A word from the President

A Tribute to the Place That Made Us

So much has changed since I first stepped foot on Piedmont’s Demorest campus more than 40 years ago. Dirt has been moved and property lines redrawn. Buildings have been renovated — and, in some cases, replaced altogether. Swaths of land have given way to state-ofthe-art facilities. All the while, we’ve pushed ahead, driven always by our vision for the Piedmont of tomorrow.

In this edition of Journal, we pause to reflect on our progress and to appreciate our surroundings — the place that made us the institution and the individuals that we are today.

The pages that follow contain a look back on Babcock Hall, which this year marks its 80th anniversary. Babcock was made possible by a gift from Cora A. Babcock of Cooperstown, New York. Babcock was dedicated in 1942, becoming only the second permanent building on campus. Originally housing female students, it became a men’s dormitory following World War II to serve a large influx of male students attending Piedmont on the G.I. Bill. In 1961, a gift from Dr. and Mrs. Kendall G. Getman of Albany, New York, allowed for the construction of the Getman wing and the renovation of the Babcock wing, and the building became a dormitory for female residents once again. Mrs. Getman was Cora Babcock’s sister. Together, the Babcocks and Getmans created a home away from home for generations of Piedmont students.

Regarding housing, we also provide an update on renovations to Purcell and an inside look at Mystic, our largest residence hall yet, which opens for students this fall. You’ll also read about Lane Hall, one of the most unique buildings on campus and a source of inspiration for students and employees alike.

Of course, one of the most significant changes in Piedmont’s 125-year history is the addition of the Athens campus, which provides expanded access to our unique value proposition. No celebration of Piedmont’s physical footprint would be complete without a tribute to Athens.

We also share stories of Piedmont alumni who have gone on to become leaders of their fields and their communities, including Jerry Harkness, the recently elected mayor of Demorest. We look forward to working closely with Jerry in the years ahead to continue building a better campus and city for us all.

You’ll also enjoy our special athletics section, which includes stories about the many sets of siblings who’ve represented Piedmont and a look ahead to the return of cheerleading, as well as our continued print celebration of Piedmont’s 125th anniversary.

Wherever your life has taken you, whatever you’ve done since graduating from Piedmont, what we all have in common is this place — which will forever be in our hearts. It is the place that made us.

Enjoy,

James F. Mellichamp, President