PRESIDENT’S REPORT 2020-2021
TH E PURS UI T OF EXC ELLEN C E
TABLE OF CONTENTS President’s Letter.......................................1 Mission.................................................................2 Beaver Estate Gifts...................................4 Scholarships...................................................6 Enrollment........................................................7 The Strike Zone............................................8 Financials...........................................................9 Generosity Spreads..............................10 Philanthropy.................................................12 Doing the Right Thing.........................14 The Bisso Legacy....................................16 Donors...............................................................18
60%
Riverside Military Academy is pleased to report a 60% rate of completion toward our Five-Year Strategic Plan.
The President’s Report is a production of the Office of Advancement to highlight annual accomplishments and the impact of philanthropy. Every effort is made to ensure accuracy. For questions, email: advancement@riversidemilitary.com Ellen DeFoor Vice President for Advancement Marquita Milligan Donor Relations Coordinator Jody Wilson Alumni Engagement Coordinator
FIVE-YEAR STRATEGIC PLAN (SP)
FROM THE PRESIDENT
Celebrating our Transformation & the Impact of your Generosity
SP 1 CADET EXPERIENCE
Establish the GOLD STANDARD for independent college preparatory schools.
Envisioned by Kenneth L. McKelvey
to the Strategic Plan. Our vision remains
(Board Chairman 2013-2017), developed
laser-focused, and while we’re not done
by the late Rutledge A. Griffin ’62 (Board
yet, it is important to pause along the
Chairman 2017-2019), and launched by C.
way, and celebrate the transformation
Brian Daniel (Board Chairman 2019-2021),
that is unfolding at RMA.
SP 2 C ULTURE OF FAMILY
Strengthen the responsibility of RMA as ’In Loco Parentis’ – Latin for “In Place of a Parent.”
all who challenged us to reach higher and settle for nothing less than excellence,
We’ve taken the lead in transforming the
our Five-Year Strategic Plan remains the
perception of military boarding schools
focus of RMA, and it is working.
while promoting their ever-important
SP 3
role in education and preparation for life. RMA 2025, a strategic plan designed to
Of greatest importance, RMA continues
help our students reach their highest
to graduate young leaders who head off
potential, is propelled by five strategic
to college better prepared to serve their
priorities: Cadet Experience, Culture
communities as leaders with character.
OLLABORATIVE C ENVIRONMENT Become a model of ORGANIZATIONAL EXCELLENCE.
of Family, Collaborative Environment, Enrollment Management, and Resource
As you’ll see in this report, the entire RMA
Management.
Community plays a significant role on our journey to become a pre-eminent college
The 35 page plan, developed through
preparatory boarding school. I want to
a strategic analysis of quantitative and
express my personal appreciation to
qualitative insights of the educational
our cadets, parents, alumni, friends, and
environment as gleaned by cadet, parent
especially our generous donors who are
and alumni surveys, focus groups and
investing time, talent, and treasure in this
personal interviews, is well underway and
shared strategic vision.
60% complete. While the pandemic had an impact, it also helped to accelerate
Thank you for joining us on our pursuit
many of the plan’s action items.
of excellence!
With tremendous thanks and praise to
Very respectfully,
SP 4 ENROLLMENT MANAGEMENT
Identify and sustain an OPTIMAL CORPS SIZE.
SP 5
our dedicated staff and faculty, consider almost any metric and Riverside Military Academy has advanced since RMA’s Five-
RESOURCE MANAGEMENT
Preserve, diversify and expand assets including funds, people, space, data, time, policy, and technology.
Year Strategic Plan was launched in 2020. The President’s Report is designed to highlight many of RMA’s greatest
Colonel(R) Stanley C. “Staś” Preczewski, U.S.A., Ph.D.
accomplishments last year with respect
President | scp@riversidemilitary.com | 678-628-4872 – cell
President’s Report 2020-2021 1
Mission
Riverside Academy produces LEADERS OF CHARACTER PREPARED FOR SUCCESS in college and beyond through the provision of a RIGOROUS ACADEMIC PROGRAM, leadership opportunities, competitive athletics, extensive co-curricular activities and the STRUCTURE AND DISCIPLINE inherent in a preparatory school using the MILITARY MODEL OF LEADERSHIP DEVELOPMENT.
CLASS OF 2021
65
Total Scholarship Dollars SENIORS
for College
$2,324,230 Average $28,595/College-bound Graduate
A
CCREDITATIONS
Academic
Athletic
R OTC
$1,349,264
$436,000
$538,966
Scholarships
Scholarships
Scholarships
& MEMBERSHIPS
Association of Military Colleges and Schools of the United States (AMCSUS) Southern Association of Independent Schools (SAIS) Southern Association of Colleges and Schools (SACS) National Association of Independent Schools (NAIS) U.S. Army JROTC Unit of Distinction
Cadet Scores
25% TOP 50% TOP
1470 32
Evidence-Based Reading & Writing: 641 Math: 644 Evidence-Based Reading & Writing: 601 Math: 607
HIGHEST
SAT SCORE
HIGHEST
ACT SCORE
*all students take the SAT or ACT, including those required to take the TOEFL 2 Riverside Military Academy
SP 1 CADET EXPERIENCE
3
3 students completed
Youth Leadership Hall’s
Leadership Development Program
Through articulation
6
EAGLE NEWS NETWORK earned
agreements, RMA is DUAL ENROLLMENT students graduating with
Riverside Diploma college transcript
+
with college credits
PARTNERING WITH COLLEGES TO ENSURE A
Smooth Transition from graduation into college or national service academy
6 National Awards
MASTER TEACHER PROGRAM
Average Class Size
11 STUDENTS
recognizing professional faculty who adapt curriculum to promote
Student Critical Thinking
2 5 NEW SIGNATURE ACADEMIC PROGRAM
Aerospace Engineering
2 students awarded
$10,000
Scholarships through AOPA’s
YOU CAN FLY PROGRAM
are taking lessons to obtain
Students : Teacher
9:1 RATIO
5 students
inducted into national
Student Television Network Honor Society
a private pilot’s license. RMA Band received
President’s Award at Veterans Day Parade
President’s Report 2020-2021 3
General Sandy Beaver
A VISIONARY LEADER Changing Times Call for Changing Strategies
1907
1913
1919
G SP 5
1926
1932
1938
1944
1950
1956
eneral Sandy Beaver’s name is synonymous
As the remaining beneficiary of a charitable remainder
with the values, tradition, and leadership for
trust set up by General Beaver in 1960, RMA received
which Riverside Military Academy has been
distributions totaling $995,895 in the spring of 2021,
known for almost 115 years. Among his many leader-
after the last member of the Beaver Family passed.
