplished pianist.
ALUMNI Betty Ledbetter Long ’50, originally of Tallulah Falls, Georgia, passed away on August 12 at the age of 89. She was preceded in death by her husband of 57 years, alumnus Rev. D. Herbert Long ’52. She is survived by two daughters. Long utilized her Piedmont degree by teaching special education until retiring in 1996.
Martha Frances Moore Dickerson ’51 of Easley, South Carolina, passed away on May 10 at the age of 89. She is survived by her husband of 65 years, Neal Lafayett Dickerson, two sons, and a daughter. After obtaining her degree from Piedmont, Dickerson went on to earn a master’s in education from Western Carolina University. She enjoyed teaching elementary and middle school for many years. Wilma Smith Davis ’52 of Lakemont, Georgia, passed away on December 21, 2019, at the age of 87. She was preceded in death by her husband of 61 years, Bobby K. “B.K.” Davis. Davis was the valedictorian of the class of 1949 at Lakemont High School, where she also achieved perfect attendance. She maintained perfect attendance while at Piedmont as well. After graduation, she worked for Southern Bell Telephone Company for 34 years, most of which were spent as an executive secretary. Sarah Valentine Corley Roberts ’53, originally of Duluth, Georgia, passed away on August 19 at the age of 95. She was preceded in death by her husband of 40 years, Clyde O. Roberts. She is survived by one son and two daughters. Roberts served 30 years in the Gwinnett County School System and was a proud member of the Gwinnett County Retired Educators Association. Charles Douglas Weathers ’61 of Tucker, Georgia, passed away on June 6 at the age of 81. He was preceded in death by his high school sweetheart and wife of 56 years, Patricia Griffin Weathers. He is survived by two daughters. Weathers enjoyed teaching world geography and coaching basketball and baseball at several high schools near Atlanta. The
family encourages a memorial donation to Piedmont College Baseball in honor and memory of Charles Weathers. Michael Lee Herring ’80 of Canton, Georgia, passed away on August 27, 2019, at the age of 60. Herring earned a bachelor’s degree from Piedmont. Ki-Shing Kwok ’89 of Aurora, Colorado, passed away on August 14 at the age of 55. He is survived by his wife, Sandra, whom he referred to as “Mi Amor,” and two children. Kwok graduated cum laude with a bachelor of science in mathematics from Piedmont. Following graduation, Kwok moved to Colorado where he worked as a programmer for IBM, in technology for Jackson Hewitt, and eventually became a business owner. Kathleen Mary McDuffie ’93, MPA ’04 of Clarkesville, Georgia, passed away on June 8 at the age of 68. She is survived by her husband of 31 years, Michael Leon McDuffie, and their 12 children, including alumnae Keely Jenkins Burke ’01 and Annie Jenkins Brevard ’06. McDuffie maintained a 4.0 in both degrees at Piedmont and went on to serve as lab coordinator for the college. While at Piedmont, McDuffie influenced the lives and futures of countless students. Elainia York Smith ’98, Ed.S. ’06 of Clarkesville, Georgia, passed away on May 6 at the age of 53. She was preceded in death by her husband, Buddy Edward Smith, and survived by one son. Smith served 21 years in the Habersham County School System and was the director of special education at Woodville Elementary.
