Piedmont Journal Fall 2021 by Piedmont University

PIEDMONT

FALL 2021

INTERNATIONAL IMPACT

Stories of how Piedmont University is changing the world | Page 18

GIVING A LITTLE HELPS A LOT With your giving, I was able to pursue both track and field and forensic studies without having to give one up, which I most likely would have had to do if I went somewhere else. - Branden Burley '24

Ways to Give • Gift • Pledge • Stock • Monthly check draft • Matching gift by employer A N N U A L G I V I N G C A M PA I G N

Give online at piedmont.edu/giving 2

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Contents

JOURNAL

FALL 2021

Features 6

Homecoming

World Premiere

International Impact

Alumni return to Demorest for a fun-filled day celebrating their alma mater

Piedmont prepares to debut an original oratorio about the life of Lillian E. Smith

How Piedmont’s students, faculty, staff, and alumni are making the world a better place

Revolutionalizing Pharmacy

The Final Bow

President's Report

Alumnus provides remote pharmacy services to hospitals across the country

Theatre Professor Henry Johnson will retire in 2022

A look at the university’s balance sheet and financials

04 A word from the President

27 Lillian E. Smith Center update

41 Katie's Corner

05 A word from your Editor

36 A note from Hobbs

64 Class News & Notes/In Memory

Journal is published for alumni and friends of Piedmont University by the office of University Advancement. Correspondence may be directed to journal@piedmont.edu.

Trustee Chairman Thomas A. "Gus" Arrendale III President Dr. James F. Mellichamp Vice President of University Advancement K. Craig Rogers

Editor/Director of Marketing & Communications Rachel Pleasant Design Jenna Wendel '21 Photography Kasey Brookshire

Contributing writers Mark Elam Terrie Ellerbee ’95 Tiffany Long Class Notes Editor Katie Deal ’02

Send address changes to: University Advancement or piedmont.edu/updateinfo Piedmont University @PiedmontGA @PiedmontUniversity

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Piedmont Is a Source of

Endless Pride

’ve always known Piedmont is a very special place, but reading this edition of Journal, my heart swelled with new pride. As president, I often have the pleasure of hearing from students and alumni about the difference Piedmont has made in their lives, and by extension, their communities, both here in Northeast Georgia and elsewhere in the United States. In this edition of Journal, we widen our scope, celebrating Piedmont’s international impact.

cancelled events and trips during the difficult months since the word “COVID” first entered our lexicon. You will also read about the work of Michael Azzolin, a Master of Business Administration alumnus. Mr. Azzolin conducts his remote pharmacy business here in the United States, but he is certainly changing the world by connecting rural hospitals to advanced pharmaceutical resources.

In the pages that follow, you’ll read about Dr. Marcella Davies, an assistant nursing professor who came to Piedmont by way of Sierra Leone and Paris. Now, she works with a nonprofit to improve health conditions in her home village. Dr. Davies uses the insights she gains while working abroad to enrich her teaching, preparing our students to be productive members of the global healthcare community.

These and the many other stories contained in this edition of Journal make it clear that Piedmont University is not only changing students’ lives, but also the world. Collectively, our students, faculty and staff, and alumni are putting their education to work to make the world a better place — and I could not be prouder of them all.

You will also read about the life-changing perspective our students gain while studying abroad. Campus minister Rev. Tim Garvin-Leighton has led students on bike tours both in the United States and in Vietnam. Regardless of the geographic location, he marvels at the transformation that occurs within our students as they explore new lands. In his words: “The lesson everyone takes away, regardless of the destination or topic, is that they can do things. Even if people tell them they can’t, they can do incredible things.”

For all the outstanding stories included in this edition of Journal, I know there are many more stories of Piedmont’s international impact that are still waiting to be told. I invite you to share how you’re using your Piedmont education to change the world. Post your story and photo on social media using #itsalionsworld. We look forward to reading about what you’re doing in whatever state — or country — you now call home. Enjoy,

This edition also includes a preview of our summer travel opportunities. As I write this, the pandemic appears to be improving. We have all known the disappointment of James F. Mellichamp, President

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Editor I

n this edition of Journal — the first I’ve had the pleasure of editing — we highlight Piedmont’s international impact. Whether it’s through travel-study, mission work, or by building relationships with students and faculty from around the globe, Piedmont is changing the world. Every Lion should be very proud.

Of all the stories contained in this edition, it’s the one about Dr. Marcella Davies that resonates most personally. Dr. Davies, an assistant nursing professor, shares how the twists and turns of life led her from Sierra Leone to Piedmont.

Check out our other publication! A mother who earned her Bachelor of Science in Nursing degree despite all the challenges that come with raising three children. A professor who discovered a new spider species. A group of students who took the initiative to create a new walking trail on the Demorest campus.

My home is beautiful Lakeland, Florida, located just 500 miles south of Demorest. While Dr. Davies hails from another continent and I come from the next state over, we both marvel at the series of circumstances, coincidences, and almost cosmic alignments that led us to this corner of Northeast Georgia.

These are just some of the inspiring

For me, those alignments were family in the area, a desire to return to higher education, a gut feeling Piedmont would be a good fit, and a promise to myself — made during the COVID-dark months of early 2020 — that I would take every opportunity to live life to its fullest. Standing outside Hobbs House after my first visit to campus, I decided Piedmont was a chance I had to take. I’m so glad I did.

academic achievements.

It’s an honor to present to you this edition of Journal, and to be part of an institution with a heart for students — and for making the world a better place.

stories you’ll read in the latest edition of Focus, Piedmont’s annual publication spotlighting

Check out Focus online at piedmont.edu/marketingcommunications and discover new reasons to be proud you’re part of the Piedmont family.

Thank you for letting me help tell these stories,

Rachel Pleasant, Editor

SHARE YOUR THOUGHTS We welcome letters on any topic covered in 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.

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Piedmont University Homecoming Brought Hundreds to Campus By Terrie Ellerbee '95

iedmont University’s Homecoming took place Friday and Saturday, Oct. 22-23, in Demorest. The event featured an evening with alumni followed by a full day of activities, including the presentation of alumni awards, free concerts, food truck fare, and an art show.

were on hand, including El Pilon Dominicano, Atlas Pizza, Subway of Clarkesville, Kona Ice, and Doublecakes by Chris.

“This year’s event has set the bar very high for next year and beyond,” said Piedmont University President Dr. James F. Mellichamp. “Thanks to everyone involved in planning something so exceptional that was enjoyed by so many.”

Saturday evening at the Mason-Scharfenstein Museum of Art, an exhibition was held in memory of the late Leroy Young, who was a professor at Piedmont for several years.

Alumni gathered Friday night at the Temperance Public House near campus for drinks and appetizers. Saturday morning, following an Alumni Association Board meeting, awards were presented to celebrate the achievements of Piedmont alumni, including former studentathletes who were inducted into the Sports Hall of Fame. Classes also gathered during the day in the President’s House for informal reunions. Lacrosse alumni returned to campus for a game against the current varsity squad.

Attendees could also purchase Piedmont University, 2021 Homecoming, and Atlanta Rhythm Section merchandise.

During the week leading up to the event, students participated in a door decorating contest and “Green Out Pep Rally” with giveaways and games. More than 45 Piedmont students, staff, faculty, and alumni volunteered for Homecoming duties. The next major alumni event will be LionFest on April 22-23, 2022. A highlight will be the first-ever Yonahian Gala, which will celebrate those who make an annual contribution to Piedmont University of $1,000 or more.

More than 300 people gathered at the Arrendale Amphitheater to enjoy the Ivan Duke Band and the Atlanta Rhythm Section in concert. Two students, James Angel '22 and McKenzie Rider '22 were excited for the chance to join the Ivan Duke Band on stage. Chef Jonathan with Springer Mountain Farms gave away samples of chicken chili, and several other food vendors

Piedmont’s varsity lacrosse team took on an alumni group for a 6 | P I E DMO N T J O U R NA L game during Homecoming. 1

Atlanta Rhythm Section performed the band’s 1970s-era hits at Piedmont’s Homecoming.

Cheerleaders pose at a photo booth during the Green Out Pep Rally on Thursday, Oct. 21.

Bri Cantrell, Tiffany Long, and Laura Briggs with University Advancement work Piedmont's tent at Homecoming.

An art exhibition honored late Piedmont professor Leroy Young. His son, Alex Young, attended.

Piedmont University mascot Leo joined the cheerleading team at the Green Out P I E DMO N T J O U R NA L | 7 Pep Rally on Thursday, Oct. 21.

ALUMNI AWARDS & SPORTS HALL OF FAME INDUCTIONS Piedmont Honors Outstanding Alumni at Homecoming Ceremony By Rachel Pleasant Piedmont University’s 2021 Homecoming festivities included the presentation of Alumni Awards and inductions into the university’s Sports Hall of Fame.

Sports Hall of Fame inductees included:

Jake Baldwin '08 Basketball

Barbara Jean “B.J.” Ostrzycki '07 Volleyball

Baldwin is one of the most prolific scorers in Piedmont men’s basketball history. He holds numerous program records and is the all-time leader in points (2,110), made field goals (804), and made free throws (426). He holds many single-season records as well, including points (704), scoring average (27.1), made field goals (270), field goal percentage (.625), free throws made (134), points in a game (42, 3 times), and field goals in a game (18). He was the Great South Athletic Conference Freshman of the Year, a four-time All-Conference Team, and a two-time Conference Player of the Year.

Ostrzycki was a setter on the volleyball team and is still one of the most accomplished athletes in that role in Piedmont volleyball history. She ranks first of all time in assists per set (9.57) and second in assists (3,119). She also holds several high single-season marks, including the third-, fourth-, and fifth-most assists per set for a season (9.80, 9.58, and 9.27) and leads the record book in assists in a single season (1,205). On three separate occasions, she posted an impressive 49 assists in a match, all in the 2006 season. She was All-Conference from 2004-2006, All-Academic Conference in 2006, and hit 3,000 career assists in 2006. She still holds the program record for most assists in a game with 64 at Guilford in 2004. She graduated in 2007 and is now a user experience consultant in Alabama.

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Alumni Award honorees included:

Caitlin Fisher '20 Pacesetter Award

Rob Geis '69 Alumni Service Award

Fisher is a Florida native who graduated from Piedmont in December of 2019, summa cum laude, with a double major in mass communications and theatre arts. Shortly after graduation, Fisher began working as a board operator and on-air personality at 106.1 WNGC in Athens, Georgia, where she hosted a listener call-in classic country show. She is now co-host of the Cait & Bradley Morning Show on K95.5, Tulsa’s New Country Leader, the No. 2 show in the Tulsa, Oklahoma, market.

Geis majored in math, played on the baseball team, served as president of the Student Association, was a Resident Assistant, and was a member of the J.S. Green Society before he graduated in 1969. He went on to earn a master’s degree and six-year specialist degree in education. During his long career in education, he worked as a high school math teacher, football and baseball coach, and high school administrator. He retired as a principal in Clayton County, Georgia. He and his wife, Cathy, now spend their time traveling.

ABOVE: John Preece in Fiddler on the Roof. LEFT: Glenn Lerch accepted the award on behalf of the late John Preece.

Jennifer Carter '98, MA '01, EdS '03 Excellence in Education Award

John Preece '71 Distinguished Alumni Award

Carter earned her bachelor’s degree in 1998, Master of Arts in 2001, and Education Specialist degree in 2003. She began her teaching career with Banks County, Georgia, in 1998, where she taught for one year before returning to her hometown in Hart County, Georgia. There, she worked as a special education teacher for seven years and a second-grade teacher for two years before being named assistant principal of Hartwell Elementary. During this time, she was also named Teacher of the Year for her school and system. She currently serves as associate superintendent for the Hart County Charter System.

Preece, a member of the Class of 1971, studied theater, voice, and music. He directed and acted in numerous shows while at Piedmont, including How to Succeed in Business Without Even Trying, Guys and Dolls, The Miracle Worker, and Waiting for Godot. He was heavily involved in local theaters in Gainesville and Cornelia and worked extensively in regional theatre. He performed in 11 national tours of Fiddler on the Roof. He was in the musical over 4,000 times and performed as Tevya over 2,000 times, holding the record for most performances as Tevya. He retired to Demorest and passed away in January. P I E DMO N T J O U R NA L

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Divine

LEADERSHIP

Former Piedmont Chaplain Now Leads National Association of Congregational Christian Churches By Rachel Pleasant

iedmont University’s strong ties to the National Association of Congregational Christian Churches continue with the recent appointment of Ashley Cleere as the organization’s executive director. Cleere, former Piedmont chaplain, director of church relations, and associate professor of religion, becomes the third successive executive director of the NACCC to have Piedmont connections. She was preceded in the role by the Rev. Dr. Tom Richard, a member of the Board of Trustees, and Dr. Michael Chittum, former campus minister. The NACCC, based in Oak Creek, Wisconsin, works to nurture relationships among the nation’s approximately 300 Congregational Christian Churches and provide resources, aid, and fellowship to help them thrive. “Our churches are very diverse theologically,” Cleere said. “We put a strong emphasis on the autonomy of local churches while also offering them chances to collaborate.”

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Piedmont has had a close relationship with Congregational churches throughout its nearly 125-year history. To this day, its affiliation with the churches helps Piedmont to recruit students from around the world.

As she leads the NACCC, Cleere said she will draw on her experiences at Piedmont, forging partnerships with other educational institutions, religious organizations, corporations, social service providers, and more, all to deepen the work of the church.

Cleere, who holds a bachelor’s degree in philosophy from Hamilton College, a Master of Divinity from Union Theological Seminary, and a Doctor of Ministry from Columbia Theological Seminary, worked at Piedmont from 1999 to 2016.

“I will be building on that capacity to interact with other arenas, like I did when working with the Fine Arts, Advancement, Academics, and many other departments at Piedmont,” she said.

Cleere’s time at the university was valuable preparation for her position with NACCC. “Religion intersects every area of our lives. One of the reasons I loved being a college chaplain was that I got to see firsthand the students encountering various expressions of Christianity, whether that was through academics or the arts. It gave me exposure to a broad range of theological expressions among the student body, faculty, and staff,” she said.

Piedmont remains close to Cleere’s heart, even as her career leads her far from Georgia. “I have fond memories of Piedmont’s presence in the NACCC,” she said. “It was one of the first academic partners of the organization, and while I was there, I was involved in providing scholarships to students from the congregational churches, which lent theological diversity on campus. My experiences at Piedmont helped prepare me for where I am today.”

Piedmont University will mark its quasquicentennial — or put more simply, its 125th anniversary — in August 2022. To celebrate this important milestone, each of the next several editions of Journal will include a collection of photos from the university’s history. The photos contained in this edition span the first 50 years or so of Piedmont’s existence, from its opening as J.S. Green Collegiate Institute through the Roaring ’20s and two World Wars. The photos tell the story of Piedmont’s deep and abiding commitment to providing residents of Appalachia with access to high-quality education, as well as its long history of welcoming students from around the world. One photo, dated 1949, shows students from the Netherlands and France standing on the Demorest campus. They were thousands of miles away from home, but for the rich educational experiences they received, we’re sure they wouldn’t have wanted to be anywhere else. The photos illustrate the university’s growth, both in terms of enrollment and its physical footprint, as well as its perseverance in the face of adversity, namely the fires that destroyed many of its original buildings. They portray a university that celebrates its heritage while eagerly embracing the future, including the completion of its first electrically heated and cooled building. Special thanks to Dean of Libraries and College Librarian Bob Glass for his assistance in assembling this photo essay. Let’s take a look back …

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125 Years in Photos

Members of the faculty and the 1902 graduating cla ss.

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How Am I to Be Heard? will be performed April 7 and April 8 at 7:30 p.m. at the Swanson Center on Piedmont's Demorest campus.

PREMIERE Piedmont to Debut Original Musical About the Life of Lillian E. Smith By Rachel Pleasant To mark its 125th anniversary, Piedmont University will premier an original musical work titled How Am I to Be Heard? about the life and pioneering work of Lillian E. Smith.

creative team, including Composer Mary Carol Warwick, Librettist Kate Emery Pogue, Stage Designer and Director Rebecca Herman, and Narrator Anthony Turner.

Smith was a social justice activist and writer who penned the best-selling novel Strange Fruit, about an interracial relationship that takes place in Georgia in the 1920s. Smith studied at Piedmont University, which is home to the Lillian E. Smith Center, an educational facility and artists’ retreat in Clayton, Georgia.

Piedmont Music Professor Andrea Price will be the soloist. She will be joined on stage by the Piedmont Singers and chamber orchestra. Dr. C. Wallace Hinson, director of Piedmont’s Conservatory of Music and associate dean of the School of Fine Arts, is lending his talents as conductor of the performance.

How Am I to Be Heard? is the brainchild of Piedmont University President Dr. James F. Mellichamp, an accomplished music scholar and organist. “When I was thinking about the 125th anniversary of Piedmont University, it seemed to me that a special commissioned work would be an appropriate way of recognizing the significance of the event,” Mellichamp said. “Social justice issues are as important today as they were when Lillian E. Smith was writing about them almost 80 years ago. Piedmont’s core values speak about the need for embracing a diverse society, for the development of empathy, and responsibility toward ourselves and others.” To bring How Am I to Be Heard? to life, Piedmont has recruited an all-star 14

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“The combination of these talents results in a ‘dream team’ of individuals who are collaborating on our project,” Mellichamp said. How Am I to Be Heard? is being written as an oratorio, a style of performance similar to opera, but without costumes and elaborate staging. Instead, projection and interpretive dance will provide the visual elements of the show. “In other words, it will be a multimedia performance that will be very captivating,” Mellichamp said. “The music is completely relatable, deeply rooted in Southern American folk and religious traditions. The text is very powerful. I cannot help but think this will be one of the most moving performances to ever take place on this campus in the four decades I have been here.”

The performance will be free to attend. For information on how to reserve tickets, visit piedmont.edu/fa as the event approaches.

THE TALENT BEHIND “How Am I to Be Heard?”

A WORLD

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Marlo and Octavius in 1991.