ship qualities, General Beaver, who served as the
Just as Beaver used his personal wealth to support
Academy’s longest tenured president for more than
RMA during his administration (as rumor has it), so too
50 years, was known for his astute business acumen.
did he plan for his continued support of RMA when he
He took great pride in his fiscal management of the
would no longer be with us.
school, touting such things as the same rate of tuition
RESOURCE MANAGEMENT
paid by every family, capital projects funded without debt, and turning away private donations. Many RMA alumni fondly remember his frequent lectures on fis-
His generous planned gift will help inspire leaders of character, excellence across all areas of the Academy, and RMA’s future.
cal responsibility. While he could not have known the evolution of tech-
“ The inclusion of RMA in a donor’s estate plan
nology and the fast-paced age of global citizenry of
comes as the greatest compliment to the
today’s world, Beaver was certainly a visionary and
Academy,” said President Staś Preczewski. “The
realized there would be a need for financial support
estate gifts from both Sandy Beaver and his
to further RMA’s timeless mission and future.
daughter Lucile will further the Beaver Family’s Legacy in perpetuity. The fact that their gifts were given unrestricted truly allows RMA to benefit in ways that best further our strategic vision and needs, and will be transformational.”
4 Riverside Military Academy
1962
Lucile E. Beaver
A TRUSTED ADVISOR Estate Gifts Further Beaver Family’s Legacy in Perpetuity
1968
1974
A
1980
1986
1992
1998
2004
2010
2016
lumni who knew both General Sandy Beaver
The first distribution was received in the Fall of 2021 to
and his daughter Lucile, say they were similar in
establish the Lucile E. Beaver Endowment.
2021
intellect and business acumen. It comes then as no surprise, that Lucile too, included RMA in her estate plan.
According to Miss Beaver’s long-time attorney and estate executor, John H. Quinn, Jr., her generous be-
As a young girl, Lucile grew up on the campus of RMA
queath was made to leverage further expansion of
and traveled with the family to the Hollywood campus
philanthropy at RMA.
in the winter where she attended classes with the cadets. Following her post-graduate education, she returned
The Legacy Society
to RMA and served as librarian and the Academy’s hostess before launching a career with the United States Lucile E. Beaver †
Sabin J. Gianelloni III ’55 †
General Sandy Beaver †
Donald M. Gilner, ’55
Her love and appreciation for RMA and its mission as
Carlos A. Cervantes, ’59
Zakaria S. Haque, ’01
a college preparatory school for young men contin-
Conrad C. Conti, ’58
Richard M. Nichols
ued throughout her lifetime. She remained a trusted
Charles H. Cook, ’74
Henry L. Roediger III ’65
Department of Transportation in Washington, D.C.
advisor and confidant to her father, and was a life member of the RMA Board of Trustees.
If you have included RMA in your estate plan, please let us know so that we may recognize you.
Prior to her passing on December 15, 2020, Lucile
For more information, contact Ellen DeFoor at
E. Beaver made provisions in her will to include a
edefoor@riversidemilitary.com or 770-538-2924.
$1,000,000 gift and residual from her estate to RMA. President’s Report 2020-2021 5
Enrol STUDENT POPULATION
328 CADETS
26 17 STATES
Helping Hands Grant Access to Riverside’s Unique Education The pride Walter E. Smith, Jr. ’58 feels as a legacy RMA cadet and alumnus
COUNTRIES
doesn’t end there. In 2011, when he learned of the growing need for tuition
43
assistance which would make it possible for qualified families to enroll their SP
sons at RMA, he set out to establish the Riverside Military Academy Foundation.
1|2|4|5 RESOURCE MANAGEMENT ENROLLMENT MANAGEMENT CULTURE OF FAMILY CADET EXPERIENCE
INTERNATIONAL STUDENTS
At its inception, the priority of the Foundation was to establish a $5 million endowment with earnings to provide this perpetual resource to support the
15% ESL learners
Academy. Generous gifts from Founders and Friends to the Foundation’s
63%
Entrepreneurial Leadership Program, as well as proceeds from the annual Sandy Beaver Entrepreneurial Leadership Awards Dinner, have raised more than $1.1 million.
RECEIVED FINANCIAL AID
“Extraordinary times caused by the global pandemic have impacted RMA’s enrollment. We couldn’t think of a better time when the Foundation’s support could be so impactful,” said Smith.
The Entrepreneurial Leadership Program’s
In FY21, the Foundation Board unanimously approved an allocation up to $250,000 from its quasi-endowment. Disbursed in increments of $50,000 with accountability and reporting to the
TUITION ASSISTANCE
53
made RMA possible for
students
Foundation Board, the timely and generous allocation was used to provide Entrepreneurial Leadership Program grants as partial scholarships, in amounts ranging from $1,000-$5,000. With sincere gratitude, President Staś Preczewski praised the Foundation’s support by saying, “The pandemic has taken its toll on many RMA families. I am grateful to Mr. Smith and all donors who realize the need and immediate impact of partial scholarships. I can think of no better return on investment.”
6 Riverside Military Academy
& generated
$1.4 million
in tuition revenue for the Academy.
llment RECORD
HIGH
President’s Club MEMBERSHIP
• •
S ilver Star academic req.
• •
F ewer than five demerits
M aintain 3.75 GPA in core classes/quarter A ctive participant in RMA club | activity | sport
REDUCED ATTRITION AY
’20 ’21
5%
AY
’19 ’20
10%
Ahead of 5Y Strategic Plan
I nfirmary upgrades
including the addition of a nurse practitioner.
Gurian-trained faculty 1 3 leadership positions per Company
169
Enrollment Increased and quality
of the Corps evolved despite the pandemic.
Decreased 4 Cadet Dismissals 4 Cadet Withdrawals
Digital Cameras Installed
New Summer Leadership Academy Develops young leaders utilizing character and spiritual development. President’s Report 2020-2021 7
Timothy Stroyne example, and remember to pay it forward for others in the future.”
