ConnectionsTOCCOA FALLS COLLEGE Winter 2019

AWAKENINGS FALL 2018 33 TFC Connections Awakenings Volume 31, No. 1 6 Winter 2019

ConnectionsTOCCOA FALLS COLLEGE Winter 2018

Attut ne to the Reala ity ofo Godo ’s Presence

AWAKENINGS FALL 2018 33 Woorsshih p God in Alll of Life About the cover Winners of the Student Photography contest. Photos by Jonathan Adams, Joshua Bogoniewski, Evan Rowland, and Clayton Wiedemeier.

Attend to the Story ofo Sccripptut ree

Credits Connections magazine is published twice a year by Toccoa Falls College to update and inform alumni, donors, and friends, as well as communicate the mission of the college. KiK nddle a Heartr for Obeedid ence President Dr. Robert M. Myers

President’s Cabinet Provost, Dr. Brian Shelton VP for Enrollment, Mrs. Emily Kerr VP for Finance, Mrs. Dee Mooney Associate VP for Operations, Mr. Merlin Embraca e Reded mpm tionn and Renewall Schenck VP for Student Affairs, Ms. Abigail Davis Director of Athletics, Mr. Kevin Hall

Printing Martin Printing Co., Inc.

Editor Tracy Wiegman, Director of Marketing & Communications Nurture LiL fe-GGiivvinng Reelatit onnshhips Photography Julie Garner Photography Tracy Wiegman TFC Marketing Students 2 CoCConnectionsonnnnecectiionns 12 Homecoming

14 Student photography winners Odyssey Coffeehouse 22

in this issue President’s Message 5 Odyssey Coffeehouse 22 Alumni Spotlight 8 BOT and VP appointments 23 Fundraising Updates 10 Campus Events 24 Faculty Spotlight 14 Class Notes 25 Admissions 19

Service and Outreach 20 Memorials/Dedications 31

WINTER 2019 3 Toccoa Falls Books & Gifts continues to expand • Handmade candles, lotions, perfumes, and soaps its inventory to provide items to satisfy all your needs. • Local arts and crafts including one of a kind prints Here are some things you’ll find: and jewelry • Name brand custom TFC apparel for every member • Scarves, hats, handbags, umbrellas, and stuffed animals of the family; kids to adults • Custom gift baskets and gift certificates • Full line of outdoor gear and merchandise including • Books, Bibles, study guides, journals, calendars, and hammocks, headwear, plus everything you need to more hike, camp, climb, run, kayak, and more There’s simply too much to list! Drop in and check us out today. Or visit us online at booksandgifts.tfc.edu. Follow us on Facebook at toccoafallscollegebooksandgifts for contests and giveaways! TFC Alumni receive a 15% Discount on all non-sale merchandise!

4 Connections This year we also experienced record who have faithfully served God for President’s enrollment for the third straight year. so many years, all while getting their Our total enrollment is now almost spiritual foundation at TFC. 1,700 students. Our total enrollment Message figure has doubled in the past six Our theme for the college this year It is an exciting time to be on campus! years. This May, our Fetterman School has been Awaken. We never want The spring semester is just starting of Nursing will graduate its first class our students to become complacent and students are happy to be back of nurses. It is wonderful to see this in their relationship with God. We do on campus. Every fall, students tell college dream of a nursing program not want our students confused and me they are excited to go home for finally fulfilled with nurses who will distracted by today’s culture. Instead, Christmas break but they are actually be working throughout the world. we want our students thriving and looking forward to returning to alert to the power of God and what campus in the spring. That always We had a wonderful Homecoming He is doing in their lives. We want makes me realize what a special this year. It was so good to talk with no spiritual sleeping at TFC. You college we have. alums and catch up on what God is will read much more about this doing in their lives. It was a weekend Awaken theme later in this addition of We have much to be thankful for packed with activities and fun. One Connections. as we start 2019. There are many evening we had a hymn sing around campus improvements such as the a beautiful bonfire. How tremendous God continues to do remarkable new student coffeehouse, renovations it was to hear our alums sing the things on the campus of Toccoa Falls to a portion of Forrest Hall, the new hymns of the church, many picking College. Thank you for all you do to press boxes at the athletic field, out their musical parts and singing support this wonderful place. Please improvements to the baseball field, beautiful harmony to the Lord. keep praying that God will continue a new disc golf course, new road to change lives at TFC! paving and a beautiful new campus I contrast that night of singing to entrance sign. Many other campus some singing that took place at our improvements are not as noticeable High School alumni luncheon. During but still needed to be completed. the lunch, a group from the high These include new roofs, new school choir stood and sang together. heating and air conditioning systems, I was simply transfixed. Watching Dr. Robert M. Myers, D.B.A. new flooring in various buildings, and and listening to this group caused Toccoa Falls College President the list could go on. me to reflect on lives that God has touched over the years and folks WINTER 2019 5 Longing f an Awakening