With the Support of Her Husband, Marlo Mulligan Pursues New Passion

By Rachel Pleasant

he spring edition of Journal profiled Octavius Mulligan, ’95, MA ’00, EdS ’02, EdD ’14, who despite poverty, academic struggles, and a host of other challenges, became a college graduate, school principal, and Piedmont trustee. This is the other half of the Mulligan story, about his wife, Marlo, ’92. Or as Octavius might call it, “the better half,” of the story. It’s the story of a dedicated wife and mother who discovered her professional passion later in life and had the courage to turn it into her own business. It’s the story of a woman with a heart for her family — and for others. “Marlo is my partner, my soul mate, and my destiny,” Octavius said. “We’ve always been each other’s support system.” A Sign — Literally — That She Should Come to Piedmont Marlo was a student at Towers High School in DeKalb County, Georgia, unsure of what to do after graduation, when a small flyer taped to a wall caught her eye. “I remember it said, ‘Small Enough to Care, Big Enough to Challenge,’ and it was for this place called Piedmont College,” Marlo said.

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“I’d never heard of Piedmont, didn’t know anything about it, but something about that sign made me say, ‘I’m going there.’” That’s exactly what she did, enrolling in 1988 as a business administration major. Piedmont offered her a welcome reprieve from the hustle and bustle of metropolitan Atlanta, and she built several friendships that endure to this day. Still, heading into her sophomore year, she was considering transferring elsewhere. “I was going home every weekend,” she said. “I just didn’t feel like I’d found my place at Piedmont.” It was just about that time that a girlfriend, Pat Lewis, called to say she’d met a guy who would be a great match for Marlo. Marlo and Octavius met, and it was almost love at first sight. “I remember he had one leg of his pants hiked up and the other was down — that was the style back then. I kind of liked it. He seemed different,” Marlo said with a laugh. “He likes to tell people that we were together from day one,” she said. “It was actually day two.” An Unbreakable Partnership In those early, getting-to-know-you days, Marlo and Octavius spent hours sitting outside their dorms, talking about their pasts and their hopes for the future. They discovered they had much in common. “We were both raised by our grandparents; our parents weren’t involved in our lives growing up,” Marlo said. “We wanted to get our education, provide for our family, and give our children the kind of family life we never had.” After a four-year courtship that included late-night conversations, games of foosball and Spades, Octavius’ basketball games, and trips to visit family, Octavius proposed in Marlo’s car, just as it started to snow, surprising her with a ring she’d admired hours earlier at Gwinnett Place Mall. “That was it,” she said. “We decided early on that the word ‘divorce’ would never exist between us.”

We wanted to get our education, provide for our family, and give our children the kind of family life we never had.

The Mulligan family.

‘We Always Back Each Other’ The Mulligans were married in 1993, forming a union that would produce two children: Sydnee, born in 1995, who is now a facilities manager for the University of Southern California, and Silas, who came in 2004, and will soon graduate from high school. As they raised their children, Octavius built his career in education, eventually becoming principal of Tesnatee Gap Elementary School, while Marlo used her degree in business administration as the branch manager of a bank. When the Great Recession took her job in 2009, Marlo saw an opportunity to do something different, but she didn’t know what exactly. “I took some time off, and just thought and prayed about it,” she said. “After a while, I went back to work, but I did just a job here and a job there. I worked for a police department, then for the courthouse. I was bouncing around, trying to figure it out. Octavius was always very helpful. He never pressured me to make a decision.” During the soul — and job — searching, Marlo thought often about her grandmother, Margie Miller, who died in 2009. “She raised me. I got to thinking, and I realized that what I was missing was spending time with her. I discovered that I wanted to help the elderly,” Marlo said. Marlo now works as a home health aide and runs her own business, Hands 2 Help, which provides assistance to senior citizens. On any given day, she may cook light meals for her clients, or do their grocery shopping, or run them to a doctor’s appointment. It’s not lucrative work, but it pays Marlo in more important ways. In the pandemic era, when so many are reassessing what really matters in life, Marlo is happy to say: “I love what I do. When I go home every day, I know my NaNa would be proud of me.” P I E DMO N T J O U R NA L

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DESTINATION:

PIEDMONT After a Lifetime of Travel, Nursing Professor Uses Experiences Abroad to Enrich Student Learning By Rachel Pleasant

ooking back on her life’s journey, from her childhood in Sierra Leone to her work in Paris and the U.S. Virgin Islands, Dr. Marcella Davies sees clearly that every passport stamp was leading to her ultimate destination: Piedmont University. Since her arrival in 2019, she’s used her travels and experiences with other cultures in her classroom, helping students develop the perspective she’s gained over many years and many thousands of miles. “Life does what it does,” she said. “I believe mine led me here for a reason, to prepare nurses to treat the whole person, not just the physical ailments. I’m teaching students to do that by sharing with them things I’ve seen and learned along the way.” Capes, Caps, and Childhood Inspiration

But as Davies puts it, “life does what it does.” Rather than pursuing nursing, she followed her father’s advice and became a French-English interpreter, working for several years in Paris. When her siblings moved to the U.S., she followed, settling in California in 1986. “I had always loved working with figures. When I came to the U.S., I changed careers again, becoming a budget analyst for a school district in Southern California,” she said. “It may seem like a strange turn, but I was overseeing a grant that was focused on public health issues, including smoking cessation and teen pregnancy,” she said. “It stirred in me that early interest I’d had in nursing and public health. Everything has served a purpose to lead me here.”

Davies, an assistant professor of nursing, grew up in a small village in Sierra Leone. As a child, she spent some of her time mending clothes to donate to economically deprived children — and dreaming of one day becoming a nurse.

A few years later, when her father died of heart failure, Davies decided it was time — finally — to pursue nursing.

“I fell in love with nursing when I was 8,” Davies said. “My mother was in the hospital, and I went to visit her. The nurses wore these crisp outfits, with capes and caps. I wanted to be just like them.”

Many of Davies’ siblings work in higher education, including a brother who taught at the University of Georgia. To be closer to him, Davies relocated from Inglewood, California, to Athens, and soon enrolled in the nursing program at Georgia State’s Perimeter College.

From California to Athens to the Virgin Islands

After graduation, she went to work at St. Mary’s Health Care System in Athens, working her way up to director of the hospital’s cardiac unit. “It interested me because of my dad,” she said. “I wanted to help patients like him.” From there, Davies packed her bags once again, heading to work as an assistant chief nursing officer in the U.S. Virgin Islands. Davies teaching at Piedmont Athens. 18

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“I oversaw seven departments, including public health,” she said. “I also oversaw all the in-services and trainings for nurses. That’s where I developed my love for teaching and academia.” In 2017, after the region was battered by hurricanes Irma and Maria, Davies decided to return to Athens. “I earned my Ph.D. from Walden University in public health,” she said. “I literally gave my dissertation defense in the middle of a hurricane. That’s when I knew I wanted to go home. To me, Athens is home.” A Home — and a New Sister in Africa Shortly after Davies began teaching at Piedmont, she connected with a sister she’d never met. Her father had adopted the woman years ago, after Davies had left Sierra Leone. He’d even named her “Marcella.”

“You have to understand who your patients are and where they come from. You have to make a connection with them to be impactful.” One student, Grace McCartt ’22, is rethinking her career path after studying under Davies. “She’s taught us to get to the root of the problem, to why people are sick,” said McCartt, a senior nursing student from Athens. “I had always planned to go into labor and delivery, but now I’m considering hospice, which falls under the community health umbrella. In hospice, you get to know the family, which helps you understand why the patient got sick. I want to take what I learn as a hospice nurse and help prevent illness in others.” That impact is precisely what Davies aims to make every day — on both sides of the Atlantic.

As fate would have it, the meeting would start a new chapter that would directly tie back to Davies’ work at Piedmont.

“I’ve had all these experiences, the African experience, the European experience, the American experience. They’ve enriched my life,” she said.

“My sister is also very interested in public health. She runs a nonprofit called Apples that benefits women and children. She got me on board,” Davies said.

“Now, I’m able to use them to enrich the lives of others, wherever I might be.”

For the last several years, Davies has spent her summers in Sierra Leone, working alongside her sister in her childhood village. She’s worked with village leaders to develop solutions for handwashing in the absence of running water, helped to repair a dilapidated clinic, and delivered gauze, gowns, soap, and used textbooks — all gifts from Piedmont University. One of her proudest accomplishments is helping to create a school lunch program that led to an increase in students passing standardized tests. “None of the students at this school had been successful, but last year, 16 of 27 students passed the test,” she said. “We worked with the headmaster, who told us the students didn’t stay for after-school tutoring because they were hungry. They were leaving to go search for food. You can’t concentrate on learning if you’re hungry. We created a program that would guarantee the students breakfast and lunch — and they stayed.” Lessons from Abroad Davies uses her experiences in Africa — and throughout the world — to broaden her students’ understanding of patient care. “To be an effective nurse, you have to meet your patients where they are,” she said.

BOTH: Davies in Sierra Leone, Africa.

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Bon ! e g a y Vo

Travel Study Returns with Trips to Greece, Poland, Japan, Germany, Ireland, and Scotland Visit piedmont.edu/sts to learn more about our 2022 Summer Travel Study!

By Terrie Ellerbee ’95

tea ceremony in Japan, traditional music in Scotland, and sailing Greece’s Aegean Sea are among the opportunities for learning and exploration as Piedmont University brings back its travel study program in May 2022. It was suspended in 2020 and 2021 because of the COVID pandemic.

Schmitz and Rev. Tim Garvin-Leighton will lead students to Greece, where they will cycle through Athens and other cities and sail the Aegean Sea while earning biology and philosophy/religion credit hours.

Dr. Steve Jacobs, associate dean of the School of Humanities and Sciences, organizes the trips.

All told, six 2022 trips are planned, with destinations also including Poland, Germany and the Czech Republic, and Ireland and Northern Ireland.

“There’s a lot of pent-up demand from our students,” he said. “I think everyone’s really excited to move forward while also being cautious about the unknowns around COVID.” Faculty and students typically travel for 7-14 days between commencement and the start of summer classes. The cost for the trips varies little from what tuition would be for six credit hours, and includes airfare, lodging, food, and incidentals like admission to a museum. They are getting a lot of bang for their buck, said Dr. Julia Schmitz, associate professor of biology. “For a lot of our students, this is the first time they are traveling abroad, so they can experience the exploration without worrying about the details that go along with planning an international trip,” Schmitz said.

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Textbooks Come to Life

Dr. Susanna Warnock and Dr. Margaret Ryder will travel with M.B.A. students to Ireland and Northern Ireland. Dublin and Belfast are among the stops as students learn about the impact of COVID and Brexit on businesses. Warnock struggled to find the right major when she was a college student. A trip to Germany helped her decide. “Suddenly, the textbooks came to life for me, and I understood the difference between communist and democratic societies,” said Warnock, who earned her Ph.D. in political science in Dublin, Ireland. She has seen international travel have the same effect on business students. After a presentation in Santiago, Chile, students explored similarities and differences between the American

and Chilean consumer and “peppered the professors with questions about doing business there,” she said. Business professors Sandra Maughon and Dr. Jeff Bruns, associate dean of the Walker College of Business, will lead the Germany and the Czech Republic trip. Students will learn firsthand through cultural immersion and visiting companies like Skoda, Mercedes-Benz, and family-owned U Fleku, a pub and microbrewery in Prague. The Frankfurt Stock Exchange is also on the itinerary. Immersive Experiences Around the Globe In Poland, students will visit Gdansk, Warsaw, and Krakow with associate history professor Dr. Ryan Franklin and Dr. Matthew Teutsch, director of Piedmont’s Lillian E. Smith Center. They will learn about the Holocaust and its connections to the Jim Crow South. Students will earn credits for music and religion courses in Scotland. That trip will be led by Dr. Tim Lytle, professor of philosophy and religion, and music professor Dr. Andrea Price. The trip includes stops in Edinburgh and Dunkeld. The Japan trip will be led by associate art professor Dr. Chris Kelly. In Kanazawa and Echizen, students will

examine the thread from traditional crafts to a modern Japan. Being in another country is in and of itself an impactful experience, Jacobs said.

FUNDING

Well Spent

“We tend to assume our experience is universal, but once our students go to places that are quite different, it helps them understand how diverse the human experience is.”

Barbara Brown Taylor, Butman Professor Emerita of Philosophy and Religion at Piedmont University, consistently donates money for travel study. In her own words, this is why: “When I first came to Piedmont in 1998, there were students in my classes who had never left the state of Georgia, much less boarded an airplane. Going to college changed their lives and the lives of their families for sure, but nothing changed them as much as taking a course that involved leaving home. “When they returned, their worlds were bigger in every way. They had new eyes, new questions, new favorite foods, new friends. They had stories to tell. Above all, they had a keener sense of just how big the human neighborhood really is.

Vietnam travel study trip, 2019.

“When they came home, it wasn’t to an address; it was to their place on earth, with new appreciation for all the other places in the world that people call home. I can’t think of anything I would rather fund than that.”

Changing the World with Storytelling

The Ripple Effect of Relationship-Building

Elísabet Hafsteinsdóttir ’03 is making a difference in Iceland through her work as a publishing manager for Storytel, one of the largest audio and electronic streaming services in the world. The company’s mission and Hafsteinsdóttir’s is the same: to make the world more empathetic and creative.

Mustafa Khalil ’02 is an assistant principal at Al’Hayat Bilingual School in Sabah Al-Salem, Kuwait. He earned a bachelor’s degree in English and history and a master’s in secondary education. Back home, he taught grades 6-12, and quickly rose through the ranks, first as head of the English department and later as an administrator.

Hafsteinsdóttir, who lives in Reykjavik, came to Piedmont via the Georgia Rotary Student Program. She attended the university as a junior and senior and graduated summa cum laude in 2003 with a tailor-made interdisciplinary bachelor’s degree in anthropology, business, and languages. She has since lived and worked both in Norway and Iceland and earned a master’s in publishing from the University of Iceland. “My educational foundation from Piedmont certainly helps me in my position when making tough publishing decisions based on a variety of factors, having to look at every project from different of angles, based on both human and business-related factors,” she said. “I genuinely feel that I am making a difference in my home country.”

One lesson he learned at Piedmont is how to harness the power of personal relationships. He kept in touch with professors and colleagues, who have continued to support and direct him. It has a ripple effect. “The invaluable lessons I learned at Piedmont have rendered me a trustworthy educator and senior leader at four different schools in Kuwait,” Khalil said. “In keeping with the Piedmont tradition, my students have kept in touch and sought my insight in their academic and professional lives. Many of my former students have graduated from top Western and local universities and have returned to serve their countries and positively impact their communities.”

A LESSON WITH

EVERY MILE Rev. Tim Garvin-Leighton Sees ‘Awakenings’ Among Students Who Participate in Bike Tours By Rachel Pleasant Rev. Tim Garvin-Leighton knows firsthand: Nothing compares to exploring a new place by bike. Only bicycling allows one to see the side streets, the alleys, the faces of people that would be blurred from inside a tour bus going 40 miles per hour, all the details that bring a place to life. That’s why, for the last several years, Garvin-Leighton has organized bike tours for Piedmont University students to locations including Washington, D.C., and Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam. “Bikes eliminate barriers,” said Garvin-Leighton, Piedmont’s campus minister, who teaches courses in humanities, philosophy, and religion. “There’s an awakening that occurs within our students when they go on one of these trips, both in regard to their surroundings as well as their personal capabilities. There is struggle involved in these trips. Our students learn that they have to believe in themselves.” Garvin-Leighton has always been an avid traveler and bicyclist. Prior to joining Piedmont, he was a Peace Corps volunteer in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, and while serving as a church pastor in Maryland, he frequently participated in mission trips to Honduras. Those experiences deepened his understanding of the world and the subject matter of his courses. “For example, the Congo is an agrarian society. My time there brought to life the agrarian nature of the Bible,” he said.

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“I reference things I’ve seen in my travels, too, in my ethics classes. When we discuss the impact of climate change, I’m able to reference the beaches of Bali, these world-class beaches that are now covered in plastic. These examples help the material come to life both for me and my students.” Garvin-Leighton completed his first bike trip in 2012, cycling from Seattle to San Diego, during a sabbatical from his work as a church pastor. He did the same trip again in 2021. “I wanted something bold, a grand adventure,” he said. In 2018, seeking to give his students the same experiences he’d had while traveling and cycling, Garvin-Leighton led his first Piedmont bicycle trip, a two-week, 340mile expedition that began in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, and ended in Washington, D.C. Students on the trip studied religion and ethics. One of those students was Page Dukes, who graduated in 2020 with her Bachelor of Arts and now works in Atlanta. “We learned about theologies during the Civil War and reconstruction, both abolitionist and apologist,” said Dukes, who named Harpers Ferry, West Virginia, as her favorite site along the bike tour. “There were so many realities of that time, including John Brown’s attempt to end slavery, that I hadn’t learned about in other history classes.” Garvin-Leighton recalled that students were also stunned to see, up close, towns that had been all but decimated by the opioid crisis. Garvin-Leighton followed that trip with a 2019 bike tour of Vietnam. He recalled one student whose father had served as a medic during the Vietnam War.

“He was terrified for her to go. She got out of the airport and FaceTimed with her dad. He could see that Ho Chi Minh City is now a vibrant city, whereas what he remembered was misery and fighting,” Garvin-Leighton said. That memory, Garvin-Leighton said, will no doubt last a lifetime for both the student and her father, as will the many other lessons his students learn on the road. “There’s a camaraderie that develops that you wouldn’t get riding on a bus or walking around on foot. Many of our students are afraid when they embark on these trips. They aren’t sure they’ll be able to do it,” he said. “The lesson everyone takes away, regardless of the destination or the topic, is that they can do things. Even if people tell them they can’t, they can do incredible things.” Garvin-Leighton’s 2020 trip to Australia was cancelled due to COVID. He plans to resume his travels with students in 2022.

Students in front of the tunnel to cross the Eastern Continental Divide during a Pittsburgh-to-Washington, D.C, trip.

FROM LEFT TO RIGHT: Rev. Tim Garvin-Leighton, Kevin Murray, and Ryan Franklin on a Vietnam travel study trip.

Seattle-to-San Diego charity ride.