THE STRIKE ZONE Ru
be
nA
.B
SP
ara
ho
na
,S
r. ’ 8
1|5
9
s rne
.L tT
E
o
z pe
Ruben Barahona, Sr. ’89 and Ernest T. Lopez III ’84, along with Timothy Stroyne, father of Greg Stroyne ’19, were recognized for
4
’8 III
their significant contributions as new signage was unveiled. Head baseball coach Chad Sage thanked ALL donors to this project, and said, “The hitting facility has not only given more opportunity to develop skill sets
RESOURCE MANAGEMENT CADET EXPERIENCE
but also has provided a tool On a crisp fall evening, just prior
donors. “RMA is very fortunate to
for life lessons. Players learn
to the March-On at Maginnis
have alumni, parents, and friends
quickly how the facility should
Field before the football game
in the community who give dona-
be taken care of at all times even
against Banks County, the Corps
tions to the school to help make
as it gives more opportunity for
stood fast while President Staś
your experience here, the best that
teammates to hold each other
Preczewski educated them about
it can be,” said Preczewski. “You,
accountable. We are very fortunate
philanthropy, and explained how
the cadets, are the ultimate bene-
to have donors who have created
the indoor batting facility became
factor of their generous support.
a baseball facility in which the
a reality through the generosity of
I trust that you will learn by their
players can take such pride.”
Barahona, Lopez & Stroyne “led off” with generous gifts that also inspired other donors to help fund RMA’s new indoor batting facility, a $140,000 installation.
Project completed spring 2019. Its dedication was delayed due to the global pandemic. Timothy Stroyne not pictured.
8 Riverside Military Academy
Financials CAPITAL INVESTMENTS
37
%
$240,443
RENOVATIONS
23
%
$148,351
HEALTH SAFETY SECURITY
23%
$146,908
MAJOR REPAIRS
17%
$108,159
ALL OTHER
TOTAL
$643,861 REVENUE 54% $10,516,677
Tuition & Fees
19% $3,669,719
Contributions
5% $978,758
Auxiliary
TOTAL
$19,369,447
1% $60,293
FY 2020-2021
BOARD OF TRUSTEES
BOARD OF VISITORS
Mr. C. Brian Daniel Chairman
Mr. Gregory F. Werd, ’56 Chairman
BG(R) Daniel J. Kaufman Vice Chairman
Mr. Whitney H. Owens, ’79 Vice Chairman
Mr. John W. Jacobs III Secretary
Mr. Leslie T. Smith, ’63 Secretary
Mr. Charlie J. Lail, Jr. Treasurer
Mr. Dennis M. Agnelly, ’66
Ruben A. Barahona, Esq., ’89
Mr. S. David Alphin, ’65
Mrs. Jerry B. Blackstock
Mr. Arthur M. Boisfontaine, ’87
MG(R) Mark Brown
Dr. Arthur D. Canales, ’81
Mr. J. Jette Campbell
Mr. Conrad C. Conti, ’58
Mr. Felix A. Gonzalez Canto, ’86
Mr. Alex C. Deitch, ’98
Mr. William B. Carr, Jr.
Mr. Stephen W. Earhart, ’80
Mr. Counte L. Cooley
Mr. Christian L. Eiroa, ’89
Mr. Bernard M. Freeman, ’58
Mr. Joseph M. Gordon, ’96
Mr. Anthony M. Herdener
Mrs. Susan Graybeal
Mr. Drew W. Horner, ’78
Mr. Patrick H. Higdon, Jr., ’57
Mr. Ernest T. Lopez III, ’84
Mr. Kennedy S. Judd, ’87
Mr. John B. McKernan II, ’88
Mrs. Diana Kelly
Mr. J. Allen Nivens, Jr.
Mr. Alberto Marrufo, ’87
Jonathan A. Pope, Esq.
Mr. Fredy E. Marrufo, ’90
Mr. Andrew W. Talkington, ’71
Mr. W.L. McLendon, ’58
Dr. William E. Russell, Sr.
Mrs. Betsy Pearson
Mr. James R. Van Arsdale, ’79
LTC John H. Shirley, ’65
Other
Mr. John C. Sipple, ’69
21% $4,144,000
Investment Income
Riverside Military Academy is a 501c(3) non-profit institution. Board members are volunteers who serve without compensation or reimbursement of any expenses.
EXPENSES 24% $4,615,204
ALUMNI COUNCIL
40% $7,572,038
Mr. John B. McKernan II, ’88 Chairman
Instructional
Student Services
10% $1,812,354
Athletics
1% $30,827
Mr. Richard L. Alfonso, ’81
TOTAL
$18,663,741
Summer Programs
2% $343,833
Cadet Store
23% $4,289,485
Institutional Support
Mr. W. Michael Strickland Mr. Wayne E. Stringer, ’80 Mr. Samuel D. Weil III, ’66 Mr. E. David Williams, ’65 Mr. Andrew C. Zager, ’88
Dr. John B. Delcambre, ’66 Mr. Zachary A. Garrett, ’11
Dr. Bryan T. Baldwin, ’96 Vice Chairman
Mr. Brian E. Greene, ’90
Mr. Zak Haque, ’01 Treasurer
Mr. Hector J. Laya, ’89
Mr. Jason J. Klein, ’08
Mr. Dennis M. Agnelly, ’66
Mr. Robert Lindsey, ’80
Mr. Errol J. Bisso, ’61
Mr. Frank Piedra, ’87
Mr. Richard L. Bisso, ’85
Mr. Christopher Reed, ’11
Mr. Chris A. Cotter, ’88
Mr. James C. Young, ’78
Mr. Paul M. Davila, ’93 This information is derived from RMA’s audited Consolidated Financial Statements May 31, 2021.
President’s Report 2020-2021 9
from the classroom
Genero Generosity comes in response to many needs across the Academy and we were blessed to recognize one of our RMA families this fall for their philanthropy.
SPR
Dean Cathy Moore recently identified that
Cadet Tripp Owens ’24, who was inspired by
the best teachers nationwide rarely have all
witnessing his daughter’s dedication in her
the supplies, equipment, and resources they
own classroom.
desire for their classrooms. An RMA family recognized this need and made a generous
RMA faculty and staff took great pride in
gift to Academics for the provision of class-
expressing appreciation to Mr. Billy R. Jones
room resources.
