connection magazine fall 2011

President Leland leaveslegacy of advancement

History and Heritage:Russell Auditorium

Sports: Where are they now?

FROMTHE EDITOR

For advertising opportunities in Connection, email [email protected] or call (478) 445-7828.

Dear alumni and friends,

Thank you for taking the time to sit down with this issue of Connection magazine.Our staff, writers and photographer put a lot of thought into delivering apublication that connects you back to Georgia College. Whether you were a

“Jessie,” a Colonial or a Bobcat, we share the same affection for one of the finestinstitutions of higher learning in the Southeast.

We hope you enjoy the cover story of this issue about the Golden Slipper. We think it willbe heartwarming and reminiscent to many of our older alumni and very informative toour younger alumni. I was amazed at my personal lack of knowledge about the GoldenSlipper, as it had faded into the memory books before my arrival in Milledgeville in theearly ’90s. I hope it builds the same sense of pride in our history for you as it did for me.

Other elements of this issue that you may find of special interest:

• President Dorothy Leland’s recent departure from Georgia College,and a glance at the legacy she leaves behind

• A closer look at who Russell Auditorium is named for, and theincredible family story that accompanies it

• An alumnus who is a globe-trotting CEO, but finds time to invest inhis alma mater

• A long-time science professor who wanted to help Georgia College look to the stars• And, of course, our class notes section where you may be able to catch up with

friends you knew during your time at Georgia College

I’d love to hear from you — about your favorite stories, what you’d like to see more of,what you’d like to see less of. All comments and suggestions are welcome [email protected]. Thanks for reading!

Kyle Brogdon (’96)Editor, Connection magazine

CONNECTIONFall 2011, Vol. XXI, No. 1

Copyright 2011. All rights reserved.

Published by University Communications A Division of University Advancement

231 West Hancock StreetMilledgeville, GA 31061

Interim PresidentStas Preczewski

Vice President for ExternalRelations and UniversityAdvancement Amy Amason

Associate Vice Presidentfor StrategicCommunicationsHarry Battson

Associate Vice Presidentfor Development and Alumni RelationsBill Doerr

Director of Alumni RelationsHerbert Agnew, (’04)

Editor Kyle Brogdon, (’96)

WritersJudy Bailey Candace Morrow Al Weston

DesignJon Scott, (’83)

PhotographyTim Vacula, (’86)

Video productionChris Brown ('03), Stacey Lumley ('99), Bill Wendt ('85)

Web productionBarbara Monnett ('06), Mark Misinco ('09)

Please send change of addressand class notes to:

University AdvancementCampus Box 113

Milledgeville, GA [email protected]

gcsu.edu

ContentsC O N N E C T I O N M A G A Z I N E | F A L L 2 0 1 1

22 Dr. Eustace Palmertakes Georgia Collegestudents deep into theAfrican experience.

169 After 7-and-a-half years ofdedication and loyalty toGeorgia College, PresidentLeland resigned in June.

28 A professor’s giftprovides a glimpseto the stars.

4 Up Front

9 Leland Legacy

12 Cover Story

16 Faculty

18 Heritage and History

20 Sports

22 Faculty Profile

24 Alumni Profile

27 Foundation

28 Donor Profile

30 Class Notes19The family of Judge RichardB. Russell has an extensivehistory with Georgia College.

Applying survival andnavigational strategies,outdoor educationcourses often sendadventurous studentsinto challengingenvironments.

4 Georgia College Connection • Fall 2011

UPFRONT Interim President

leads Georgia CollegeDr. Stas Preczewski has been appointed interim president of

Georgia College. Preczewski’s appointment, effective July 1, followed Georgia

College President Dr. Dorothy Leland’s appointment aschancellor of the University of California, Merced.

Preczewski has been vice president for academic and studentaffairs at Georgia Gwinnett College since 2006, supervising thehiring of more than 500 faculty and academic staff members.

Preczewski earned a doctorate specializing in higher and adulteducation, educational psychology and cognitive psychology fromthe University of Missouri in 1997. He earned a Master of Arts instrategic planning from the United States Naval War College in1998 and a Master of Science in industrial engineering andoperations research from the University of Massachusetts in 1987.He earned a bachelor’s degree from Cornell University inagricultural engineering and economics in 1980.

The University System of Georgia’s Board of Regents iscurrently conducting a search for the next permanent president ofGeorgia College.

Attorney donates Carl Vinson deskGeorge S. Carpenter Jr., Milledgeville attorney

and former member of the Georgia College & StateUniversity Foundation Board of Trustees, has donateda historic desk to Georgia College Special Collections.The desk was used by U.S. Representative Carl Vinsonwhen he practiced law in Milledgeville.

After Vinson’s 1914 election to the U.S. House ofRepresentatives, Vinson gave his desk to attorneyGeorge S. Carpenter Sr., who passed it to his son.

“After years of keeping the desk in our family,”Carpenter said, “I knew it belonged in this collectionwhere it would remain protected.”

Today, the century-old desk is part of SpecialCollections’ permanent Carl Vinson Memorial Exhibiton the third floor of the library.

“He was a brilliant and powerful man inWashington,” said Carpenter. “It’s a collection such asthis one that will remind people of his great work.”

Preczewski

For more information on the presidential search, visit gcsu.edu/presidentialsearch

5Georgia College Connection • Fall 2011

Georgia College reaches agreements with Indian institutions

Georgia College has extended its hand halfway acrossthe globe to provide students and faculty enhancedinternational opportunities, forming strategic partnershipswith five institutions more than 8,300 miles away in India.

“India is an incredibly diverse country with a vasthistory that offers U.S. students opportunities foraffiliations and experiences that are quite different fromthose gained at home,” said Provost Sandra Jordan.

The partnerships are designed to provide structuredopportunities for faculty to travel to India to teach andconduct research, for current Georgia College students tolink projects with Indian students and to study abroad, andfor Indian students to attend Georgia College or to learnfrom Georgia College faculty in India.

Faculty from India may come to Georgia College toteach and conduct research also.

The initial agreements between Georgia College andschools in India include:

• Amity University • Magarpatta City Institute • International Institute of

Health Management Research • Kohinoor Institute • Apeejay Stya University

A short film created by Georgia College theatremajor Joseph Dumford became a finalist in thisyear’s 58th annual Cannes Lions Film Festival in France.

Competing against thousands of professionalcinematographers, Dumford’s film, “MagdalenaViajando,” placed fourth in the MOFILM CannesLions 2011: Make an Ad Competition.

The senior’s 60-second video, promoting a newperspective on Chevrolet’s “How far would you goto seize an opportunity?” campaign, earned him acash prize.

Dumford’s film was one of six submitted byGeorgia College theatre students. Two others alsobecame finalists:• AT&T’s “Rethink Possible” campaign by GabrielleByndloss and Erin Borain

• Glacéau vitaminwater’s “hydration only better” byTroy Hencely

GC theatrestudent

places in Cannes

Film Festival

(standing, L-R) Provost Sandra Jordan, Apeejay Stya University ProChancellor Aditya Berlia and Associate Director of the International EducationCenter Libby Davis observe while Apeejay Stya University Chancellor Sushma

Berlia and former President Dorothy Leland sign the agreement.

To see the films, visit gcsu.edu/theatre

UPFRONT

Georgia College Connection • Fall 20116

Georgia College partners with

Museum of ArtGeorgia College has partnered with the High

Museum of Art in Atlanta to enhance students’educational experiences.

The College and University Affiliate Programallows the university and museum to share resourcesthat integrate the arts into students’ curricula.

“The partnership offers our students manybenefits, including the possibility of field experiencesand internships,” said Dr. Sandra Jordan, provost andvice president of academic affairs. “Through thisprogram students have expanded access to anexciting array of speakers and exhibits.”

Georgia College students, faculty and staff willreceive free admission to the museum’s specialexhibitions and permanent collection. They also canattend lectures and experience behind-the-scenesprograms at the High.

Students also will have opportunities to intern atthe museum in areas related to museum studies,public relations and marketing, exhibitions,membership and development.

“This partnership is one of several that will helpGeorgia College offer a distinctive educationalexperience,” Jordan said.

Georgia WebMBA® earns top rankingCEO Magazine selected the Georgia WebMBA® program as a tier-one online

MBA program, one of only 26 schools selected worldwide. The J. Whitney Bunting College of Business at Georgia College is a founding

member of the Georgia WebMBA® program.“This is an accurate reflection of the quality of our students and faculty,” said

Dr. Matthew Liao-Troth, dean of the J. Whitney Bunting College of Business.The Georgia WebMBA® program began in 2001 and has grown from about 30

students to more than 400, including 60 Georgia College students. The Georgia WebMBA® program is also ranked among the top 30 most

affordable online MBA programs accredited by the Association to AdvanceCollegiate Schools of Business (AACSB).

The online program is a cohort-based, 21-month accelerated program to earn amaster’s degree in business administration.

Georgia College earnsnational communityservice recognition

The Corporation for National andCommunity Service named Georgia Collegeto the 2010 President’s Higher EducationCommunity Service Honor Roll for thesecond consecutive year. This year GeorgiaCollege advanced to the President’s HonorRoll with Distinction category.

Georgia College is one of only threeUniversity System of Georgia universities toearn the ranking.