Biking during Vietnam travel study trip, 2019. P I E DMO N T J O U R NA L

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FARESHOT

Alumna Creates FARE International to Help the Malnourished in West Africa By Tiffany Long Amanda Gailey MAT ’10 approached her family in 2014 with a vision. She wanted to help malnourished people in emergent countries. Her father, Ronald, spent time in Ghana, West Africa, for missionary work when she was growing up. She and her sister, Kim Rogers ’11, had longed to visit the place where their father “left part of his heart.” Gailey went to Uganda to complete her practicum for her second master’s degree, this one in public health. She had earned a Master of Arts in Teaching from Piedmont and was a high school science teacher before going into public health.

In Uganda, Gailey worked with the Kigezi Healthcare Foundation, an organization based in Kabale. She spent two months at a nutrition rehabilitation center in 2014. That is where she met a 3-year-old boy who was so severely malnourished that he could not walk or talk. She worked with him and within three weeks he was flourishing — walking, talking, playing, and laughing. “You couldn’t hold the kid down if you tried,” Gailey said. “Watching him come back to life was my life-changing experience.” She was inspired to establish an organization to serve the world’s poorest nations by saving the lives of children suffering from malnutrition. Its name, FARE International, was chosen because the definition of fare is to eat and drink. It was incorporated in 2016. “As soon as Amanda began talking about her dream to begin FARE, I was all in. No questions asked,” Rogers said. “I did a lot of research, talked to others who had started organizations, had the support of my family, and then just went for it,” Gailey said. Fulfilling FARE’s Mission FARE’s first project in Ghana was to bore wells for water. The organization has paid for more than 20 wells at a cost of approximately $6,000 each. In September, a well was bored in Gailey in Ghana, Africa.

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Baalaigonno Village. White County Middle School (Georgia) students raised and donated $3,000 toward that project. “You can’t fix nutrition without clean water. Otherwise, the parasites will eat up whatever you’re trying to feed people,” Gailey said. “People living in these communities were drinking, bathing, and playing in the same nasty pond water source.” Travel to Ghana was halted due to COVID, but FARE has been able to provide food and soap while continuing to drill wells. Gailey and her family will visit as often as possible. In addition to serving as founder and executive director of FARE, Gailey is also director of noninfectious disease programs strategy at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) Foundation in Atlanta. She helps build new partnerships, find new solutions to problems, and writes grants for new funding. “I get to work with some very intelligent people and build relationships with the CDC, WHO (World Health Organization), and other countries,” she said. Gailey is a Legacy Lion, meaning two or more of her family members attended Piedmont. Along with her sister and her mother, Deborah Gailey M.A. ’98 Ed.S. ’06, Gailey’s brother-in-law, Dusty Rogers ’05, and two of his sisters are Piedmont alumni. “Dusty and I both completed our undergrad at Piedmont. The experience was so great that Dusty began coaching golf there post-graduation, and we continue to hold onto our roots there with the Piedmont FCA (Fellowship of Christian Athletes),” Kim Rogers said. “Dusty is the campus pastor at Concord at Habersham (Demorest, Georgia), and we love to do life alongside college students and athletes who need a home away from home.” Kim and Dusty Rogers have begun their journey to adopt children from Ghana and foresee frequent visits to the country.

Ghanian girl drinking fresh water provided by FARE.

“The best part about what we do with FARE is seeing the thankful faces of those who drink clean water for the first time, or the children who were once extremely malnourished now flourishing with healthy bodies,” Kim Rogers said. “There’s just nothing like it.”

FARE logo P I E DMO N T J O U R NA L

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ALUMNI TRIBUTE:

Elainia Smith A Beloved Teacher’s Influence Crossed Oceans

By Tiffany Long In keeping with the international theme of this issue of Journal, Tiffany Long shares this tribute to the late special education teacher Elainia Smith ’98, MAT ’00, Ed.S ’06, who was her cousin, close friend, and a role model for students at home and around the world. I once asked Elainia why she chose to become a special education teacher. I’ll never forget her response: “I can understand, respect, and communicate with these children easily. Teaching them is the most rewarding part of my job, and they teach me as much as I teach them.”

Habersham Central High School in Mount Airy, Georgia, in early 2000. He thought of her as a “second mom.” Hammerman is now a successful attorney in his home country and credits Elainia with teaching him “how to be a successful and happy adult.” Elainia hosted another high schooler from Germany, Jacob Nefzger, and Min Kim, a middle school student from Korea. She made house calls during her 20 years as an educator, bringing food and clothes to those in need.

She had a sense of joy and a ferocious enthusiasm that made her a favorite teacher to many of her students.

In 2017, Elainia received the Georgia Regional Phillip Wright Award for Habersham County in honor of her work to improve education for students with disabilities. That award was just one among many.

The Habersham County, Georgia, native was an only child who enjoyed babysitting her younger cousins. Elainia would carry them as if they were her baby dolls. Later she would do the same with my children, now ages 12 and 15.

Elainia died on May 6, 2020, when she lost a courageous battle with stage IV ovarian and colon cancer. Her diagnosis had come not long after the loss of her husband of 27 years, who died in July 2018.

She decided early on that she would work with children. As a teenager and young adult, she was active in her home church as a youth leader. She married her sweetheart, Buddy Smith, when she was 24. She longed to become a mother, but according to doctors, that was not to be. She would instead become a mom to many foster children, starting while she was earning her bachelor’s degree in Early Childhood Education from Piedmont. After getting her undergraduate degree in 1998, she continued her education at Piedmont, earning her Master of Teaching in 2000 and Education Specialist Degree in 2006. Over the span of 15 years, Elainia fostered many children and hosted three international exchange students. The first was from Germany. Uwe (OO’-vah) Hammerman stayed with her during his senior year at

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Elaina Smith

She taught until the day she passed. Coworkers say she was a “great role model for us all, as a teacher and a human being.”

She gave her whole heart to teaching, but her greatest love was and would always be her son, Ethan. She took him in when he was just four months old and adopted him when he was 10. Now 21, Ethan feels he was blessed to have been chosen as her son. “The greatest gift she cultivated in me was individuality,” he said. “She set an example every day that if you follow God and focus on the things that matter, you can truly do anything you set your mind to.” Tiffany Long is coordinator, gift/development, in the office of University Advancement.

Piedmont Honors Lillian E. Smith’s Legacy Through Expanded Programming By Rachel Pleasant Lillian E. Smith’s writings on social injustice are more relevant than ever — and Piedmont University is committed to preserving her legacy for generations to come through expanded programming at the educational facility that bears her name. “Lillian Smith was ahead of her time, speaking and writing, since the mid-1930s, about the effects of racism not just on the oppressed, but on the oppressor as well,” said Dr. Matthew Teutsch, director of the Lillian E. Smith Center. Teutsch continued, “While much has changed since her death in 1966, this is very much the time for her words, ideas, and values to be heard by students of all ages.” Smith was a social activist and author of Strange Fruit, the best-selling novel about an interracial relationship that takes place in Georgia in the 1920s. Smith studied at Piedmont University, which now owns and operates the Lillian E. Smith Center in Clayton, Georgia.

Paula Snelling, operated from 1925 to 1948. Today, these buildings are used for field trips, independent studies, and workshops, among other activities. The grounds serve as a living laboratory for intellectual exploration. “We are fortunate to have access to such a large, beautiful, historically significant, and biologically diverse location,” Teutsch said. “We constantly work with faculty and students to host classes and activities here that will benefit them, the community, and beyond.” The Center offers residencies for individuals seeking an environment to pursue professional achievements, and is expanding programming for area middle and high school educators. In addition, Piedmont is planning a one-week camp for underrepresented high school students at the Center.

“The camp is very exciting because it continues the legacy that Smith began with Laurel Falls Camp, the first private Chimney at the Lillian E. Smith Center. camp for girls in Georgia,” Located on more than 100 acres Teutsch said. “We look forward to continuing and honoring where Smith lived and worked, the Lillian E. Smith Center is her legacy by once again inviting young people to spend both an educational facility and a retreat for artists, writers, part of their summers in these inspiring surroundings.” scientists, and others committed to continuing her work. For more information or to make a tax-deductible The Center is comprised of four structures once used by gift to support the Lillian E. Smith Center, visit the Laurel Falls Camp, which Smith and her lifelong partner, piedmont.edu/lillian-e-smith-center.

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Wisdom

WORDS OF

In New Book, Piedmont Alumna Shares Lessons From Her Past By Rachel Pleasant

or years, Linda Smith Church ’79 wrote short stories about her childhood, little glimpses into her past that she hoped to leave for her children and grandchildren. Amid the pandemic lockdown, she turned those short stories into her first published book, Georgia Wisdom. “It’s a great feeling to be able to say that at 72 years old, I wrote a book,” said Smith Church. “As I wrote the book, I grew even more grateful for the people I have encountered in my life and what they taught me. I hope it will do the same for those who read the book, too.” Georgia Wisdom opens with Smith Church, her friend Kathy, and her daughter Shann touring Savannah, Georgia's famed Bonaventure Cemetery, debating whether to offer a passerby a ride in their car. Shann insists her mother keep on driving: “Mother! You are going to get yourself killed! You taught me to never pick up a stranger, and here you are offering one a ride.” The passerby wanders away, leaving Smith Church with a bit of new wisdom: Pay attention to your surroundings, listen to your inner voice, and your family’s sound advice: Don’t offer folks you’ve just met in a cemetery a ride. The book continues in this pattern for a brisk 89 pages. Smith Church recounts an episode from her past and shares the lessons she learned from even the most fleeting of interactions. With each story, her readers laugh — and occasionally cry — along with her. Take for example the story titled “Bathroom Sweets,” about a hilarious predicament involving Smith Church and her cousins, who thought they found chocolate and chewing gum in a bathroom cabinet. It turned out to be Ex-lax and laxatives.

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Linda Smith Church

Soon, we all needed to use the bathroom at the same time. It was as if a stomach bug had attacked all of us at the very same time. Aunt Gladys thought quickly and started passing out the small empty coffee cans. All of the younger children had one, while Tommy got the commode. It was a busy and smelly time … If memory serves me correctly, the chocolate and gum wrappers cleared up the mystery of the stomach virus. The wisdom Smith Church gained from this particular incident: Children love to explore. They will find your stash of “goodies.” Piedmont students, employees, alumni, and supporters will especially enjoy the story titled, “Are You In Your Mission Field?” Smith Church had always dreamed of becoming a missionary. Life took its twists and turns, children came, and over time, her dream faded. In the 1970s, during a period of economic recession, she lost her job as a secretary. She writes: I believe this to be one of the low points in my life. I had two choices: I could feel sorry for myself and blame God for my misfortune, or I could do something constructive about my situation. I chose to stop living without a tomorrow and to begin looking toward the future.

The first step toward a better future was to further her education. With no money to her name, she arrived on Piedmont’s Demorest campus, determined to enroll. The longest walk was the steps going up to the front door of Daniel Hall … This became symbolic of the road ahead of me. It began with the first step and kept going upward as I worked toward my goal. With the support of Piedmont’s staff, Smith Church applied for and received grants that enabled her to attend Piedmont and complete her bachelor’s degree in English. She went on to earn a master’s degree in education from Brenau University and her Education Specialist degree from Piedmont University. Teaching, she realized, was her true mission field. The wisdom she gained from her educational journey: If you are not happy where you are in life, maybe you are not following God’s plan for you. Take the time to learn what God’s plan is for your life. I promise you will enjoy the outcome. Reflecting on her book, Smith Church said the takeaway is that everything — from the strangers we meet, to hilarious mishaps with our families, to life-changing decisions — is a chance to learn something about ourselves and life. Smith Church was reminded of this truth in late 2020, when she suffered a stroke that paralyzed the right side of her body. “What got me through that time in my life was dwelling on the positive,” she said. “I love playing the piano, and at one point, I could only use one finger to move a single key. Instead of focusing on what I couldn’t do, I focused on what I could do. I could play that one key, and that was a start.”

After her stroke, Smith Church learned to sign her first name with her left hand. “Only ‘Linda,’ though, because ‘Church’ has too many curves,” said Smith Church with a laugh. Her daughter came up with the idea to get a stamp of a church so that Church could sign her full name in her books.

The story of Smith Church’s stroke is not included in Georgia Wisdom, but if she ever writes a sequel, the lesson learned would be this, she said: Can’t never did anything. Try always succeeds. Georgia Wisdom is available for purchase on Amazon.

Yearbook photos of Smith Church while at Piedmont.

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REVOLUTIONALIZING

PHARMACY Piedmont Alumnus is Co-Founder of PharmD On Demand By Rachel Pleasant

hen he first started providing remote pharmacy services, Michael Azzolin MBA ’05 was only concerned with improving care for patients in the Commerce, Georgia, hospital where he worked. Years later, those initial remote services have evolved into PharmD on Demand, a company that has revolutionized pharmaceutical care for patients across the country.

Monday-Friday, 8-5 schedule. However, like in many smaller, rural hospitals, peak hours occurred later in the evening. “That’s when people are getting off work,” Azzolin said. “We’d see a big uptick in patients beginning at 4 p.m., but that was when I was going home.”

“We’re helping people and helping hospitals. It’s very rewarding work,” Azzolin said.

In the evening hours, nurses filled doctors’ orders, deciphering their handwriting, pulling medications from the pharmacy, and dispensing the specified dosages. Azzolin saw many opportunities for error.

A Teacher’s Question Led to a Career Decision

“Many medications have very similar names,” he said.

Growing up in Hawkinsville, Georgia, baseball was Azzolin’s passion, pastime, and until graduating high school, a big part of his life.

“Doctors could have inadvertently ordered a medication that has a name similar to the one they intended. Nurses could easily pick up the wrong medication.”

“I was in class one day, and the teacher asked the class what we were going to do after graduation. All the girls knew, but me and the only other guy in the class had no idea,” he said.

Likewise, very often a patient would be prescribed a drug that needed some form of modification, such as a dosage adjustment or a switch to an alternate therapy because of a cross-sensitivity, like an allergy to a medication that was chemically similar to the medication ordered.

“The teacher said that by the next day of school, we better know.” The next day, Azzolin was talking to his friend, another baseball player who also had no idea how to answer the teacher’s question. “I liked the sciences, physics and chemistry. My buddy said his mom told him that pharmacists do pretty well and that they’re basically chemists,” Azzolin said. “I said, ‘OK, let’s be pharmacists.’” Azzolin went on to study at Middle Georgia College (now Middle Georgia State University), then the University of Georgia, where he earned his Doctorate of Pharmacy (PharmD) in 2002. In the years that followed, he worked in a retail pharmacy, then in hospitals in Athens and Commerce.

When the pharmacists weren’t at the hospital, those issues often weren’t addressed. Those mistakes could cause adverse patient reactions, or even worse, patient deaths. To solve the problem, Azzolin devised a system that allowed him to videoconference with nurses and review doctors’ prescriptions over the internet. “I would be sitting on the couch, watching my newborn daughter, and actively checking orders as they came through,” he said. Missing the Classroom It was about this time that Azzolin enrolled in Piedmont University’s Master of Business Administration program. “I had been in college for seven years getting my pharmacy degree. Without school, I felt devoid of something,” said Azzolin.

Patient Care Doesn’t Stop at 5 p.m. While working in Commerce, Azzolin identified a serious problem. He and the other hospital pharmacist worked a typical 30

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Piedmont’s Athens campus was convenient to his home in Athens. MBA classes were offered at times that he could balance with his work schedule. The small class sizes provided

an ideal environment for him to explore the “gray” areas of the business world. “Piedmont was just a natural fit, and it provided a very healthy balance for someone coming from a scientific field,” he said. Professor Pat Sherrer, now retired, was especially influential in Azzolin’s studies. He recalled a class discussion about generic Tylenol. Another student insisted that generic and name-brand Tylenol were totally different medications. Azzolin countered that the chemical makeups of the two drugs are nearly identical. Still, the debate continued. “Then Professor Sherrer asked me why it mattered to me if I thought the other student was wrong. If the other student wanted to buy the name brand because of her perception, that was her choice. Those kinds of situations are common in business. It was a new way of thinking for someone from a scientific background,” he said.

While many of PharmD’s clients are rural hospitals, much like the one where Azzolin worked in Commerce, the company also has partnerships with some of the largest hospital systems in Georgia. “We help to elevate the efficiency of the pharmacy department while maintaining, and in many cases, enhancing the quality of clinical care,” said Azzolin, PharmD’s CEO.

From Pharmacist to CEO

“We’ve created a network of pharmacists, many of whom are specialists in their fields, for instance in pediatric oncology pharmacy. We allow smaller, rural hospitals to tap into that network and access specialists they could never afford to employ on their own.”

Azzolin graduated with his MBA in 2005, and by 2007, he and business partner Andy Barrs had co-founded PharmD on Demand.

Azzolin added that his company is intervening approximately 18,000 times a year to prevent potentially negative pharmacy-related events in Georgia alone.

Based in Watkinsville, Georgia, the company employs nearly 200 pharmacy personnel and offers remote pharmaceutical services, hospital pharmacy management, and solutions for retail pharmacies. The company is growing by 25 percent annually.

As PharmD expands, he continues to draw on the preparation he received from Piedmont. “I don’t feel the need to go back to school anymore,” he said. “I got what I needed at Piedmont.” P I E DMO N T J O U R NA L

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PUTTING A LITTLE

MAGIC INTO LIFE

After 16 Years with Piedmont’s Theatre Program, Henry Johnson Prepares for His Final Bow

By Rachel Pleasant He was one of the first licensed pyrotechnicians in Georgia. He’s worked on Hollywood productions. He’s entertained legions of fans with his magic show. But Henry Johnson’s proudest accomplishments are the students he’s taught during his 16-year career with Piedmont University. “The thing that has always meant the most to me is the students,” said Johnson. It All Started with King Kong As a child, Johnson was fascinated with the special effects used to create the classic film King Kong. “It blew my mind that the filmmakers were able to do this with a model that was only 2 feet tall,” Johnson said. Inspired, Johnson spent hours creating lifelike models of airplanes and ships that he would stuff with cotton, douse with kerosene, and set on fire. He experimented with makeup, painting wounds on his body that fooled even his own mother. “I remember once coming out of my room and her asking me, ‘Will that wash off or do I need to take you to the hospital,’” he said. Whatever the project or material he was working with, Johnson realized that he enjoyed creating a sense of wonder in others.

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“It’s a very unselfish thing to want to entertain people for a few minutes,” he said.

“I’ve always loved the area and the people up here, and I love small schools,” Johnson said.