By J. Christian Stratton Director of Spiritual Formation, TFC

An interesting thing happened as my team prepared for the 2018-19 academic year. In and through our times of dreaming and discerning together, a hope-filled desire began to emerge and take shape from of our discussions. We found ourselves longing for an awakening in our lives and a collective awakening in the TFC community.

Little did we know that God was shaping a similar Secular (Eerdmans, 2014), and neither church nor yearning in the hearts and imaginations of those campus is immune to the power of its formative within the broader Alliance family. Interestingly, images, symbols, and stories. Its name is exclusive the U.S. Alliance, as it does each year for its humanism, and it is “a way of constructing local congregations, had chosen the theme of meaning and significance without any reference Awaken (to kingdom reality) for its mission to the divine or transcendence” (26). emphasis in the coming two years. A few weeks later, we learned that Envision had identified the In other words, we may allow the Psalmist to bear same theme for its 2019 Life Conference. For witness that “the heavens declare the glory of all three of us to settle on an identical theme for God, and the sky above proclaims his handiwork” the coming year, each one independently of one (19:1), but we moderns (note my sense of sarcasm another, provided an opportunity for us to ask here) believe differently these days—preferring the question: What’s God up to in the Alliance natural explanations that fit more (from the world? Could it be that God is preparing us for an insights of the philosopher, Charles Taylor, that awakening? Smith’s book seeks to expound) into an immanent frame. Indeed, we don’t have to embrace any Raising such a question—let alone, responding longer the transcendent notion of an “enchanted” to it with concrete action—is becoming more creation to find significance or pursue human difficult to imagine in the secular age in which flourishing in the modern world. We live in a we live and make sense of the world. A different disenchanted space, and it is difficult to know kind of social imaginary is being nurtured in our what to do with the longings for our own lives age, as Jamie Smith points out in How (Not) to Be and the yearnings for our community.

6 Connections Yet Christian Scripture tells another story. space, where our longings and yearnings for Although we could draw from numerous awakening are truly possible in and through passages—even looking at the whole of the Bible a dynamic relationship with the sustaining, as one story—from Scripture, a brief glance redeeming, and reconciling God of Christian at Paul’s letter to the Colossians in 1:15-20 will Scripture. suffice. God, the Father, not only created the world through his Son, Jesus Christ (1:16) but At TFC this year, we are seeking to give our continues to sustain and hold creation together in allegiance to the Father, to be drawn deeper the Son (1:17). Indeed, our immanent frame is the into the life of the Son, and to give ourselves Father’s domain, and he is actively at work within wholeheartedly to the transforming work of the it. In addition to creating and currently sustaining Holy Spirit so that God’s life can be shaped in us. it, he is also redeeming/reconciling creation in and Indeed, we long for God to AWAKEN us. In our through the work of his Son, whose death gives life together, we are actively seeking to Attune birth to a people (1:18-20), transformed by the to the Reality of God’s Presence, to Worship God hope (1:23) and power (1:6) of the gospel. in All of Life, to Attend to the Story of Scripture, to Kindle a Heart for Obedience, to Embrace Indeed, true significance and human flourishing Redemption and Renewal, and to Nurture Life- are only found in the Son, who perfectly images Giving Relationships. How about you? Are you the Father, and whose image is fashioned in this willing to allow God to awaken you, to turn your new people through the work of the Holy Spirit immanent frame into enchanted space, and to (cf. 1:27-28; 2:9-15; 3:9b-10). When we inhabit invite others into this biblical reality? Consider this story, the world can become re-enchanted yourself invited!

