connection magazine fall 2015

Move-In Day 2015

CONTENTS|

4 Up FrontNews and notes around campus

9

Cover StoryUndaunted in D.C.

10

Student Profile

18

Faculty Profile

16

Featured Program

20

Summer ExperienceIn pictures

22 Featured Alumnus

24 Sports

26 Class Notes

30 Alumni Weekend

Introducing the new gcsu.edu

Georgia College is excited to announcethe launch of the all-new gcsu.edu! Ifyou haven’t checked us out online in awhile, we invite you to visit the newwebsite to explore all things GC.

The latest news and events for GeorgiaCollege can be easily accessed onlineby visiting frontpage.gcsu.edu.

connection magazine | 4 | gcsu.edu

CONNECTIONFall 2015

Vol. XXIV, No.3Copyright 2015.

All rights reserved.Published by

University Communications231 W. Hancock St.

Milledgeville, GA 31061

PresidentSteve Dorman

Vice President for University Advancement

Monica Delisa

Interim Associate Vice President for

Strategic CommunicationsKyle Cullars, ‘10

Editor/Director of Marketing and Publications

Victoria Fowler, ‘12

WritersBrittiny Johnson, ‘15

Margaret MorrisAubrie L. Sofala, ‘12

Al Weston

DesignJon Scott, ‘83Brooks Hinton

PhotographyTim Vacula, ‘86

Please send change of address and class notes to:

University AdvancementCampus Box 113

Milledgeville, GA [email protected]

No person shall, on the grounds of race, color, sex, sexual

orientation, religion, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, or genetic information

be excluded from employment or participation in, be denied the benefits of, or otherwise

be subjected to discrimination, under any program or activity

conducted by Georgia College.

Georgia College welcomed its inaugural classof Call Me MISTER students for fall 2015.The Call Me MISTER (Mentors InstructingStudents Toward Effective Role Models)program at Georgia College is the first of itskind in the state. Student participants areselected from among under-representedpopulations with a targeted focus on African-American males, which account for less than2 percent of the nation’s elementary schoolteachers.

Program benefits include financialassistance, residential living-learningenvironments, mentorship through peercohort programs and intensive learning andhands-on training to become transformativeeducators.

The four students in the first class ofMISTERS are Brian Bowman, from Gray,Seabon Davis Jr., from Athens, Homer JonesJr., from Macon, and Jaleel Jones, fromIrwinton. Georgia College is one of morethan 25 Call Me MISTER institutions acrossthe southeastern United States.

“I’ve always been drawn to the mentorrelationship of teaching,” said Jones. “I’vehad mentors throughout high school, and itmakes the difference having someone that isjust like you and has been through the samethings you’re going through.”

Class of 2019: Call Me MISTER finds its first class of recruits


Georgia College programs receive accolades Georgia College continues to receive regional and nationalrecognition for programs and educational offerings.

The Princeton Review recognized GC on the “2016 BestColleges: Region by Region” list for the ninth consecutiveyear.

GC continues its climb in the U.S. News & World Reportrankings, moving up a slot in the Top Public RegionalUniversities list. The university was designated ninthamong the top public regional universities, tied withLongwood University in Virginia and Murray StateUniversity in Kentucky. Georgia College was the state’sonly university to be ranked in the top 10 of this category.

GC has also been ranked by AffordableCollegesOnline.orgas one of the Best Online Colleges in the state. GC wasranked sixth in Georgia. The site also listed the WebMBAprogram at GC in the top 50 in the country.

ValueColleges.com also listed the WebMBA program, ofwhich Georgia College is an affiliate, in the Top 50 ValueOnline MBA Programs of 2015 list.

OnlineMBAReport.com listed GC’s program in severalcategories: No. 18 in the nation, 16 among public collegesand universities and seventh in the south.The GC online Master of Science in Nursing (MSN)Program was ranked 13th in the top 20 MSN OnlinePrograms for 2015. That list was coordinated bybestnursingmasters.com.

SuperScholar.org listed the 50 Best Online Master’s inNursing Programs for 2015 and ranked GC’s program 16thin the nation.

GC was ranked 25th in the country on the list of the Top 50Online Master’s Degrees in Public Administration 2015 bytopmanagementdegrees.com. The Bachelor of CriminalJustice degree at GC has been named to the top 50 BestPrograms list compiled by CriminalJustice.com. The GCdegree program was ranked 19th in the nation.

SmartAsset.com named GC as a Best Value College, rankedas no. 5 in the state.

The university was also recently named a Public College ofDistinction for the third consecutive year. That rankingcomes from the website collegesofdistinction.com. GC wasalso listed as a Public College of Distinction from 2005-2009.

Clements BecomesFoundation Board of Trustees Chair

The Georgia College Foundation Board ofTrustees has named Pierre O. Clements,’86, as chair. He has served as a trusteesince 2008 and recently as the vice chair. Clements is the senior director of nationalaccounts and leads the Food and BeverageGlobal Sales Unit for WW Grainger, NorthAmerica’s leading broad line supplier ofmaintenance, repair and operatingproducts. Previously, he was vice presidentof sales for Coca-Cola for eight years and a senior executive with Kraft Foods for10 years.

Clements also serves as an advisory board member and managing partner forInside Group International, a businesssolutions firm.

He earned a BBA from GC and anExecutive MBA from Mercer University witha concentration in international business.Clements is a member of the 100 BlackMen Organization (Atlanta Chapter) as wellas a life member of Kappa Alpha PsiFraternity, Inc.

In serving the Foundation as chair,Clements remarks, “I look forward tobringing real life and tangible businessexperiences, new relationships andstrategic partnerships that help build theGeorgia College brand globally andincrease Georgia College students’ careerdevelopment exposure.”


Renewing our focus on the liberal arts

Liberal arts; it’s a phrase wehear constantly across theGeorgia College campus. Butwhat does it mean and why isit important?

A new initiative on campuslooks to bring folks together toanswer those very questions inan effort to align all aspects ofcampus life, fromvolunteerism to coursework,with our mission as the state’sdesignated public liberal artsuniversity.

A group including Dr. JuliaMetzker, Dr. Cara MeadeSmith, Dr. Amy Sumpter, Dr.Nolan White and Dr.Kimberly Cossey, all of whomattended the Association ofAmerican Colleges andUniversities (AAC&U)Institute on GeneralEducation and Assessmentover the summer, arespearheading an initiative toreignite the liberal arts focuson campus.

This multiyear project torenew our focus on the liberalarts, kicked off with guestspeaker Dr. Lee Knefelkamp,senior fellow at AAC&U.Knefelkamp, a dynamic andentertaining speaker, is one ofAAC&U's foremost experts onthe liberal arts.

This liberal arts renewalproject will start withdiscussions throughout theyear where faculty, staff,students and communitymembers will be invited todevelop a sharedunderstanding of the liberalarts at Georgia Collegethrough spirited and engagingconversations. Information onthose discussions will beavailable through the FrontPage calendar and at theproject bloggcsu.wordpress.com.

Once a recipient of private scholarshipswhile in graduate school, now RichardSims is content to “carry the torch” for thenext generation. He donated $25,000 toestablish an endowed scholarship atGeorgia College.