A Call He Couldn’t Ignore

For the next 16 years, Johnson worked to elevate the quality of Piedmont’s theatrical productions.

At his father’s insistence, Johnson went to college to study business management — but that didn’t last long. “I couldn’t stay away from the theatre,” he said. Recognizing business would never spark the same joy and fulfillment as theatre, Johnson transferred to Brenau University, where he earned a bachelor’s degree in theatre, becoming one of the institution’s first male graduates. From there, he enrolled at the University of Georgia, where he earned his Master of Fine Arts. Johnson taught technical theatre classes and managed the auditorium at UGA for 25 years. He also worked in numerous roles for the Highlands (N.C.) Playhouse and for theatres in Florida, Massachusetts, New York, and Virginia.

One of the sets he’s most proud of was for Piedmont’s 2015 production of Strange Fruit, based on the bestselling novel by Lillian E. Smith, about an interracial relationship that takes place in Georgia in the 1920s. Smith studied at Piedmont, which now owns and operates the Lillian E. Smith Center in Clayton, Georgia. Johnson recalled using the set to depict the differences in the two families in Strange Fruit. “One family was poor, but they were strong as a family. We built their house to appear solid and strong,” he said. “The other family was well off financially, but they were crumbling. We depicted that in the set.”

In the late 1970s, while working on the set of The Long Riders, a western starring the Carradine and Quaid brothers, Johnson was recruited to be an extra. “The filmmakers had hired all these extras from Atlanta to be the posse. They were supposed to ride horses up a hill while carrying torches, but no one asked if they could ride a horse,” Johnson said. “I had grown up around horses, so I ended up as a member of the posse.”

Working alongside students on Strange Fruit and other sets through the years, Johnson aimed to teach lessons that were about theatre, set design, and construction — but also much more. “It was important for my students to know that they had to put their egos to the side,” he said. “One of the most valuable things I was ever told is that if you don’t think you’re the best for the job, you won’t get it, but if you think you’re the only person for the job, you probably won’t get it either.”

Johnson also became one of the first licensed pyrotechnicians in Georgia.

The Next Act

“I’ve lived an interesting life,” he said.

Johnson’s final production for Piedmont will be How Am I To Be Heard? an original work about Smith that debuts in April 2022.

In Retirement, Hired at Piedmont Shortly after retiring from UGA, Johnson came to Piedmont to visit his friend, Rick Rose, who had been hired to lead the theatre program. “He told me he wanted my input and asked me if I’d come have lunch,” he said. “Next thing I know, I’m in the president’s office, talking about a job.” It wasn’t the post-retirement plan he’d envisioned but joining the faculty at Piedmont felt right.

In his second retirement, Johnson plans to continue wowing audiences, not with set designs but with his magic show. Johnson has been performing magic nearly his entire life and now stars in Doc Johnson’s Traveling Miracle Medical Show. His show schedule can be found at docshows.com. “Whether it was through lighting, set design, special effects, or tricks,” Johnson said, “I’ve always liked putting a little magic into life for people.”

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THE

E W ED! R A O R

AS PIEDMONT COLLEGE Piedmont Athletics Celebrates Historic, Triumphant Final Season as ‘College’ By Rachel Pleasant

s 2021 draws to a close, Piedmont Athletics is looking back on a historic — and triumphant — final season as Piedmont College. “The 2020-21 season will forever stand out as one of the most important in Piedmont’s history. We transitioned from a college to a university, instituted new protocols to ensure student-athletes were able to compete safely amid the pandemic, and celebrated one of our most successful campaigns since joining NCAA Division III,” said Jim Peeples, director of intercollegiate athletics. “We should all be very proud of what we achieved in our final season as Piedmont College.” For their hard work, Piedmont’s studentathletes and coaches garnered numerous recognitions, including two CoSIDA (College Sports Information Directors of America) Academic All-Americans and eight Academic All-District honors, four All-Americans, five Conference Player of the Year Awards, 26 All-Region selections, 85 All-Conference honors, 205 Academic All-Conference honors, Regional Staff of the Year, and three USA South Coach of the Year Awards. “We should all be very proud to be part of this institution that proved in 2020-21 that it will persist — and prevail — even in the face of great adversity,” Peeples said. “We are the Lions, and in 2020-21, we roared!”

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GO LIO NS!

Highlights of the 2020-21 season included: • Women’s basketball won the West Division regularseason championship and competed in the West Division Tournament Championship game. The men also advanced to the West Division Tournament Championship game.

• The men’s and women’s track & field teams continued their success by defending both USA South Athletic Conference Championships. Both the women and men had dominant performances at the championship meet.

• Men’s swimming went undefeated, and the women ended with an outstanding 4-1 record.

• Men’s and women’s lacrosse each won West Division regular-season championships and tournament championships. Both teams went undefeated in the USA South regular season.

• Women’s soccer won the West Division Tournament Championship. They also competed in the most NCAA Division III women’s soccer contests in the country.

• Women’s tennis went undefeated in the West Division regular season and won the West Division Tournament.

• Men’s golf reached No. 1 in the country following the fall season. This spring, they captured the first men’s golf conference championship in program history, securing a first-ever berth in the NCAA Division III men’s golf championship, where they finished 13th nationally. • Finally, in his 22nd year leading the softball program, Terry Martin led the Lady Lions to a tremendous year. The team won the West Division regular season, West Division Tournament, and the USA South Conference Tournament Championship. The win sent the Lady Lions to their seventh NCAA Tournament appearance.

Visit piedmont.edu/final-ride to see more about our 2020-21 season!

We should all be very proud to be part of this institution that proved in 2020-21 that it will persist — and prevail — even in the face of great adversity.

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A Note from Hobbs

Your alumni house

1,000. That’s the goal Piedmont University has set for alumni donors in 2021-22. It’s not a huge number given that Piedmont has more than 17,000 alumni around the world, but 1,000 is ambitious when you consider that in 2020-21 we had just 539 alumni lend financial support. 1,000 alumni donors would represent an 85 percent year-to-year increase in alumni donors. That’s a lot, but then again, Piedmont has never shied from moving mountains for students. Nearly 125 years ago, we opened our doors, committed to removing barriers to higher education for the students of Appalachia. We haven’t slowed down since, becoming a university, opening a new Athens campus, and breaking ground on our largest residence hall yet, all in the midst of a worldwide pandemic. Can we reach 1,000 alumni donors? Absolutely. This university can do anything.

supporting the institution that helped you advance your education, your career, and the trajectory of your life? We need your help. We need 1,000 of you to stand up and say, “Count me in.” Your gift will fund scholarships, programs, and the growth of this university, helping it to serve future generations of students who, just like you, will go on to do great things with their Piedmont education. When you give to Piedmont, you’ll receive the satisfaction of knowing you made a difference. Whether you give $20 or $200, your contribution matters, and we will put it to work for Piedmont’s students. Say yes. Scan the QR code below to make your gift and share with us why you chose to be one of our 1,000 alumni donors. And if you chose not to give, please tell us why; email me at crogers@piedmont.edu. Your gift will make a difference. Your words will inspire others to give.

Join the Lions Share Network! Have you joined Piedmont University’s Lions Share Network? If not, now is the time! The Lion’s Share Network is the Alumni Association’s dedicated website for alumni, students, and other members of the Piedmont University community. It’s your best source for Piedmont news. It’s where alumni can easily keep in touch with classmates and their former professors. It’s the place for information about upcoming alumni events. It’s where you can get first dibs on new alumni gear available through Piedmont’s online store. It’s also the perfect place to

But we need your help. Will you become one of our 1,000 alumni donors? Will you say “yes” to

PIEDMONT ALUMNI:

Thank you,

Craig Rogers Vice President of University Advancement

show your support for Piedmont University by making a gift to the fund of your choice. Ready to join? We can’t wait to connect with you.

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Legacy Lions is an occasional series spotlighting families that have had multiple generations attend Piedmont University. For Legacy Lions, Piedmont is more than their alma mater; it’s a source of shared memories, bonds, and pride. To be featured in Legacy Lions, email kdeal@piedmont.edu.

By Katie Deal '02 A basketball scholarship brought Kenneth Edwards ’77 to Piedmont in 1973. The lanky 6’ 6” History Education major had no idea his decision to attend Piedmont would shape his life in such a profound way. Then he met the captain of the cheerleaders, 5’ 2 ½” spitfire, Theresa Burnett Edwards ’78, who arrived on campus in 1976. Forty-five years later, the couple touts quite a Piedmont legacy. Eldest son, Kent Edwards (2004-05), followed in his father’s footsteps and played basketball for Piedmont before entering the military. His wife, Lindsay Renee Brooks Edwards ’08,

MAT ’09, earned her undergraduate and graduate degrees from Piedmont. Married for over a decade, they now have two small children. In 2012, youngest son, JEB Edwards MAT ’14, graduated from The Citadel where he attended with brother, Luke. Immediately following his Citadel graduation, JEB applied to Piedmont’s graduate program and worked as a graduate assistant in the alumni office. An avid runner, he also coached track and cross country for Piedmont. He and wife, Erin, enjoy the outdoors and continue to trail run together. Luke Edwards, middle son and 2010 Citadel graduate, is the sole member

of the original “Edwards gang” that has yet to attend Piedmont. “I’ve told him he needs to just take one class while I’m still around so I can see him join the ‘Edwards Piedmont Legacy,’” Mom Theresa half-teases. Luke and wife, Hope, have two boys and live on the family farm. Today, Kenneth and Theresa, both retired teachers with a combined 65plus years in education, enjoy life on their farm and spending time with their family. Blessed with four grandchildren now, they are hopeful that they might have a future Lion in the bunch.

ABOVE: Kenneth and Theresa Edwards on their family farm. LEFT: Kenneth and Theresa Edwards during a snow day at Piedmont in January 1977. FAR LEFT: JEB Edwards lived in a teepee while in graduate school at Piedmont, 2013-2014.

TIME TO SAY

Smith Pays It Forward for the Success of Future Students

By Terrie Ellerbee ’95 Steven Smith ’67 has traveled to more than 120 countries during his 50-plus successful years in economics, finance, and travel and tourism. One of his first jobs was working for the Georgia Governor’s Commission for Science and Technology. He got interested in international trade, product development, invention, innovation, and economic development, and was motivated to go into business. Smith went on to work with local communities to bring in capital investments, industry, and new jobs. In the late 1970s, he started a consulting business and assisted companies in locating industrial plants all over the world, including helping them arrange financing. All the while, Smith kept his side interest in travel and tourism and invested in those types of companies in Georgia and Florida. “There’s not much that I haven’t done, seen, or experienced,” he said. He joked that his wife of 40 years, Lola, will tell friends at his funeral that he “didn’t miss a thing.” Smith’s extraordinary success might have happened without Piedmont, but the small school in Demorest gave him much more than an education. Piedmont and its people lifted him up from a dark place into the light.

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A Tragedy—and a Way Back Smith was attending Emory University when his mother, a nurse, was killed in an accident. He was very close to her. He dropped out and began working in travel, tourism, and hospitality. “When I lost my mother, it changed my life quite a bit,” he said. His path to Piedmont was paved by the relationship his father had with Ray Rohletter. Smith’s father was a national sales executive with Chicopee Manufacturing. Rohletter worked for the company in Cornelia and Gainesville, Georgia, for 40-plus years. The Rohletter family was well known in Demorest and had farmed property contiguous to Piedmont’s campus since the early 1900s. Piedmont students, alumni, faculty, and staff will recognize the Rohletter name because the university purchased approximately 80 acres from the family in 2019. Smith stayed with Rohletter, who encouraged him to complete his studies at Piedmont. Smith had good grades, so it was an easy transition. He also had a military obligation to fulfill from his time in the Reserve Officers Training Corps (ROTC) at Emory. Smith liked Piedmont and its professors. The late John Ayers, who was Piedmont’s registrar at the time, took him under his wing. Smith appeared on the Dean’s List every quarter, completed requirements for a degree with a double major in sociology and English, and went into the U.S. Air Force as planned.

Become a Yonahian!

Members of the Yonahian Society Steven & Lola Smith in Budapest.

Time to Give Back “What Piedmont gave me, the attention, the personal help — the professors helped me, and I bonded with them,” he said. “I’d call professors and they would talk to me. You don’t get that in the big schools. I felt comfortable there.” Smith later achieved two more degrees: a master’s in sociology from Ohio Christian College and a master’s in economics from the University of Oklahoma. He also earned several professional certifications and garnered many accolades throughout his career. After years of extensive travel commuting from metro Atlanta all over the world, the Smiths retired and moved to Florida. They live about 25 miles east of Gainesville, home to Lola’s alma mater, the University of Florida. The couple funded endowments there and will do the same for Piedmont. Their estate planning will include gifts to the university.

provide an annual financial gift of $1,000 or more. These individuals believe in the power of a Piedmont University education and are committed to helping this institution grow and continue to serve students for generations to come. Piedmont University is deeply thankful for the Yonahians’ generous support, year after year. The university will celebrate members of the Yonahian Society with a black-tie gala scheduled for April 22, 2022. We would love to have you join us! Scan the QR code below to learn more about the Yonahian Society and how to join.

“Being at Piedmont made me think more positively. I got a lot out of my studies in those years. It was good stuff,” he said. “Can I help the students coming up find their way? I think it’s time to say ‘yes.’

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2021-2022 Piedmont University Alumni Association Board of Directors By Katie Deal Comeau ’02 The Alumni Association Board of Directors volunteer their time and talent to promote the Piedmont University Alumni Association. The Board’s purpose is to strengthen the connections between Piedmont graduates and their alma mater by creating alumni events and programs, engaging new Piedmont graduates and retaining their connection with the university, and building a relationship between the Alumni Association and current Piedmont students. The Alumni Association Board President is Sierra Nicholson ’03, who works as the director of industry business development strategy for Eversheds Sutherland. “My experiences at Piedmont University set me on my path in life. I serve on the Alumni Association Board because I want to have a role in ensuring that the journey that has been available to me is available for generations of Piedmont students to come,” she said.

PRESIDENT

Sierra Nicholson '03

Nicholson is joined in leading the Alumni Association Board by Nick Kastner ’03, MBA ’06. “If it weren’t for the professors in the Walker College of Business, I likely would have chosen a different career. Joining the Alumni Association Board is just a way for me to give back to the university that gave so much to me,” said Kastner, director of brand and digital strategy at Forum Communications, based in Gainesville, Georgia.

VICE PRESIDENT

In addition to Nicholson and Kastner, the Alumni Association Board includes:

Nick Kastner '03, MBA '06

SECRETARY

TREASURER

ALUMNI TRUSTEE

David Abbot ’67

Dock Sisk ’72

Matt Desing '02

DIRECTOR

Eddy Ariail ’80

Lisa Black MAT’01, EdS’07

Nicole Booth ’02

DIRECTOR

Jill Bradley ’80

Brett Cohee ’17

Stefanie Watkins Couch ’07

DIRECTOR

Kanler Cumbass ’19

Krysti Elam ’16, MA ’19

Pamela Getman Fisher ’13

DIRECTOR

Kelsey Schaffernoth Gantz ’15

Sumner Gantz ’15, MBA ’17

Roswell Lawrence, Jr. MBA ’09

DIRECTOR

Evan Nissley ’08

Jessie Owensby ’15

Cale Padgett ’09

DIRECTOR

Mike Santowski, Jr. ’06

Bill Secor ’06

Juanita Shope ’81

DIRECTOR

Blake R. Thomas ’07, MBA ’08

Stephanie Rainwater Thomas ’08

Juanita Praria Weiss ’80

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HOMECOMING 2021 WAS

UNBELIEVABLY AWESOME! The Ivan Duke Band opened for the Atlanta Rhythm Section. We had food trucks, a beer and wine vendor, and more than 300 alumni in attendance! That’s the biggest alumni event in Piedmont history, y’all! If you missed it, I hope you’ll consider joining us next year for Homecoming 2022, which is scheduled for October 22nd. If planning that far ahead disrupts your laissez-faire lifestyle, no worries. Join us for LionFest 2022 on April 23rd. It will be here before you know it. At LionFest, alumni and friends will be amazed by the incredible talents of Piedmont students. We will come together on April 23rd at the Arrendale Amphitheater to celebrate and share artwork, crafts and music of Piedmont students, faculty, staff, and the community.

This event will offer affinity groups a chance to gather and reminisce. Piedmont will also be hosting some sports events, and we would love for alumni to participate. If you would like to plan an affinity group reunion or an alumni sports gathering, contact me at kdeal@piedmont.edu or 706-776-0146. LionFest is going to be wild! Hope to see you there!

Katie Deal Comeau '02 Director of Alumni Engagement and Development kdeal@piedmont.edu | 706-776-0146

Development student worker, Jadon Gonzales '25, with Leo.

Katie Deal Comeau '02 on stage with the Ivan Duke Band.

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MEMORIAL GOLF TOURNAMENT CONTINUES TO GROW

By Rachel Pleasant

ith nearly 100 participants and $23,600 raised, the 33rd annual Coach Cave Memorial Golf Tournament continued to raise the bar for the beloved event. “It is extremely exciting and gratifying to see this event grow every year, because that growth means we’re able to provide scholarships to an increasing number of students. We thank our participants, sponsors, and supporters for everything they contribute to this signature Piedmont event,” said Mark Elam, assistant vice president of development and alumni relations, who coordinates the tournament each year. Leon O’Neal Cave served Piedmont for 36 years, in roles including athletic director, varsity men’s basketball coach, golf course supervisor, and dean, until his retirement in the 1980s. He died in 1985. The golf tournament benefits the O’Neal Cave Scholarship Fund. The June 7, 2021, event took place at Laurel Springs Golf Club

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in Suwanee, Georgia, a Jack Nicklaus-designed course. Kathy Cave Baker, Coach Cave’s daughter, and her husband Niles, attend the golf tournament each year. Seeing how the event continues to grow means so much to her family — and she knows it would have meant so much to her father, too. “Daddy was a humble person who came from very humble beginnings. He was able to go to college because of athletic scholarships,” Baker said.

Coach Leon O'Neal Cave

“I know it would have touched him emotionally to know that this fund is helping new generations of students further their education.” The 34th annual Coach Cave Memorial Golf Tournament will take place June 6, 2022, at Laurel Springs. Check piedmont.edu/golf for more information as the event approaches.