WINTER 2019 7 ALUMNI SPOTLIGHT JASON FRANKLIN

th After college he was accepted into Leader and Company Executive On June 15 the Army’s Officer Candidate School Officer. During this time as a Platoon Toccoa Falls College Alum Major (OCS) and earned a commission Leader, he deployed his platoon to Jason E. Franklin was promoted to into the US Army Signal Corps. Kosovo (2001). Wanting to spend Lieutenant Colonel during a ceremony His first duty assignment was the more time with his wife, Amy and held at the Pentagon in Washington, 101st Airborne Division at Fort son, Cameron, he chose to separate D.C. The ceremony was attended Campbell, KY. There he served as from Active Duty. by TFC President Dr. Bob Myers the Information Technology Officer who gave the invocation during for an Attack Aviation Battalion with Upon separation from Active Duty, the ceremony and Alumni Director, follow-on assignments as Platoon he joined-the Indiana National Deborah Wilkes. The benediction Guard again where he served as the was performed by another TFC alum, Deputy Commander for Operation Navy Commander Paul N. Rumery. Noble Eagle and commanded C Company / 38th Signal Battalion Major Jason E. Franklin enlisted into (INARNG). This re-kindled his love the Army National Guard at the ripe for serving his country leading him age of seventeen. After his Basic to transition to the Title 10 Active and Advanced Individual Training he Guard / Reserve program (AGR) served as a Subscriber/Switchboard with the Army National Guard. Programmer in the Indiana National He spent his entire time as Major Guard and later transitioned to the US in the ARNG AGR program. His Army Reserve. duties included Operations Officer (S3) at Fort Irwin, CA; Signal 8 Connections Organizational Integrator (OI), Force Administration from Webster Management Division; Operations University. From the TFAA President: Officer for US Forces Afghanistan; Greetings! I hope that each of you had Battalion Executive Officer, –at Fort His junior year at TFC, he met Amy a wonderful Christmas season. As we Leavenworth (MTC-LVN); Deputy Wittgreve. If you haven’t heard the enter into this New Year, I hope that Division Chief, of Strategic Plans story of how they met, you should HDFKRI\RXZLOOÀQGDZD\WRVHUYHRXU and Policy (FORSCOM); Chief, ask him at the next homecoming! He )DWKHU6SHDNLQJRIVHUYLQJ,ZDQWWR Information Management/Systems finally won her affection and they thank all of you for allowing me the branch (NGB J6). It was here that he have now been married for over 21 JUHDWRSSRUWXQLW\WRVHUYH\RX7)& credits God’s hand of Sovereignty years!, Amy, whom he affectionately and our Lord. It is truly a humbling and for the opportunity to transition to refers to as “Mrs. America” rewarding experience. It is the goal the US Army Reserve (USAR) where homeschools and together, they raise of the Alumni Association to make a better TFC experience for future alum. he currently serves. LTC Franklin their seven children: Cameron (17), We are doing that! You will hear me is the Chief for the Strategic Plans Charise (15), Topher (6), Gracie (4), talk about family. I consider all TFC and Policy branch of the Army’s Caleb (4), Caroline (4), and Mercy (3). Alum to be family and I cannot wait for Protection Division (G-34). you to come back home and connect Jason loves TFC and gives credit to or re-connect with your TFC family at His civilian education includes his alma mater for the foundation Homecoming this next October. Thank attendance at Toccoa Falls College that laid the way for his present day \RXDJDLQIRUDOORZLQJPHWRVHUYH where he earned his Bachelor of Arts success. One way he gives back our great Alma Mater! degree in Bible and Theology. He also is by serving as the TFC Alumni holds a Master’s Degree in Business Association President. Jason