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In Memory Lance Garold Kelley MAT ’03 of Gainesville, Georgia, passed away on April 21 at the age of 64. He was preceded in death by his wife, Margaret Kelley. He is survived by one son and one daughter. Kelley earned an environmental engineering degree from Montana Tech before attending Piedmont, where he received his master’s degree in teaching. He spent many years as a high school science teacher in North Georgia. Linda Marie Quillen MA ’04 of McDonough, Georgia, passed away on April 25 at the age of 56. She is survived by her husband, Kyle Quillen, and two children. Twice Quillen was honored with the Teacher of the Year Award for her service of 30 years as an elementary school teacher in the Henry County School System. She touched the lives of many of her students and formed bonds that would last a lifetime. Trent D. Smith ’14, originally of Clarkesville, Georgia, passed away on September 7 at the age of 32. He is survived by his parents and four siblings. Smith earned a bachelor of science degree in biology from Piedmont before becoming a certified EMT. He was employed by Amazon as a technical services manager. Jacob Tyler Donaldson-Passmore ’17, of Clermont, Georgia, passed away on August 20, 2019, at the age of 25. He is survived by his mother and one brother. Passmore earned a bachelor of arts degree in design and technical theatre from Piedmont. He was cherished by many classmates and friends. Emily Berryman Michaud of Stone Mountain, Georgia, passed away on December 12, 2018, at the age of 95. She was preceded in death by her husband
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of 66 years, alumnus Alfred A. Michaud ’42, and is survived by two children. Michaud attended Piedmont (1940-42) and continued to support the college throughout her lifetime. Her infectious laugh, helping hand, and dedication to the Golden Rule will be fondly remembered. Emily Wynn Stewart of Hamilton, Georgia, passed away on June 25, 2019, at the age of 86. She was preceded in death by her husband, James V. Stewart, and is survived by three children. Stewart attended Piedmont College (1949-51), followed by Johns Hopkins School of Nursing, Class of ’54. She served as a nurse with the Harris County Health Department and retired as lead nurse in 1997. Homer Lee Daniel of Clarkesville, Georgia, passed away on January 10 at the age of 88. He was preceded in death by his wife of 57 years, Nancy Carter Daniel, and is survived by three children. After attending Piedmont College (1948-49), he worked for many years as a supervisor at Martin Finance. Daniel eventually owned and operated his own company in Dallas, Daniel Auto Sales, which is still in operation. Samuel “Sam” Linton Tolbert of Clarkesville, Georgia, passed away on February 5 at the age of 72. He is survived by his wife of 48 years, Martha Ballew Tolbert, and two children. Tolbert attended Piedmont College (1974), after which he attended Gupton-Jones College of Mortuary Science. Together the Tolberts founded Hillside Memorial Chapel Funeral Home in Clarkesville in 1977. He served as a councilman for the City of Clarkesville from 19861991 and as mayor from 1992-2005.
James “Frankie” Lentz of Orlando, Florida, passed away on September 18, 2019, at the age of 83. He is survived by his wife, Juanita “Nenet” Lentz, one son, two daughters, and two stepsons. Lentz played basketball and baseball at Piedmont College (195556) and was a member of the P-Club. Joseph Clarke “Joe” Watkins of Loganville, Georgia, passed away on February 5 at the age of 56. He is survived by his wife of 34 years, Lynn Johnson Watkins, and one son. Watkins was known to be the life of the party, a sports fan, and he cherished every moment of joy to be found. He played basketball for Georgia Military College High School before going on to play for Piedmont College (1981-83). Gwendolyn “Gwen” Whitmire Wiley, originally of Stephens County, Georgia, passed away on March 4 at the age of 94. She was preceded in death by her husband, Wayne Wiley, and is survived by two children. Wiley attended Piedmont (1942-43) and taught school in Stephens County before relocating to Anderson, South Carolina, in 1947. There she worked as a drapery maker and operated Wiley Drapery Services until retiring. In 2002, the Wileys relocated to Jefferson and joined the Jefferson First United Methodist Church. Marvin “Lanier” Chambers of Cleveland, Georgia, passed on March 5 at the age of 81. He is survived by his wife, Barbara Allison Chambers, and two daughters. Chambers attended Piedmont College (1956-57), North Georgia College, and the University of Georgia. He was a realtor and developer in Northeast Georgia, creating Cleveland’s first strip mall. Chambers served on the White County Board of Commissioners from 1971-1974 and was chairman of the commission from 1983-1986. He was a talented writer, storyteller, and historian.