& Mrs. Mary Lou Jones for their generosity, as they dedicated the Jones Family Classroom
“Her mother and I would like to make this
in Elkin Hall on December 1, 2021.
gift in honor of our daughter, Laytona Jones Owens. She is a former teacher who took
But their generosity and desire to make a
pride in never allowing a child to fail,”
difference doesn’t end there.
said Mr. Billy Jones, grandfather of 10 Riverside Military Academy
Left (L-R): Billy & aM ry Lou oJ nes, pictured with their son Buckshot, grandson Cadet Tripp eOw ns and his
py. With grateful cadets and staff in atten-
EADS
dance on that day, RMA also dedicated the Jones Family Dayroom in Bravo Company and celebrated the Jones family for another of their generous contributions.
One of the Academy’s priorities to enhance
“Mr. Jones has quickly stepped forward to
the cadet experience at RMA has been to
address many of the Academy’s philanthrop-
renovate each dayroom within the barracks.
ic needs,” said Ellen DeFoor, Vice President
The full scope of that initiative requires
for Advancement. “We are proud to rec-
an estimated $250,000 to renovate seven
ognize his friendship and the impact of his
dayrooms.
family’s generosity through these namings.”
Learning about this priority, Mr. Jones has
The renovation of the barracks dayrooms
given generously to help fund the renova-
was inspired by cadets and submitted as a
tions of two dayrooms. The first was com-
proposal to RMA Administration. According
pleted last spring and the second is now
to Commandant LTC Adam Carter, “renovat-
underway. Upon recommendation by RMA’s
ed dayrooms encourage cadets to come out
Office of Advancement and Development
of their rooms and socialize with other ca-
Committee, the Board of Trustees recently
dets during evening and weekend free-time,
approved the naming of the first dayroom
thus enhancing their experience.”
RESOURCE MANAGEMENT CADET EXPERIENCE
osity
renovation in honor of Mr. Jones’ philanthro-
SP
1|5
to the barracks
mother, Laytona oJ nes eOw ns.
President’s President’sReport Report2020-2021 2020-2021 11
4 1 30 partial scholarships 4 Pizza parties for cadets 4 B ooks for the Library 4 B reakfasts in the barracks 4 B ooks, AV equipment for cadet devotional time & spiritual growth
$3,937,875
4 W elcome Center build-out
Total Donors
4 M entoring & character education for cadets
604
4 D evotional and Bible study materials 4 L ive Stream Equipment 4 G SA agility cones
RECORD HIGH
Total Dollars Raised
4 A C units for two busses
Total Gifts
1,235
Average Gift Size
$3,249
STRENGTH I
Philanthropy Making a Difference
4 Intramural sports equipment & prizes 4 F ootball shoulder pads & wrist bands 4 General Sports Activities 4 S pecial activities for closed weekends, spring break & Commencement 4 T able Tennis tables
20% Board of Trustees 3% Board of Visitors <1% Alumni Council 36% Alumni* 5% Faculty & Staff
5% Parents
Giving by Constituency
<1% Grandparents <1% Foundations 1% Corporations 30% Friends
4 E quipment for Fine Arts 12 Riverside Military Academy
* $1M gift from an alumnus
4 P ost-game meals for Athletics 4 P ress Box renovation
Giving by Purpose $1,972,746
Annual Fund
$1,796,524
Special Projects
$62,525
Facilities
$34,570
Athletics
$32,646
Academics
$31,384
Commandment/JROTC
$7,479
LARGEST Single Gift in RMA history!
$1,050,433
$3,937,875
SP
1|2|4|5 RESOURCE MANAGEMENT ENROLLMENT MANAGEMENT CULTURE OF FAMILY CADET EXPERIENCE
Scholarships
N NUMBERS
4 W arm-ups & backpacks for soccer team 4 S nacks/hygiene supplies for Covid Area 19 4 S upplies for Infirmary 4 S occer Field paving & repairs 4 T Vs & gaming equipment 4 E sports start-up 4 S mart board for Library 4 D rill Team gear 4 L unches, snacks, teambuilding for Staff Appreciation
4 B arracks Dayroom renovation Generation
Born
Average Gift Size
Silent*
1928-1945
$47,165
Boomers
1946-1964
$2,995
Generation X
1965-1980
$11,713
Millennials
1981-1996
$594
Post Millennials
1997-2018
$68
4 P opcorn machine + supplies
Alumni Generational Giving
4 S ound system & underground cabling for Maginnis Field 4 W orld War II display 4 S ound system for Carlos & Sandra Cervantes Theatre 4 Commandant’s Lobby display
* Average Gift Size includes $1M gift
President’s Report 2020-2021 13
“Doing
A
lumnus Ernest T. “E.T.” Lopez III attended RMA for three years and graduated in 1984. He has maintained ongoing communication with his high school football
and wrestling coach, Errol Bisso, who has been a father figure and mentor for 37 years since graduation. Admittedly, Lopez says he was not the best student and didn’t earn the rank that others had, but the lessons he learned at RMA have served him well. Lopez learned the asphalt and paving business from the father of an RMA classmate; that was his first job after graduation. His second job was with Atlanta Paving & Concrete Construction, which is one of several businesses that he owns today. As a member of RMA’s Board of Trustees, he chairs the Buildings and Grounds Committee, and was recently recognized as the 2021 Distinguished Alumnus. At the Distinguished Alumni Pinning Ceremony President Staś Preczewski touted E.T.s support...
Donna & Ernest T. Lopez III
14 Riverside Military Academy
the Right Thing” “ E.T. is the epitome of a philanthropist. He is known all over our campus for generously giving his time, talent, & treasure to RMA. Whether identifying capital needs to maintain RMA’s infrastructure; making repairs caused parking lots; or making generous financial contributions to scholarships, programs, or capital projects, he leads by example and finds joy in giving back to his alma mater.”
teachers, and military leaders to be inspirational. “They all wanted you to ’do the right thing’. You were respected when you did the right thing, and when you didn’t, they expected you to deal with the ramifications,” Lopez recalls. “We were taught to be tenacious, persevere, and never quit.”