Sims, who is treasurer of the FoundationBoard of Trustees and has served on theboard for five years, has a passion forsupporting Georgia College students andin serving with generosity and electiveservice. “I have thankfully experiencedunconditional love, through faith and anintimate network of family, friends andmentors,” he says. “I use this love asinspiration to contribute to both our localcommunity and Georgia College.”

As the owner of Pearl Lane Partners since2005, Sims is also passionate aboutconserving historic residentialarchitecture. His company renovates andprofessionally manages commercial realestate. In recent years, he relocated fromPiedmont Park in Atlanta to the historicdistrict of Milledgeville. He mentions, “Itis a privilege to live in a bright communitywith the staff, foundation, students andfaculty of Georgia College.”

Carrying the torch


Students travel across the nation and abroad for NSF research experiences

Three Georgia College students wereselected for the National ScienceFoundation Research (NSF)Experiences for Undergraduates(REU) during the summer of 2015.

Michael Ziegler, Raira Ank andForrest Brown completed their REUprograms in August and broughtback solid research experience.

Environmental science majorMichael Ziegler’s summer has beenan exploration into fossil sites inPanama. Hard at work in the AzueroPeninsula, the junior, who is alsominoring in geology, is uncoveringfossils that could answer questionsabout evolutionary paths and thevery creation of animal and plant lifewe know today.

“Growing up I was always fascinatedwith rocks so my transition to collegeand studying geology was anextension of that passion,” saidZiegler. “Having this opportunity toget down in the trenches and learnfrom others is immeasurable.”

Sophomore biology major Raira Ankis also found a set of challenges withher REU experience in ColoradoState University. But ever sincediscovering her love of being in thelab and research, Ank feels as if she’sin her element. Ank spent her timein the program working on the SPN1protein, an essential gene. Shestudied which pathways are affectedbuy the mutated form of the proteinand delete other genes.

Brown was selected for a researchopportunity at Pennsylvania StateUniversity.

Michael Ziegler


Since 2000, Georgia College Alumnus Robert“Rob” Betzel has been a successfulentrepreneur. Now, he is paying it forward to“enable Georgia College students to gain agreat education.”

A $50,000 pledge by Betzel will buy newfurniture and upgrade the teachingtechnology in Atkinson Hall’s Lab 307. “I havealways believed in giving back to those whosupport us,” says Betzel, co-owner of InfinityNetwork Solutions. Betzel also provides afellowship and endowed scholarship at GC.When he asked Dean Dr. James Payne andChair Dr. Tanya Goette how he could supportGC, they indicated that the managementinformation systems’ labs renovation inAtkinson Hall was key to giving students aquality education. Betzel replies, “That was apretty easy decision.”

For Rob Betzel ’99, supporting a lab renovation“was a pretty easy decision”

Spring 2015 commencement ceremonies

Georgia College held the springcommencement ceremonies Friday,May 8 and Saturday, May 9, at theCentennial Center.

More than 1,350 students receivedtheir undergraduate and graduatedegrees at the ceremonies.

Lt. Gov. Casey Cagle served as thekeynote speaker for the graduateceremony. In 1994, Cagle was electedthe youngest state senator at just 28years old, and was overwhelminglyre-elected five times. In 2006, hebecame Georgia’s 11th lieutenantgovernor— the first Republican inGeorgia to serve in that office.

The speaker for the undergraduateceremonies was Kim Martin, ’82,chief strategy officer at MeredithCorporation, which is a leadingmedia and marketing companyfeaturing popular national brandsand operators of 17 local televisionstations including network affiliatesin Atlanta, Phoenix, St. Louis andLas Vegas. A Milledgeville native,Martin received her undergraduatedegree from Georgia College andserves on the Georgia College & StateUniversity Foundation Board ofTrustees.

Student Patrick Steimer toured Europe with his familythis summer and spent a week in London.

After graduating with his MBA, Tucker O’Brien visitedthe Apple headquarters this summer in Cupertino, Ca.

Students Laura Gramling, Ashley Jonassen, CarolineO’Neil, Megan Raymond and Teddi Strassburger visitedthe Cité Internationale Universitaire de Paris on theirstudy abroad trip.

Professor Ansio Santos and students Sandra Trujillo,Kayla Abercrombie, Anika Bailey, William Bartholomew,Kevin Bennett, Jada Butler, Michael Farmer, EmilyKearney-Williams, Thomas McCarter, Madison O'Bried,Kyle Schreiber, Patricia Thomas and Anna Williamsonvisited Toledo, Spain on their study abroad trip.


SummerExperienceSnapshots: A look at the travels

of some of our GC family.


UNDAUNTEDIN D.C.

COVER STORY

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Alumni, students experience the challenge and triumphs that come

with working in the nation’s capital

It’s an average Wednesday morningand by the time most are stillworking on their first cup of coffee,Scott Binkley, ’10 is already tickingitems off his to-do list, which includecopious amounts of fundraising and

a fair amount of lobbying— your averageto-do list in Washington, D.C.

“My job is demanding, but I trulyenjoy it, and it’s also putting me a stepfurther into working and gainingexperience in Washington, D.C.,” saidBinkley, who is the executive director ofthe Republican Lieutenant GovernorsAssociation (RLGA).

Binkley is just one of many alumniand current students who have foundthemselves in Washington, D.C., pursuingcareers they are passionate about.However, with that passion also comeswith the stresses of working and living inthe nation’s capital. Binkley started out inD.C. with an internship and has workedhis way up to his current position at theRLGA.

“Campaign work to me is moreinteresting than policy work, but I alsorealized that it’s dangerous to tie yourselfto one candidate,” said Binkley, whospent 2012 on the campaign trail inFlorida and Indiana. “I learned a lot ofvaluable lessons, and I also learned to becareful because in D.C. your whole careercan hinge on what comes out of thatcandidate’s mouth.”

The ebb and flow of D.C. is also notlost on alumna Debi Bevins, ’88. Bevins isthe director of Client Relations in theOffice of the Secretary in the U.S.Department of Veterans Affairs (VA).

“When I graduated I took off lookingfor the first government job I could find,”said Bevins. “Everyday I use what Ilearned at Georgia College— everythingfrom how bureaucracy operates toutilizing my investigation and researchskills.”

Bevins majored in criminal justiceand, like Binkley, found herself gettingdeeper into the cogs of D.C. by workingherself up the ranks. Majoring in criminaljustice when it was a largely male-dominated field, she became accustomedto working hard, garnering a 4.0 GPA andmaintaining a constant slot on the dean’slist. Bevins has worked with the VA for 27years and over that time, served eightdifferent Cabinet Secretaries.

For some, Washington, D.C. allowsfor a whole new world of opportunities.Alumna Christy Surrency Ellerbee, ’96began her consulting firm in 2013 and isnow lobbying for a large pharmaceuticalcompany, after a vast career in law andgovernment work.

“I’m an optimistic person so I do notfeel as jaded like so many others workingin D.C. might—I feel inspired,” saidEllerbee. “When lobbying on the Hill andmeeting with Congressmen and Senators,

from all of our states, I always find thateach of them have some commonalitiesbetween them.”

Ellerbee says being able to work andmore importantly, have a voice inWashington, D.C. is part of what makesher proud to be in lobbying but evenmore so proud to be an American citizen.