“The program is designed to recognizethe broad commitment to communityservice by institutions of higher learning,”said Dr. Bruce Harshbarger, vice presidentfor Student Affairs and Dean of Students.“Service and civic engagement are keyconcepts in Georgia College’s curriculum asGeorgia’s Public Liberal Arts University.”

This year’s award recognizes theuniversity and its student volunteer effortswith the YES and High Achievers afterschoolprograms; Georgia College Early College,and the GIVE Center’s “Hands OnMilledgeville” initiative.

H I G H

Liao-Troth

Georgia College Connection • Fall 2011 7

Herty Hallgreenhousegrows up on the roof

Working 60 feet in the air,workers attached walls to arooftop greenhouse. They screwedand caulked clear, corrugatedpanels onto the domed aluminumframe along the west side ofHerty Hall’s newest addition.

The 21-foot-by-55-footgreenhouse is equipped with anautomatic shade system, intakeshutters, exhaust fans and heatingand air conditioning to controlthe interior temperature.

The university’s originalgreenhouse on the north side ofHerty Hall will remain open, saiduniversity Project ManagerDonnie Beasley.

The new greenhouse opensthis fall. The three-floor additionto Herty Hall, with classrooms,labs and office space, openedAug. 15.

For the fifth consecutive year, Georgia College has been named “A Best in theSoutheast” by The Princeton Review in its annual survey of regional colleges anduniversities.

Georgia College’s inclusion on the 2012 list places it in an elite group that consistsof approximately 25 percent of the nation’s 2,500 four-year colleges.

From hundreds of institutions reviewed in four regions, the online publicationselected the “best” colleges and universities primarily for their excellent academicprograms. The Princeton Review’s complete profile of Georgia College can befound online at www.princetonreview.com/GeorgiaCollegeStateUniversity.aspx

12345 For more information on the expansionof Herty Hall, see page 28.


UPFRONT

Georgia College chef named

‘Chef of Year’Timothy Grayson of

Sodexo Food Services atGeorgia College has beennamed the United StatesSustainable Pork ProducersAssociation “2011 Chef ofthe Year.” Grayson wasawarded for his winning porkrecipes and for his lifetimecontributions to the culinaryarts and the practice ofsustainability.

Originally from Orlando, Fla., Graysonstarted his career at Walt Disney World. He is aculinary graduate of Ecole de Cuisine in Paris andthe Cornell University Kellogg School with amaster’s degree in hotel and hospitalitymanagement. He previously co-owned the award-winning Café Europa restaurant in Orlando andhas worked for many years internationally in thehotel, cruise and club industry.

Grayson has written food, wine and travelarticles for such publications as Southern Living,The Orlando Sentinel and NBC's “Today Show.”

Nursing graduates ace national licensing exam

Every Georgia College nursinggraduate who took the nationallicensing exam for the first timebetween April 1 and June 30of 2011 made the grade.

“With a 100 percent passrate for the second quarter,we’re on a very good track forthis year,” said Dr. JudithMalachowski, director of theSchool of Nursing.

Georgia College nursinggraduates also earned the highest overall pass ratein 2010 among public colleges and universitiesacross Georgia.

With 83 of the 84 Georgia College nursinggraduates who took the licensing exam in 2010passing, Georgia College had a first-take pass rateof 99 percent.

Georgia College admits 104 nursing studentseach academic year — 48 students during springsemester, 56 during the fall. The School of Nursingreceives about two applications for each available space.

Georgia College provides $176 millionimpact to local countiesA recent study estimates Georgia College contributed

$176 million to the local economy during the 2010fiscal year.

The report by the Selig Center for Economic Growthin the University of Georgia’s Terry College of Businessalso showed Georgia College’s presence in thecommunity provided 2,271 local jobs — both on and offcampus — generating $91 million dollars.

Georgia College’s effect on the region’s economy ispart of the $12.6 billion impact on the state during fiscalyear 2010 from the 35 institutions in the UniversitySystem of Georgia.

2,271LOCAL JOBS

$176MILLION

$91MILLION

MalachowskiGrayson


The Leland LegacyDr. Dorothy Leland resigned her position as President of GeorgiaCollege on June 30, 2011. The impact of her years of leadershipwill be felt for decades to come.

PEOPLE

By Judy Bailey

STATELY COLUMNS AND CENTURY-OLD OAKS WELCOMEDPresident Dorothy Leland to Georgia College as the calendar turned to 2004.

The 115-year-old college was flourishing, and its 7-year-old mission as Georgia’s Public Liberal Arts University had been planted, butneeded nourishing.

President Leland quickly became the chief promoter and protector of the university’s liberal arts mission, from defending it at the statelegislature to championing it nationally as head of the Council of PublicLiberal Arts Colleges.

During her January 2004 inaugural speech, Leland promised hersupport and leadership to the university.

“My pledge to you is I will lead Georgia College & State Universitywith a steady vision, great care and deep respect for its unique mission withthe University System of Georgia,” she said.

After 7-and-a-half years of dedication and loyalty to Georgia College,Leland moved west in June to accept the position of Chancellor of theUniversity of California, Merced in her home state, near her son and his family.

“This is bittersweet — leaving all of you is difficult, very difficult,”Leland told the hundreds of community leaders, students, faculty and staffwho came to her June 20 farewell tribute. “But new challenges lie ahead.”

President Leland made an important contribution to GeorgiaCollege’s rich history, said Dr. Paul Jones, vice president for Administrationand Operations.

“She helped guide us at an important time in our history andcemented our place as a premier public liberal arts university,” Jones said.“She was the right person at the right time for Georgia College.”

The president was a “transformational leader” of the university, saidDr. Matthew Liao-Troth, dean of the J. Whitney Bunting College of Business.

“President Leland implemented the public liberal arts mission withsuch success,” said Liao-Troth, “that she became the president of theinternational association, Council of Public Liberal Arts Colleges.”

And wherever she traveled, she was the university’s No. 1 fan and promoter.

“Each time she described Georgia College — the faculty, staff andstudents — to an external constituent, her remarks were always inspiringand so genuine,” said Amy S. Amason, vice president for ExternalRelations and University Advancement.

Dr. Dorothy Leland in 2004.

10 Georgia College Connection • Fall 2011

AcademicsWorking closely with the university faculty,

staff, alumni, donors and students, PresidentLeland began to strengthen the university’sacademic core in order to enhance its publicliberal arts mission:

• Leland established new academic programs,including the recently approved firstdoctoral program

• Fostered learning outside the classroom,promoting engaged and experientiallearning and encouraging innovativeteaching initiatives

• Developed residential learning communitiesto integrate students’ academic, social andservice experiences

• Grew study broad, exchange studentsprograms and faculty/student exchanges

• Raised the admissions bar, increasing the SATand GPA scores of entering freshmen to rivalthe state’s flagship universities

• Established the six Programs of Distinction,with the review of faculty peers

“Dr. Leland understood that ourreputation as a university was wedded to thestrength of our academic programs,” said Dr.Sandra Jordan, provost and vice president forAcademic Affairs. “The Programs of Distinctionalong with her work to provide excellentteaching spaces and more faculty lines havemade it possible for Georgia College to fulfill itsunique mission and provide an educationalexperience that rivals the private elite school,but at an affordable public university cost.”

FinancesPresident Leland proved herself a fiscally

responsible leader. She weathered the recessionstorm — always protecting the university’sacademic programs.

Her budget planning ability enabled theuniversity to improve through “move-the-needle” projects — projects to enhance theuniversity’s academic strength, student servicesand facilities — despite declining state support.

She remained mindful of budgetary effectson students, faculty and staff while makingtough financial decisions.

“Dr. Leland leaves Georgia Collegestronger than the day she arrived,” Jordan said.“She has positioned the university admirably sowe will be able to emerge from the current state

2004 • Dr. Dorothy Leland takes office as

Georgia College’s 10th president• Week-long inaugural celebration

highlights university’s achievements• Launched Bobcat Ramble as

scholarship fundraiser

2005• Launched Learning Outside the

Classroom initiative

2006• Received $700,000 endowment from

the Goizueta Foundation for needbased scholarship support forHispanic students.

• Named among “America’s BestMaster’s Universities” by U.S. News &World Report

• Renovated Bell Hall • Received Governor’s Award for

Excellence in Historic Preservation forre-use and rehabilitation of campushistoric buildings

• Average SAT score of enteringfreshmen rises to third in UniversitySystem of Georgia

2007• Ranked among “Best in the

Southeast” by The Princeton Reviewfor the first of five consecutive years.

• Launched Center for Graduate andProfessional Learning, Macon

• Established Georgia College EarlyCollege

• Received USG Excellence inPublic/Private Ventures award forWest Campus student housing

2008• Purchased the historic Campus

Theatre• Partnered with Sallie Ellis Davis

Foundation to transform educator’shome into African-American culturalcenter

• President Leland receivedDistinguished Alumni Award fromPurdue University

2009• Established provost model for

administrative organization• President Leland elected president of

the Council of Public Liberal ArtsColleges (COPLAC)

• Completed renovations of MarvinParks Memorial and Health Sciencesbuilding

• Launched Herty Hall expansion,renovation

• Established the Museum of Fine Arts

2010• Broke ground on $28 million Wellness

& Recreation Center• Received largest individual gift in

university history from alumna MarthaNewell Daniel Newell to establishendowed Visiting Scholar program

• President Leland named amongGeorgia Trend’s “100 Most InfluentialGeorgians”

• Ranked among U.S. News & WorldReport’s “America’s Best Colleges”with “A Strong Commitment toTeaching”

• Received USG Excellence inPublic/Private Ventures award for theCampus Theatre project

• President Leland named to third termon Board of Directors of AmericanAssociation of State Colleges andUniversities

• Recognized with President’s VolunteerService Award

2011• Department of Early Childhood and

Middle Grades Education receives2011 Regents’ Teaching ExcellenceAward.