WINTER 2019 9 FUNDRAISING UPDATES

Odyssey Coffeehouse Students, faculty and staff can now enjoy a fresh cup of coffee and fellowship every day of the week. The Odyssey Coffeehouse is also open to the public and was recently honored by the Stephens County Chamber of Commerce through an official ribbon cutting. Odyssey is quickly becoming a popular TFC Disc Golf place for our students to frequent for study time and social events. We want to say thank you to Course our donors who helped our vision for Odyssey We now have a nine-hole disc Coffeehouse become a reality! golf course on campus! Next time you visit, be sure to test your skills on the professionally designed course or plan to join us for one of our annual disc golf tournaments. The TFC community donated about $5,000 towards the installation and purchase of materials. Thank you for investing in the General TFC student experience! Fund TFC desires to be a good steward and glorify God Athletic Press Boxes with all of our Kingdom Fetterman Nursing TFC Baseball and Soccer have new resources. We are blessed press boxes! The press boxes were by the continuous hard School SIM Man installed as part of a larger campaign work of our maintenance The Fetterman School of Nursing for the Screaming Eagle athletics staff that renovate and has been blessed with a modern program. It is a great addition to repair the facilities we medical miracle! “Buddy,” the SIM the game day experience to be able know and love. Thank man, gives our nursing students a to have live announcing and web you for giving to our realistic training resource. It is not streaming for soccer and baseball. operational fund and for like playing the game Operation, and Thank you to all donors who helped making spiritual growth you get much more than a buzzer give the $80,000 needed to install our possible by also investing if you do not make Mr. Buddy new press boxes. in our infrastructure better! This new addition for our growth! students was made possible by a Please visit https://tfc.edu/ matching donation of $75,000 and alumni/giving-opportunities the generous response from our to give today! TFC community. Thank you for supporting the Fetterman School of Nursing and helping send more godly practitioners into the medical field!

10 Connections Our God is the God of increase! In 2018 Thank you for supporting Toccoa Falls we have continued to see His seeds of College! promise produce at Toccoa Falls College. Joseph Murrey Many of you already know that we Development Officer have recorded a record enrollment for the third year in a row at almost 1,700 2 Corinthians 9:10 students, up 220 over last year! That is “He who supplies the seed to the sower and incredible growth, but we also want to bread for food will supply and multiply your share with you the many other ways seed for sowing and increase the harvest of our generous donors have helped us your righteousness.” advance at TFC.

Furnish Forrest We launched the Furnish Forrest project during Homecoming 2018 and were able to fully fund the project by January 2019. The project is part of Scholarship our goal to completely renovate the Toccoa Falls College is thankful to have first floor of Forrest Hall C-Wing by donors who continue to give towards the start of the 2019 Fall semester. the annual scholarship fund. We are The previous built-in furniture was grateful for every opportunity to removed as part of the renovation contribute directly to the costs associated and new modular furniture will be with tuition. Thank you for helping our provided for our students. We have 12 Screaming Eagles find their wings! rooms and 24 sets of furniture that Please visit https://tfc.edu/alumni/giving- will be replaced. The furniture will opportunities to donate today. be able to be customized into over 50 configurations and will last for many years to come. Thank you for helping to fund this project and make a lasting impact on the lives of the men who live in Forrest Hall!

“Soar Together!” You will hear this phrase athletic facility near our soccer and baseball more and more as the TFC athletic program fields. This building will offer public access Athletic continues to grow. The Screaming Eagles to bathrooms, concessions, patio dining, and Concessions hold fast to the philosophy that they can equipment storage. We need your help in Building only soar over their challenges if they are raising an additional $262,000 to install our together. Together on the field, together on new concessions building. the court, and together in the world! We are Please visit www.tfc.edu/alumni/giving- asking that our alumni, not just our athletic opportunities to donate today. alumni but all TFC alumni, come together and support the building of a much-needed

WINTER 2019 11 Homecoming 2018

12 Connections WINTER 2019 13 FACULTY SPOTLIGHT

by Tracy Wiegman, Director of Markting and Communications Curt Wanner

If you have spent any time in the Communication Department, Dr. Curt Wanner is a person with whom you are very familiar. A TFC figure since 2006, Dr. Wanner most recently served as Chair of the Communication Department and now serves as Chair of the Humanities Department. He is an Associate Professor of Communication and teaches virtually everything related to the subject from Introduction to Communication, to Theology and Popular Culture.