“We are lucky that we live in theUnited States, where ordinary citizenshave the opportunity to make changeswithin government,” said Ellerbee. “Ascitizens, we are able to talk with membersof Congress, discuss legislation andtogether make impactful changes in ourlives and the lives of others.”

GC students take D.C.Gaining internship experience is part

of the D.C. experience, according toBinkley. It’s part of his prime advice togive to students looking for careers inWashington, D.C.

“You’re going to have to do aninternship, there’s just no way around it,”said Binkley. “Start on the Hill as almosteverything in this town can, in some way,be tied to the Federal Government. Thatexperience can lend itself to a good firstjob on or off of the Hill and within anyindustry.”

Two students are already cutting theirteeth in Washington, D.C. through theGC in DC program in fall 2015. Theprogram places students in a variety of


Scott Binkley, ’10 is the executivedirector of the RepublicanLieutenants Governors Association


Jack Bryan and Natalie Eldredgeare spending their fall semesterinterning in Washington as part ofthe GC in DC program.


internships in a range of internships including in theHouse of Representatives, Senate, White House and theCouncil of Foreign Relations.

“After just two weeks in the office, I had alreadylearned so much,” said junior political science major JackBryan, who is interning for Congressman Sanford D.Bishop Jr.’s office. “Over the past few years, I have beeninvolved in local politics and campaigns in both CowetaCounty and Baldwin County, where I developed a passionfor being involved and engaged. I love learning about ourgovernment and immersing myself in politics so that I canunderstand how our government functions and help it runmore smoothly in the future.”

Getting accustomed to D.C. has also been part ofBryan’s intern experience. “D.C. life is far better than Iever could have imagined,” said Bryan. “The other internsthat I live with in Washington Intern Student Housing(WISH) housing are very cool and intelligent and I havealready made so many close friends through thisexperience.” Bryan is also joined by sophomore politicalscience major and French and marketing minor NatalieEldredge, who is interning in Congressman David Scott’soffice. Eldredge has spent her internship completingadministrative duties such as answering phones, sortingmail and running errands but she’s also getting hands-onexperience by writing memos, attending briefings andsitting in on House sessions.

“So far, I have been having one of the bestexperiences of my life. Living in D.C. is always exciting, asyou never know what event is going to be going on, orwho you may run into on the Hill,” said Eldredge. “Thebiggest obstacle for me so far is to make sure that I canremember all of the protocol. There are a lot of rules thatgo along with working in government, and I can only tryto learn them all as quickly as possible.” Both Eldredgeand Bryan see themselves working in the political sphereafter gradating from Georgia College. “I would like topursue political science in the future, as I have beenextremely intrigued by the work that goes on here,” saidEldredge. “Overall I hope to be able to do somethingthat advocates for the rights and needs of others, and Ithink political work does just that.”

Georgia College Senior Mairi Smith also completedan internship with the Smithsonian National PortraitGallery. As part of her internship, Smith spent time

Debi Bevins, ’88 is the director ofClient Relations in the Office ofthe Secretary in the U.S.Department of Veterans Affairs

SGA President Juawn Jackson and SGA Assistant Directorof Environmental Affairs Emma Brodzik recently attendedthe White House Youth Climate Summit in June 2015.

Senior Sarah Dickens spent her internship serving as themarketing and communications intern at the AmericanPublic Transportation Association.


Alumna Christy Ellerbee, ’96started a consulting firm in 2013and now lobbies for a largepharmaceutical company

digitizing old files into the museum’sdatabase, learned basic skills in care andcleaning of museum objects and aided inresearch requests directed to themuseum.

“Moving to D.C. for two monthsended up being one of the biggestlearning curves of the summer,” saidSmith. “The pace and culture of the cityproved to be something I was notprepared for, but one of the most excitingparts of my experience. It’s such abeautiful city with something alwaysgoing on.”

That fast-paced environment that canso often conjure images of a type ofscenario as depicted on the televisionshow “House of Cards” playing out inD.C. is a façade according to Binkley andBevins.

“The longer I work here, the moreI’ve learned how to look out for myself,”said Binkley. “But I don’t think it’s

necessarily a bad aspect of D.C.—I thinkit’s part of becoming a professional. Thereare some who take it to the extremes inWashington, but the people I’ve met hereare some of the smartest and mostresourceful I’ve ever encountered.”

Bevins says her work with the VA isrewarding, even though she’s on call 24/7and answers to the secretary, whoultimately acts as advisor to the president.Despite her demanding position, she notonly finds the time for her work with theVA, but she’s also formed her owncompany, BLING it On Fitness and anonprofit autism scholarship Camp BLINGfor Blue. Through it all, Bevins’commitment remains to be making adifference in the lives of others, whether itis through her fitness business or throughthe VA.

“Everything is worth it to be able tomake a difference in the lives ofveterans,” said Bevins. “My job is all

about ensuring veterans are being takencare of and getting everything theydeserve for serving our country.”

For Ellerbee, her career has been acareer built on the necessity of education.

“I think my role as a lobbyist is reallya role of an educator,” said Ellerbee.“When it comes to an issue on anythingfrom farming to health care—you need tohear both sides of the story. And a goodlobbyist will tell both sides of the story togovernment leaders.”

Looking back at the challenges he’sencountered, Binkley also doesn’t thinkhe’d change anything about his time inD.C.

“Looking back, even thinking aboutthe campaigns that I worked on and welost, I still would have taken the path thatI did,” said Binkley. “Working in D.C. is allabout your personal motivation to besuccessful. A losing campaign or adversitycannot take that away from you.” �


Baldwin County resident finds his voice at Georgia College

STUDENT PROFILE


Tevauri Mar-Shall isn’t afraid to be daring. The sophomoremusic education major moved here from Portland,Oregon in the beginning of high school. Since then, he’smade Milledgeville his home, while trying his hand at

sports, chorus and even taking to the stage.

“I can honestly say I’ve developed a lot personally while inMilledgeville,” said Mar-Shall. “I’m not afraid to fail, and I’velearned how to grow from those failures.”

Now in his second year at Georgia College, Mar-Shall has alsomade Georgia College his home. Entering in the Honors Programas a freshman, Mar-Shall has pushed himself to get involved. Inhis freshmen year he signed on to be a student ambassador, sangin the Max Noah Singers, the Cat’s Meow and landed lead roles in“The Piano Lesson” and “Anything Goes.” But Mar-Shall’s journeyto music started out in high school.

“I played sports all throughout high school, but I was stillsearching for something that I could do for a career —somethingthat I was great at,” said Mar-Shall. “It also helped that I had amusic teacher who was very encouraging along the way.”

After his first chorus class, Mar-Shall was hooked.

“It came so naturally to me,” said Mar-Shall. “And what I lovedeven more was being able to share this experience with others.”

It was shortly after he got into chorus that Mar-Shall discoveredhis second passion— theatre. His first role was Jack in aproduction of “Into the Woods.”

“Once I was in ‘Into the Woods,’ I realized theatre was also agreat fit for me,” said Mar-Shall. “For me there’s a distinctdifference between chorus and theatre. In chorus you want to hitthat note just right and be consistent every time. But with theatre,it’s almost as if you want it to be a bit different every time youperform. There’s something freeing about that.”