• Received Georgia Trust for HistoricPreservation Excellence inRehabilitation award for CampusTheatre

• Began public phase of $10.35 millionfundraising campaign — Pillars for the Future

• Brokered partnerships with highereducation institutions in India

• President Leland appointed toGeorgia Trust for Historic PreservationBoard of Trustees

• Launched university’s first public radiostation WRGC-FM

• Named one of nation’s 50 “BestValue” public universities by ThePrinceton Review

• Recognized with President’s VolunteerService Award with Distinction.

• Established first doctoral program

A few Georgia College highlights under President Leland:


budget crisis in good shape and ready tomove into a leadership role in the state.”

During these past couple of yearswhen the economy of the state and nationpresented so many challenges, Dr. Lelandhas worked tirelessly to preserve andadvance the liberal arts mission of theinstitution, said Ken Proctor, dean of theCollege of Arts and Sciences.

“President Leland protected andcontinued to promote the goals of thecollege — all the college — throughout thehard times,” Proctor said. “The work of thefaculty and staff has continued unabatedand without disruption. We have kept ourpromise to our students.”

Leland brought a strong fiscal presenceto the university that helped not only tosustain it but to continue makingsignificant advances.

“Leland’s ‘move-the-needle’ programallowed us to take giant steps while stillexperiencing ongoing challenges,” Jonessaid.

Leland’s perspective on universityoperations was not from a single vantagepoint.

“She had a full appreciation of thevarious roles that faculty, staff, externalsupporters, athletics, physical plantworkers, students, and all otherinstitutional constituents play,” said Dr.Bruce Harshbarger, vice president forStudent Affairs. ”As a result, staff membershave not only been empowered to do theirbest work, they've felt valued andappreciated.”

CampusFaced with aging facilities, President Lelandset out to make improvements whilepreserving campus history. Under herleadership the university:

• Renovated and doubled the size ofHerty Hall, including adding anobservatory to the planetarium andnatural history museum

• Rehabilitated and restored Marvin ParksMemorial and Health Sciences Building

• Acquired a building for the Museum ofFine Arts

• Renovated the historic Thomas Jeffersonbuilding for the Graduate andProfessional Learning Center in Macon

• Renovated Bell Hall, one of theuniversity’s original residence halls

• Launched construction of the Wellness& Recreation Center, expected to openby November

The president involved students withdecisions about the $28 million facility onWest Campus.

“When the architects made a pitch ofa particular idea, Dr. Leland, withouthesitation, turned to me and the otherstudents, and looked for us to answer thequestion,” said Zach Mullins (’11), whoserved two terms as president ofthe Student GovernmentAssociation. “To me, thisemphasized her commitmentand dedication to the students ofGeorgia College.”

CommunityPresident Leland made the university

and the community her home. Under herleadership, the university spreads its talentsthroughout Milledgeville and thesurrounding areas, and gained recognitionnationally on the President’s CommunityService Honor Roll:

• Volunteered thousands of hours throughthe GIVE Center working with localstudents, community projects and non-profit organizations

• Launched the restoration of the SallieEllis Davis House as a future African-American cultural center

• Established the university’s first publicradio station WRGC, 88.3 FM

• Transformed the historic CampusTheatre in downtown Milledgeville,preserving the art deco façade, into acommunity bookstore and performingarts theatre as well as faculty office spaceand classrooms

“We hope this blending of the old andnew will rekindle fond memories from thepast and create new memories for futuregenerations,” Leland said during the April2010 dedication of the Campus Theatre.

President Leland provided the vision,the leadership and the creative techniquesto grow Georgia College into a leaderamong public liberal arts universities,recognized nationally among the best.

Her leadership positioned GeorgiaCollege as a nationally recognized publicliberal arts university, said Dr. SandraGangstead, dean of the College of Health Sciences.

“She inspired the GC family to strivefor excellence,” Gangstead said, “and to staytrue to our missions as an undergraduatepublic liberal arts college and as a graduateinstitution committed to meeting the needsof Georgians and the Southeast region ofthe United States.” �

To see the video tribute to Dr. Leland, visit gcsu.edu/connection

Leland talks with students on the front porch of Bell Hall.


COVERSTORY

The Golden SlipperA T R A D I T I O N G L I S T E N I N G W I T H S P I R I T

By Judy Bailey

It’s Georgia College’s most treasured trophy of all time.

It represents school spirit, unity and camaraderie.

It’s about pride, working against odds and pullingtogether for the good of all.

It’s about sisterhood.

1962


COVER STO

RYFOR DECADES GOLDEN SLIPPERcompetitions transformed individual Jessiesinto families at Georgia College, then namedGeorgia State College for Women (GSCW),

uniting a student body, awakening creativity andfostering leadership abilities.

The prize: the coveted Golden Slipper, a smallgold-encrusted lady’s shoe that filled Jessies’ hearts withpride. The young women called themselves “Jessies,”derived from the sound of saying “GSCWs” quickly.

“We all pulled together and made something outof nothing,” said Christine Chandler Smallwood (’60).“We all took part — song leader, singers, actors, propmakers, writers, costume designers and stage hands.”

The 37-year Golden Slipper tradition affirmed thesisterhood of the GSCW Jessies and earned its place inthe history of Georgia College.

Curtain Call

In 1935 Dean of Women Ethel Adams initiated aspirited theatrical competition to boost student morale.Adams hoped the camaraderie would soothe thehomesick freshmen, most of whom were away fromhome for the first time.

During the annual Golden Slipper competition,upper classes embraced their younger sisters,introducing them into the collegiate world andteaching them to live and work together in harmony.

Seniors teamed with sophomores and juniors withfreshmen, creating bonds that have endured distanceand time.

During a Golden Slipper pajama party this June,Jessies from the 1940s, 1950s and 1960s gatheredaround tables, talking, laughing and singing whilepreparing for the Golden Slipper competition later thatnight.

“We’ve picked up where we left off,” Smallwoodsaid. “We developed a bond, a unity. We pulledtogether and worked ’til the work was done. And wealways did our best. We didn’t want to let each otherdown.”

For two weeks each fall between 1935 and 1972,Jessies planned and organized their competitive skits.

The women wrote scripts, rehearsed original musicand dance routines, sewed their own costumes andbuilt and painted their stage props.

“We also had to keep up our classes and otherresponsibilities,” said Susanne Rockett (’61), who ledthe singers during competitions. “There were a lot ofsleepless nights. It was quite the balancing act. But it

was worth it. We developed problem solving, leadershipand other skills we still use today.”

Every Jessie on campus took an active role.“We really haven’t changed,” said Cathey Penn

Chastain (’61), who served as editor of The Colonnade.“Reconnecting matters, even 50 years later. We stillhave that sense of being a Jessie.”

The Competitions

Competition was fierce. As the tradition grew, sodid the creativity and competitiveness of the Jessies.

The Jessies’ rendition of “Peter Pan” presentedPeter flying across Russell Auditorium from the balconyto the stage, outwitting the ticking crocodile and thecrooked arm of Captain Hook.

Other competitions also drew on the Jessies’ creativity:• “The Wizard of Oz” featured elaborate costumed

actresses portraying Dorothy, the Tin Man,Scarecrow, Cowardly Lion and Toto, too

• “Dante’s Divine Comedy” starred Lucifera and a hostof horned devils waving sharp pitchforks

• “Hansel and Gretel” donned their German-stylebibbed costumes, sharing the stage with a full-sizegingerbread house

During the 30th anniversary competition,freshmen and junior Jessies followed their theme, “Toldwith Bells,” by ringing lots of bells: countryside bells,school bells, patriotic bells, Southern belles, weddingbells, Christmas bells and a typewriter bell that endedthe message with a cheerful ding.

The sophomores’ and seniors’ theme, “TheyShaped It to Glory,” presented a parade of famouspeople: Cleopatra, Caesar, signers of the Declaration ofIndependence, Marie Antoinette, Abraham Lincolnand Queen Elizabeth II.

The Atlanta Journal and Constitution described theGolden Slipper in 1961 as “neither a play nor a parade,but something of both. It’s the GSCW equivalent ofGeorgia Tech’s homecoming weekend, withoutfootball” and as competitive “as the Tech-Georgiagame.”

“The ingenious girls try things even Broadwaywouldn’t tackle,” the AJC stated.

But winning wasn’t the real point of the GoldenSlipper, according to a 1961 freshman.

“Even if we lose, we win,” said Vickie McRae inthe AJC article. “If we learn to love each other, learnsportsmanship, then we’ve really won. That’s what thewhole thing of ‘Slipper’ is.”