An accomplished professor, Dr. Coming from a strong Christian Wanner has been the recipient background and having taught of the 2010 Wade Distinguished senior level Bible classes, Scholar of the Year Award, the Wanner soon realized he had 2014 (SGA) Faculty of Impact a desire to “teach” within the Award, and the 2014 Vulcan church. He entered Gordon- Distinguished Teacher of the Year Conwell Theological Seminary in Award. I recently sat down with Dr. Massachusetts, where he earned Wanner to learn more about him his Masters of Divinity (M.Div.) and his interests. and later his Masters of Theology (Th.M.). After graduation, he Like most young people, Dr. continued to work in the Distance Wanner wasn’t particularly fond Education program at Gordon- of school in his early years. His Conwell and began to pastor a earliest professional aspirations church north of Boston. were to become a lawyer. However, he entered Wheaton College (IL) as While at Gordon-Conwell, a history major on the pre-med track. At Wheaton, providence came into play and a series of events he began to consider teaching for the first time. suddenly granted him an opportunity to teach at After graduating from Wheaton, he attended Regent Gordon College, something he had never considered. University where he studied Film Studies and was He took the position and taught part-time two years first introduced to Communication as a discipline. before being hired full-time. During this time, he He received his MA in Communication and after was still pastoring a church full-time. Wanner states, leaving Regent had his first fore into teaching at “there was no point where I was setting out to be a Phoenix Christian High School where he taught college professor. I was a pastor, and I felt as though history, social science, and Bible. Although this time that’s what I would do for the rest of my career.” was extremely rewarding for Wanner, he did not enjoy every aspect of secondary education. “When When asked about the similarities and differences I considered the discipline aspect required of high between being a pastor and a college professor, he school teaching it became very clear, very quickly stated, “It’s similar in that as a pastor I understand that teaching high school was not for me.” myself as a teacher. But the responsibilities are very

14 Connections different. The responsibility of “care” is present in in the work of Christ. So, ultimately the person of both, but we articulate the care differently. There is a Christ is what inspires me. Our goal is ultimately more immediate requirement of care in the pastoral Christ alone. So, the man Jesus Christ. To seek to be context. When you get the calls at 11:30 at night, like Him, that one day I might be near Him and with you have to go. You get the difficult calls that you Him. And the image of being with Christ is inspiring. don’t want to get, but you get them, that someone That culmination of the gospel in a new Heaven and has passed away, sometimes unexpectedly and a new Earth, that fully realized communion with sometimes expectedly where you have to go and Christ, that inspires me.” sit with the family, and you pray with them. Those types of very profound, immediate requirements, When I asked Dr. Wanner what was the best piece you don’t have that at a significant level with of advice anyone has ever given him, he relayed a teaching. The care you provide and the ministry you story of when he was in grad school, and he called provide is a different form, and it’s more consistent his dad to ask for advice. His father asked him, in teaching.” “Do you feel like you did what was right?” Wanner replied, “Yes,” and his father said, “Well, don’t worry After teaching at Gordon College for five years, about it.” Wanner stated, “Effectively he was saying Wanner decided to leave the pastorate. He if you did what you know to be right, then don’t interviewed at both Nyack and Toccoa Falls College. worry about the consequences. That had a profound The TFC position and location both won out as, “I’d impact on me, even though the situation wasn’t been living in New England for a decade, and my profound. I think it is central to the gospel, central to wife had been there 15 years, and we were ready our commitment to recognize we are not in control to move south. The winters of Massachusetts had of what happens. We seek to know what is right, gotten to us.” So in 2006, Wanner and his wife we commit to doing what is right, and then we traveled to Georgia and made TFC their home. don’t worry about it. It’s remarkably liberating. The freedom of Christ is something we talk about, but I When asked which of his publications and works think we don’t really get.” were his most enjoyable, Wanner answered, “There’s a fairly consistent theme in my research, Believe it or not, Dr. Wanner does have a life outside and it’s looking at the cultural and theological of the classroom. He’s married with four children, questions that arise in media, media production, and ages 14, 13, 11, and 7. He enjoys both water and snow media consumption. My dissertation argued how skiing and also loves to golf although he doesn’t religious broadcasting had a significant impact on get many opportunities to play. You could call Dr. evangelical identity. There are symbols that religious Wanner a “jack of all trades” as he’s in the last broadcasters use that have profoundly affected stages of completely renovating his entire home! how evangelicals understand themselves and the From drywall to ceilings, electrical to flooring, he’s community. I think the work I enjoy the most is done it all in this massive project, and he hopes to be biblically informed, culturally relevant work that finished soon. we can read today and can have some impact, that will raise questions about who we are, particularly Some interesting things to know about Dr. Wanner the church, and what we’re trying to do. I have a include he is an Army military brat, and he attended sense that we often lose our Biblical moorings, in 12 different schools by the end of high school. He terms of what it is we’re really trying to do. We rely attended high school in Hawaii, elementary school on socially and culturally constructed strategies. in Panama, has looked down the crater of a volcano So the idea of saying, what is the scriptural and jumped out of a perfectly good airplane that was model of culture, what is the scriptural model of flying well over a mile above the earth. communication and how would we apply that to media in the contemporary context? That’s what I For someone who didn’t enjoy learning as a enjoy working on.” youngster, Dr. Wanner has certainly spent his lifetime learning and sharing that knowledge I went on to ask Dr. Wanner, what inspires with others. him. “Integrity inspires me. Truth inspires me. Commitment inspires me. Ultimately I see that all