The Investment “I’ve never thought of myself as a philanthropist,” said
The Experience
Lopez. “Donna and I made a conscious decision to
Lopez enrolled in RMA his sophomore year of high
give back because of my admiration for the school;
school. When asked what brought him to RMA, he
she has just as much commitment to RMA and now
said, “I grew up an Army brat; my family lived all over
we are teaching that to our adult children who also
Europe, then California and multiple bases around
want to get involved.”
the U.S. My father was an airborne ranger, a green beret, who served four tours in Vietnam. At home,
The Reward
I was living with ’Rambo’, and I thought attending
Lopez acknowledges that there are many alumni
RMA would surely be easier.”
who may not realize the difference they can make by
SP 5 RESOURCE MANAGEMENT
by erosion; operating a piece of equipment to re-surface
At RMA, he found the hall officers, coaches,
getting involved. “I don’t think they understand the But RMA wasn’t easy. The first year is always the
reward they would receive by giving other kids the
toughest. It meant having to start over and prove
same opportunity we had. Not everybody seizes the
himself again. He wanted to come home, but his
opportunity, but if you don’t, you are missing out.”
parents refused.
President’s Report 2020-2021 15
A LEGACY
UNVEILED
W
ith gasps from family
Pouring themselves into the
and friends and
Academy and the young men
tears in their eyes,
who attended during their tenure
Barbara & Errol Bisso ’61
has been their life’s work. Their
watched as a lasting tribute
legacy includes not only their
in their honor was unveiled at
son Richard, daughter Maria,
Homecoming 2021 with nearly
and Errol’s brother Gary, but
300 alumni in attendance to
also their extended RMA family
celebrate their lifetime achieve-
encompassing hundreds of young
ments. This alumni-led initiative
men whom they have coached,
has already raised more than
mentored, and loved through
The initial goal to raise $100,000
$168,000 to fund the commem-
the years.
for this project has been exceeded, and now the alumni committee is
orative display, upgraded finishes, technology, and comfortable
Earlier this year, Coach Bisso an-
focused on the ultimate goal of
furnishings in the new welcome
nounced his retirement effective
raising $300,000 for the naming
center located at the west portal.
May 31, 2022. Just as they spent
rights for the entire welcome
their early days living in the bar-
center. To be a part of this
The Bisso Legacy tells the story
racks with the cadets, the Bisso
meaningful tribute, contact any
of Coach and Mama Bisso, as they
tribute is located within the
member of the alumni project
are fondly referred to by many
barracks, in the new welcome
committee or Ellen DeFoor, Vice
RMA alumni. They have lived,
center, where their story and
President for Advancement at
served, and remained dedicated
legacy will continue to touch the
edefoor@riversidemilitary.com
to RMA for more than 55 years.
lives of many for years to come.
or 770-538-2924.
16 Riverside Military Academy
SP
2|5 RESOURCE MANAGEMENT CULTURE OF FAMILY
Bisso Tribute Alumni Project Committee
Bryan Baldwin, ’96 Art Canales, ’81 Zak Haque, ’01 John McKernan, ’88 Whit Owens, ’79 Andy Zager, ’88
“ Coach Bisso instilled hard work, dedication, and values in me and countless others that have helped shape our lives. Their love for all of us has inspired the Bisso Legacy that we trust will live on through the welcome center.” Andy Zager, ’88
President’s Report 2020-2021 17
Cumulative Giving Societies recognize RMA’s most dedicated
KEY H 5+ consecutive years Ι HH 10+ consecutive years Ι HHH 15+ consecutive years 2021 Georgia GOAL † Deceased
supporters. These donors have given gifts during their lifetimes that reached $10,000 or more, cumulatively since 2002. We are deeply grateful for their long-term investment in the Academy’s mission to develop young men as leaders of character, prepared for success in life. List reflects annual gifts made through May 31, 2021
FOUNDERS SOCIETY
COLORS SOCIETY
BROTHERS IN BLUE SOCIETY
$1,000,000 & above
$500,000 - $999,999
$200,000 - $499,999
Anonymous Lucile E. Beaver † Sandy Beaver † Ann L. & John F. Phelps, ’56
Donna & Ernest T. Lopez III, ’84 HH Rachel & Kenneth McKelvey HH Abraham A. Mitchell Charitable Foundation
Allyn Ayers, ’64 † Mrs. Jerry B. Blackstock, in memory of Jerry B. Blackstock, ’62 HHH Sandy & Carlos Cervantes, ’59
FUSILIER SOCIETY
LEADERSHIP SOCIETY
CORPS SOCIETY
$100,000 - $199,999
$75,000 - $99,999
$50,000 - $74,999
Anonymous (2) Foster W. Bachschmidt, ’06 H Magda & Ruben Barahona, ’89 HH Bobby W. Bush, Sr., ’49 † Chris & Terry Clontz Kristin & Brian Daniel HH Robin & Britt Daniel HH Stephanie & Robert Eidson HH James H. Harris III, ’71 Jane & Drew Horner, ’78 HH Charles A. James, ’64 Holly & Howard Kalmenson, ’49 Paul B. Krebs, Jr., ’55 H The Middelthon Family Jean & Staś Preczewski H Carl Stecker Sandy & Tim Stroyne H Nancy & Andrew Talkington, ’71 HH Seth Wagner, ’56 HHH F. Chris Whitlock Rebecca & Andrew Zager, ’88 HH
Anonymous Shelia & Alec Fraser HHH Felix Gonzalez Canto, ’86 H Patty & Larry Graham Barbara Griffin & Rutledge Griffin, ’62 † H Nancy & Fred Kennedy, ’64 HHH Nwamaka & Anthony Madichie David R. Nimocks, Jr., ’45 Meg & J. Allen Nivens HH
Anonymous (3) The Blake Family Charitable Foundation HH J. Jette Campbell, ’65 Jackie Cooley † & Counte Cooley HH Ashley P. Curington Angela & Thomas Finn HHH Sharon & Jim C. France H Marie & Steve Garrett Jay A. Glazer, ’64 Paul A. Gross, ’56
18 Riverside Military Academy