In Memory Margaret Bailey Conwell of Peachtree City, Georgia, passed away on March 11 at the age of 92. She was preceded in death by her husband of 53 years, alumnus Walter Baxter Conwell ’47, whom she met while attending Piedmont (1946-47). She is survived by two sons. Conwell was an active volunteer in her community and enjoyed playing bridge with friends and cooking for her family. Blake Anthony Allen of Cleveland, Georgia, passed away on March 31 at the age of 64. He is survived by one son. Allen graduated from White County High School, Class of ’73, and attended Piedmont. Allen was a lifelong White County resident, an avid outdoorsman, and loved his family dearly. Runette Ridgeway Allgood of Gainesville, Georgia, passed away on April 8 at the age of 95. She was preceded in death by her husband of 71 years, alumnus Lorenzo Eugene Allgood ’46, whom she met while attending Piedmont (1943-45). She is survived by two sons. Allgood graduated from the University of Georgia with a degree in early education and taught school for almost 50 years. She was instrumental in helping establish Lakeview Academy, where she taught until retirement. Ellen Charlotte Callahan McCusker of Danvers, Massachusetts, passed away on April 20 at the age of 70. She was preceded in death by her husband of 44 years, James M. McCusker, and is survived by one son. McCusker attended Piedmont (1968-69) before returning to the New England area. She was employed by the New England Telephone Company/ NYNEX for more than 22 years, retiring as a service representative manager.
Lu Carol Cason DeMore of Clarkesville, Georgia, passed away on April 22 at the age of 74. She is survived by her husband of 55 years, Dr. Philip DeMore, and their two daughters. DeMore attended Piedmont College (1963-65) before going on to earn a bachelor of science degree from North Georgia College and an MT/ ASCP certification from Grady School of Medical Technology. She sang in the Piedmont Chorale and was a member of Piedmont’s Friends of the Arts.
Harvey worked in banking in Washington, D.C., before returning home to join his mother in taking college accounting courses. He was an avid runner through his 70s and continued to hike his favorite spot, Pike’s Peak in Colorado, into his 80s.
Norma Dickson Hardin of Atlanta, Georgia, passed away on April 23 at the age of 89. She was preceded in death by her husband, Kenneth Franklin “Frank” Hardin, and survived by two daughters. Hardin attended Piedmont (1947-48) before studying business at Georgia State College for Women in Milledgeville.
Lucille Nix Housworth of Atlanta, Georgia, passed away on July 3 at the age of 94. She is survived by her husband of 73 years, Harold Housworth, one son, and one daughter. Housworth attended Piedmont (1942-43) before moving to Atlanta to begin a 10-year career with Western Electric. She was an avid Atlanta Braves fan and enjoyed participating in Sunday school classes at Briarlake Baptist Church.
James Franklin Jr. of Cornelia, Georgia, passed away on June 6 at the age of 88. He is survived by his wife of 65 years, Mary Evelyn Pritchett Franklin, two sons, and one daughter. Franklin served as an Army medic during the Korean Conflict for two years before attending Piedmont (1957-58). He acted as minister of music for multiple churches and worked for 30 years as the regional coordinator of vital records and statistics for the State of Georgia.
Clifton Scott Meadows Sr. of Calhoun, Georgia, passed away on June 30 at the age of 72. He is survived by his wife, Judy Robbins Meadows, one son, one daughter, and three stepsons. Meadows attended Piedmont (1966-69) before beginning a 35-year career with Michael’s Carpet. Meadows was a member of the National Guard and the Calhoun Elks Lodge.
Quenten L. Loudermilk, originally of Cornelia, Georgia, passed away on July 18 at the age of 97. He is survived by his wife of 65 years, June Loudermilk, and one son. Loudermilk served in the Air Force as a rear torrent gunner on a B-12 bomber. During WWII, he flew 37 missions, including two combat missions in Normandy on D-Day. After the war, Loudermilk attended Piedmont College (1947-48) before moving to Michigan to work for General Motors. He retired from GM after 30 years of service.
William E. “Bill” Harvey of Fort Myers, Florida, passed away on June 11 at the age of 85. He attended Piedmont (1959) after serving in the Air Force for two years.
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Samuel Rideout ’22 (yes, that’s his real name) takes a rest to enjoy a waterfall during a ride through the Lake Russell Wildlife Management Area.
Photo by Jame Carney, Piedmont Head Cycling Coach