Second place went to The Baker Family Team, which included, from left, Robert Baker, Michael Salmon, Jacob Baker, and Sean Nebel. Robert and Jacob Baker are Coach Cave’s grandsons.

THE

REAL DEAL Piedmont Alumna Wows Audience With Performance Benefitting Lions Share Fund By Rachel Pleasant A rainy afternoon gave way to a beautiful evening for Katie Deal’s ’02 performance at Piedmont University’s Arrendale Amphitheater in early August. “I think I speak for everyone who either attended or helped make this event happen — it was a fantastic evening. We are all so proud of Katie. She and her band put on an outstanding show,” said Craig Rogers, vice president of university advancement, whose team organized the concert. Deal, who works as Piedmont’s alumni director, is also an award-winning entertainer who has performed for soldout crowds across the U.S. and Canada. She has collaborated with some of Nashville’s top songwriters, performed with Loretta Lynn, is the recipient of the 2016 Georgia Country Artist of the Year Award, and is an honored member of the Atlanta Country Music Hall of Fame. She and her Real Deal Country band performed to raise money for Piedmont

University’s Lions Share Fund, which is used to make facility upgrades and provide student scholarships. Approximately 150 students, employees, alumni, and Piedmont supporters attended the concert, enjoying a two-hour set that included such favorites as 9 to 5, Crazy, and Stand by Your Man, as well as a Deal original titled, Saving Our Country. The performance was punctuated with frequent applause and laughter, as Deal recounted anecdotes from her career and greeted by name several members of the audience. While on the stage, Deal also thanked student Sarah Bittner '23, who designed her band’s new logo. “The Real Deal Country band and I had a great time,” said Deal, who was recently cast in the musical Darlin’ Cory at the Alliance Theatre, with music by Kristian Bush of the band Sugarland. “Piedmont is where I learned to be a performer, so it was a real treat to come home and celebrate with my Piedmont family and friends. I’m looking forward to bringing more music here to our beautiful amphitheater.” Learn more about the Lions Share Fund at alumni.piedmont.edu.

Real Deal Country logo designed by student Sarah Bittner ’23.

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Leave your legacy on Piedmont's campus! Piedmont is planning to build a fountain surrounded by raised gardens on the quad at the center of the Demorest campus. The new gathering space has been designed to both inspire current students and honor Piedmont alumni. To purchase a brick that will be used in the construction of the project, visit alumni.piedmont.edu/g/tribute-pavers. Bricks can be inscribed with a message of your choice!

Brick Paver Examples The pavers, made of colored brick, are available in Standard 4” x 8” (with 3 lines of copy), or Double 8” x 8” (with up to 6 lines of copy) size. Each line of copy may contain up to 20 characters (including spaces).

SCAN THE QR CODE TO ORDER YOURS TODAY! For questions or additional information contact Mark Elam, assistant vice president of development and alumni relations at melam@piedmont.edu or 706-894-4214.

Conceptual drawing of a possible design for the plaza.

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2021

President’s Report

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Financial BOARD OF TRUSTEES Thomas A. "Gus" Arrendale, III (chairman) Sandra G. Borrow Dr. Martha K. Cantrell ’80 Dennis T. Cathey, Esq. Sandra Deal Matt Desing ’02 Dwight H. Evans David C. Foster ’88 Dr. Phillip Furman ’68 Mack H. Guest III Ladson Haddow Thomas M. Hensley, Jr. Jane Higdon Ballard ’70 James C. Hobbs, III William M. House Fran Davis Jarrett Rev. Dr. Sarah Lund Mylle Mangum Michael F. Mansfield, Sr. ’09 Kimberly D. Melton Dr. Kara Keel Moody, D.M.D. ’94 Dr. Octavius Mulligan ’95, ’00, ’02, ’14 Sierra Nicholson ’03 Jim Parham ’67 Joseph M. Piper ’95 Lisa Pruitt-Hamby Rev. Dr. Tom M. Richard ’70 The Honorable Brian Rickman ’98 Dr. Dionne M. Rosser-Mims ’99 Michael Santowski, Jr. ’06 James F. Sievers ’63 Dock C. Sisk ’72 D. Stewart Swanson Mary Hart Wilheit

Revenue

Expenses

Assets

Liabilities

OFFICERS President Dr. James F. Mellichamp Vice President of Student Life and Leadership Dr. Kimberly Crawford Vice President of University Advancement K. Craig Rogers Senior Vice President of Academic Affairs Dr. Daniel K. Silber Senior Vice President of Administration & Finance Brant Wright

(in millions of dollars) 46

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Philanthropy FINANCIAL This information is derived from Piedmont University’s June 30, 2021, audited financial statements.

Total Giving $6.0M

Fueled by improving pandemic and economic conditions, Piedmont University’s revenue increased by $5 million compared with the previous fiscal year. The university’s administration continues to successfully identify opportunities for operational efficiencies. Their efforts resulted in a $5 million reduction in expenses compared to the previous fiscal year.

$5.0M $4.0M $3.0M $2.0M $1.0M

2017

2018

2019

2020

2021

The lower overall giving in the most recent two years (relative to 2018-2019 levels) was due to the successful conclusion of the fundraising campaigns for the Conservatory of Music and Sewell Center for Teacher Education, as well as the resumption of an annual “core” giving campaign at the beginning of 2020.

Alumni Donors 600 500 400 300 200 100

2017

PHILANTHROPY Total giving increased year-overyear, from $2.2 million in 2020 to $2.25 million in 2021, reflecting a higher level of baseline giving from Piedmont supporters.

2018

2019

2020

2021

Current fundraising efforts are centered on increasing alumni participation and building the inaugural class of the Yonahian Society — Piedmont’s most esteemed group of donors, who each make an annual gift of $1,000 or more. Inaugural Yonahian Society membership has ballooned to 216, currently. This intimate and growing family of supporters will be celebrated with a gala in the spring. With regard to alumni giving, Piedmont hit a new record in 2021, with more than 539 alumni donors P I E DMO N T J O U R NA L

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Enrollment contributing to their alma mater. This reflects a 33 percent increase over the prior year and is a substantial stride toward Piedmont’s goal of 1,000 annual alumni donors. ENROLLMENT Even amid the ongoing pandemic and nationwide enrollment declines, Piedmont enrolled 249 first-year students this fall, matching the previous year’s enrollment. The Class of 2025 arrived at Piedmont well-positioned for academic success during their college years. Members of this class have an average high school GPA of 3.54. Their average SAT score is 1110, and the average ACT score is 22.9, both of which are above national averages. In addition, 25 percent of the new students enrolled with dual enrollment and AP credits. Piedmont continues to attract an increasingly diverse student body. Just under 10 percent of the Class of 2025 is Hispanic, up from 5.2 percent in 2020. Piedmont expects this trend will continue as the Hispanic population grows in northern and central Georgia, areas where Piedmont draws many of its students. However, the diversification of Piedmont’s student body is not solely due to regional demographic trends. The Class of 2025 represents 19 states and countries including Cameroon, Equatorial Guinea, Germany, Greece, Honduras, India, Jamaica, and Peru. To continue reaching and engaging prospective students from around the world, Piedmont staff members attended virtual and in-person recruitment events, including college fairs, paraprofessional

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Undergraduate Tuition/Average Financial Aid $30,000 $25,000 $20,000 $15,000 $10,000 $5,000 $0 Demorest

Athens

Financial Aid

*estimate

Fast Facts

10:1

Student-toFaculty Ratio

Average Undergraduate Class Size

Division III Sports Teams

information sessions, and remote classroom visits; conducted oncampus admissions events, tours, and virtual visits; and utilized numerous social media platforms. Additional enrollment highlights for fall 2021 include: • Total undergraduate enrollment is 1,238. • Total graduate enrollment is 871.

Undergraduates by Race

• Total enrollment at the Demorest campus is 1,127 (undergraduate and graduate). • Total enrollment at the Athens campus is 349 (undergraduate and graduate). • Piedmont’s undergraduate residential population now stands at 722.

Undergraduates by Place of Origin

A new facility for the Athens campus and construction of the largest residential facility on the Demorest campus maintain a 25-year trend of notable campus improvements. Solid enrollments, prudent fiscal management, and continued philanthropic growth, coupled with significant increases in student retention, bode well for the university as it enters its 125th year.

Fall 2021

72%

97%

Programs of Study

of Demorest Undergraduates Live on Campus

of Undergraduates Received Financial Aid

The President’s Report, published annually by the Office of the President, offers a snapshot of Piedmont University’s balance sheet and financials. Correspondence should be directed to president@piedmont.edu. P I E DMO N T J O U R NA L

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The Piedmont Philanthropic Family Please contact development@piedmont.edu with any changes.

Names appear in list as requested by donor. SOCIETY

ANNUAL GIFTS OF $1,000 OR MORE Only recognizes gifts received during fiscal year 2020 (July 1, 2020, to June 30, 2021)

Citizens Bank Financial Group Coca‑Cola Bottling Company United, Inc.

Thomas and Jenna Hensley

Merck Foundation

James and Margaret Hobbs

Sarah Manning Pope

Coca‑Cola Enterprises Inc. Matching Gifts Program

Carole Jackson

Nancy Pruitt

Mike Grizzel

Louise Bass Fred C. and Katherine B. Andersen Foundation Jim Armstrong Council of Independent Colleges

Natalie Adams Crawford '07, M '12

Georgia Independent College Association, Inc.

Fran and Gary Jarrett

Pruitt Foundation

Susan Spaeth Kyle '95

The Budd Group

William H. Guild Charitable Trust

Michael F. '09 and Kim Mansfield

Albert L. Vulcano

James and Susan Irvin

Lisa Pruitt‑Hamby EdS '18

President’s Circle ‑ ($1,000.00+)

The Thomas T. & Bernice F. Irvin Family Foundation

Woody and Megan Ramsey

John T. Adams

Rev. Dr. Prachuab '70 and Gloria Dechawan

Jane C. Johnson M '09

Scroggs & Grizzel Contracting, Inc.

Ty Akins

Dr. Phil DeMore

Dr. James F. Mellichamp

James F. Sievers '63 and Dr. Samira Beckwith

All Service & Associates Printing

Janet Donston '65

Edward Ariail '80, Hon.D '94 and Alice Ariail

Gerald '65 and Peggy Dunn

Thomas A. and Lucile M. Moye Charitable Trust

Jared Smith

Jack Slade

United Church of Christ

Judith Griggs Slade Charitable Trust

Willis Investment Counsel

Dr. Daniel J. Smith South State Bank

Founder’s Circle ‑ ($5,000.00+) Gus Arrendale

Barnes Group Foundation, Inc. Dr. Julia Behr Lisa L. Black M’01, EdS ‘07 Jill Bradley '80 Del '74 and Pat Bradshaw

Stewart and Carol Swanson

J. Philip '69 and Jane Higdon '70 Ballard, Jr.

Lewis A. and Rose Brannon

Thomas B. Musser Trust

Don and Paula Beck

Union Congregational Church of Demorest

Sandra G. Borrow

Andrew P. Bridges and J. Rebecca Lyman

Marilyn K. Brown

Lettie Pate Whitehead Foundation, Inc.

Carroll Daniel Construction

The Frances Wood Wilson Foundation, Inc.

Delta Airlines Foundation

Mayflower Circle ‑ ($10,000.00+) Anonymous

Harriet Davis Wilbanks Trust

Johnson & Johnson Family of Companies Kelly Tours

Chairman’s Circle ‑ ($25,000.00+)

Dwight and Sharon Evans Bradley D. Evans ‘96

William R. Bannister

Dr. Phillip '68 and Paulette Furman

Ray Boylan

Mack H. Guest, III

Estate of Edwin H. Bingham

Guest Family Foundation, Inc.

Jennifer and Jack Brinson

Mylle and Bill Mangum

Craig M. and Febby Faerber

Helen S. McPheeters Trust

Bill and Carolyn Gaik

William M. House, Esq

| P I E DMO N T J O U R NA L

Vann ’90 and Valerie M ’16 Brown BSN Sports

Dr. Christopher and Nannette Curran Tim and Jamie Darrah Gov. Nathan and Sandra Deal

John and Suzanne Dzik Mark and Sharon Elam Janet '95 and John Elger Eddie '82 and Carole A. '83 Elrod Mark and Melissa Evans Suzanne Faerber Dr. Nancy Smith Fichter and Robert Fichter David '88 and Leslie Foster Pam and Joey Fountain

Richard '51 and Nancy Burrell

Kelsey Schaffernoth '15 and Sumner Gantz '15, M '17

Camp‑Younts Foundation

Bettina George

Carlyn L. Canham

George F. & Sybil H. Fuller Foundation

Jonathan W. '81 and Dr. Martha '80, EdS '10, EdD '12 Cantrell

Dr. Margaret Rose Gladney

Cris '99 and Jane Carpenter

Bob Glass

Marguerite A. Carpenter

Lauren Fritsch '05, M '07 and Jason Goza

Conley Cathey '73 Dennis T. Cathey, Esq

Ladson Haddow

Ben and Gail Cheek

Jerry '07 and Meredith '06 Harkness

Rhani Lott Choi ‘05

Hayes of Baldwin

Betty Heathman

Rev. Dr. Sarah Lund

Peachtree Presbyterian Church

Rev. Glenna T. Shepherd

Kelley Barnette Herrin

Terry and Robin Martin

Chris Pearce

Courtney Showell

Dr. C. Wallace and Jennifer '95 Hinson

Patrick W. McKee

Jim Peeples

John Siegel and John Templeton

McNeely Foundation, Inc.

Dr. Larry and Dinah C. Peevy

Dr. Daniel and Karin Silber

Marilyn L. McNeely

Robert and Anita M. Pittman

Dock '72 and Nan Sisk

Charles Honart

Kimberly and Hon. Harold Melton

Plymouth Congregational Church

Travis R. Hunt '08

Parks M '00 and Cathy Miller

Ben and Jamie '00 Purdy

Southeast Conference United Church of Christ

Tinsley H. Irvin

Dr. Phillip Moery

Purdy Flooring & Design

Barth Jackson and Amy Lawrence

Dr. Kara Keel '94 and Chad Moody

Sherrill W. and James Ragans

Holcomb's Office Supply & Christian Products

Jackson Electric Membership Corporation

Clark Morrell

Jim Parham & Associates, Inc.

Deloris Newberry Mullins '58

Douglas M. Johnson '66

National Association of Congregational Christian Churches

Nicholas '03, M '06 and Brandy Kastner Walter M. and Sandi Keel

Mike Nicholson

Chris and Kathryn Kelly

Sierra Nicholson '03 and Ryan Hull

KPMG U.S. Foundation, Inc

Steve D. and Cynthia L. Nimmo

Dr. Kelly Land EdS '12, EdD '15

Evan '08 and Tiffany '10 Nissley

Dr. Jasper and Dr. Delene Lee

Old South Church in Boston

Sue Ellen Lovejoy

Jim '67 and Ann Parham

John Roberts Craig and Denise Rogers Rep. Terry Rogers Dr. Richard Rose Anne Ross Dr. Dionne M. Rosser‑Mims '99 Dr. Margaret Ryder M '13

Cole Spedale '08 John and Karen Spiegel Ann Hawkins Starnes '53 Dr. Gabriele U. Stauf Nancy H. Stovall Dr. Gerald and Margaret Sullivan Rev. Dr. Barbara and Ed Taylor Dr. Edward and Frances Taylor Dr. Matthew and Melissa Teutsch Truist Bank

Michael S. '06 and Mattie Santowski, Jr.

Gilford B. Walker

Justin M. M '05 and Katie W. '06, M '07 Scali

Dr. J. Kerry Waller Brant and Marcella Wright

ALUMNI GIVING

Only recognizes gifts received during fiscal year 2020 (July 1, 2020, to June 30, 2021) David '67 and Ginny '68 Abbot

Robert J. Andrews '88

Patricia '73 Barrett

Auburn J. S. Bolton '18, M'20

Autumn Acampora '21

Shane Argo '20

David M. Bartek, Jr. '11, M'13

Nicole Whelan '02 and Josh Booth

Dr. David S. Adams '61

Edward Ariail '80, Hon.D '94 and Alice Ariail

Nicole Bartman '16

Nan Adsit EdS '20 Lizbeth Aguilera '21 Jimmie Alewine '60

Tyler Ashley '17 Janice Ashurst

Sara Bates '02, M'04 William Beguhn '16 Edward Bell '05

Laura L. Boswell EdS '03 Otis J. Bouwsma '68 Mary R. Bowen '99 Jill Bradley '80

Gwenda F. Alexander '01, M'14

Stephanie AustinCampbell '08, M'10

Layla '99 and Christopher '97 Bell

Lisa C. Alexander '17

Brandy Aycock M'11

Susan Bell '14

Danny Allen '18, M'20

Fannie M. Baker '58

LaGina Bennett '18

Gaynell Allen '03

Katheryn and Niles Baker

Veronica Briney '15

S. Lamar Allen '72

Robert J. Baker '01

Ronald '85, M’99 and Pamela Bennett

Nahelli Balderas ‘21

Grace Bentley '21

Henry L. Brock '61

Shawn Allen M'10

Allison Ball '17

Dr. Marilyn A. Berrong '76

Christopher R. Altman '97

Rusty Brooks M’09 and Jessica Bailey Brooks M’09

Juan Alvarez-Martinez '20

J. Philip '69 and Jane Higdon '70 Ballard

Jody W. '97 and Tabatha Anderson

Bryan Ballew M'13

Diane Taylor Black '65

Ritchie Anderson '96

Lindsey '06, M'12 and Gary Barkley

Lisa L. Black M'01, EdS '07

Benjamin Andrews '21 Mary Andrews '03

Davis Barlow '21 Benjamin '75 and

Kallendra Bexley M'17, EdS'19 Brianna K.J. Billups ‘21

Danielle Black-Freels '96 Perryn Bohler '21

Del '74 and Pat Bradshaw Austin P. Brick '15 M'17 Laura E. Briggs '16, M '21

Stacie '95, M’99 and Keith Brooks Stan J. Brosko, Jr. '07 Arthur Brown '15 Gale Brown EdS'14 Kensley J. Brown '19, M'20 Keeca Brown '01 P I E DMO N T J O U R NA L

| 51

Vann '90 and Valerie M'16 Brown

Abigail Cox '21

Paola Epstein EdS'20

Maria Guzman EdS'19

BSN Class of 2020

Allison '08 and Travis Cox

Tye '92 and Cynthia '92 Etheridge

Amanda Hadsall '17

Andrew W. Buice '99

J. Bryan Crawford '03, M'06

Bradley D. Evans '96

Cherylann Hahn '14

Laura Burgess '09, M'12

Natalie Adams Crawford '07, M'12

Jennifer Ezell M'04, EdS'08, EdD'18

Jennifer L. Hall

Mia '98 and Adam Faulkner

Richard '51 and Nancy Burrell

Wesley '04, M '07 and Jennifer '06, M’17 Crow

Shirley H. Burton '61

Lisa Milagros Cruz '97

Jeannie Bush '12

Cheryl Cubeta '98

Wil Bush '00

Matthew K. Curtis '11

Stacia '71 and Roger Cabo

Charles Dalrymple '92

C. Lyndol Cain '53

Trigg '64 and Edith Dalrymple

Joseph Cain '05

Billy Daniel '03, M'04

Kevin T. Caldwell '13, M'14

Patrick D. Daniel '20

Jonathan W. '81 and Dr. Martha '80, EdS '10, EdD '12 Cantrell

Beau Davis '06

Matthew Burgess '09

Jack M. and Joyce D. Carey

Jennifer '02 and Daniel Davis

John E. and Nancy A. '88 Carmack, Jr.