Christi & Gregory Fisher Marcia & Bernard Freeman, ’58 HHH Roslyn & Pat Higdon, Jr., ’57 HH Sue & W. L. “Mac” McLendon, ’58 H
Karl R. Katterjohn, ’64 Suzanne & Frank Maurno, ’60 The McKernan Family HH Gloria Misner & Don Misner, ’53 † Brenda & Domingo Moreira, ’63 in memory of Domingo A. Moreira HH Ashley “Dick” Pace, Jr., ’37 Anne & Ward Phillips, ’73 H Walter E. Smith, Jr., ’58 H Raymond Y. Thomasson, ’69 Amanda & Bob Willis HH Chester A. Woodruff, ’78 H
GUIDON SOCIETY $10,000 - $49,999 Anonymous (7) Carolyn & Dennis Agnelly, ’66 H Darlene & Marc Albertson Gary M. Alembik, ’81 Richard L. Alfonso, ’81 S. David Alphin, ’65 HHH Terri & Mike Andrews Mark Anthony Aramark Arthur & Helen Baer Charitable Foundation Pam Baker & Jon Baker † H Rosemary & David Balos Richard F. Bates Paige & Brad Bauer BB&T Robin Bennett Mary & James Benson Wuzhen Bi Steve Biggers Studios Barbara & Errol Bisso, ’61 HH Lawrence J. Blum, ’47 † Ashley & Arthur Boisfontaine, ’87 Paul Bolin Beth & Robert Britton Cleve Brown Bruce H. Buchholzer, ’48 † John C. Bullard, ’43 Estate of Bobby W. Bush, Sr., ’49, in memory of Bobby W. Bush, Sr., ’49 Dawn & David Canniff Carroll Daniel Construction Company HH Lynn & Adam Carter HH Charles M. Cassidy, ’59 Jim Cavanaugh Sahinaz & Asim Cengiz Gail & David Chester H Ralph & Mary Cleveland Foundation, in memory of Ralph W. Cleveland and in honor of Mary R. Cleveland The Warm Jacket Fund at the Community Foundation of New Jersey Janice & Conrad Conti, ’58 HHH Chassie & James Corbin H Rhonda & David Crook Ginny & Al Crumley Sayyu & Samira Dantata Ellen & Mark DeFoor Alexander C. Deitch, ’98 John B. Delcambre, ’66 HH
Deborah & Victor Disharoon, ’72 HH Scott A. Dwyer, ’92 Yvonne & Jeremiah F. Eames, ’61 Alexandra & Christian Eiroa, ’89 Ben/Joyce Eisenberg Foundation Joyce & Arnold Evans Fay Family Wealth Counseling Concepts, Inc., Christopher D. Fay, ’77 Anita & Antonio Feliciano, ’81 HH Beth & Ron P. Fenner, ’66 H Mary & Richard Fisher Nila & Raymond Fordyce, ’61 Frame-Tastic, LLC G. Mitchell Freeman HH Holly & Justin Gallagher, ’90 Joseph G. Gamble, ’44 † Linda & Guy Gardner Zachary A. Garrett, ’11 H Mrs. Leon M. Gauvreau Sabin J. Gianelloni, ’55 † Celia & Donald Gilner, ’55 HHH William T. Glisson, ’78 Dr. Casey & Susan Graybeal HH Kim & Brett Gunter Cyndi & Mufeed Haddad Zak Haque, ’01 Michelle & John Harllee IV George Hearn Lynne Henderson Sharon & Robert Hendricks Cathy & Anthony Herdener HH Ira Hershkowitz Dennis Hite, ’55 HHH Linda & David Hock Florence & James Holson John Horne Michel & Brantt Hudson H Geoff Hurdle, ’87 H Linda K. Hurdle H Martha Jacobs & John W. Jacobs, Jr., ’40 † Billy R. Jones Elizabeth & Kurt Jordan Charlene & Gerard Kaiser HH James D. Kalmenson, ’77 Kathryn & Dan Kaufman James R. Kaufman Dawn & Steven Keig William R. Key, ’97
Jason J. Klein, ’08 Janet & Alan Kloor Patricia & James Lane H Melanie & Campbell B. Lanier Ruth & William Lark, ’64 H Lyn & Jim LaVallee Afton & Theodore LaVallee, Sr. HH Kelly & Adrian Legaspi Royal Little Family Foundation Katherine & Brian Logan, ’92 Nester S. Logan, ’57 Lord, Aeck & Sargent Architects Macy’s Foundation Diane & Doug Magnus Wendi & Robert Mahoney Schone Malliet Dena & Christopher Manzo HH Patricia & Tony Manzo HH Gina & Fredy E. Marrufo, ’90 Laura & Edward Maxwell Patricia & Dennis McCraven HH Karen & Jon McRae, Jr. H Leah & Jeff Merschman Ira J. Middleberg, ’66 Glenda & Herbert Miller, ’61 Christy & Alan Molasky Irena & Andrew Molasky Irwin A. Molasky, ’45 † Cathy & John Moore J. Stephen Morris Memorial Fund Glenda & Jim Myers Richard M. Nichols The Norton Agency Norton Family Foundation Daniel G. “Bud” Oakey, ’75 HH Margaret & Tucker Olander Susanna M. Oslin Trust Whitney H. Owens, ’79 HH Mary Paglia † & Marc Paglia HH Betsy & Russell Pearson PepsiCo Foundation Matching Gifts Program Jacquelin & James Post ProTouch Landscapes, Inc.. Elizabeth M. Quanstrom QuikTrip Corporation Jean Raybuck Miguel Reyes, ’74 H Marie Trenga & Brian Ribeiro Jennie & Frank Rikard, ’56 HHH Candy & Larry Robinson Henry L. Roediger III, ’65 HHH
Gretchen & Wyn Ruppenthal HH E.J. Salcines, ’56 HH Drs. P. Ravi & Seshu Sarma Audreanna Schmidt Melanie & Clayton Sembler Jeff T. Seymour Kelly & Douglas Shaw Ping Li & Henry Shen The Shore Family Theresa & William Simpson H Debra & Michael Sims John C. Sipple, ’69 HH Julie Skaggs H Lola & Craig Smith COL & Mrs. Howard K. Smith, ’45 † Donna & Kirby Smith III Leslie Smith, ’63 HHH Emily Rees, Mike Bennink & Nicole Smith-Bennink Beth & Sam Smith Sidney O. Smith Insurance Kelly & Stanley Smith Jorge Sosa HH Pam & Kent Starke Robert H. Stoddard, ’64 H Mace & Mike Strickland H SunTrust Bank Foundation Florence C. & Harry L. English Memorial Fund Wanda & Bob Swoszowski H Anthony Tippins Turner Broadcasting System, Inc.. Felipe A. Valls, ’50 Connie & James R. Van Arsdale, ’79 HH Robert Van Beever, ’56 † Lara & James Vaughan H Walmart Foundation H Rita & David Wardlaw John Watts Beth & Samuel D. Weil, ’66 HHH Bonnie & Jeff Weiner, ’66 William Welbon, ’42 † Carole & Gregory Werd, ’56 HHH Tammy & Kevin White Charity & Michael Whitney Philip A. Wilheit, Sr. Samuel A. Wilson, Jr., ’60 HH Jennifer Wood Keith Wood Shawn & Wayne Wunderlich Joanne & Frederick Young H
President’s Report 2020-2021 19
Annual Giving Societies
This comprehensive list recognizes donors
who have given a minimum of $100 during RMA’s fiscal year June 1, 2020 through May 31, 2021. We extend sincere appreciation to these donors whose contributions help to enrich the experience for our cadets and enhance the centers of excellence across our campus.