As a non-theatre major garnering lead roles, Mar-Shall was stuckat a crossroads at the end of his freshman year: should he pursuetheatre or chorus?

“I had to think back to when I first started chorus and whatinspired me,” said Mar-Shall. “I want to have an opportunity to bethat guide for someone like my high school chorus teacher wasfor me.”

Mar-Shall’s can-do attitude is what has helped guide him so far atGeorgia College. Looking forward, he has set goals for himselfincluding placing at the National Association of Teachers ofSinging competition and also receiving a lead in every theatreproduction he auditions for.

“I’ve always had the attitude that you need to be confident ineverything you do,” said Mar-Shall. “You have to believe you aresuccessful before the performance or audition even begins—andthat’s what I live by.” �


What started as nothing more than athought in the back of Dr. KenMcGill’s mind in the early 2000s,has transformed into the fastest-

growing physics program of all bachelor's-onlydepartments in the nation.

“When I became the department chair in 2000, Icame in with the goal to grow the chemistryprogram,” said McGill. “But I always had this ideathat I wanted to revive the physics program atGeorgia College.”

In 2010, after a nearly 40-year hiatus, the physicsprogram was back at Georgia College— and itcame at a time when there was a dire need forphysics teachers in Georgia. Since then, theprogram has thrived, slated to confer 20 degreesby 2016, which lands it on the top 10 list forbachelor's-only departments.

“A lot of our success has to do with the dualdegree we offer through Georgia Tech,” saidMcGill. In the Dual Degree Program, students areguaranteed to be accepted at Georgia Instituteof Technology after three years at GeorgiaCollege and after two years will graduate with aBachelor of Science degree in physics fromGeorgia College and a Bachelor of Sciencedegree in Engineering from Georgia Tech.

McGill says the program is a major selling point,but says students are also impressed withGeorgia College in the process. “They areattracted to the dual degree program withGeorgia Tech, but they also like the smaller classsizes and better support at Georgia College.”

McGill also attributes the success of the programto the boom in physics programs nationwide.According to the American Institute of Physics,more than 7,000 degrees were earned in the U.S.in 2013, which is more than double the degreesearned since the slump in the late 1990s. Withexponential growth, also came a department-wide effort, says McGill.

“The faculty have all done such wonderful jobs tomeet the needs of the program, volunteering toteach courses even if that means a courseoverload,” said McGill. “The buy-in for theprogram had to come from across the board, andthat’s why we’ve seen such a tremendous teameffort in our department.”

Part of that effort stems from the momentstudents begin their time at Georgia College.Taking a personalized approach to recruiting,McGill starts each semester by reaching out tostudents— with a simple telephone call.

“It’s such a rare occurrence in our society today toreceive a phone call,” said McGill. “So I call themup, pitch the program and try to make thatconnection early on. It’s that type of personaltouch that you’re not going to get at otherinstitutions.”

McGill says the types of students that are in thephysics program are also unrivaled.

“What’s different about Georgia College studentsis that they are not intimidated by the highentrance requirements or the levels of math thatare required once they’re in the program,” saidMcGill. “They enter into the physics programpurely by choice, and it really evens the playingfield.”

It’s the same type of determined students whoare making strides in the Physics Club, which willbe installed during fall 2015 as a Sigma Pi Sigmahonor society.

Looking forward McGill sees being the largestphysics program of all bachelors-only universitiesin their sights— but managing that growth will bethe next obstacle.

“We’ve dreamed bigger, that part is done,” saidMcGill. “Now it’s about being real about it andunderstanding how to manage it whilemaintaining other programs.” �

PHYSICS


FACULTY PROFILE


Movers and shakers Two faculty members take on new roles at

Georgia College that aim to serve the community

Drs. Catrena Lisse and DonovanDomingue have added new roles totheir repertoire this fall—and arereaching out to the community in the

process. Over the summer, Lisse was namedthe director of the Science Education Center,and Domingue is currently kicking off hisinitiative as the new Kaolin Endowed Chair.

“Science is the one subject that encompasseseverything in life and helps students becurious, ask questions and make connections,”said Lisse. “Young children are naturallycurious, and they question everything aroundthem, looking for clues and answers as to whythe world is the way it is. However, as childrenenter school, especially middle school, theirinterest in STEM (Science, Technology,Engineering and Mathematics) subjectsseriously diminishes, particularly in girls.”

As the director of the Center, her goals includebuilding a successful Center focused onlearning, teaching, scholarship and outreach.During the summer, she launched a‘STEMing in the Community’ series, whichsought to do just that.

“Letting students explore and investigate ideasand watching them learn is truly a passionthat most K-20 science teachers have incommon,” said Lisse. “It is exciting to watch astudent systematically work through acomplex science problem and get to that ‘aha’moment of understanding.”

Domingue has also made strides in hisinitiative as part of the Kaolin Endowed Chair,which is a three-year competitivechairmanship. As part of the initiative,Georgia College has been added to the Project

ASTRO National Network, which aims to pairlocal teachers and astronomyprofessionals/enthusiasts together to increasethe study of astronomy in the classroom.

“Making those partnerships between ourstudents and local schools is very important,”said Domingue. “It gives our students valuableteaching experience while also providingresources to the teachers that they might nototherwise have access to.”

As part of the program, Georgia Collegestudents will focus on community outreach inthe surrounding area schools. Domingue’sgoals include developing a speaking series,increasing the number of astronomy-relatedscience fair projects represented at theRegional Science and Engineering Fair andpreparing for the Great American Eclipse,which is slated for August 2017 and will be thefirst time the entire U.S. will be covered since1918.

“The public benefits when they get to see theuniverse. As astronomers, we also likeanswering people’s questions and witnessingthe excitement they get from seeing theuniverse,” said Domingue. “Part of theexperience is sharing what you love, and that’swhat this opportunity is for us. My favoritepart of astronomy is getting to explore theorigins of everything— and then sharing thatknowledge with others.”

For more information on Project ASTRO, visitastrosociety.org/education/k12-educators/project-astro-national-network/. Formore information on the Science andEducation Center, visit gcsu.edu/science. �


FEATURED ALUMNUS


From his early years spent studying at Georgia College,capped off nightly with good conversation among fellowKappa Alpha Psi fraternity brothers with “group thinktanks to cure life’s ills,” to engaging with allied French

north Atlantic treaty organization (nAto) military leaders,Brigadier General Jonathan J. McColumn, us ArMY 103 esC(us) can say that what once seemed like a dream somewhere overthe rainbow, is now a reality.

Yet, McColumn didn’t set out to go into the army. As a teenager, hedreamt of attending college and taking a commission in the u.s.Air Force while working toward becoming an F-15 pilot. “e F-15Air Force fighter aircraft seemed somewhat dreamy andemboldened the strength of the u.s.,” he states. “Although i didn’tenter the Air Force, and i did not become a pilot, i stillaccomplished my dream; however, on the ground.”