Megan Davis M'14

Cris '99 and Jane Carpenter

Tim EdS’18 and Liz EdS’20 Davis

Chris Carson '08

Jane Ferguson '65 Pamela Getman Fisher '13

Leslie Hamilton EdS'10 Ada C. Hamlette EdS '13 John T. Hancock III '71

John D. Flowers '66

Jerry '07 and Meredith '06 Harkness

Chelsea Floyd '19

Travis Harrelson '18

Blake Forrest '17

Jessica Harris '02, M '07

David '88 and Leslie Foster

Lisa Harris '13

Dr. John C. Foster '69

Connie '03, M'06 and Michael Harvey

Guy '66 and Wanda Fouts Patrick Franklin '04, M'06, EdS'07 Lisa Freeman EdS'19 Trent Fricks '93

Nancy Gorman Hatcher Noah Heatherly '20, M'21 Mitzi L. Heck '14 Few Hembree '70

Brittania Dean '15

Dr. Phillip '68 and Paulette Furman

Tyler Henry EdS'16

Conley Cathey '73

Megan Dean '03

Merrissa D. Gallegos '10

Wyatt '96 and Dana '98 Herndon

Haley '13 and Kali Cawthon-Freels

Miranda Jiles Deaton '03

Kelsey Schaffernoth '15 and Sumner Gantz '15, M '17

Kelley '85 and Rodney Herrin

Tamara Chastain '01, M'11

Rev. Dr. Prachuab '70 and Gloria Dechawan

Ann Gazell EdS '05, EdD '11

Emily P. Cheek '12

Kimberly Deemy M'17

Rob Geis '69

Alex M. Childers '18, M'19

Trent '96 and Tracy Collins '95 DeMore

Seth H. George '18

Charlie '57 and Tina Cho Rhani Lott Choi '05

Dan and Lisa '09 Diehl

Jayme Hicks EdS'11, EdD'16 Terry '01 and Yolanda Hill Donald '70 and Estelle Hines

Nykisha Geter '19

Dr. C. Wallace and Jennifer '95 Hinson

Tonjia M. Gillespie '16

Brandon S. Hitch '09

Chris Goershel '15

Trailly Holland, EdS'17

Shelby Chrisman-Forza, M'17

Thomas '08, M'14, EdS '17 and Corie Dimitroff

Alexandria Chyrack, M'18

Isaac Docsol M'15

AJ Goodloe '21

Eileen Briggs Hollowbush '77

J. Elias Clinton M'11

Cheryl '66 and Jim '66 Domineau

Larry Goodman M'21

George '58 and Rena '58 Holt

Mitchell and Ashley '17, M’20 Clouatre

Robin Donaldson EdS'19

Thelma C. Goolsby '61

Julius Hooper '06

Janet Donston '65

Tiffany McKay Gordon '01

LaMario Toron Howard M'05

Jacob L. '12 and Catherine Douylliez

Lauren Fritsch '05, M'07 and Jason Goza

James M. Howell '19

Coach Dale K. Dover

Keith M. Grabowski '15

John G. Duke '11

Nancy A. Graham '65

Gerald '65 and Peggy Dunn

Joseph Granato '13, M'14

Cameron Earls '21

Martin Gravely '21

Katie Deal Comeau '02

Amanda '03 and Nathan Edmondson

Adam and Kristen M'17 Gray

Leanne Cook '99, M'07

Elliot '56 and Jeanne Eggleston

Laurie '98, M'00, EdS'06 and Kevin Gray

Erin Corrigan-Smith M'17

Janet '95 and John Elger

Macy Greenway '20

Tinsley H. Irvin

Robert Corry '53

Terrie J. Ellerbee '95

E. Lane Gresham '10

Bryan Jackson M'21

Stefanie Watkins Couch '07

Eddie '82 and Carole A. '83 Elrod

Christy Griffin EdS'20

Carla L. Jackson '13

Sarah E. Cochran '16 Caleb '12, M '14 and Aubrey L. Cochran '12, M'13 Lewis '67 and Dianne '69 Cody Kristina Coggins '16 Brett '17 and Chelsea Cohee Andrew '19 and Jessica '18 Coker

Dackri A. Davis '93

Kimberly Faust '17

Holly L. Hamilton M '04

| P I E DMO N T J O U R NA L

Phyllis Howell M '18 Anne Hubard-Wingfield '09 Shaunta´ Huff '18 Lindsey L. Hughes '06, M'07 Travis R. Hunt '08, M'10 Melanie '99 and Ashley Hurley Bobbi Jo Imbrogno-Clarke '01

Joseph B. Jacobs '17

Matthew A. Martin '02

Bethany L. Murley '13

Kyleigh Ramey '21

Barbara McLain James '00

Trey N. Martin '15, M '17

Karen Murphy M’05, EdS’08

A. Seth Reese '07

Christine Johnson M'12

Jesse Mashburn '16

David '78 and Hope Murray

Erin Vickery Rhoades '06

Douglas M. Johnson '66

Joel '92 and Rebecca Massey

Greg M '09 and Jessica '05 Neeley

Craig '01 and Natalie Richard

Jane C. Johnson M'09

Dr. Kimberly L. Massey '04

Demetrius Nelson EdS '18

Rev. Dr. Thomas M, '70 and LeeAnne Richard

Janiese A. Johnson '12, M '13

Kirsti L. Matson '12, M '14

Sierra Nicholson '03 and Ryan Hull

Jennifer Richardson M'07

Hosea J. Jones '66

Emily A. Maxey '08

Evan '08 and Tiffany '10 Nissley

Tiffany Jones EdS'20

Joseph G. Maxey '07

The Honorable Brian '98 and Maggie Rickman

Natasha Marie Jordan '02, M’03

Amanda Maxwell '19, M'21

Michael Joseph '21

Kevin W. McClain '95

Nicholas '03, M '06 and Brandy Kastner

Timmy M'10 and Jamie McCormack

Jennifer Kearson M'11, EdS'12 David and Jane M '16 Kidd Lola Wood Kimbro '51 Ruth King '98 Justin Kirby '18 Elizabeth Kitchens EdS'21

Cathy '12, M '16 and Jared Nix Caleb Norton '18 Timothy Nunez '14

Brandon '05 and Sarah Ridgway Mignon Brown Ridings '52 Amy E. Riker M'13

Justin '08, M '14 Oates and Nikki '08 Oates

Daniel Rivera '09, M'11

Regina McCormick '08 and Tyler Mann

Rachel Oberholtzer '20

Carmen Rivera-Archie M’20, EdS’21

Daniel McCravy '20

Keith and Leah '92 Orr

Kenneth G. McDuffie '63

Linda '90, M '16 and Denis O'Sullivan

Mallory A. Rockmore '16, M '19

Stephen '16, M '18 and Jessie '15 Owensby

Sharon Roller '97

Stacy McEntire '05 JD '97 and Kimberly McGuirt

Cale Padgett '09

Mason Riza '16

Stephen '88 and Sharon Ross

Lisa M. Knight '18

Matthew and Erika EdS'17, EdD’20 McKinney

Tate A. Koons '13

A.B. '80 and Kimberly McMillian

Tonya '08 and Justin M '08 Koonz

Miranda McNalley '21

Erica Kucinski-Harris '00

Nolan '03 and Magda '03 McSparran

Tammy '95 and Phillip Parsons

Retia L. Merino '96

Betsy Pence

Jared '02 and Amanda M. Mestler

Leigh M'03 and Jeffrey Perry

Todd '06 and Shannon Miller

Nancy Carey Peters '53

Lewis '63 and Kathleen Miller

Emily Pettit M'18

Lynn H. Miller '11

Denny Pettway '08, M'10

Stacy Miller '07

Myron Phelps '09

Justin M. M'05 and Katie W. '06, M '07 Scali

Sue Miller EdS'06

Karen Phipps EdS'17

Laura Schott M'17

Parks M '00 and Cathy Miller

Tiffany Pickett '06

Bryan Schroeder '03 and Danielle Bonner

Jacson Moody '18

Barclay Pierce '04 Joseph '95 and Marsha Piper

Jerry Lewallen '81

Dr. Kara Keel Moody '94 and Chad Moody

Matthew Lisk '14, M'15

Carrie M'07 and Brent Kuehne Susan Spaeth Kyle '95 Esther R. LaFay M'14 Dr. Kelly Land EdS'12, EdD'15 Robert '68 and Diane Lawrence Roswell Lawrence '09 Michelle L. Leach '16 William '59 and Evelyn '59 Lepere Glenn '71 and Memri Lerch Jeff '93 and Valerie Lewallen

Jim '67 and Ann Parham Christina Park M'21 Joan '12 and Al Parker

Dr. Dionne M. Rosser-Mims '99 Shari Roth '96 Cornell Rowan EdS'21 Mark Rutacker '13 Dr. Margaret Ryder M'13 Elliot Sailes '18 Michael '06 and Mattie Santowski Scott Sapera M'11 William Sargent '21

Brooke Seabolt M'16, EdS'19 William E. Secor '06

Jared '09 and Ashley '09 Moon

Dr. Joseph Pitts '68 and Dr. Dianne Pitts

Kelly Self EdS'09

Tiffany and Derek Long

Jerry P. Moon '04

Taylor Pope '20

Ricky '07 and LaDon Shaw

Betty Griswold Los '56

David Mooney '15

Amanda Powell '07

Barbara Sheats M'04

Christian and Kimberly '92 Lovell

Leah Mooney '16

Michelle Powell EdS'19

Joshua and Jenni '03, M '05 Shepard

Shontel Bailey Loyal '21

Elizabeth Moore M'15

Brenda Powers '10

Lourdes Lucarelli M'21

Amber N. Mull '05, M '08

Chelsea A. Prince '15

Stacy MacLeish EdS'12, EdD'21

Dr. Octavius '95, M '00, EdS '02, EdD '14 and Marlo '93 J. Mulligan

Lacey D. Pruitt '13

Hayley R. Major Michael F. '09 and Kim Mansfield Jordyn Martin '16

Deloris Newberry Mullins '58 Chris and Erin M '00 Mundy

Lisa Pruitt-Hamby EdS '18

Melissa Shirley '10 Juanita S. Shope '81 Nancy Shubert '93

Ben and Jamie '00 Purdy

James F. Sievers '63 and Dr. Samira Beckwith

Alex Pyron '04

Bradley G. Simmons '87 P I E DMO N T J O U R NA L

| 53

Dock '72 and Nan Sisk

Dorothy '69 and Jack Street

Cameron Verona '21

Cindy Williams '04

Linda Skaggs EdS'20

Josh '10, M '12 and Meghan '13, M'14 Strickland

F. Wendell Vonier '94

John R. Williams '71

Courtney '05 and Adam Wade

Kishira Williams EdS'21

Ana Walker EdS'13, EdD'21

Kristi G. Shead-Williams '12, M'15

Andrew Walker '03

Joshua Williams and Patricia Roberts-Williams '03

William B. Skidmore '17, M '18 Laura Slotter EdS'13 Delbert '96 and Sandy '97 Smee Abagail Smith M'21

Kathy '96, M'00, EdS'05 and Lee Strickland William M. '61 and Rudene Alley '61 Studdard

Heather Walker M'16, EdS'18

Amelia Smith '20

Timothy '10 and Sandra '09, M '11 Suda

Sue Savage Smith '78

Ann '10, M '12 and Randy Sutton

Laura Warner EdS'09

Randy '89 and Sally Smith

Amy Swing EdS'08

Kassie Warren '18

MSgt. James H. Smith Ret.

Hilary Tallent M'11, EdS'12, EdD'19

Lyle Skip Watkins '76

Jan S. Witherington EdS'11, EdD'15

Stephen Webb EdS'21

Andrea Witt EdS'07

Jeremy Smith EdS'19

Stephanie D. Walker '11

Hannah Wills '18 Darius J. Wilson '16 Nancy '95 and Lewis Wise

Katie N. Smith '07

Brittany Wilson Tankersley '02, M'07, EdS'09

Wilma L. Webb

Brad Wofford '05

Mudiwa Smith '11, M'15

Craig '88 and Tracy Tankersley

Steven Weidler M'12

Whitney A. Wolfe '15, M'18

Steven '67 and Lola Smith

Latonia W. Taylor '84

Susan '86 and James Weidner

Brandi Worsham '05

B.J. Spamer '10, M'12

Blake '07, M '09 and Stephanie '08 Thomas

Robert '04 and Anne Weisel Preston Welborn '21

Spencer '98, M'02 and Lora Whitfield '98, M'02, EdS'20 Wright

Jill Sparger Lawson '08, M '11

Chelsea Thomas '18

Michael Wells '21

Caleb E. Wuethrich '16

Isabella St. Aimie '18

Sean W. Thomas '16 and Courtney J. Thomas M'16

Jenna Wendel '21

Ann Hawkins Starnes '53

Walter '71 and Mary Ann Thorner

Lauren '10, EdS'21 and Edward '11 Wykle

Lisa West M'18

W. Benjamin Stegner '11

Angela Thurmond '16

Nancy West '50

Sue Bethke Stemas '57

Brittany Tolleson EdS'21

Tracy Westrom '02

Jimmy '95 and Dr. Monica M'08, EdS'10, EdD’12 Stephens

Vickie '95, M'01 and Richard G. '99 Turner

Scott '84 and Susan Whitlock

Leslie Stephens M'10

Catherine Usry '21

Gary B. '69 and Mary '68 Stephenson

Aaron '03 and Angela Hallmon '04 Velmosky

Deana Stevenson M'16

Spenser W. Ventrice '09

Karen Still M'16

Noel Ventrice '16

Cole Spedale '08

Pamela Whitlock M'11 Heather Wicker-Blackwell '08 Michelle Widdess M'18, EdS'20

Catherine Wynns '21 Joelle Yarbrough '09 Renee York '89, M'98 Charles J. Young '71 Krystal Young '09 Matthew B. Youtsey '13 Rachel Zachary '21

Eric Wiley '11, M'18 Brittany Wilkinson '15

FRIENDS

Only recognizes gifts received during fiscal year 2020 (July 1, 2020, to June 30, 2021) A & R Homes

Kyle Antos

Sharon E. Ballstadt

Don and Paula Beck

Billy Aaron

Valerie L. Argo

William R. Bannister

Dr. Julia Behr

Dr. Carlton J. Adams

Jim Armstrong

John and Lou Ann Barlow

Betty Bell

John T. Adams

Nick Arnold

Barnes Group Foundation, Inc.

Patricia Bell-Scott

Theresa Adkins-Miller

Tamara Arnold

Shirley Baroody

Agnes D. Albright

Cheryl Arrendale

Charles W. Barr II

The Benevity Community Impact Fund (American Endowment Fdn)

All Service & Associates Printing

Gus Arrendale

Thomas M. Barry

Jack Allen

Nick Athens

Jack Bartlewski

Craig and Amy Amason

Shane Austin

Louise L. Bass

Fred C. and Katherine B. Andersen Foundation

Noel Baber

Mary and Jim Bast

Dr. Elaine L. Bailey

Elizabeth Baugus-Wellmeier

Jeff and Amy Ballstadt

Nancy Beam

Anonymous Donor

| P I E DMO N T J O U R NA L

Maxwell Bening Karen Benson Nikki Bentley Dr. Kathy Blandin Bryan Blount Blue Ridge Construction Co.

Joann Boone Brenda M. Boonstra Sandra G. Borrow Dr. Richard J. Bower Dr. Jefferson Bowers William Bowles Derrick Boyce Harold J. Boyd Rebecca and David Boyd Ray Boylan Leigh Brannon Lewis A. and Rose Brannon

Bonnie and Pat DeJesus

Laszlo Frazer

Art and Patricia Delgrosso

Virginia Frazier

David Chason

Deloitte Foundation Matching Gifts Program

Dr. John Friedline

Ben and Gail Cheek

Delta Airlines Foundation

Citizens Bank Financial Group

Dr. Phil DeMore

Roy Clark

Dr. Joseph Dennis

Classic Center

Jaydn Dewald

Bland Cleesattle

Timothy Dobkins

Coca-Cola Bottling Company United, Inc.

Delilah Donaldson

Catholic Charities of The Archdiocese of Atlanta, Inc. Dr. Windy Charles

Coca-Cola Enterprises Inc. Matching Gifts Program

Dr. Deb and Kevin Dooley Kellen Dougherty

Doug Coffman

Laura Dougherty

Andrew P. Bridges and J. Rebecca Lyman

Connie Coggins

Mike Dowdle

Jennifer and Jack Brinson

Alan Cole

Scott Dubin

Daniel Bristol

Kyle Combs

Elizabeth and William Dunn

Tisha Broach

Community Foundation for Greater Atlanta, Inc.