SANDY BEAVER SOCIETY
PRESIDENT’S SOCIETY
$5,000 - $9,999
$1,000 - $1,999
Randel R. Baker Molly O’Toole & Kevin Bishop King Brainard Bobby W. Bush, Jr. James J. Bush William B. Carr Ronald Echols Tara Goodballet & Thomas Hornick John F. Mandt, Sr., ’56 Brenda Vega-Matos Todd C. Wilkes, ’89
Anonymous AmazonSmile H Nicole & Eric Baker Shelia & Ronnie Baldwin H James D. Black, ’67 Eleanor H. Burke Lucius M. Butts, Jr., ’44 † C. Neal Carter, ’57 H Gloria A. Carter Jefferey Chandler Classic City Solutions, Inc. H Joel W. Collins, Jr., ’62 Chassie & James Corbin H Covenant Risk Advisors Natalia & Frank D’Aries Duplicating Products, Inc. H Jay L. Elrod H Jeannette & Martin Engelmann, ’59 Gerald L. Fishbein, ’48 Free Chapel Janice Frost & Jack E. Frost † Jennifer & John Galloway
Seanie & Ron Zappendorf
H
1907 SOCIETY $2,000 - $4,999 Atlanta Falcons Football Club Jennifer & Garett Bethenod Tina & John Burns Susan & Filemon Calderon H Dawn & Michael Cannova H CyberGrants LLC Shelly & Drew Echols Ann & Mark Fitzgerald Charles Haines Lisa & Monte Jackson Bobbie & Richard Jacobs Anna & John Jacobs III JW & Ethel I. Woodruff Foundation H Karen Kastritis H Christopher Looney McDonald’s H George Mealey, ’51 Gerald E. Misel, ’71 Charlotte & Henry Moore Patricia & Michael Mynatt, ’64 Peach State Federal Credit Union Primary Care Clinics of Georgia Dyan Spinnato & Joe Rectenwald Roberts Commercial Flooring, LLC Justin Toombs Thompson Van Hyning, ’61 Karen & Charles Williams
20
Riverside Military Academy
KEY H 5+ consecutive years Ι HH 10+ consecutive years Ι HHH 15+ consecutive years 2021 Georgia GOAL † Deceased
David Hocker Holiday Inn Express & Suites Gainesville - Lake Lanier Eric Hopkins, ’85 House of Finery Elizabeth & Andrew Jobson H Elizabeth & Jon Johnson Maria & Chris Jones Renee & Mark Keiser Nancy & Jody Lail HH Carl K. Lambrecht, ’61 H Heather & Dwight Larson Craig A. Levine H Luna’s Restaurant Nan M. MacGruer H Marco’s Pizza Kathleen McDermott Fran Millar Nancy & Nils Okeson Peach State Bank & Trust H Peachtree Residential Properties Norma & Alfonso Pelayo
Lisa & Lawrence Perkins Amy & Jonathan Pope Ramada Leigh C. Record Suzette & Matt Reeves Henry L. Roediger III, ’65 HHH Scott Roether Bill Russell Stephen Rutner, ’81 H John H. Shirley, ’65 Lorri & Michael Short Smith Bell Petroleum Lydia & Wendell M. Starke Sandy & Tim Stroyne Marc A. Tessler, ’64 Two Brown Dogs Realty Robert N. Vernay II, ’64 H Wilheit Family Properties Willis Investment Counsel Woody’s Pharmacy, Inc. James C. Young, ’78 HH
Jeannie & Stephen Fowle GoPro Emery Ayers-Greenidge & Doane Greenidge Robert P. Greenman, ’58 Julie & Troy Gueller Charles D. Heidgerd ’65 Enrique Herrero, Jr., ’82 H Myra & Edward C. Herty, ’66 Andrew T. Jones Nina Jordan Kim M. Kanakis, ’75 Kimberly & Howard Kapustein Anthony O. Kelley, ’87 Edward M. Kessler, ’46 H Susan & Louis Lataif Graham Law, ’06 Joslyn Lewis Frederick Littauer McKesson Technologies, Inc. Kristen Morris Terry Morris Network For Good Kelli Clay & Joseph Newsom
Carey Norwood David Nourachi Thomas O’Connell, ’91 Ashley & Edward Pincott Tanner Riddle Shawn McDaniel & Michael Roach The Rotary Club of Gainesville Tamara & Keith Schneider Selling Georgia Homes, Inc. Amy Skiles Jerome Smith Specialty Orthopaedics H Brenda & Oscar Starnes III, ’73 Maria & Coy Stuart, ’75 Michelle Talbert Charlotte & Ken Tallmadge Kristen Turner UBS Matching Gift Program Coren & Robert Wagner Walmart Neighborhood Market Arnold L. Watkins Kay & Phil Westbrook E. David Williams, ’65 Ellen Williams
RIVERSIDE SABERS $400 - $999 Anonymous (2) Vanessa & Benjamin Allen H Atlas Supply USA Bryan Baldwin, ’96 H Batey & Sanders, Inc. Benevity Causes Beth & James Berutich The Blackbaud Giving Fund John R. Boyd, ’93 Rochelle & James Brinson Mark A. Brown Peggy & Donna Cannella Christopher Carter H David P. Chandler, ’66 Charlotte Cliche Realty Anne Chenault H Valerie L. Chinn Sarah & Peter Crafford Alberto Cudemus, ’62 H Pamela & Timothy Cummings H Juan Dominguez Debbie & Patrick Drummond Russell Dye, ’87 Brett H. Ferguson, ’75 H