McColumn credits his role as a master fitness trainer in his militaryyouth to his fitness class at GC. he also was so impressed by dr.Malone’s logistics class that McColumn took many logistics courses,unaware that someday he would serve in logistics and acquisition inthe military.

every day, after studying at GC, McColumn made time for studentlife. he has since tried to apply a similar balance today whileserving in the military. “Without a doubt, hard work with spurts ofplay has provided balance,” McColumn states. “At Georgia College,we enjoyed the camaraderie of friendship, teamwork, frolic and fun;attributes i would develop with greater intensity while serving inthe army.”

upon graduating from GC, he entered the military in virginia.McColumn was promoted to 1st Lieutenant while assigned as aproperty book officer. en, while serving as a depot storage officerin new York, he was promoted to captain. McColumn became amajor while assigned as an operations officer/liaison officer inGermany. his promotion to Lieutenant Colonel took place whilehe served in the 374th Contracting squadron in Japan. McColumnbecame a Colonel while he directed the Contract Administrationsupport office, office of the Chief, Army reserve in virginia. in2014, he became a Brigadier General as he departed the Missionand installation Contracting Command in texas.

today, he is stationed at the 103rd sustainment Command(expeditionary) in des Moines, iowa. As the Commanding

General, McColumn leads four regional support Groups (BrigadeCommands) and a headquarters detachment. he also directsindividual and unit readiness of the command providing trainedand equipped units with the Army Force Generating Model insupport of deployments and operations abroad. Plus, McColumncoaches, teaches, mentors and leads 5,500 individuals comprised ofofficers, soldiers and civilians of the command located in iowa,illinois, Michigan, Minnesota and Wisconsin. he works daily tobuild a cohesive and efficient leadership team capable of providingcombat logistics and sustainment support to any combatantcommander and administrative support to all subordinate units.

“i have enjoyed success in grasping the intricacies of our nation’snational security strategy as it relates to how the u.s. exerts itsinfluence in the world,” mentions McColumn. “understanding ournational tools of influence, diplomacy, information, military andeconomic policy is critical in how military leaders develop ancillarypolicy.”

With his new position comes the challenge of sequestration,reducing government funding for mandatory (social security,welfare, etc.) and discretionary (department of defense) spending.“reduced funding overall affects my ability to ensure soldiers aretrained and ready,” says McColumn. “it [sequestration] has muchgreater implications, but challenges me to find areas to reduce whileensuring readiness. e plethora of cultural changes and personnelreadiness, in general, remind me that the current military culture isnot like the one i entered.”

despite the challenges he faces, McColumn is motivated bywatching a young private or a lieutenant discover his God-givenunalienable rights. “if pursued, soldiers would seek to perform theirbest,” he states. “not only does this equate to success in themilitary, but success in every area of life. For that reason, it is wellwithin my demeanor to give subordinates a little space to fail.” inhis messages to subordinates, he often insists that failure is not fatalif one gets up.

McColumn believes that if someone has not achieved desired ends,he suggests, “Just because you failed does not necessarily mean it’sfatal – get up, now. if life has dealt well with you, reach down andaround to pull someone to your level. undoubtedly, someone willreplace me one day. i may as well ensure i am a part of futuresolutions by sharing much of what i have learned over the years.” �

Brigadier General Jonathan McColumn, ’86, AChieved his dreAM … on the Ground


SPORTS

“Ke Kontan” is the Haitian creole translation for “Joy”.GC Volleyball junior mass communication major CarolineLong has joined her uncle Danny Long on four missiontrips to Haiti in the past two years, working her hardest tospread “Ke Kontan” in the developing country.

She and her uncle travel with the Until the Whole WorldKnows mission group, stay at the House of Hope and dotheir best to ease the strife of Haitians in that area,whether it be helping with medicinal trips to thecommunity, providing food and working with localbuilding crews to restore schools and homes, all whilesharing their Christian faith.

“They speak French creole, so you can’t communicatevery well,” said Long. “The way you communicate is byserving them and seeing the smiles on their faces. That’swhat I fell in love with, the joy that they bring to you, notnecessarily the joy you bring to them. Every time I comeback, the children in the orphanage always remember myname and come running to my arms.”

Long speaks of a specific orphanage of 24 kids in town,four of whom she has grown the closest with; Djoodel,Bendji, Kender and Donsley.

Long sees her main duty as relationship building with thekids as well as the 10-15 translators, ranging from ages16-25. Now some of her best friends, these young menand women have been sponsored by Americans toattend school, learning the English language as well asother skills to help the surrounding community.

Long also assists with maintaining the House of Hope forthe other 40-plus volunteers, aiding with cooking andcleaning, and musing that “you have to wake up at 5:30a.m. if you want to crack 70 eggs by breakfast time”.

It’s not easy work but the time flies by for Long.“When I’m there, I’m never really ready to come home,”she revealed. “I could see myself living there for a fewyears. It’s shown me I want to take the direction intomissions now. We want them to know God’s love throughserving them. We want them to know we are all equal inGod’s eyes.”

“Espere” is Hatian creole for “Hope”. Something Longstrives to provide for families of Haiti. Families thatsurprise her by “continuing to find so much joy in thelittlest of things.”�

Ke Kontan –“The Joy they bring you”


Where are they now?

Dr. Bethany Loushine Douglas was the first elite runner in GeorgiaCollege Women’s Cross Country history. Originally from Augusta,Georgia, running has always been a passion for Douglas, one thatcontinues today, as the current endodontist can be found competing

in marathons and triathlons in her spare time. Her husband, Charlie, and theirdogs, Percy and Sunny attend nearly every race cheering for her along theroute.

Douglas had a run like few others from 2001-03 as a Bobcat, helping thecollege into the top half of the Peach Belt Conference (PBC) standings for thefirst time in program history. She had three career victories, taking first in the2001 Paine College Invitational, the 2002 Bobcat Invitational and the 2003Saint Michael’s Invitational. The three wins are still tied with Cheryl Bambrick (1999) for the most in school history.

Douglas was also the first to pull in All-PBC status in Bobcat Women’s CrossCountry, that coming when she finished 14th at the 2001 PBC Championship.A year later, she set the school’s 5K record in the 2002 PBC Championship,crossing the line in 19:44, a record that would hold for eight years.

Now residing in Jacksonville, Florida, Douglas has worked as a Board CertifiedEndodontist for Great Expressions for the last three years.

What was your career path after graduation?After graduating with a degree in chemistry, I returned to Augusta, Georgia fordental school at Medical College of Georgia. I continued my education thereas I specialized in endodontics.

How did your role as a student-athlete help shape you as a person?The most beneficial aspect of being a student-athlete was the timemanagement skills I acquired and continue to utilize today. Coach Sampronealso made academic excellence a top priority which allowed me to pursue mydreams of going into the dental field.

What attracted you to Georgia College?I was immediately attracted to the beautiful southern-style front campus andalso Coach Joe Samprone. I knew I wanted to run in college and wasimpressed by Joe’s fairly laid back coaching style and his big plans to grow andimprove the cross country program.

What was your favorite place on the Georgia College campus?Saga (aka the dining hall) stands out as a very special place during my collegeexperience. Whether it was meeting up with old friends and making new onesduring lunch or attending the midnight pancake event during exam week, Ihave some of my fondest college memories there.

What advice would you have for incoming student-athletes?Take advantage of the support, encouragement and motivation you will receivefrom your teammates and coach(es). Being a collegiate athlete is somethingvery special that not everyone gets to experience. You will become a moreresponsible, confident and self-motivated individual as a result and I’m forevergrateful for the four seasons I spent on the GC cross country team. �

Class Notes

1980sAnne Pacosa, ’81, has been the director ofdevelopment at Sacred Heart Catholic Churchin Warner Robins since April 2015.