Timothy Dunton

James Brooks Carol L. Brown Marilyn K. Brown Darnelle Brueggemann Dr. Jeff Bruns BSN Sports Alex Buchman Buckeye Express, Inc Christi R. Buckner

Nancy Connolly Robert Conrad Rev. Dr. Jack and Nancy Cook Council of Independent Colleges Christal Craig Hayden Craig Mary Craig and Brick Brown Paul Cramer Brad Crawford

Lawrence Dupont

Heather Frodge Misty Futch Bill Gabelhausen Bill and Carolyn Gaik Dr. James S. and Joyce Gainer James Gallas Dr. Mark and Sarah Gardner Jake Garner Jennifer and Michael Garren Rev. Timothy Garvin-Leighton Joseph Garwood Chanda Gastley Brian Gawne Lucy Gay

Dr. Maria Fisk

George F. & Sybil H. Fuller Foundation

Laura Dyer

Bettina George

John and Suzanne Dzik

Georgia Independent College Association, Inc.

Mark and Sharon Elam Ellen and Don Elmes Anthony and Sabrina Ervin Estate of Edwin H. Bingham Estate of Omer E. Bryant Dwight and Sharon Evans

Bill and Linda Gerry Dureen Giddens John and Roberta Gilsenan Keri Gilsenan Dr. Jennifer Gilstrap

Christopher Burnside and Karl Green

Dr. Kimberly Crawford

Judy and Phil Bush

Isabelle and William C. Crowder

Liz Butikofer

David Cummins

Melanie Cain

Dr. Christopher and Nannette Curran

Craig M. and Febby Faerber

Darryl Curran

Heather Faerber

Kathryn Dagnes

Suzanne Faerber

Cecelia Daher

Lindsay Faulkner

Janet Dairy

Dr. Nancy Smith Fichter and Robert Fichter

Laura Gray

Fidelity Charitable Gift Fund

Karen Greilich

Cynthia Fields

Matthew Gries

First Congregational Church

Mike Grizzel

Trish Fitzgerald

Mack H. Guest, III

Peggy L. Fortson

William H. Guild Charitable Trust

Pam and Joey Fountain

Teddy Guyer

Karis Fowler

Ladson Haddow

Charles Caine Becky and Tom Callahan Shannon Campion Camp-Younts Foundation Chelsea Camson Carlyn L. Canham Capital Community Foundation Dr. Stephen C. Carlson Marguerite A. Carpenter Carroll Daniel Construction Kathleen Carter Dennis T. Cathey, Esq

Catherine Dal Santo Tim and Jamie Darrah Marc and Amber Darrow Walter and Jeanie Daves Dr. Hugh Davis Lynda J. Davis Gov. Nathan and Sandra Deal PJ DeJesus

Mark and Melissa Evans Tina C. Evans Miranda Eyring

Givinga Foundation, Inc. Dr. Margaret Rose Gladney Priscilla B. Glass Bob Glass Rusty Godwin Thad Godwin Dr. Shirley and Bob Goldwasser Victor B. Goodloe

P I E DMO N T J O U R NA L

| 55

Jennie and Jeff Hall

Michelle Tench Irvin

Peggy Lesniak

James Hallford

Sheree and Brian Irvin

James Long

Carol Harper

Tara and Todd Isley

Mark Long

Harriet Davis Wilbanks Trust

Jackson Electric Membership Corporation

Sharon Long

Kathy Harris Luke Harris Robin Hart Donna Hartman Maura Hawkins Hayes of Baldwin Eric and Tracy Hayno Gregg Hayton Bob Hazekamp Betty and Phil Healy

Hunt and Dixie Jackson Stacey and Gary Jacobs Thomas and Eva Jameson Gary and Fran Jarrett Deana S. Jelley Don and Sue Jelley Aggie Jenkins Jim Parham & Associates, Inc.

Cheryl Lower Ruffus and Sally Lowman Bill and Marcia Loyd Rev. Dr. Sarah Lund John F. Lunsford Scott Lyon

Chris and Lindsay Milton Dr. Phillip Moery Billie and Richard Monroe Drema Montgomery Jeffrey and Teresa Moody Carly Moore Nathan Moore Clark Morrell Shannon Morris

Dr. Timothy F. Lytle

Thomas A. and Lucile M. Moye Charitable Trust

Melanie and Ronald MacBeth

Debbie Murphy

Francine Machisko

Don and Barbara Murphy

Robert Macy

J. Robert Murphy, Jr.

Betty Heathman

Johnson & Johnson Family of Companies

Lucy Mathews Heegaard

Dr. Jaime Johnson-Huff

Colleen Maijala

Polly Myers

Helen S. McPheeters Trust

Bob and Traci Jones

Sandra Mainor

Ted Helgesen

Leslie Jones

Allison Maney

National Association of Congregational Christian Churches

Dr. Ed and Nancy Hendricks

Rhonda Jones

Mylle and Bill Mangum

Keith R. and Carol Nelms

Thomas and Jenna Hensley

James and Linda Kaiser

Lisa Mann

Network for Good

Eric Herbst

Katharine M. Meacham Trust

Beverly Manus

Dr. Mark Newton

Shahryar and Mahnaz Heydari

Martin Kavka

Stacy Manus

Rand Newton

Dr. Lewis and Patricia Hinely

Jennifer Kelley

Terry and Robin Martin

Erin Nguyen

Rachel Hines

Kelly Tours

Adam Martin

Mike Nicholson

James and Margaret Hobbs

Chris and Kathryn Kelly

Susan Martin

Steve D. and Cynthia L. Nimmo

Mary Anne Hoffman

Gary Kern

Sandra Maughon

Dr. Rollin Nordgren

Holcomb's Office Supply & Christian Products

Dr. Madge Kibler

James Maurer

Greg Norman

Kelton Kieschnick

Peggy McBride and Dr. David Fore

North Georgia Community Foundation

Patrick W. McKee

Dr. William Nye

Greyson McLeod

Scott Oberschlake

Julie McLeod

Old South Church in Boston

Kip McLeod

Oliver & Weidner, LLC

McNeely Foundation, Inc.

Sheila Oloughlin

Marilyn L. McNeely

William Olson

Jane McPherson

Mollie Owen

Dr. Kris McWhite

Penny B. Palmer

Ray and Sarah Medlock

Harold and Winifred Palmer

Dr. James F. Mellichamp

Hazel Park

Kimberly and Hon. Harold Melton

Davis Partrick

Leah Melton

Sheena Patrick

Merck Foundation

Alan Patten

Tracy Michienzi

Donna Patterson

Dr. Randall Hollandsworth Paul and Jeanette Holloway Charles Honart James A. Hopkins Steve Horn William M. House, Esq Steve Howard William S. Hubard, Jr. Amy Huber Stephanie and Jeff Hudgens Janice Hudson Jennifer R. Inglis

Carole Jackson

Sue Ellen Lovejoy

Rev. Richard and Kathrine Miller-Todd

Nancy A. Koeppel Galadrial Kornegay Judy Korthauer John and Kristi Koshuta KPMG U.S. Foundation, Inc. Vania Lam Bree Lancaster Patricia and Mark Layer Joseph Ledbetter Bonnie R. Ledford Kenneth Ledford Dr. Delene and Dr. Jasper Lee

The Thomas T. & Bernice F. Irvin Foundation Inc.

Joon Lee

James and Susan Irvin

Stephen Leeds and Temme Barkin-Leeds

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Peachtree Presbyterian Church

Craig and Denise Rogers

Kirsten Smith

Beverly Thomas

Chris Pearce

Rep. Terry Rogers

Monya and Terry Smith

Andrew Thomason

Jim and Laura Peeples

Tracie Rogers

Shelli Smith

Trace G. Thomason

John Peeples

Cindy Roon

Nellie and Ernest Snyder

Dr. Robert and Mary Sue Thompson

Dr. Larry and Dinah C. Peevy

Sylvia Roon

Chris Soule

Angela Peluse

Dr. Richard Rose

Xavier Soule

Danielle Percival

Kathleen Rosenau

South State Bank

William and Carol Perkins

Anne Ross

Dr. Candice Southall

Cynthia L. Peterson

Marilyn Rothschild

Southeast Conference United Church of Christ

Dr. Douglas Torrance

Richard and Ethel Peterson

Morgan Sales

Dr. Mee Young Sowa

Timothy Travis

Dr. Gaylen Phillips

Sanders Family

Justin Speagle

Allyson C. Trawick

Justin Picha

Dr. Albert H. Santora, M.D.

John F. Spiegel

Lee and Peggy Tribble

John Pickett

Rebekah Saxanoff

John and Karen Spiegel

Bill and Sylvia Tribby

Cheryl Pinkosky

Tommye M. and Thomas E. Scanlin

Wendy L. Stanley

Lindsay Triplett

Frank Pinkosky

Kathy Schiller

Reggie and Laura Starrett

Barry and Phyllis Trotter

Pitney Bowes Foundation Retiree Matching Gift Program

Gerald Schmid

State Farm Insurance Companies

Kathryn Troxel

Dr. Gabriele U. Stauf

Truist Bank

Kyes Stevens

Missy Turk

Cynthia Stiltner

Union Congregational Church of Demorest

Robert and Anita M. Pittman Plymouth Congregational Church Sarah Manning Pope

Dr. Julia Schmitz Jayson N. Schwartz Joseph and Linda Scopelliti

William Tiano Howard W. and Natalie Tillman Cynthia Tinius John and Pam Tokarz

Larry Porter

Scroggs & Grizzel Contracting, Inc.

Belle Stocker

Crystal J. Potthoff

Melissa Scuderi

Richard Stockton

Penni Powell

Christy Seabolt

Connor Stokes

Mike and Andrea Price

William S. Seabolt

Travis and Saba Storin

Dr. Dale Van Cantfort and Tara Van Cantfort

Linda and Max Proffitt

Devin Shedd

Nancy H. Stovall

Dr. Cynthia L. Vance

The Pruitt Foundation

Rev. Glenna T. Shepherd

Dr. Nancy Strawbridge

Verbatim Court Reporters, Inc.

Brenda Pruitt

Cassie Shirley

Christopher Sullivan

Tim Verona

Nancy Pruitt

Jerry Shook

Dr. Gerald and Margaret Sullivan

Mark Via

Eddie and Kay Puckett

Dr. Katrina G. Short

and Gary Sutton

Albert L. Vulcano

Purdy Flooring & Design

Courtney Showell

Stewart and Carol Swanson

Rainen Wade

John and Lara Quesada

Al Sibcy

Betty S. Tanner

Stephen S. Wagner

James and Sherrill Ragans

John Siegel and John Templeton

Anita M. Taylor

Mary Lou Walck

Okorie Ramsey

Dr. Daniel and Karin Silber

Barbara and Ed Taylor

Gilford B. Walker

Dan and Theresa Ray

Wendy Silvey

Dr. Edward and Frances Taylor

Jean Walker

Meryl Reaves

Hastin Simmons

Dr. Judy Taylor

Dr. J. Kerry Waller

Leslee Reece

Bob and Carolyn Simpson

Rufus Terrill

Kim Warren

Lillian Reeves

Judith Griggs Slade Charitable Remainder Trust

Dawn Terte

Donna Watson

Dr. Matthew Teutsch and Melissa Teutsch

Amanda Watts

Jack Slade Tyler Smith

The Budd Group

Beth Smith and Christopher Smith

The Guest Family Foundation, Inc.

David R. Smith

Thomas B. Musser Trust Under Will

Dr. Elizabeth Weinrich

Abby L. Thomas

Denise and Tony Welch

Patricia Reilley Dr. Perry Rettig Nikolle Reyes Kristin Riggs Dolly A. Ritchie John Roberts

Jared Smith

United Church of Christ Joseph Valleroy

Dr. Carson Webb Marcia Webb Dr. Ralph Webb

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Dr. James B. Welsh

Thomas J. Wigley

Bruce Willis

Duke Wodetzki

WEPA, Inc.

Homer Wilhelm

The Frances Wood Wilson Foundation, Inc.

Seth Wolfe

Dr. Stephen and Jo Whited

Roger L. Wilkes, Jr.

Lettie Pate Whitehead Foundation, Inc.

Breena O. Williams

Karen R. Whiteside Kathy Whitmer

Patricia Williams Willis Investment Counsel

Susan Winstead John and Lynn Winter John A. Winters

Bill and Donna Woolf Brant and Marcella Wright YourCause, LLC

Elizabeth A. Withington

NEWELL SOCIETY The Newell Society is a circle of valued friends who have made Piedmont University part of their estate plans and who wish to encourage others to follow their example. Janet Donston '65

C. Michael McFarlin

Steve '67 and Lola Smith

William R. Bannister

William H. Duff, Jr.

Dr. James F. Mellichamp

Rev. Dr. Henry G. Wyman and Dr. Sona A. Wyman

Cale Padgett '09

Louise C. Dull

Rev. Dr. Thomas M, '70 and LeeAnne Richard

Betty Dancey Godard

Richard L. Lester, III '70

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Marilyn K. Brown

Endowed Scholarships Help Generations of Students By Mark Elam Did you know approximately 95 percent of students at Piedmont University receive financial aid? Much of this aid comes in the form of scholarships. While some scholarships are institutional, such as the President’s Scholarship, many are privately funded. There are two types of privately funded scholarships at Piedmont: disbursable and endowed. With disbursable scholarships, a donor contributes money for student scholarships and sets the parameters for distribution. These parameters may include major, degree progress, geographic area of the student’s home, etc. Monies are disbursed until the fund is empty, at which time the scholarship ends. An endowed scholarship, on the other hand, is structured to benefit multiple generations of Piedmont students. With endowed scholarships, a donor contributes a larger amount of money, usually a minimum of $25,000, and again sets parameters for distribution. The initial contribution and any future contributions are invested. The income from the invested funds is then distributed each year to students, with a small amount withheld to be reinvested to grow the fund and as a hedge against inflation.

Because the corpus of the fund is preserved, endowed scholarships are able to benefit future generations of students. One of Piedmont’s endowed scholarships is the Earl D. & Nelle Hood Higdon Scholarship. Established in 1990 by Earl ’33 and Nelle ’31 Hood Higdon, this scholarship has helped almost 100 students. Five students received the scholarship this year. The Higdons married in 1935 and established Higdon Knitting Mill, a hosiery manufacturing company, in North Carolina in 1948. Nelle taught in grammar and high schools before joining the company full-time. Their daughter, Jane Higdon Ballard ’70, serves as a Piedmont University trustee. In addition to their many other generous contributions to Piedmont, the Higdons’ endowed scholarship has enabled them to leave a lasting legacy that will support students and their dreams for many years to come. To learn more about establishing a scholarship at Piedmont University, contact Mark Elam, assistant vice president of development and alumni relations at melam@piedmont.edu or 706-894-4214.

Higdon Endowed Scholarship Recipients Say Thank You “The Earl D. & Nelle Hood Higdon Scholarship has helped me in many ways. As a junior and a double major, I am proud to state that I haven’t even had to take a student loan out yet. This scholarship is one huge step — or a huge leap — to keeping me on the path of getting my education without student debt. So as someone who can’t afford a loan, this scholarship has been a blessing and allowed me to stay in school. I am forever grateful to have received the Earl D. & Nelle Hood Higdon Scholarship. Thank you.” -Sarah Bittner '23

“When I received this scholarship, it not only allowed me to continue my studies, but it also gave me the opportunity to get involved on campus and build myself to succeed in these four years of higher learning. I’m thankful for this award to invest in my education while I’m in pursuit of my legal career.” -Michael Mack '22

by Kelsey Schaffernoth Gantz '15 Our love story begins, not surprisingly, at Piedmont University. And, if you were to ask people about mine and Sumner’s love story, I think almost everyone would talk about “the elevator,” so I guess that’s what I will tell you about. I’ve never written it down before, so I hope the humor comes through.   We were both seniors in high school, but as it got closer to graduation, Piedmont invited some of its upcoming freshmen to a luncheon, and I was super excited to go. I loved the campus, loved the soccer coaches, loved the new teammates I had met so far, and I couldn’t wait to go. So, we go, and there are so many people there, and it’s a whirlwind of new faces and tons of food, but eventually, we have the opportunity to divide into groups of people that

share the same majors and talk with some professors from that department. I made my way toward the secondary education group and was surprised to find that there were only about five of us — and I was the only girl. The four boys were already laughing and joking with one another, clearly already bonding, and once we were all together, one of the professors led us to the Arrendale Library. All of the guys get into the elevator, and I start to make my way in, but as I am getting in, I trip over myself and start to fall, in a straight beeline for a perfect face-to-floor scenario. As I’m falling, literally every swear word I know is running through my brain, and I am trying incredibly hard to keep them to myself when someone catches me.

I look up and this very tall, very blonde, and very cute boy, who I noticed pretty early on in our walk to the library, is holding me. I have no idea what to say, and it is honestly kind of awkward as five pairs of eyes are now staring at me in the arms of this person I’ve never met before. I say the first thing that comes to mind in what I think is a fantastic attempt at breaking the tension: “Looks like I’m falling for you already!” And I start laughing because I’m totally one of those people who laughs at her own jokes, but I quickly realize no one else is laughing with me. Blondie looks like he has no idea what to say, and now it’s definitely awkward as we all ride up the elevator in uncomfortable silence.

They say that college is where you discover who you are and what your life will be like, and I am forever grateful to Piedmont for bringing Sumner into my life. It’s been 10 years since Sumner and I started dating, and I can honestly say that I don’t think I will ever stop falling for him.

The day ended up being a great one, and as the weeks passed, I forgot about the elevator incident and my awkward, blonde “hero.” Until he messaged me on Facebook (super cool — clearly, we were both smooth talkers), and asked if I remembered the first thing I ever said to him. Apparently, he’d been calling me “elevator girl” to all of his friends back home. (It might be the closest I ever get to being famous).   From that point on, we both just clicked. I know the story of how we met seems like one of those love-at-first-sight things, but even now I don’t know if I can say that’s what it was. I felt many things as I was falling — most of which were fear and embarrassment. I definitely didn’t look into his eyes and think “he’s the one” because I know for a fact that I had a few four-letter words flying around my head that were very unbecoming. So, while I physically fell that day, I didn’t fall in love. Sumner and I fell in love with each other slowly. We fell in love as we suffered through classes together, supported each other at our games, worked on group projects, and transformed into adults together. I liked the boy who caught me in the elevator, but I fell in love with the man I saw him become.