RIVERSIDE RIFLES $100 - $399 Eduardo E. Acosta, ’60 Uzo Akpele Brandi Anderson John Anderson Marilynn & Ronald Andrews Phillipa & Worth Andrews III Alene C. Arenas Stephen L. Armell, ’63 Bridget & Christopher Badeaux Brenda Bahel Nicole Baker Jennifer & Michael Baum Richard A. Baum, ’67 Jennifer & Andrew Baumann Bridget Bazemore Kay Bent Jeffrey W. Bergman Dana Berry Brenda & David Binder Kelley & Richard Bisso, ’85 H Marvin E. Black, ’43 Jeffrey D. Blakely, ’64 Estefania Bonilla Laurie P. Bouchard Andrew C. Bowling, ’91 Richard L. Brashear, ’56 HHH James R. Bright Stanley E. Brown, ’48 Timothy A. Browning, ’68 Sheila & Russell Buice Howell Buot W. B. Burns Bill Burt, ’60 Robert Cagle Jan & Sumner Cahoon, ’49 Carlisa & Christopher Campo Arthur D. Canales, ’81 H Chinn Law Firm, LLC Nevin G. Christensen, ’46 Christopher Columbus High School Steve A. Clasby Toni & Don Coleman Nancy Colston Jane & James Congrove Anne & John Conley Christopher A. Cotter, ’88 Kelli & Darden Couch Justin B. Creech, ’88 H Ralph D’Silva Carlos de Castro, ’89 Sandra & Nathan Deal Clifford L. Deal Jr., ’60 Delta Air Lines Foundation Matching Gift Mari E. DePorres, ’88
Tracy R. Doetsch, ’89 Jeffrey Dombroff, ’62 Katharine & Sean Drucker Annemarie Eades James V. Edwards, ’58 Manuela & Manuel Espinall Karen & Tim Faber Yemi & Ben Famori Xiao Jing Zhang & Hua Fang Shawn & Matthew Feeko Richard K. Feigenbaum Stephanie & John Fiedler Anna & Andy Ford Oscar Fortson Nicoleta C. Frank Ilene & Lionel Fraser Douglas Freedman Jessica & Joel Gandara Sheldon L. Gantz, ’53 H Lisa B. Garner Matthew C. Garrett, ’15 Perry Gentry H Gfesser Family Chan & Ken Goodgames Joe Gordon, ’96 Robert G. Gorrell Robert A. Green, ’73 Mark Greenberg H Stephanie & Donald Griesheimer, ’88 Barbara & Jack Griffeth Lidia Griffin Carlos E. Gutierrez Ferrete William Haag, ’85 Kathy Halsell Jeff Harris, ’62 Shirley Harris Thomas G. Harris, ’93 Cheryl & Chase Hasbrouck Andrew C. Haskell, ’02 Kristen & Ray Hecksher Anne Hempe Palafox Louis & Beth Hill Susan & Philip Hoffstadter Kathryn & James Holland Calvin S. Hopkins III Beau Houck, ’89 Stan Howington, ’90 Sally & William Israel, ’52 H Mandy & Derek Jakes Felicia Jeffley Bradley & Marcela Johns Alene & Harry Joiner Ernesto L. Jusino, ’89 Daniel Kaufman Lidiya & Gennadii Khorunzhyi
Susan & James King Robin & Shawn Knowles Bobbie Kolod Natalae & Dale La Douceur George J. Laganas, ’68 H Amy & Chris Lancaster, ’85 Karen & Chad Landen, ’89 Kelli & Keith Lawson Harry Lay, ’62 Hector Laya, ’88 Kiet Le, ’18 Anthony Legaspi, ’21 Betty Anne & George Lennon, ’65 Robert Loew, ’92 Glenda & Patrick Lowenthal Deborah K. Mack Tom Maier Shirley Marin Bob Martin HH Andrea McCormick Paul B. McCorristin, ’64 H Dianne R. McKenzie David G. McManus, ’64 H Wendy & Manny Menendez, ’91 Megan & Ben Michael Holly & Justin Miller Norman E. Miller, Jr., ’51 Marquita & Tim Milligan Barbara & Roy Moore HH Alice Ann & Thomas Mundy Youlanda & John W. Munroe HH Martha & Pete Nesbitt Carole & John Noble, ’55 James Nofi Northeast Georgia Health System Auxilary Jennifer Nunez-Banos William P. Obier III, ’70 H Tunde Onasanya Will W. Page, ’70 Joseph J. Pagliaro, Jr., ’60 Kelley & Robert Parker, ’95 W. Daniel Pate Richard J. Patey Deborah & Emory Peebles Kenneth A. Peeples, ’70 Mark Phillips Val & Charles Piper, Jr. Brett Player, ’87 William Pontius, ’88 Diana & Chad Porter Nancy & Paul Posner, ’56 Thomas Presten Lara & Travis Provencher Victor Prutu
David H. Ramsey, ’84 Sam Rauch Gerald W. Ravenscroft, ’40 Guillermo A. Rodriguez, ’67 Therese Rojales Douglas B. Romine, ’64 Emily & Robert Ros, ’79 Shari & Barney Rothgery, ’55 Fordusa Yusuf & Aymen Salah Krista & Edward Sanders Raymond Santos, ’80 Susan & Derek Sauls Alan Savitz, ’55 H Lauren Schachter Amber Schaibly Ed Schwartz, ’85 Charlene & Gerald Seiff, ’50 John Shellenberger, ’62 Maggie Sicher Joe G. Smith, ’55 Genaro Solis Perez Walter Sommers Joanne Speake Patricia & Cecil Spears, ’62 JoAnna & Ricky Spencer Mike Staines Matthew W. Stanley, ’75 Charles K. Stoner, ’82 H Robin A. Stooksbury Robert D. Strong Pingping Sun William F. Sutphen Judith Taylor Andrew G. Temple, ’89 Tyler F. Toby, ’87 Lynn Townley Megan H. Tran James C. Trapnell, Jr., ’45 HH Tracy & Mark Truslow, ’93 H Ivel & Ambrose Turkson Cristina Tzilinis Steve Van De Kreke, ’86 H Anita & Jay Vannice Lonnie & Thien Vo Lynne & Eric Vogelbacher Robert B. Wallace, ’60 The Walt Disney Company Foundation Julia & Tharpe Ward Mitchell Watts, ’71 Valerie & Stacy West John E. Wilbanks, ’61 Michele Wilson Ashlyn E. Winfree Ki W. Yoon Yi Zeng
President’s Report 2020-2021 21
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