Dr. Colette Pierce Burnette,’83, began serving as presidentof Huston-Tillotson Universityin Austin, Texas on July 1. Sheis the first female president andchief executive officer of themerged university and thesecond female president in the

college’s 140-year history. “From the first timeI stepped on the campus I knew I belongedthere and could bring my experiences to therole serving a mission that is near and dear tomy heart,” she says. Burnette previouslyserved as interim president at Pierce Collegein Puyallup, Washington and as vice presidentfor administration and chief financial officerat Central State University in Wilberforce,Ohio.

1990sWilliam Thomas “Tommy” Barnes III, ’94,was named executive director of practice planoperations for Mercer Medicine in December2013. He will help provide advanced primaryand specialty care to patients throughoutCentral Georgia and enhance the medicaleducation and research initiatives conductedby faculty physicians through the school ofmedicine. He previously was a practiceadministrator and director of businessdevelopment for Nexus Medical Holdings,LLC.

Robin Gilkey, ’96, became a controller forSpalding Regional Hospital/Medical Centerin July 2015.

Susan deBey, ’97, has been a nursepractitioner at Gastroenterology Associates ofCentral Georgia, LLC since April 2015.

Brijit Chandra, ’99, has been a productmarketing manager for Polycom in Atlantasince June 2015.

Jon Filson, ’99, has been a certified general,SRA, AI-RRS appraiser and real estate agentwith Dorsey Alston working in the AtlantaMetro market, focusing in the North Fultonand East Cobb area. He has been president ofFilson’s Real Estate Appraisal Service since2002.

2000sEdward Jay Davis, ’00, was recently nameddirector of bands at Houston County HighSchool. He received his master’s degree ineducation from Auburn University in 2002.His wife, Dr. Tina Davis, ’01, completed herdoctorate in music education from BostonUniversity in February and has accepted aposition at Georgia College as the associateprofessor of music education.

David Brown, ’01, received his Ph.D. inteaching and learning with a concentration inlanguage and literacy from Georgia StateUniversity in March 2015.

Renee A. T. Deibert, ’01, was named satelliteoperations director for the Blairsville campusof North Georgia Technical College. She is agraduate of the Executive LeadershipAcademy for the Technical College System ofGeorgia and the Georgia Academy forEconomic Development.

Kaneice Lantre Bembry, ’04, has been ascience coordinator with Henry CountySchools since July 2015.


Justin Mufalli, ’98, Lieutenant Colonel(U.S. Army) Justin T. Mufalli, ’98, tookbattalion command of 1st Battalion, 19thField Artillery at Fort Sill, Oklahoma onJune 17. He is responsible for the training ofinitial entry recruits to become U.S.Soldiers. He was accompanied by his wifeLesley Panzarella Mufalli, ’00, and theirthree daughters.

Lance Cramer, ’05, of Sandersville is a chemistryinstructor for Southern Nuclear DBA: SouthernCompany since April 2015.

Mareece Gotel, ’05, has been a mental health counselorwith Pulaski State Prison since July 2015.

Jessica Taylor, ’06, became the programcoordinator of the Master of Science inClinical Counseling program at CentralMethodist University’s College ofGraduate and Extended Studies campusin Maryland Heights, Missouri. Taylorgraduated summa cum laude fromGeorgia College with a major in

psychology. She earned her master’s degree inprofessional counseling from McKendree University inLebannon, Illinois in 2008 and her Ph.D. in counseloreducation at the University of Missouri – St. Louis in2013.

Alaina Bennett, ’07, of Warner Robins is the executivedirector of Administrative Financial Services withCentral Georgia Technical College as of April 2015.

Raymond “Dennis” Peavy, ’07, was named Teacher ofthe Year for Lake Joy Elementary School in WarnerRobins. He was also one of five teachers nationwide toreceive the Excellence in Teaching about AgricultureAward from the U.S. Dairy Association and the NationalAgriculture in the Classroom Consortium.

Elijah Scott, ’07, became dean of Libraries, CollegeTesting and Curriculum Innovation at GeorgiaHighlands College in Rome, Georgia. on July 1. Hereceived his master’s from GC in English and worked inthe Ina Dillard Russell Library from 1998 - 2002.

Tyler Cole, ’08, received hisdoctorate of nursing practice(DNP) in May. He and his wifeLibby, '08, and son Witten residein Charleston, South Carolina.Cole received his bachelor’s ofnursing degree at the MedicalUniversity of South Carolina

(MUSC) in 2011, where he worked as a registered nurse.In 2012, he started the DNP program at MUSC. Colegraduated with his DNP and became certificated as afamily nurse practitioner in May 2015. In July 2015, hebecame a family nurse practitioner at St. James SanteeFamily Health Center in Georgetown, South Carolina.

Miley Jared, ’08, became a digital content manager atCinemassive in December 2014.

2010sScott Binkley, ’10, has been the executive director of theRepublican Lieutenant Governors Association inWashington, D.C. since February 2015.

Philip Gubser, ’10, of Lawrenceville became aprofessional musician with Peachtree Symphonic Winds& Atlanta Wind Symphony in April 2015.

Laura D. Belle Isle, ’10, of Decatur, became a researchassociate with Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta in May2015.

Paige Cunico, ’11, became the human resourcesadministrator for TKE ThyssenKrupp Elevators sinceDecember 2014.

Starr Gibbs, ’11, has been a police officer with CovingtonPolice Department since April 2015.

Zach Mullins, ’11, was named digital sales manager forCox Media Group’s (CMG) Atlanta Radio on May 20,2015. He joined CMG in 2011 as a sales associate, thenwas promoted to a digital media specialist where hehelped shape digital strategy and fulfillment campaigns.Mullins will work with the leadership team to deliverintegrated marketing solutions to clients while developingnew, profitable revenue opportunities for the Atlantacluster’s radio stations including WSB News 95.5FM/750 AM, WSB FM B98.5, WALR KISS 104.1, WSRV97.1FM and WTSH X107.1FM.

Judy Gainer, ’12, became a nurse practitioner with CVSPharmacy in Belleville, Michigan in April 2015.

Brittany Bomba, ’14, of Turin has been in GlobalMarketing and Sales for Walt Disney World since May2015.

Gordon Deeds, ’14, has been an online marketingconsultant with Train with Jennette Personal Training inEatonton since July 2014.

Angela Lintz, ’14, became director of nursing services forColiseum Health Systems in Macon in September 2014.

Zacharel T. Veal, ’14, was named the 2015 Teacher of theYear for Carver Road Middle School in Griffin, Georgia.He will represent this school next year and will alsocompete for the district teacher of the year. Veal writes, “Iwant to say thank you to each of you for your guidance,expertise and excellence in teaching.” Veal received hiseducation specialist degree from Georgia College.



Weddings, Anniversaries, Engagements and Births

Jade Disque, ’15, expresses her appreciation for Dr.Renee Fontenot. “Thanks for creating a curriculum thatultimately got me hired by an exciting company,MarketSource. As a mandatory event in your class, Iattended the Career Fair in March. After one phoneinterview and three personal interviews, I was offered aposition as a recruitment specialist, which is an area ofmarketing that had always interested me. I can honestlysay that without your curriculum for strategicmanagement, I would be struggling to find a job that cancompare to the one that I have lined up.”