Scenes from Golden Slipper days

1956 1958 1962 1959

1962 1953

1962

1966 1963

1961

1965


Last Curtain Call

As traditions go, the Golden Slipper had a greatrun. For 37 years, it achieved its purpose of buildingsisterhood among Jessies and instilling pride, creativityand unity.

And as traditions go, change often turns ritualsinto history.

The college became co-educational in 1967 and received a new name, Georgia College atMilledgeville. During the fall, 185 men joined thecampus of 1,216 women. Ennis Hall was converted toan all-male dormitory.

Shortly after the college accepted men ontocampus, the University System of Georgia Board ofRegents projected by the mid-1970s the college shouldexpand to an enrollment of 5,000. Today the universityserves 6,700 undergraduate and graduate students.

When the curtain closed at the end of the 1972slipper competition, it also ended the 37-year traditionshared by decades of Jessies.

The Golden Slipper was packed away, stored in thealumni house on South Clarke Street and has not beenseen since. The Colonnade mourned the loss of thepageant and competition in its Nov. 22, 1974, editionwith a tombstone on the front page: Golden Slipper,1935-1972, R.I.P.

Revitalization Talk

Talks of resurrecting the Golden Slipper traditionhave circulated around campus and alumni during thepast several years.

During the past few years, the Alumni Associationhosted Golden Slipper pajama parties, two in Atlantaand this year’s on campus, bringing Jessies together toembrace their memories and sisterhood.

One alumna, Ann Jane Yarbrough Parr (’61),researched and wrote “A Quest for the Golden Slipper”for this year’s Golden Slipper pajama party.

Her article begins: “Where is the Golden Slipper?Does it even still exist? Perhaps it is molding away in amisplaced box. What is a Golden Slipper, anyway? Andwhy do we care?”

Parr describes the efforts of alumna Shirley “Sam”Mell (’60) to replace the missing slipper. After Mell wasunable to locate the original Golden Slipper in theuniversity archives, she vowed to reincarnate the slipper.

She purchased a hobnailed slipper at an antique shop in Savannah and applied 25 coats of goldpaint to transform the pink shoe into a replica of theGolden Slipper.

She also recreated the pillow that held the slipperusing brown velvet, gold cording and class color ribbonson the corners.

During Alumni Weekend 2010, Mell presentedformer Georgia College President Dorothy Leland the replacement Golden Slipper on behalf of the Classof 1960.

“And so Golden Slipper mystique and mysterycontinues to evolve,” Parr wrote. “Much of the magicdepends on the imagination of each year’s students andhow they choose to create unity and loyalty on campus.The tradition, while ever changing, continues.” �

Connection thanks Ann Jane Yarbrough Parr (’61) for hercontributions to this article from her research on the historyof the Golden Slipper.

COVER STO

RY

To hear audio of historic Golden Slippercompetitions, visit gcsu.edu/connection

Golden Slipper Pajama PartyWeekend Planning Committee:

• Corinne McLemore Daniel (’60), Chair: Alumni Board Outreach Committee

• Jo Dunahoo Benton (’60)• Ann Blakley (’60)• Catherine Penn Chastain (’61) • Ann Jane Yarbrough Parr (’61) • Frances Burke Herron (’61) • Marcia Hood LeRoux (’61) • Shirley Ann Mell (’60) • Frances Paddgett (’58) • Marcia Perry (’61) • Christine Chandler Smallwood (’60)


OutdoorEducationGeorgia College is home to one of only five accredited programs in the nation

P R O G R A M S O F D I S T I N C T I O N :


MEANDERING CANYONS, PRISTINE WATERFALLSand off-course mountain trails serve as an introduction to the great outdoors for Georgia College outdoor education students.

Applying survival andnavigational strategies, outdooreducation courses often sendadventurous students intochallenging environments to learnskills such as emergency response andgroup leadership.

“Outdoor education careeroptions are tremendously diverse,”said Dr. Jude Hirsch, chair andprofessor of outdoor education in theCollege of Health Sciences. “One ofour alumni wrote for NationalGeographic Adventure magazine.”

Paths to a Unique Career

Career opportunities span from wilderness therapy toresidential hospitals and from national parks to independentand public schools.

The program also prepares students for careers inenvironmental advocacy organizations, corporate humanresources, nature centers and public and private recreationagencies. Outdoor education programs at Georgia Collegepromote holistic wellness, stewardship of naturalenvironments and group collaboration.

Outdoor education is one of six Georgia CollegePrograms of Distinction — providing a distinctive niche in an academic area of state, national andinternational significance.

At the undergraduate level, outdoor education majors can select a specialization in therapeutic use ofadventure, management, environmental education or health and physical education. They also can complete aminor in a range of disciplines such as humanities, scienceand business.

“If students can imagine their future out of the box, ourprogram may be their ticket to success,” said Hirsch. “Ourstudents develop critical thinking, leadership and planningskills for handling weather, terrain, group dynamics andparticipant readiness for the challenge.”

Outdoor Center Opportunities

In addition to its academic programs, the Departmentof Outdoor Education includes the Outdoor Center atGeorgia College.

The Outdoor Center provides outdoor educationstudents with opportunities to work with Georgia Collegefaculty, staff, students and also external organizations

nationwide. The center designs, delivers and assesses groupdevelopment, outdoor recreation, leadership developmentand professional training programs.

Academic Excellence

The Association for Experiential Education accreditsthe university’s outdoor education academic programs andOutdoor Center, making Georgia College one of fiveuniversities in the United States with such a distinction.

“Our academic programs are nationally andinternationally recognized for their maintenance ofinnovative and outstanding programming at consistentlyhigh standards,” said Hirsch, who has taught highereducation outdoor education management for 36 years. “Weengage students in supervised, real-world professionaldevelopment. We challenge them to grow as good citizens ofthe planet and excellent outdoor educators. We create acommunity of learners that is accountable to each other.”

Georgia College named outdoor education academicprograms and the Outdoor Center a Program of Distinctionin 2007. That year, both the programs and the centeroperated within the Department of Kinesiology.

Three years later Georgia College established its newDepartment of Outdoor Education, distinguishing it as theonly stand-alone outdoor education department in U.S.higher education at a public institution.

In addition to a bachelor’s degree in outdoor education,Georgia College also offers graduate studies in outdooreducation administration.

Expanding the Possibilities

During the 2010-2011 academic year Georgia College’soutdoor education program also received approval forinclusion on the Academic Common Market (ACM). Agroup of 16 Southeastern states signed a cooperativeagreement to help advance students’ access to uniqueacademic programs like outdoor education.

The agreement allows students whose home state’spublic institutions do not offer a specific program of studyto attend member universities, waiving out-of-state tuition.

Hirsch constantly explores ways to improve outdooreducation’s possibilities for students.

Next of Hirsch’s list is establishing a program to providean advanced certificate in outdoor education administrationfor practicing outdoor educators without a baccalaureate inthe discipline.

“Outdoor education is about balancing traditional andexperiential learning,” she said. “The program, embodied bya group of highly dedicated faculty members, eager studentsand an exemplary curricula, still teaches me the importanceof connectivity and collaboration in a variety of adventure-filled settings.” �

For more information, see the Outdoor Educationvideo at gcsu.edu/connection, or visitoutdoored.gcsu.edu

Hirsch


Russell Auditorium ITS TALL, WHITE COLUMNS INVITE STUDENTS ANDvisitors inside — to listen to jazz, watch a dance recital or solve a murder-mystery play. Russell Auditorium is a Georgia College landmark.

With Greek revival architecture and elegant décor, the 83-year-old auditorium serves the university and the community.

Well-known scholars, actors and writers have performed onthe 1,000-square-foot stage before packed-house crowds of1,000 visitors.

Russell Auditorium has hosted university presidentialinaugurations, graduations, Golden Slipper contests,performances, lectures, and dance and theatre workshops.During the 1930s, “Jessies” attended weekend events in the hallwith Georgia Military College cadets and talking movies cameto life on the big screen.

Bob Hope aired his radio show from Russell Auditorium inMay 1943 with a live audience of students and naval trainees.

A complete renovation in 1996 gave new life to Russell. Itscolumned front porch, curved balcony and elaborate moldingand chandeliers remain images of days gone by. Corinthiancolumns line the walls from the foyer to the stage.

During the summer of 2006, the front landscape received amakeover, transforming what was a parking lot into a tree-linedcourtyard and grand entrance. In 2008, technology cameknocking with the installation of computerized lighting andsound systems and a high-definition digital projector.

Today, Russell Auditorium is in high demand. The venuehosts events at least 50 weeks of each year.

Designed by North Carolina architect J.R. MacEachronand constructed in 1926, Russell is the university’s secondauditorium. It replaced the original auditorium destroyed by firein 1924.

The university icon is named in honor of Judge Richard B.Russell (1861-1938), who served on the Georgia Court ofAppeals and as chief justice of the Georgia Supreme Court. Hisvisage on the front porch greets visitors.

In 1887, at age 26, Russell introduced the first bill toestablish a publicly funded women's college in Georgia. Eventhough his bill failed and Georgia College had to wait anothertwo years to be established, Russell remained one of thiscollege's staunchest supporters, serving as president of the boardof directors from 1918 until 1932. �

HISTORY&HERITAGE

For more information about the history of Georgia College, search “archives” at gcsu.edu

By Judy Bailey


LAWYER, LEGISLATOR,BUSINESSMAN AND JUDGE,Richard B. Russell (1861-1938) served asChief Judge of the Georgia Court ofAppeals and Chief Justice of the GeorgiaSupreme Court. He strongly supportedGeorgia College, serving as president ofits board of directors from 1918 until1932. He later was appointed to the firstBoard of Regents of the UniversitySystem of Georgia.