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18 Connections faith admissions Baptist % % Emily Kerr 8 41Non-denominationall C&MA % The Office of Admissions labeled this year the “Year of Abundance.” We prayed diligently that TFC would 28 gender experience the Lord’s abundance, and we sure did, in more female ways than one! We were blessed with yet another record % year for enrollment. We saw increases in our Residential, statesstates 54 Online, and Dual Enrollment populations for the third 18 % straight year, resulting in over 1700 students taking classes 46male with TFC this Fall. 7 We hosted our new annual Fall preview event, Explore TFC countriesc Day in October 2018. This event welcomed prospective students and their families to campus to experience a day in the life of a student at Toccoa Falls College. They were by the numbers — treated to a time of student-led worship, a tour of our the new student class beautiful campus, a meal in our dining hall, a class related to their degree interest, and a panel led by our Admissions

scores DYHUDJHWHVW staff (All TFC grads!). ACTAC 21 Our Future Scholars event saw its sixth year and welcomed well over 100 high-achieving prospective students to enjoy 10331 SAT VW 100 life at TFC, and of course, to compete for a four year, full- percent ride scholarship to our college. Congratulations to the 2018 77% white UHFHLYLQJ winner Emily Johnson of Dublin, GA! institutional 14% black ethnicity aid nd 4% asian The 52 year of Campus Preview is coming April 4-5, 2019! We always want to partner with our alum so don’t 2% QDWLYHDPHULFDQ top hesitate to bring/send students our way for this event. 2% hispanic They will not regret joining us for this two-day glimpse of TFC life. Contact our Director of Admissions, Ronnie 12% Nursing 5majors Stewart at [email protected] if you have any questions. 9% Sport Management TFC has been affectionately referred to as, “one of the 8% Early Childhood Education best-kept secrets in Georgia.” We are gradually removing % Business Administration that label on our way to becoming, what we have labeled, 8 THE Christian College of Georgia. Join us on our mission, % Counseling Psychology 7 won’t you?