Elizabeth Jeffcoat, ’15, became a multimediacoordinator/account executive with The MaconTelegraph in July 2015.

Ryan Sabalaskey, ’15, was named to the inaugural NorthCountry Baseball League All-Star Teams and the WestEmpires Team. He is hitting .333 with two home runsand 15 RBIs. He leads his squad in runs.

Lainey Schmidt Washburn, ’06,Lainey, Brad and big brotherRyan are pleased to announce thebirth of Charlotte BradleyWashburn on May 1, 2014.

Allison Brown Wilkinson, ’09,Allison, Eric and big brotherJudson welcomed Tucker EricWilkinson into the family onMarch 4, 2015.

Caroline “Callie” Hagler, ’11,wed Michael Cosper of AugustaGeorgia. on June 13, 2015. Sheearned her degree in marketing.Mike holds an undergraduatedegree in finance from GeorgiaRegents University (GRU), andis working on a second degreein accounting.

The couple was married at St.Mary on the Hill CatholicChurch in Augusta. JackieBeese Kish, ’11 was in thewedding party. Following herhoneymoon, Hagler-Cosperbegan her career at GeorgiaRegents University as analumni affairs coordinator.

Jennifer Wilson, '13, and Brock Holley, '13,'14,along with fellow Bobcats, friends and family inattendance, joined in marriage on July 11, 2015.The couple first met at GC and are now educatorsin Calhoun City schools. The wedding wascomplemented with a GC groom's cookie cake.

Courtney ClarkYearwood, ’07, ’09, andspouse Ross Yearwoodwelcomed HenryWilliam Yearwood May7, 2015. Courtneyearned her bachelor’sand master’s degrees atGeorgia College inbusiness administration.


Mimi Hughes BairdDorothy Benford Castelli*Emogene Burnum Jarvis KirlandKate Davis Morris*Gordan MosleySue Owen PeelerJoel RadneyDale Tanner Tennile*Sara Godard Waddell*Mable Williams Gillespie, ’13Nina Harden, ’24Jennie Meadows Pond, ’27Margaret Vaughn Chandler, ’28Helen Branan Heath, ’28Ophelia Brogden Tate, ’28Kathleen Blalock Brock, ’31Vida Thurman Prevatt, ’36Rachel Persons Birdsong, ’38Lytell Stripling Calhoun, ’38Helen Prince Moynihan, ’38Emily Cheves Garrett, ’39Beulah Dowda Colquitt, ’40Dorothy “Dot” Peacock Madding, ’40Catherine Leach Thorp, ’40Harriett Hudson Varn, ’40Eva Love Brown, ’41Agnes Hardeman Jamerson, ’41Frances Campbell Reeves, ’41Eugenia Turner Sorrells, ’41Augusta Slappey Carruth, ’42Estha Spence Coon, ’42Alice Strickler Marshall, ’43Helon Burton Seigler, ’43Saranell Marlowe Travis, ’46Grace Burel Puckett, ’47Winnifred Harrington Brooks, ’48

Elna Rogers Cook, ’48Lonnie “Lee” Morrison, ’48Martha “Jean” Hayslip Bolus, ’49Delma Carr Lassetter, ’49Cloa Harvey Lloyd, ’49Alice Durrett Bradford, ’50Bernadine “Dene” King Findley, ’50Barbara Johnson Appleby, ’51Daisie Carter Crittenden, ’51Mary “June” Tuggle Horton, ’51Geraldine Spivey Norris,’51Mary Harden Wilcox, ’51Frances “Fran” Harris Hanthorn, ’52Sarah Jackson Kimery ’52Anne Graham Rix, ’52Zelle Ross Rowland, ’52Charlotte Harvey Gilchrist, ’53Marie “Mimy” Herfurth Grover, ’53Barbara Craig Mercer, ’54Mary “Smitty” Smith O’Neal, ’55Sylvia McCluskey Betts, ’56Wyolene Freeman Bragg, ’56Blanche Hollander Edwards, ’57Mary Barbara Tate, '57, '62Patricia Garrett Haymore, ’59Lucille Sheffield Craft, ’60Betty Jo Jones Veal, ’60Anne Dennis Maloy, ’61Peggy Sue Barfield Veal, ’63Henrietta Maret Mabrey, ’64Suzanne Wheeler, '64Linda Hackson Sagaert, ’65Norma Farmer Boggs, ’67Gussie Sutton Escoe, ’67Wanda Garrett, ’67Beverly Wade, ’67

Anna Walker Smith, ’70Deborah Fountain Touchton, ’70Jane Youmans Babb, ’71William Boone, ’71Bertha Martinez, ’71Ronald Nocera, ’71L. Alice Simmons, ’71Donald Bolger, ’72Ann West Fugate, ’74Nancy Bady McBrearty, ’74Dorothy “Dot” Jessup Meadows, ’74Maxine White Power, ’74Alfredia Stewart, ’75Carolyn Harvey Mays, ’76Evelyn Benns Nichols, ’76Ronal Stewart, ’76Josephine Herring Eisel, ’80Robert Carter, ’82Jerry Seaman, ’82Edward Walsh, ’83Jeannie Berkst Gause, ’88Gary Conlee, ’95Kenneth Daniels, ’97Leah “Beth” Jaquinta, ’98Kenneth Taranawsky, ’98James Guthrie, ’99Bernell Thomas Holliman, ’00Sandra Clements Prince, ’05Deborah Linder Simmons, ’05Ryan “Moose” Baird, ’06Angel Joy Williams Colllins, ’06Chasity “Chatt” Ellison, ’06Daniel Roets, ’07Lauren Clark ’15

In Memoriam

*Denotes alumni of Peabody School.This list recognizes deceased alumni that the university has been made aware of since April 2, 2015.

Thursday, Nov. 12U.S. Army Jazz Ambassadors ConcertEnjoy the sounds of the premier touringmusical representatives for the United StatesArmy. This event is free, but tickets arerequired to attend. For ticket information, call478-445-8289.Presented by the Department of Music.Russell Auditorium, 7:30 p.m.

Friday, Nov. 13RegistrationSally Ellis Davis House, 9 a.m. - 5 p.m.

Breakfast at the MAX with PresidentDormanStart your morning off right with breakfastwith the President! MSU Commons, The MAX, ($5 if purchased in advance), 9 a.m.

Campus ToursSee what’s new around campus with apersonal tour.Student Activities Center, times TBA

Go Back to ClassSit in a class of choice and feel like a freshmanagain as you open your mind to the teachingsof GC professors.TBA

Peabody Reunion LuncheonThe graduates of Peabody High School areinvited to celebrate their reunion. Magnolia Ballroom, ($20), 11 a.m.

Women in PhilanthropyWomen, wealth and wisdom: Strategies forprotecting what you have worked so hard toaccumulate.University Banquet Room, 1 p.m.

GIVE Center Open House Stop in and see what impact the GIVE Centeris having on campus and the surroundingcommunity. MSU, Commons GIVE Center, 1 - 4 p.m.