Russell Auditorium, a building thathas become a campus icon, was built in1926 and dedicated in his honor.

The judge’s respect for the collegeprompted him to educate five of his sixdaughters on the campus inMilledgeville: Mary Willie Russell Green(‘13); Ina Dillard Russell Stacy (‘10);Marguerite Russell Bowden (‘15);Harriette Brumby Russell Sharpton (‘18);and Patience Elizabeth Russell Peterson(‘21), according to Sally RussellWarrington who wrote her grandfather’sbiography, “A Heart for Any Fate.”

“My mother, the late PatienceElizabeth Russell Peterson, was the last,graduating in the Class of 1921,” saidHugh Peterson, an Atlanta attorney whoserves on the Georgia CollegeFoundation Board of Trustees. “Herfather was the speaker at her graduation.”

Judge Russell considered it a highhonor that the auditorium was named forhim, Warrington said.

“Russell Auditorium enhancesGeorgia College by both its handsomepresence and its capabilities,” Petersonsaid. “I am of course proud that it is

named for my grandfather, whom Iadmire very much.”

“Nothing could have pleased himmore,” Warrington said, “that today youare writing an article which tells thehistory of that building and does honorto his work. That would make himsupremely happy.”

Russell and his wife, Blandina (Ina)Dillard, married in 1891 and had 13children. She was a teacher.

The university’s Ina Dillard RussellLibrary is named in her honor, and thePat Peterson Museum Education Roomin the library for Hugh Peterson’s mother,Patience Elizabeth Russell Peterson.

The family history of service toeducation and the state continued withtheir fourth child and first son, RichardB. Russell Jr. In addition to serving onthe USG Board of Regents, he alsobecame a state representative, governor ofGeorgia and a U.S. senator.

Service to Georgia College also hascontinued through the Russell family.Patience Elizabeth Russell Peterson setthe example for her son, Hugh Peterson,who joined the Foundation Board ofTrustees in 2010.

“My mother served on theFoundation Board of Trustees in the1980s,” Peterson said. “She also servedfrom 1970 to 1975 on the Board of Regents of the University System of Georgia.”

Today a fourth generation of theRussell family attends Georgia College.

Judge Russell’s great-granddaughter,Alexandria Russell, is pursuing a Master

of Public Administration.“I’m proud of my great-

grandfather’s role in establishing thecollege. The family connections withGeorgia College made my decision easywhen looking for a graduate program,”Russell said. “I am very proud of myfamily. I hope one day to work ingovernment as well and give back tosociety as much as they did.”

The Russell family tree alsobranches to a retired faculty member.Biology Professor Emerita Dr. HarriettWhipple is married to the Russell’s great-nephew, Fielding Whipple.

“Our Russell family has hadconnections with Georgia College overthe years,” Peterson said. “GrandfatherRussell instilled in his family acommitment to higher education and service, which we continue toembrace today.” �

HISTO

RY&H

ERITAG

E

Russell Auditorium’s

Family Connections

By Judy Bailey

Alexandria Russell, great-granddaughter of Richard B. Russell.

Richard B. Russell


SPORTS SoccerIN 2010, THE BOBCAT SOCCER PROGRAM WELCOMED THE THIRDhead coach in its history in Hope Clark. Georgia College fought to a 7-7-3 overallrecord, taking fifth in the Peach Belt Conference (PBC). The season did end thethree-year stretch of double digit wins for the Bobcats, but continued a four-yearrun without a losing record.

Clark returns 13 experienced student-athletes, including a pair of All-PBC playersin midfielder Karen Bonilla (Manassas, Va.) and defender Tawny Moffat (PeachtreeCity, Ga.). Also back is the leading scorer from a year ago, sophomore BrittaneyBorror (Evans, Ga.). Despite the solid base, Bobcat soccer will have a vastly newidentity, due in large part to 15 newcomers to the roster.

The new arrivals are highlighted by a trio of transfers from Auburn UniversityMontgomery, Clark’s prior coaching home. The key to the 2011 season for GCsoccer is making sure the newcomers gel quickly with the established players. Theseason began Friday, Sept. 2, and continues into late October.

Bobcats2011 FallSportsPreview

Cross-CountryTHE BOBCATS RETURN ALL-PBC RUNNERS ON THE MEN’Sand women’s sides, as senior Daniel Horseman (Cohutta, Ga.) andsophomore Allison Lones (Kathleen, Ga.) return to lead theirrespective teams. Both broke long-standing school records in 2010, andwill be counted upon to echo those performances.

Bobcat men’s cross-country battled injuries and illnesses throughoutthe 2010 season, and still managed solid finishes throughout the year.Georgia College took fourth place at the PBC Championships and aninth-place finish at the NCAA Southeast Regional.

Bobcat women’s cross-country had a great start to the 2010 campaign,finishing in the top three in their first six races. Armed withexperienced runners and led by an impact freshman in Lones, theBobcats took sixth at the PBC Championships, adding a top-10 finishat the NCAA Southeast Regional.

Bobcat cross-country started the 2011 campaign with a home meet, the Bobcat Invitational, on Friday, Sept. 2, and will be runninginto November.

Bonilla Moffat Borror Horseman Lones

Keep up with Bobcat sports scores, statistics and more atgcbobcats.com or facebook.com/gcbobcats.

By Al Weston

Lones and Horseman


SPORTS

WHEN CHELSEA WILSON GRADUATEDfrom the mass communication program in fall2009, the Jacksonville, Fla. native also left behinda legacy on the softball field. Wilson was one ofthe three four-year members of that season’ssenior class, the most successful four-year span inGeorgia College softball history.

Wilson spent four seasons with the Bobcats,seeing time at both first base and designatedplayer. She played in 162 games for GeorgiaCollege, and still ranks in the career top-10 inhome runs. In each of her four seasons, GCadvanced to the NCAA Tournament, earning aregion title and trip to the Division II CollegeWorld Series in 2006 and the school’s only PeachBelt Conference Tournament Championship in2009.

Wilson couldn’t get softball out of her bloodand is now the fastpitch promotions manager forWorth Sports, handling all professional,collegiate and grassroots marketing efforts for thesports equipment company’s fastpitch division.Wilson credits her success to her time at GeorgiaCollege, mass communication classes, practicumexperience in the sports information departmentand landing an internship in the National ProFastpitch (NPF) league of professional softball.

Q&A with ChelseaWhat was your career path?

It definitely wasn’t a set path, but definitelyproved “everything happens for a reason.” Aftergraduation, I took an internship in Allentown,Pa. with the NPF as the media relations internfor the Philadelphia Force, and then moved toHouston to do the same with the Houston Astrosof MLB.

How’d my job come about? It’s funny. Inmy Mass Comm classes, the professors alwaysstressed “networking, networking, networking,”and that’s exactly what worked. During myinternship with the NPF, I met my future bossduring a rain delay. One of his sponsoredathletes, Stacy Nuveman, sponsored my travel

ball team growing up. She was there representingWorth, and while waiting on her I struck up aconversation with Dennis. Seven months later aposition was created for a fastpitch manager and Igot the call. If Stacy wasn’t there… if it hadn’trained… if I hadn’t met Dennis...

How did your role as a student-athletehelp shape you as a person in college?

Timeliness, time management, attention todetail, leadership, professionalism and teamworkare all characteristics taught in collegiate sports. Iknow how to meet a deadline, take the lead, takedirection and write in AP style, too!

What was your favorite place to be onthe Georgia College campus [other thanthe Peeler Complex softball field]?

Wow… that’s a good question. The GeorgiaCollege campus is hard to beat. To date, I haveonly seen one university campus that aestheticallycompetes with Front Campus. But, as far asfavorites go, if I had to choose one place otherthan the field, I’d have to say Centennial Center;my family’s there.

What attracted you to Georgia College?Love at first sight with the campus, but then

I was sold with how friendly and helpful everyperson I walked by was. It’s unusual to get a smileand have a genuine conversation with everyoneyou pass. I felt at home five minutes into myvisit.

What advice would you have for futureGeorgia College students to get themost of their experience at GC?

Take opportunities and run with them.There’s no time like in college where you can say“why not” and really put all that you have intosomething. Don’t be afraid to try something new.I’ve moved from Jacksonville, to Milledgeville, toAllentown, to Houston and now to St. Louisbecause I welcomed opportunities. Take a chance. �

Bobcat Alumni: Where are they now? Chelsea Wilson

By Al Weston


FACULTY

Former President Leland and former Chair of the Foundation Board of Trustees TadBrown (left) present Dr. Eustace Palmer with the Distinguished Professor Award.


DR. EUSTACE PALMER TAKES GEORGIA COLLEGE STUDENTS DEEP INTO THEAfrican experience.

From the condition of womanhood in West Africa to greed and power in unknown land,Palmer paints pictures in students’ minds of African traditions and modern-day lifestyles.

“As a critic and teacher, it’s important my students take away a sympathetic and balancedknowledge of the African situation — one that is quite different from the picture propagatedby the media,” said the Georgia College professor of English.