Future Scholars winner Emily Johnson

WINTER 2019 19 VHUYLFH RXWUHDFK comfort zone. I am an introvert so I tend to back away from everything, but this Austin Shea shares his Stories of Service experience has taught me to communicate experience about teamwork and Outreach at TFC with others and put myself out there in ways that I would have never expected. in Residence Life Saylo Lor That’s the Lord working in me, developing SAYLO: This is your second year serving Director of Student me from my Freshman year, where I in Residence Life. What has the transition Engagement would always be in my room, to now, been like from being a resident assistant The SAO program at Toccoa where I desire to reach out to people every (RA) to now an Assistant Resident Falls College equips students day. I am grateful to how beneficial the Director (ARD)? for lifelong leadership and leadership experience in Residence Life AUSTIN: It has been a great opportunity VHUYLFHWKURXJKSDUWQHUVKLSV with community organizations, has been. to work with the RA’s directly in a new local churches, and other unique SAYLO: How do you encourage way. I still have some responsibilities RXWUHDFKRSSRUWXQLWLHV(YHU\ introverted students to understand that similar to the RA role, but now I am more student will participate in four they are still leaders, and how can they involved with big picture stuff. A part of SAO ministry projects during further grow as a leader? the ARD role is taking on new leadership their time at TFC. It is through these ministry opportunities AUSTIN: It’s almost just your approach and capacities. Sometimes I feel like a gate- that students are able to explore keeper, serving the RA’s and residents, DQGGHYHORSWKHLUJLIWVLQRUGHU how you take it. Personally, I like groups while doing what I can to keep things off WRVHUYH&KULVWKHOSRWKHUVDQG of three, smaller groups where I can lead. of Mike’s plate. experience personal growth. The I tend to shut down in larger groups. I YDULHW\RIRSSRUWXQLWLHVDOORZ remember my first meeting with my SAYLO: How has it been being part of a RXUVWXGHQWVWRIXOÀOOWKHLU6$2 residents as an RA, and I was absolutely new team with new leadership? requirements in settings that put feet and hands to what they are terrified (laughs). It’s definitely different AUSTIN: Adapting is a big part of it learning in the classroom. now. I still am not a big fan of doing it, but - adapting to the new team chemistry the uneasiness of it has dropped. It takes and team culture. It was during the first Here are two stories of students intentionality to get out of your comfort few weeks where I was learning, trying sharing their experience in the 6HUYLFHDQG2XWUHDFKSURJUDP zone and to better understand your skills to better understand the new team, and leadership style. who clicks with who, and even how we For more information about the SAYLO: What is your favorite thing about as a team mesh together. Every year SAO program or to reach the serving in Residence Life? is different, but you have to learn and 2IÀFHRI6WXGHQW(QJDJHPHQW please contact Saylo Lor at AUSTIN: It revolves around building understand the team, and how they work [email protected] with each other. It has been awesome relationships with the residents and the to build relationships with each other RA team. The previous event that I did through the process. Even looking at our was the Amazing Race and Scavenger team now, and where we have gone since Hunt. It was great to put in the work for August - it’s amazing. it, but afterward the event, the residents came and prayed for me. It wasn’t part of SAYLO: How do you balance life as the event or something that was planned, a Senior, baseball player, and student but the residents just wanted to do that involved in ministry? for me and it meant a lot. Serving as an AUSTIN: It’s being able to manage my RA and ARD is also a unique way to build time wisely, being able to say no, and relationships with others that you may not finding meaning in everything I do. I typically have the chance to. As a baseball want to keep investing in others, and I say to myself, ‘Oh, player, I don’t think I would have ever made these unique I can put that on my plate’, but when reality hits, it’s hard. connections with all of the guys that I am with now. That is There are many times when I need other people to invest a big part as to why I enjoy being in Residence Life. I don’t into my life, and that’s why it’s so powerful to have a team see this leadership opportunity as a way to complete an behind me. I try to pour into every little thing that I am SAO course, but it is a way to serve others and to grow as a involved in and to have a team pour into me - that’s crucial. leader. Leadership development shouldn’t be a burden. SAYLO: What is something that you have learned as a For more information about the Department of Housing and leader serving in Residence Life? Residence Life, please contact Faith Newey at faithchamp@ AUSTIN: It’s definitely my ability to get outside of my tfc.edu