Kelsey '15 and Sumner '15, M '17 are excellent examples of proud Piedmont alumni. They have both recently joined the Piedmont University Alumni Association Board of Directors and helped plan an alumni lacrosse game during Homecoming. If you are interested in becoming more involved or have a Piedmont love story to share, please email kdeal@piedmont.edu.

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PIEDMONT WELCOMES FIVE NEW TRUSTEES By Rachel Pleasant In 2021, Piedmont University welcomed five new members to its Board of Trustees. “We are excited and fortunate to have such accomplished, dynamic individuals leading Piedmont University’s continued growth and evolution,” said President James F. Mellichamp. “Together, we are — and will continue — to do great things.” The new Board members include:

Ladson Haddow Ladson Haddow is a managing partner at Atlanta-based Haddow & Company, a real estate consulting firm. He has worked on assignments spanning all sectors of commercial real estate and has assisted clients in both disposition and acquisition assignments. He is a licensed real estate broker in Georgia and is a member of the Atlanta Commercial Board of Realtors. He received a Bachelor of Business Administration degree in economics from the University of Georgia. “I worked with Piedmont University when it was evaluating its Athens real estate in 2019, and I ultimately assisted with the relocation of its new satellite campus on Prince Avenue. Through that work, I became attached to the university, its culture, and its leaders. I am excited to be a part of the Piedmont University family and to help further its growth.”

Rev. Dr. Sarah Lund Rev. Dr. Sarah Lund is an ordained minister with standing in the United Church of Christ and the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ). She has served as pastor to churches in Florida, Minnesota, and New York. She served as vice president for advancement at Christian Theological Seminary from 2014–2018. In 2018, she was called as the first woman to serve as the senior pastor of First Congregational United Church of Christ in Indianapolis, Indiana. She also serves on the staff of the national setting of the United Church of Christ as the minister for disabilities and mental health justice. She serves on the national board of directors for Mental Health America. She holds a Bachelor of Arts from Trinity University, Master of Divinity from Princeton Theological Seminary, Master of Social Work from Rutgers University, and Doctor of Ministry from McCormick Theological Seminary. She is an award-winning author of three books about mental health, Blessed Are The Crazy (Chalice Press, 2014), Blessed Union (Chalice Press, 2021), and the forthcoming Blessed Youth (Chalice Press, 2022). She is the president and founder of Blessed Mind, LLC and blogs at sarahgriffithlund.com. “Piedmont University represents the historic values central to the roots of its Christian heritage that honors both freedom of thought and the beautiful diversity and equality of all people. As a faith leader, I am proud to serve as a Piedmont trustee and support academic excellence within a caring learning community committed to serving the common good.”

Octavius Mulligan '95, MA '00, EdS '02, EdD '14 Octavius Mulligan holds four education degrees from Piedmont University: a Bachelor of Arts earned in 1995, a Master of Arts earned in 2000, an Education Specialist earned in 2002, and a Doctorate of Education earned in 2014. During his undergraduate years, he also played basketball for Piedmont, after being recruited by former basketball coach Maxie Skinner. He is now principal at Tesnatee Gap Elementary School in Cleveland, Georgia. His wife, Marlo, is also a Piedmont alumna. “I wanted to serve on the Board to make sure students had the same opportunities that I was provided by the guidance of previous Board members. My time at Piedmont has helped me build a meaningful career, and I want that for every student that steps foot on the campus of Piedmont University!”

Michael Santowski, Jr. '06 Michael Santowski, Jr. is a senior vice president of corporate and institutional banking at PNC in Atlanta. He is responsible for managing relationships and developing business across the Southeast for PNC’s Corporate Banking Group. He played baseball while studying business at Piedmont University and still holds numerous records for a career and single season. After graduating from Piedmont in 2006, he went on to earn his Master of Business Administration from Emory University’s Goizueta Business School. He remains active in Piedmont’s alumni association, and in 2016 was inducted into Piedmont University’s Sports Hall of Fame. He resides in Cumming, Georgia, with his wife (Mattie), daughter (Piper, 6), and son (Tripp, 4). “Serving as a trustee is the best way for me to give back and remain involved with the university that gave me so much. I am honored to be part of the Board.”

Mary Hart Wilheit Mary Hart Wilheit is originally from Greenville, S.C. She received her Bachelor of Fine Arts from a small school in Missouri. She and her husband have two married children and four grandchildren. “I love smaller schools and how they are able to make time to help students navigate their learning process. I am impressed with the growth of Piedmont University’s campus and the diversity of degrees offered to the students. The campus is welcoming and fits beautifully in the hills and valleys of North Georgia. I am looking forward to learning more about Piedmont.”

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News&Notes CLASS

1960s Gerald Dunn ’65 recently retired from his position as a director of the Piedmont University Alumni Association Board, on which he has served since 2012. Gerald was inducted into the Piedmont Sports Hall of Fame for Baseball in 2009. He and wife, Peggy, have two children and are enjoying retirement. Sally Marlene Kesler ’68 is still enjoying retirement after serving 40 years as a fourth grade teacher at Big A Elementary School in Toccoa. Marlene earned a master’s degree from the University of Georgia. She has served on the chapter, district, and state levels of Alpha Delta Kappa International Honorary Sorority for Women Educators and is a member of Delta Kappa Gamma.

1970s William Douglas McFarlin ’73 is a retired farmer. He and wife, Debbie, recently celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary. The couple enjoys spending time with their three children and eight grandchildren.

1980s Denise Roach Lunsford ’81 taught in the public school system for nearly 35 years and has recently retired. However, she couldn’t stay away for long and now teaches early childhood courses as an adjunct instructor at North Georgia Technical College. She is a Board-Certified teacher and holds a master’s degree in Early Childhood Education from Western Carolina University. She has three children and four grandchildren. Prakash Kant Silwal ’89 currently works as USAID chief of party and a principal

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specialist for the International Institute of Tropical Agriculture (IITA) in Abuja, Nigeria.

programs at the Medical College of Georgia at Augusta University.

1990s

Justin Wade Dudkiewicz ’01, MPA ’04 serves as the assistant director at Avita Community Partners.

Cynthia Sams ’93 works as a caregiver in Gainesville, Georgia. 1

Dr. MaryKay Berry ’97, M ’02 recently received the prestigious Lillie Moncus Special Education Director of the Year Award. This award is presented annually by G-CASE and is the highest honor awarded in Georgia to a special education director. Dr. Berry currently serves as the director of student services at the White County Board of Education. Thomas Jackson ’98 works as a locomotive engineer at Norfolk Southern Corporation. Peter Stoneburner ’98 teaches music in the Aurora Public School System in Aurora, Colorado. Former Piedmont Publications Director David E. Price ’99, and wife, Stella “Tootsie” Whitaker Price ’92, MAT ’96, are enjoying retirement in Savannah. Sarah Bell MAT ’98 was named president and CEO of Elachee Nature Science Center in February. She worked in the Gainesville City School system for 29 years, most recently as deputy superintendent. She serves on the Board of Directors for the Gainesville/ Hall County Alliance for Literacy and is an advocate for the United Way of Hall County.

2000s Catherine Erin Mundy MPA ’00 serves as director of community-based training

Peggy Lovell-Huffman ’01 retired from teaching special education and general education at North Habersham and Hilliard A. Wilbanks middle schools. Peggy was a magna cum laude graduate of Piedmont and received her master’s in education from North Georgia College & State University in 2004. She is a lifetime member of the Psi Chi National Honor Society and a proud wife, mother, and grandmother. Connie Jones-Harvey ’03, MAT ’06 is a teacher in the Habersham School System where she received the 2019 Teacher of the Year award for her work at Cornelia Elementary School. Sandra “Sandy” Armour Ed.S. ’05 is enjoying retirement from teaching and counseling in the Hall County School System. Jodie Kowalski Ware ’05 is a registered nurse at Northeast Georgia Medical Center. She and husband, Tavarvess Ware ’08, have their hands full with four children ranging from age 2 to age 20. Lindsey Cromer Barkley ’06, M ’12 serves as a fifth-grade teacher in the Cobb County School District. Lindsey is married to Gary Barkley, and the couple has two children. She holds an Ed.S. in Instructional Technology. Jerry Neace ’06 , MBA ’08 is a public manager for Hall County Road Maintenance. In 2012, Jerry’s dedication was recognized and honored by then-Kentucky Governor,

Steven L. Beshear, who presented Jerry with the Kentucky Colonel award.

Mechanical Engineering with top honors. Bradley is married to Megan Gilker Thomas.

Karen Clay Rousey ’08, MAT ’12, Ed.S. '21 teaches in the Newton County School System and has been happily married to husband, Anthony, for nine years. The couple has an energetic 5-year-old daughter named Logan. With 11 years of educational experience under her belt, she is grateful to Piedmont for helping her develop into an innovative educator.

Jennifer Kimbel Ed.S.’15 is enjoying teaching in the Oglethorpe County School System.

Kelley Napier MBA ’09 earned the Certified Elder Law Attorney (CELA) designation from the National Elder Law Foundation (NELF), the only organization approved by the American Bar Association to offer certification in elder law. Kelley practices elder law and estate planning at Brannon Napier Elder Law in Atlanta. She is recognized by her peers and colleagues for demonstrating a serious commitment to helping families with aging and disability-related issues.

2010s Angela Tudor M ’10 teaches English, grades 9-12, in the Paulding County School District. In 2020, Angela earned an Education Specialist degree from Kennesaw State University. Erica Cooper Spencer ’11 recently earned a master’s degree in nursing from the University of Phoenix and now works as a medical case manager for The Hartford. She is married and has one daughter. Bradley Thomas ’13 works for CMS Industrial Technologies as a manager in the Mechanical Engineering Department. He continued his education at the Georgia Institute of Technology and earned a BS in

Mandy Chandler ’16 is a radiation oncology registered nurse at the University Cancer and Blood Center. She and husband, Kevin, like to stay busy. They live in Ila, Georgia with their five children and run a 28-acre farm. Ericka Sorto ’16 works as a charge nurse at Encompass Health Corporation. Ericka graduated from Piedmont with honors, magna cum laude. 3

Cheyanne Marie Osoria ’17 earned a master’s degree in musical theatre from Oklahoma City University in 2019, where she ranked 1st in the Oklahoma NATS for Advanced Musical Theatre Women competition. Most recently, Cheyanne won the 2021 Voice of the Heartland Vocal Competition presented by the Sooner Theatre of Norman, Oklahoma, for her outstanding performance. Brian Johnson ’19 is a transcriptionist at Copytalk Business Services Georgia in Athens.

2020s 4

Caitlin Fisher ’20 is the new co-host for Tulsa, Oklahoma's leader in country music, K95.5. This station is in a three-way battle for #1 in the market and so far, is holding at #2. The new show is called the Cait & Bradley morning show and it's a major step up in Caitlin’s career. Caitlin received the Piedmont Pacesetter Award this year for her accomplishments.

Minda Queen Yeary ’20 is a graduate student at Thomas University obtaining a Master of Science in Counseling degree with a specialization in clinical rehabilitation counseling. 5 When more than one come together, it’s a reunion. Unexpectedly because of family and long-time friendships, six Piedmont alumni (now three couples) met in California to form a wonderful and pleasant reunion. From left to right: Magda Dubon-McSparran ’03, Nolan McSparran ’03, Sebastian Stanescu ’05, Jacqueline McSparran ’05, Rahel Afiley Berry (1992-1996) and Andris Berry ’98. 6

This cohort group had been studying online together for a year but had never met in person until graduation. They were all smiles as they connected for the first time in person. From left to right: James Worthy Ed.S. ’21 (Music Education), Marcus Chester Ed.S. ’21 (Music Education), Lori Thompson Ed.S. ’21 (Art Education), Amy Reber Ed.S. ’21 (Music Education), and Willie Hollins Ed.S. ’21 (Curriculum and Instruction). 7 Bill Lepere ’59 proudly sports his new Piedmont University Alumni t-shirt.

Send us your Class Notes! classnotes@piedmont.edu

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In Memory ALUMNI

Mrs. Mary Kate Wellborn Jeanes ’51 passed away on May 6 at the age of 92.

1930s

Mr. Billy Cody Massey ’61 passed away on May 27, 2018 at the age of 84.

Ms. Martha Jo Blackstock ’37 passed away on September 7 at the age of 103.

Mrs. Van E. Owens Williams ’51 passed away on July 20 at the age of 90. Ms. Carol Ann Epperson ’63 passed away on October 11 at the age of 79.

1940s Mrs. Wilonell Collins Dyer ’42 passed away on December 9, 2020 at the age of 101.

Mrs. Grace Cody Cash ’53 passed away on December 15, 2019 at the age of 89.

Mrs. Mozelle Vandiver Crawford ’44 passed away on April 1, 2019 at the age of 95.

Mrs. Lillie Mae Wall Peeples (1953) passed away on September 9 at the age of 92.

Mrs. Sara Walters Foster McClure ’47 passed away on October 28 at the age of 96.

Rev. William Alton Parris ’47 passed away on August 3 at the age of 98.

Mr. Terrell Lawson Brady ’49 passed away on August 23, 2019 at the age of 90.

Mr. Douglas Malcolm Childs ’64 passed away on September 26 at the age of 81. Mr. Guy Anderson Purcell ’58 passed away on July 9 at the age of 93. Mr. Henry Thomas McGee, Jr. (1958-1959) passed away on September 25 at the age of 88. Mr. Mac Crow (19591960) passed away on June 25 at the age of 81.

1950s

Mrs. Annie Rose Davis ’51 passed away on July 8 at the age of 90.

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Mrs. Dorothy Kimsey Aiken ’67 passed away on February 6 at the age of 75. Mr. Gary W. Gregory ’67 passed away on July 9, 2019 at the age of 76. Mrs. Betty Jo Lee Poole (1968) passed away on June 17 at the age of 77.

1960s Mr. James “Jim” Woodrow Brown ’60 passed away on December 4, 2017 at the age of 80.

Mr. Freddie Mack Brady ’61 passed away on October 26 at the age of 82.

Mrs. Susie Belle Smith Raper ’63 passed away on April 23 at the age of 100.

Mr. Freddie Ronald Dodson (1956-1957) passed away on May 20 at the age of 83.

Mrs. Rosalyn Cochran McBurnett (1949-1951) passed away on October 24 at the age of 88.

Mrs. Lois A. Pflaumer Sibley (1950-1951) passed away on April 1, 2020 at the age of 88.

Mr. Clayton W. Googe ’63 passed away on January 13, 2020 at the age of 80. Mrs. Mary Whittemore McKnight ’63 passed away on October 14 at the age of 81.

Mr. Hugh “Don” Black (1954-1957) passed away on September 16 at the age of 89.

Mrs. Lenore Meaders Chambers ’48 passed away on May 8, 2018 at the age of 92.

Mrs. Evelyn G. Southerland Sosebee Howard ’61 passed away on September 7, 2016 at the age of 88.

Mr. Malcolm M. Hunnicutt ’69 passed away on September 24, 2020 at the age of 79.

In Memory 1970s

Mrs. Mary “Missy” McDaniel York ’03 passed away on May 24 at the age of 59.

Mrs. Edna Lois Allen Black ’73 passed away on September 17 at the age of 88.

Mr. William Jefferson “Bill” Morris passed away on October 10 at the age of 91. Mrs. Betty A. Loudermilk Sisk passed away on March 3, 2018 at the age of 83.

FRIENDS Ms. Geri Lynn Flanary EdS ’07 passed away on April 30 at the age of 59.

Mr. Hubert “Gary” Stamey ’73 passed away on April 13 at the age of 72.

Mrs. Evelyn Ritterson Bowman passed away on March 23 at the age of 97. Mrs. Janice Farmer Boyd passed away on September 2, 2020 at the age of 79.

Mrs. Kimberly Starrett Honeywell EdS ’07 passed away on September 11 at the age of 49.

Mr. Eric Sibley White ’73 passed away on September 25.

Ms. Stephani Emily Louise Foss (former faculty) passed away on October 27 at the age of 78.

Mrs. Joyce Isbell Darrough ’78 passed away on July 12 at the age of 63. Mrs. Lori “Lucy” Johnson Mayhue EdS ’07 passed away on September 4 at the age of 55.

Mrs. Mary Margaret Morgan Slaton ’79 passed away on October 4 at the age of 81.

1980s Ms. Betty Taylor Stovall ’82 passed away on June 1 at the age of 66. Mr. Marvin Bruce Benson ’84 passed away on September 20 at the age of 65.

Ms. Lynn Croy Morris ’85 passed away on June 23 at the age of 65.

Mr. Stuart Pearce Mellichamp passed away on September 18 at the age of 77. Ms. Maria Lynn Bouton EdS ’09 passed away on August 12, 2020 at the age of 70.

2010s Mrs. Sheri Lynn Dalton Davis MA ’13 passed away on October 31, 2016 at the age of 51.

Mrs. Harriet Sakiko “Kiko” Uyeda Oakley passed away on November 4, 2017 at the age of 83.

Mr. William Kevin Roberts EdS ’13 passed away on December 21, 2019 at the age of 49.

Mr. Kenneth Earl Roach passed away on June 2, 2020 at the age of 90.

2020s Mrs. Laura Wahl Rusinyak Rosen EdS ’20 passed away on August 27 at the age of 34.

Mr. Lee Howard Powell ’89 passed away on May 23 at the age of 59.

Dr. Lynne Susan Schwab (former faculty) passed away on September 4 at the age of 77.

OTHER ALUMNI

1990s

Mrs. Linda McLeod Buffington passed away on September 28 at the age of 72.

Mr. Richard T. “Rick” Parry ’91 passed away on June 27, 2020 at the age of 51.

Mrs. Michelle Lee Witcher Fleming passed away on September 14 at the age of 46.

2000s

Mr. Alton B. Fulbright passed away on April 16, 2019 at the age of 93. Ms. Lillian “Sharon” Dorman Hodnett MA ’03 passed away on August 28 at the age of 78.

Mr. Richard “Dick” Godfrey Jacobus (former trustee) passed away on January 28 at the age of 91.

Mr. Brandon Kane Mauldin passed away on May 22 at the age of 28.

Ms. Beth Ann Buffington Steed (former staff) passed away on August 12 at the age of 62.

Mr. David O. Weed passed away on March 12 at the age of 74.

PO Box 10 Demorest GA 30535

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