Palmer’s research activity during the past 30 years has produced African literatureinternationally respected in the United States, Canada, Europe, India, Australia, Africa and theUnited Kingdom.

The pioneer of African studies has published four books about African literature and oneon English studies. He also has published more than 60 articles, reviews and book chapters inacademic journals worldwide.

He helped develop African studies both as an autonomous area of study and part ofinternational studies at Georgia College.

Because of his dedication to and recognition in African literature, Palmer recently receivedGeorgia College’s prestigious award as 2010-2011 Distinguished Professor.

“I’m delighted and quite pleasantly overwhelmed,” said Palmer. “I’ve received anoutpouring of congratulations from colleagues and friends, not only at Georgia College and in our community, but also from former students and colleagues at institutions here and overseas.”

Palmer is a master of learning and teaching outside the classroom. The African studiestrailblazer sponsors a Georgia College delegation to the simulation of the Heads of State of theAfrican Union each fall.

In recognition of his achievements in community service, he previously earned theGeorgia College Irene Rose Community Service Award during the 2007-2008 academic year.

“Like so many other things, combining a heavy teaching load, active research andscholarship and community service requires hard work and discipline,” Palmer said.

Amid an intensive 2010 academic year, the Sierra Leonian-born professor published threenew books about African experience, social justice and lifestyles: Canfira’s Travels, A Hangingis Announced and A Tale of Three Women.

Palmer also authored An Introduction to the African Novel and The Growth of the AfricanNovel, basic texts in the English curricula used by many universities worldwide.

Palmer continues to spread his knowledge and writings about Africa through thought-provoking literature. He currently is penning a fourth novel.

“African literature is now an established and popular component of the English major,”said Palmer. “I hope my knowledge of the African experience, past and present, gives studentsthe desire to visit Africa at some time in the future and experience the continent firsthand.” �

by Candace MorrowDr. Eustace PalmerA Georgia College ‘Distinguished Professor’

For more informationcontact Dr. Palmer at:

[email protected], (478) 445-5557, or visit

africaworldpressbooks.com


ALUMNIPROFILE

Alex Gregory (’78, ’79) takes pride inmentoring Georgia College studentsthrough the Georgia EducationMentorship (GEM) program, such asrecent alumna Meredith Carpenter (’11).


PROFIL

E

Alex GregoryDespite career demands, alumnus is making a difference to his alma materAS THE CHAIR, CEO AND PRESIDENT OF YKKCorporation of America, Georgia College alumnus AlexGregory (’78, ’79) zips around the globe.

His international work takes him across the UnitedStates, into Canada and to Latin America. Gregory alsotravels to Tokyo, headquarters of YKK Corporation, and toother locations in Japan several times a year.

Gregory oversees development of hundreds of newproducts manufactured under the YKK and YKK APbrands: zippers, fasteners and architectural products forcommercial and residential construction.

Recently, Gregory assumed a new leadership rolewithin the international company. In April 2011, he wasnamed chairman to the board of YKK Corporation ofAmerica (YCA). He also was the first non-Japanesemember of the Board of Directors of YKK Corporation inJapan from 2008 to 2010.

“We live in a global world offering a lot ofopportunities,” said Gregory. “My favorite part of my jobis networking with global colleagues and understandingthe needs of our international customers.”

Gregory’s YCA oversees 13 companies operatingthroughout Colombia, the West Indies and North andCentral America.

“I’ve always enjoyed learning from different people ofdifferent backgrounds,” Gregory said. “I also like to sharemy experiences with family, colleagues and students.”

Gregory earned both a Master of BusinessAdministration and a Master of Science in Administrationdegree from Georgia College. His bachelor’s degree intextile engineering came from Georgia Tech.

“I enjoyed my statistics and management courses atGeorgia College so much I didn’t want to stop learningand advancing my degrees,” said Gregory.

In fact, Gregory’s organization theory class made suchan impact that he currently uses the course textbook,Structure and process of organizations: A systems approach byArlyn J. Melcher, as a reference in his office.

“I took that course the summer of ’76, and what Ilearned then still has tremendous relevance in ourorganization planning today,” he said.

Despite a demanding schedule and responsibilities,Gregory makes time to give back to Georgia College. Hehas served as a member of the Foundation Board of

Trustees for more than 20 years, twice serving as chair.During 2001, Gregory received the Georgia CollegeAlumni Achievement Award, and in 2002, he was honoredas Georgia College’s Executive of the Year presented by theJ. Whitney Bunting College of Business.

Gregory is a longtime supporter and mentor tostudents participating in the university’s GeorgiaEducation Mentorship (GEM) Program. He also donates annually to the Georgia College Foundation, and its current “Pillars for the Future: Campaign toSustain Excellence.”

“I owe my success in large part to Georgia College,”said Gregory. “Helping to guide our future leaders is theleast I can do.”

Through Gregory’s service with The Carter Center’sBoard of Councilors, his GEM leadership students meetdignitaries such as former President Jimmy Carter andConsul General of Japan in Atlanta Takuji Hanatani.

“These students are going to meet individuals from allwalks of life,” he said. “I strongly encourage them to pickup a second or third language during their studies.”

With 28 years of military service, the retired NavalReserve Commander served three years on active duty inthe U.S. Navy before joining YKK.

Gregory remains deeply involved with Atlanta’s andGeorgia’s Japanese business community. He serves on theboard of the Japan America Society of Georgia. In 2000 hewas awarded the Japanese Chamber’s first annualYamabikokai Award.

He also earned the first-ever Governor George BusbeeAward from Gov. Sonny Perdue in 2004.

Gregory is one of five CEOs profiled in the book Startwith Humility: Lessons from America’s Quiet CEOs on Howto Build Trust and Inspire Followers by Merwyn A. Hayesand Michael D. Comer. Through the stories of fivehumble leaders, the book discusses the true meaning ofhumility and why it is key to successful leadership.

“I encourage students not to get hung up on titlesand salaries,” Gregory said. “I remind students all the timethey should focus on joining the right company andbecoming a reliable employee who is enthusiastic aboutaccepting new challenging responsibilities. When theycontinue doing good things within that company,someone will notice.” �

See Alex Gregory’s involvement withthe Georgia College GEM Program atgcsu.edu/connection

by Candace Morrow


ALUMNI

DR. KENDRA RUSSELL, (’94, ’00), HAS BEENappointed Georgia College interim director ofthe Center for Graduate and ProfessionalLearning in Macon, Ga.

At the Macon Center, Russell will aid inrecruiting graduate students, developcommunity partnerships and oversee budgetand facility operations. She will continue toteach as an associate professor in the School ofNursing, where she has been assistant directorfor the School of Nursing in the College ofHealth Sciences at Georgia College.

Russell earned her Georgia Collegebachelor’s degree in nursing in 1994 and amaster’s degree in nursing administration in2000. She also earned a doctorate in nursingfrom Georgia State University.

Russell previously served as a registerednurse at Pediatric Services of America in Maconand in the neonatal intensive care unit at theMedical Center of Central Georgia. �

Principal named for Georgia College Early College

DR. RUNEE BRYANT SALLAD (’93) HAS BEEN NAMEDprincipal at Georgia College Early College.

Sallad began her duties June 1 at the non-traditionalinnovative school on the campus of Georgia College.

Georgia College Early College is an alternative totraditional middle and high schools operated as a partnershipamong Baldwin County and Putnam County schools, OconeeRESA (Regional Educational Service Agency) and the John H.Lounsbury College of Education at Georgia College.

Sallad graduated from Georgia College in 1993 with abachelor’s degree in early childhood education.

She earned a master’s degree in early childhood educationat Fort Valley State College; a doctorate in educationalleadership certification and a specialist degree in educationalleadership at Troy State University in Phenix City, Ala.; and asecond doctorate in educational leadership from ArgosyUniversity in Sarasota, Fla. �

Russell leads Georgia College’sMacon Graduate Center

Russell

Sallad


GEORGIA COLLEGE’S FIRST CAPITAL CAMPAIGN,announced in the spring 2011 issue of Connection, has madedramatic progress the past quarter. Under the leadership ofcampaign chair Stan Wilson (’77) and the volunteer campaigncommittee, ‘Pillars for the Future: Campaign to SustainExcellence’ is currently at 86 percent of the $10.35 million goal.

The current phase of the campaign is targeting the broad base ofloyal and proud Georgia College alumni across the country. Manyhave already received a personal letter from Stan and Debi Wilson,and stepped up to invest in Georgia College and support thisinaugural comprehensive capital campaign.

The campaign is focused on six funding priorities:• Endowed scholarships• Endowed professorships and chairs• Endowed undergraduate research• Endowed lecture series• Program support and facilities• Facilities

The success of the campaign thus far has been driven by its focuson the people of Georgia College — namely our incrediblestudents and talented faculty members.

With new cutbacks in the HOPE scholarship program, the needfor additional endowed scholarship funds is at an all-time high atGeorgia College. Among the recent scholarship endowments isone established in memory of Herman Hall, a longtimeMilledgeville resident and community leader, by his family,including his wife, Jean, and daughters Kim Martin (’82), KarenElizabeth Tyson (’89) and Kristin Villareal (’90). Martin currentlyserves on the Georgia College & State University FoundationBoard of Trustees and was the driving force behind the creation ofthis fund to support need-based scholarships in honor of Hall andhis family’s lifelong commitment to providing access to highereducation.