Career Center Drop-In Alumni are invited to stop by to meet our staffor get resume assistance and career advice. Ifyou’re working for a company interested inhiring GC students for jobs or internships, youcan also talk with a member of our employerrelations team. 110 Lanier Hall, 1 - 4 p.m.

Class of 1955 Reunion TeaJoin fellow classmates to celebrate the Class of1955 60th Reunion. Old Governor’s Mansion, 2 p.m.

Class of 1965 Reunion DinnerJoin fellow classmates as the Class of 1965celebrates their 50th class reunion andbecomes members of the Half-Century Club. University Banquet Room, 6 p.m.

Choral Reunion PartyCelebrate the growth of the Choral programsas you gather with fellow alumni and faculty.Porter Hall, ($12), 7 p.m.

National Pan-Hellenic Council Re-Charting (Divine Nine)Join fellow alumni and current students for aspecial ceremony of the re-charting of theNational Pan-Hellenic Council at GeorgiaCollege.Magnolia Ballroom, ($20), 5 p.m.

Front Campus PartyJoin your fellow graduates for a Front Campusparty as we enjoy music and good times! Front Campus, ($10), 8 p.m.

Saturday, Nov. 14 RegistrationSally Ellis Davis House, 10 a.m. - 2 p.m.

Bobcat RamblePut on your running shoes to help raise fundsfor scholarships to benefit local high schoolstudents in this 12th annual 5K and Fun Runhonoring a GC cross-country athlete JohnBruner, who died Aug. 4, 2007 whilecompeting in race in Tennessee. The Depot, ($25 per person), 8:30 a.m.

Flag Football Tournament Relive your intramural glory days at WestCampus by joining in a 4-on-4 tournament!Teams may be compiled of alums, friends andstudents. West Campus, Intramural Fields, ($30 perteam), 10 a.m.

Campus ToursSee what’s new around campus with apersonal tour.Student Activities Center

Legacy Admissions TourDo you have a child interested in GC? Join theoffice of Admissions for a special informationsession and tour, just for GC alumni andfamily members.Ina Dillard Russell Library, Welcome Center

Picnic on Front CampusEnjoy lunch and relax in the Georgiasunshine with fellow alumni and theirfamilies. We’ll have music and activities forBobcats of all ages. Front Campus, ($5 per person) 12 p.m.

Class of 1965 Wine and Cheese Receptionwith Big Sisters The Classes of 1963 and 1967are invited to join their big/little sisters as theClass of 1965 celebrates their 50th Reunion. Old Governor’s Mansion, 2 p.m.

Choral Reunion ConcertJoin us as alumni and students come togetherfor a special alumni weekend concert. Porter Hall, Max Noah Recital Hall, 4 p.m.

Alumni AwardsJoin the Alumni Association as we honor theexceptional achievements of your fellowalumni. The cost includes beer and wine anddinner.Magnolia Ballroom, ($35), 6 p.m.

Sunday, Nov. 15Before departing campus, enjoy an all-you-care-to-eat brunch.MSU Commons, ($5 if purchased in advance),The MAX, 9 a.m.

Use #GCALUMWKND beforeand throughout the weekend onsocial media to share yourmemories.

Members of the Class of 1965are invited as guests of theAlumni Association to theirreunion events.

All alumni and guests mustregister for Alumni Weekend toreceive a name badge andcampus pass for access andadmittance to attend anyscheduled Alumni Weekendevent.

Registration is $5 and includesan Alumni Weekend gift.Reservations must be receivedby Monday, Nov. 9.

Register online by Friday, Oct.23 to receive a special giveaway.

Tips:

ALUMNI WEEKEND REGISTRATIONAll alumni and guests must register for Alumni Weekend to receive a name badge and campuspass for access and admittance to attend any scheduled Alumni Weekend event. The cost forregistration is $5 per person and includes an Alumni Weekend gift. Reservations must bereceived by Monday, Nov. 9.

Register by Friday, Oct. 23 to receive a special Alumni Weekend giveaway.

Name: __________________________________________________________Class Year:___________

Spouse/Guest Name:_____________________________________________Class Year:___________

Cell Phone: __________________________________________________________________________

Email: _______________________________________________________________________________

Additional guests attending with you: ___________________________________________________

____________________________________________________________________________________

Registration is also available online at gcsu.edu\alumniweekend

Event Quantity Total/No. Attending

Alumni Weekend Registration X $5

US Army Jazz Ambassadors No Cost

Breakfast with President Dorman X $5

Peabody School Luncheon X $20

Women in Philanthropy No Cost

Class of 1955 Reunion No Cost

NPHC Re-Chartering Ceremony X $20

Class of 1965 Reunion Dinner No Cost

Front Campus Party X $10

Bobcat Ramble X $25

Flag Football Tournament $30

Legacy Admissions Tour No Cost

Picnic X $5

Class of 1965 Big/Little Sisters Wine and Cheese No Cost

Alumni Awards X $35

Brunch X $5

Event Total

Gift to the Heritage Fund

Grand Total

Send checks payable to: Georgia College Alumni Association, Office of Alumni Relations,Campus Box 96, Milledgeville, GA 31061.

Complete the information below to pay by credit card:

� American Express � Discover � Mastercard � Visa

Cardholder’s Name: ___________________________________________________________________________________________________

Credit Card Number: __________________________________________________________________________________________________

Expiration: ____________________________________________________________________________Security Code:__________________

Signature: __________________________________________________________________________________Date:_____________________

Please contact the Office of Alumni Relations at 478-445-1186 for additional information.

University CommunicationsCampus Box 97Milledgeville, GA 31061

CHANGE SERVICE REQUESTED

gcsu.edu/alumnifacebook.com/georgiacollegealumni

it is better to give than to receive. in this case,the donor went one step further by remaininganonymous. is particular donor included a$500,000 gift in his or her will to providescholarships to students who are studyingmusic.

Currently, there are 41 students enrolled ineither music or music education at GeorgiaCollege. e scholarships will be offered tomusic students in perpetuity consideringscholarship awards will be generated frominterest earned on the endowed fund.

“Personally, i am always amazed at thegenerosity of people,” states dr. sergio ruiz,professor and chair, GC Music department.“is really touched me that the individualchose to remain anonymous. is selfless actwith a significant commitment to the arts isaltruistic in its truest sense. Music students willbenefit greatly from this gift.”

When arriving at the university in 2013, ruizwas told a music student had to work three jobsjust to “make ends meet” while attending GC.A short time later, ruiz heard that theelectricity was turned off in this student’sapartment as the student could not afford rent,tuition and other incurred expenses. “Becauseof this student and many others in similarsituations, i made it my goal to raise studentscholarship money,” he says.

And, this anonymous donor feels the same way.“once again, my personal thanks for helpingand guiding me through the legacy planningprocess,” states the donor. “i couldn’t behappier or more content with the outcome.”

Learn how easy it is to plan your gift. Contactelizabeth hines at 478-445-1944 [email protected].

Anonymous Donor Endows Music Scholarships

> Simple. Provide a few sentences in your will or trust. > Flexible. Change your mind any time.> Versatile. Specify particular items or a cash amount or leave apercentage of your estate.

> Tax relief. If your estate is subject to estate tax, your gift is entitled toan estate tax charitable deduction at its full value.

Aplanned

gift is:

connection magazine fall 2015

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