As the state’s designated public liberal arts university, GeorgiaCollege creates an environment that fuels learning anddiscovery. To maintain our dynamic teaching environment, weneed to ensure that we are able to recruit and retain top-flight anddedicated faculty members. In the early stages of the capitalcampaign, the university has been fortunate to add two endowedprofessorships. These prestigious endowments will ensure that theuniversity’s distinguished legacy of stellar teaching continues.

.

‘Pillars for the Future’ CampaignReaches 86 percent of Goal

To learn more about the campaign, visitgcsu.edu/foundation


A father’s love for astronomy prompted Dr. Doug Pohl,professor of chemistry, to donate a gift of more than $100,000to enable Georgia College to buy an observatory telescope.

DONORPROFILE

Professor provides far-sighted gift By Harry Battson


THE 24-INCH RESEARCH-CLASS TELESCOPE — “as big asmany on the East Coast,” Pohl said— will arrive this fall and provide

a resource for faculty, students and the publicto observe and study the stars. “Thetelescope will give us a really positiveoutreach into the community for science,” Pohl said, “and Ihope it will interest more young people in the love of scienceas a career.”

The Herty Hall observatory will have the ability to rotate360 degrees. With the use of filters to block the Milledgevillelights, the telescope will provide an excellent view to theplanets, comets and stars.

“When school kids get a look at the moon through thisscope, they’ll scream with thrill, and I’m willing to bet thatmore than a few Georgia College students will gape inwonder,” said College of Arts and Sciences Dean Ken Procter.“I know I’ll get in line! I am totally bowled over by thegenerosity of Doug’s gift and its far-reaching impact. What a wonderful capstone to Doug’s career as a researcherand teacher!”

The donation honors his grandmother, May W. Pohl,and his father, Herbert A. Pohl, a distinguished scientist andprofessor whose interest in astronomy was shared with BoyScouts and others as Pohl grew up.

Pohl’s gift culminates 35 years of teaching at GeorgiaCollege, a period long enough for him to have past studentsretire before he did this summer and for him to have enjoyedteaching the children of some of his earlier students.Although Pohl officially is retired, he continues to teach part time and chairs the local section of the AmericanChemical Society.

Dr. Ken McGill, chair of the department of chemistry,physics and astronomy, said the gift represents a truly graciouscontinuation of the way Pohl has enriched the university formany years, and has enriched many young people’s mindsabout the wonders of chemistry. “He has involvedundergraduate students in research that piqued their desire tolearn more,” said McGill. “The department can’t thank Dr.Pohl enough for this donation that will certainly keep thedesire to learn more alive in all who visit the facility.”

“It’s hard for me to go anywhere without having myformer students say hello,” Pohl said. “Doctors and dentists intown, nurses in hospitals throughout Central Georgia,teachers. I would say my students are a measure of my successand I’ve had some excellent students.”

Any funds remaining from his donation after thepurchase of the telescope will go toward research scholarshipsfor chemistry students. At Georgia College, each chemistryfaculty member mentors a freshman and continues to guidethe student’s research projects throughout his or her studies.

“It’s been a wonderful career here,” said Pohl. “I hope that my contributions will stimulate more students to think about science.”

Pohl attended Johns Hopkins University asan undergraduate, then earned his Ph.D. inorganic chemistry from Penn State in 1974.

He returned to Johns Hopkins for post-doctoral research andtaught at the University of Toledo briefly before coming toGeorgia College in 1976. His research interests includecellular spin resonance and selective chlorination.

Pohl credits his grandmother and father for his career inscience. His grandmother encouraged his father’s educationand never stopped pursuing her own. His father became aphysical chemist, working for DuPont and later as a facultymember in the Physics Department at Oklahoma StateUniversity, obtaining several patents and authoring books onQuantum Mechanics for Science and Engineering andDielectrophoresis: the behavior of neutral matter innonuniform electric fields, the first source cited in theWikipedia entry on the topic.

Pohl and his father were involved in a joint researchproject when his father suddenly died. Since a post-doctoralresearcher also was involved, Pohl brought him to GeorgiaCollege — possibly the university’s first post-doctoralresearcher. “The college wasn’t sure we could bring him here,but he was being paid from the grant that we had, so he was a free resource and helped to teach classes whilecontinuing the research.”

Pohl and his wife of 44 years, Gail, have three grownchildren and 15 grandchildren. Their oldest son, Chris,teaches third grade in Atlanta. Eric is a physical therapist inthe Macon area and Dianna married a pastor and is living inSalem, Ore.

He and Gail this year are presidents of the local squaredancing organization, the Oconee River Buskers. The weeklyforays onto the dance floor enable him “to spend time withthe love of my life.”

Pohl notes that while he was born in the United States,he was not born in any state. So where was he born?Washington, D.C. That story is only a prelude to other birthsin his family.

“My grandmother’s dad was an English sea captain and,when he married, they went on a world cruise,” he recounts.“My grandmother was born off the coast of Chile. She wasn’tchristened until six months later when they returned toEngland. And Dad was born on American soil in Lisbon,Portugal (in the US embassy).” Pohl’s grandfather wasworking in Portugal at the time.

With such a global history, it’s no wonder the Pohls havecast their gazes at the stars. �


CLASSNOTES

1960sAnn Waits Pearson (‘69) wasawarded the Outstanding SeniorVolunteer award for NassauCounty, Fla. Ann retired fromteaching in 2004. She views hervolunteer service as a gift to hercommunity and to theeducational process in general.Ann graduated from GeorgiaCollege with a Bachelor ofScience degree in education.

1970sCathy O'Dillon (‘76) retired fromthe Bibb County School Systemafter teaching music toelementary school children for 35years. She taught in BaldwinCounty for two years beforegoing on to teach in Bibb Countyfor another 33 years. Cathyearned a bachelor’s of musiceducation degree from GeorgiaCollege in 1976.

1990sFrances E. Cater, Ph.D. (‘91)was recently named presidentand CEO of the Union Mission inSavannah, Ga., by theorganization’s board of directors.In her new position, Frances willlead the charge to reducehomelessness in the Savannahcommunity. Before joining UnionMission, she served as theassociate director for academicprogram development at theMercer University School ofMedicine in Macon, Ga., as wellas the assistant director of themaster’s of public health programin the Department of CommunityMedicine. Frances received hermaster's in psychology fromGeorgia College in 1991. Shelater earned a doctorate ineducational leadership in highereducation at the Tift College ofEducation at Mercer University inMacon, Ga.

Mark Weaver (‘95) (‘02) hasbeen appointed Fine ArtsProgram director for the GeorgiaMilitary College Prep School.Before taking on his new role atGMC on July 1, Mark had a 16-year career at Baldwin HighSchool as the theater director.

Tresa Cheatham (‘96) has beennamed the assistant principal ofBirmingham Falls ElementarySchool in Fulton County, Ga.Tresa has been in special needseducation for both middle andelementary schools in Georgia,including a position as a specialeducation teacher and anassistant principal in FultonCounty Schools. When Tresa isnot teaching, she enjoys thecompany of her husband, Sharif,and her daughters Chan, Aliyahand Leia. She also enjoys readingand decorating.

Richard Blevins (‘97) becamepartner in the law firm of Rickman& Blevins, P.C., in Marietta, Ga.,on January 1, 2011.

Antonio Ingram (‘97) (‘99) is thenewly appointed principal atMidway Elementary School inMilledgeville, Ga. Antonio hasbeen teaching since graduatingfrom Georgia College in 1997.After only four years of teaching,Antonio was recognized as theTeacher of the Year for BaldwinHigh School.

Aaron Hall (‘98)was named thenew headbaseball coachfor Thomson HighSchool by theMcDuffie Countyschool board

June 9, 2011. In addition tobeing the head baseball coach,he will also serve as head footballcoach and athletic director atThomson-McDuffie MiddleSchool. Before being named tohis new position, Aaron served asthe assistant coach for the pasttwo years. Aaron and his wifeBekki have two children.

Tracy Davis Keil (‘99) (‘11),former Georgia College JazzBand singer, was voted Teacherof the Year at Fairview ThemeSchool in Covington, Ga. Tracyearned a Bachelor of Musicdegree in 1999 and later went onto get a Music EducationCertificate in 2002. Most recently,she earned Master of MusicEducation in 2011.

2000sApril Brooks Bragg (‘00) wasappointed the chief executiveofficer of the Milledgeville-Baldwin County Chamber ofCommerce. Prior to herappointment as the newChamber CEO, April worked asan assistant vice president andmortgage loan officer for BB&T.She has also worked as marketingdirector and media specialist forThe Union-Recorder. April andher husband, Terry Bragg (’95),have two children, Abi (4) andDrew (2). Terry is the director ofbands at Oak Hill Middle School.The Bragg family lives inMilledgeville, Ga., where they areactive members of NorthridgeChristian Church.

Jason A. Peterson (‘01) receivedhis Doctorate of Philosophy fromthe University of SouthernMississippi on May 13, 2011. Hecurrently works at Berry Collegeas an assistant professor. Jason ismarried to Joy Eady Peterson(‘02).

Jan Kraemer Cash (‘02) receivedan Ed.S. in EducationalLeadership on April 24, 2011.

Matt Davis (‘02)(‘04) was appointedas the director ofthe Hay House inMacon, Ga. Asdirector of HayHouse, Matt will

manage all aspects of thenational historic landmark housemuseum. Prior to joining theTrust’s Hay House staff, Mattserved as curator of the OldGovernor’s Mansion, a propertyof Georgia College. While onstaff at Georgia College, Mattplanned and coordinated themansion’s tourism and educationprogram, including the Watson-Brown Foundation’s Junior Boardof Trustees. Matt and his wife LisaPepple Davis (‘03) (‘06) (‘08) (‘10)live in Gray, Ga., with their twochildren, Addison and Aiden.

Elizabeth Pool (‘03) earned herJuris doctor from MercerUniversity's Walter F. GeorgeSchool of Law in May 2011. Afterearning her Bachelor of Sciencedegree in psychology fromGeorgia College, Elizabethworked for the Griffin-SpaldingCounty School System and the

American Cancer Society prior tobeginning law school in 2008.Elizabeth is employed with thelaw firm of Smith, Welch, Webb &White in McDonough, Ga., whereshe will begin as an associate inthe fall.

Holly Crosby Snelling (‘04) wasrecently appointed to director ofadmissions for MonsignorDonovan Catholic High School inAthens, Ga. Prior to her newposition, Holly coordinated allcommunications for the GeorgiaCollege Registrar’s Office andalso worked for Mount de SalesAcademy in Macon, Ga., inalumni relations. Holly is marriedto Lee A. Snelling (‘01) (‘03) whois the director of development forthe Eugene P. Odum School ofEcology at the University ofGeorgia. Holly and Lee have oneson, Ethan, and live in Athens.

Megan Tiedeman Bowen (‘06)(‘08) recently opened Play! ACreative Studio in downtownMilledgeville, Ga. The uniquenew business provides awelcoming environment forchildren and their families to beinspired, to create, and to play!Megan is extremely excited tobring this new offering to theMilledgeville-Baldwin Countycommunity.

Mike Madison (‘06) (‘07)married Megan Mabry Madisonon March 19, 2011. Mike is theproduct manager with PossibleNow. The happy couple residesin Atlanta, Ga.

Justin Webb Roberts (‘06) andJessica Chambers Roberts (‘07)welcomed their first child, TurnerWebb, into the world on May 5,2011 at 4:14 p.m. Turner was 7lbs. 14 oz., and 21 in. long.

Katie Peterson (‘07) wasrecently appointed the marketingdirector for the Lawrenceville(Ga.) Tourism & TradeAssociation.


CLASS N

OTES

Jonathan Pope (‘07) waspromoted to vice presidentand branch manager forExchange Bank inMilledgeville, Ga. Jonathanbegan his career at ExchangeBank in 2000 and wasaccepted in the managertrainee in 2006. He has beenaccepted to participate in theLeadership Baldwin Class of2011.

Nadirah Ross Mayweather(‘08) (‘10) was recentlymarried to JeremyMayweather (‘08).

Adam Hammond (‘08) is nowa reporter for News Channel 3in Memphis, Tenn. Heofficially joined the team inAugust 2011. Before movingto Memphis, Adam was ananchor and reporter forWGXA in Macon, Ga. Duringhis tenure at WGXA Adamspecialized in legal reporting.He also covered many historicevents in Central Georgiaincluding the 2008 Mother'sDay tornadoes and PresidentBarack Obama's visit.

Elyssa Sanner (‘09) recentlybegan her library career asthe metadata and catalogingservices librarian, assistantprofessor status, at NorthernMichigan University inMarquette, Mich. Shereceived her Bachelor of Artsin English degree fromGeorgia College in 2009,followed by her Master ofScience in library sciencedegree from the University ofNorth Carolina at Chapel Hillin May 2011.

Allison Brown Wilkinson(’09) obtained herFundamental PayrollCertification (FPC) from theAmerican Payroll Associationin April 2011. Mrs. Wilkinsonis a payroll analyst for theUniversity System of GeorgiaShared Services Center (SSC)in Sandersville, Ga. The SSCprocesses payroll for over34,000 employees within theUniversity System of Georgia,including Georgia Collegeemployees. She has beenemployed with the SharedServices Center since itsopening in spring of 2009.

Allison currently dances inGeorgia College’s ContinuingEducation Program. She andher husband, Eric, reside inMilledgeville, Ga.

2010sKelly Daniel (‘10) and DanielWilkinson (‘08) were marriedon Georgia College’s FrontCampus on June 11, 2011.Daniel is currently working asan IT specialist at the Veteranshospital in Atlanta. Kellyworks for Gwinnett CountyPublic Schools as a specialeducation teacher.

Tyler Adolph (‘11) will beworking at Georgia College asa graduate assistant whilepursuing a graduate degree.

Tracy Arnett (‘11) hasrecently accepted a positionas a registered nurse at theMedical Center of CentralGeorgia.

Lisa Baer (‘11) will beteaching in Korea.

Madeline Balmes (‘11) hasbeen hired on at MOGODesign, Inc. as a sales andmarketing assistant manager.

Jeff Brittain (‘11) is currentlyworking for the MissouriDepartment of Conservationas an aquatic biologist.

Claire Cantrell (‘11) washired on in July as a new staffadministrator for NewtGingrich’s 2012 presidentialcampaign. Before joining thestaff for Newt Gingrich, Claireworked as an intern for Sen.Saxby Chambliss.

Brad Cone (‘11) will beattending seminary in NorthCarolina at the SoutheasternBaptist TheologicalSeminary. Brad and his wife,Casey Cone (‘11), will residein North Carolina until Bradcompletes his studies.

John DeShazer (‘11) is ahealthcare recruiter forMaxim Healthcare Services.

Cristyn Farrell (‘11) is anintern with Melissa Libby &Associates.

Jennifer Gower (‘11) will beworking with Teach forAmerica as an Englishteacher.

Matthew Hart (‘11) wasaccepted in to themanagement trainingprogram for Flowers Foods.

Emily Hensley (‘11) washired on at the MedicalCenter of Central Georgia asa registered nurse.

James A. Hollowed (‘11) isworking with Lisa RaganCustoms Brokerage as anaccount representative.

Lauren Ivey (‘11) will beworking for the LifeEnrichment Center as amusic therapist.

Zach Mullins (‘11) hasaccepted a position in salesas a sales associate with theCox Media Group.

Trevor Parker (‘11) joinedthe team at Linode.com asthe new Linux technicalsupport associate.

Suzanne Payne (‘11) isworking as a nurse forDoctor's Hospital.

Erin Robinson (‘11) will beworking as a marketing andclient services intern.

Haley Robison (‘11) is nowworking as a registerednurse for Gwinnett MedicalCenter.

Jessica L. Tutt (‘11) hasjoined the Peace Corps as avolunteer.

In Memoriam

Mrs. Gertrude “Trudy” Baker Daugherty

1930sMrs. Margaret Snow Wade (‘34)Mrs. Sara Mathis Chambers (‘35)Mrs. Sarah Owen McGarity (‘36)Mrs. Margaret Powell Talton (‘38)Mrs. Evelyn Comer Vandiver (‘38)Mrs. Margaret “Gracie” Pettyjohn (‘39)

1940sMrs. Ellen Ennis Killingsworth (‘40)Mrs. Amanda Hughes Moseley (‘40)Mrs. Catherine Johnson Telford (‘40)Mrs. Edith Hogg Buchanan (‘41)Mrs. Mary Burford Martin (‘41)Ms. Ruth “Tommie” Thompson Ryder(‘42)Mrs. Myrtle Livingston Meador (‘43)Mrs. Kathryn Amerson Tanner (‘43)Mrs. Ada “Nelle” Ellis Wade (‘43)Mrs. Mary Swygert Self (‘44)Dr. Kate McKemie (‘45)Mrs. Flora “Marie” Mitchell White (‘45)Mrs. Margie Holland Greenwood (‘47)Mrs. Maude Morris Claxton (‘48)Mrs. Mary Meadows Nelson (‘49)Mrs. Josephine Meador Turner (‘49)

1950sMrs. Marie Boothe Abney (‘52)Mrs. Nellie Shirey Herringdine (‘54)

1960sMrs. Carolyn Swearingen Jordan (‘65)Mrs. Margarita “Nina” Acosta Woodhall(‘66)

1970sMr. Russell “Russ” Newburn Tisdale (‘70)Dr. David Henry Payne (‘72)Mrs. Barbara Pritchard Christian (‘73)Mr. Michael Cary Adams (‘77)Mr. Homer N. Childs (‘79)

1980sMr. Ralph Oscar Wells (‘80)

1990sMr. Christopher Kevin Busby (‘91)Mrs. Donna Holt McElheney (‘95)

2000sMs. Virginia “Ginny” V. Burriss (‘08)

Submit your class notes on our website at gcsu.edu/alumniReach us by email at [email protected]

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Highlighting the reunion classes of 1952, 1962, 1972, 1987, 2002 and 2007.

HOMECOMINGF e b r u a r y 6 - 1 1 , 2 0 1 2

connection magazine fall 2011

Documents

georgia college look

older alumni

dear alumni

o n n e c t i o n

georgia collegeid love

issue of connection

editor kyle brogdon

university communications