20 Connections Daniel Bennett shares his everybody. I went in last semester not experience with Valley Farm really knowing Mr. Tim, Mrs. Joyce, or Liz, and working with them up to SAYLO: What do you typically do on this point has allowed us to become the farm, and what are your day to day good friends. That has been one of responsibilities? my highlights. Secondly, it has helped with some of my leadership aspects. DANIEL: Regularly, I help with chore During chores, we sometimes break working on stalls. I do remember times. I have been helping out in the into smaller groups, and Liz and Matt planting the apple trees because one evening where we put the animals are typically the main leaders, but if Friday at lunch, Matt asked me, “Hey, back into their shelters, and we are they are off doing something else, I what are you doing tomorrow?” and I pretty much putting dinner out for all can guide other people through the told him I was probably going to just the animals. After they eat, they are projects and chores. usually going to their shelters and do some homework. He then said, SAYLO: barns, and we typically have bedding “Well, do you want to come down to What would you say to and water out for them by that time. the farm and help plant forty apple a student that wasn’t sure about trees?” (Laughs). I was like, “Yeah... serving at Valley Farms, or a student “Serving at Valley Farms is a why not?” It was funny because it that is looking for a SAO ministry break in the day where I can get was a real spur of the moment type of opportunity? away from the books and, in a sense, thing, and that’s where my friendship DANIEL: This actually happened get away from the main part started to build with Matt and the recently with a friend. What I told him of campus – it’s refreshing.” others. I think that memory also sticks was to come down to the farm with out because we were able to do all of me when I was doing chores. That’s it within one day. Digging the holes, what got me hooked, which was SAYLO: How have you enjoyed this planting the trees, and filling them up when Matt invited me to just check leadership experience? in one day and in one setting was a it out. Also, for me, serving at Valley DANIEL: I have enjoyed it a lot. I cool experience. Farms is a break in the day where I have been part of some leadership SAYLO: What do you feel like you can get away from the books and, in programs and experiences growing have learned and taken away from a sense, away from the main part of up, but it’s different here since you get your SAO experience at Valley Farm? campus - it’s refreshing. It’s also not to apply the skills versus just learning extremely hard to do chores so anyone DANIEL: The first thing was that about them. When you’re able to apply could jump in and learn. I will say, be there were some good friendships those skills, you’re able to see what prepared to work. There is going to be built, especially working closely with areas you are gifted in and what areas work whether there are hot, rainy, or you still need improvement. even snowy days. Chores and the farm SAYLO: What has been your favorite work will need to be done regardless memory or experience serving at of weather. Sometimes, you’re going Valley Farm? to get out there and get wet or work in mud. Of course, you won’t be DANIEL: I don’t know if I have a weed eating or doing certain tasks in favorite memory. We’ve had a lot of the rain, but we still have to get the good times down there, from planting animals in and take care of things. apple trees to doing simple jobs like

What is Valley Farm? GHYHORSPHQWSURMHFWVµLQFURVV “Whether students cultural settings. Secondly, have a strong agricultural Valley Farm came to life on WKHLUYLVLRQLVWRSUDFWLFHDQG teach sustainable farming background or have the campus of Toccoa Falls never stepped foot on a College in the Fall of 2014. practices and principles through ´KDQGVRQµH[SHULHQFHLQD farm, we want them to 7KHLUYLVLRQZDVDQGLVWZR engage with what is fold. They seek to establish fully operational agricultural going on at Valley Farm. DSURJUDPWKDWSURYLGHVDQ enterprise. ecologically and educationally There is opportunity VRXQGOHDUQLQJHQYLURQPHQWLQ For more information about for learning and which students can be trained Valley Farm, please contact leadership development LQDSSURSULDWHGHYHORSPHQWDQG Tim Penland at tpenland@tfc. for anyone here.” agricultural principles required edu or Elizabeth Howard at - Tim Penland, Operations to establish “sustainable VLOYLDKRZDUG#WIFHGX Manager at Valley Farm TFC Welcomes New Odyssey įÝÅÅāįƆšÅ

Fall semester, Toccoa Falls College opened Odyssey Coffeehouse items were also recycled and reused Coffeehouse in the first floor of the Parkerson from various areas on campus to create the Student Center. Odyssey Coffeehouse’s mission is welcoming environment. Maintenance and Facilities to provide a quality coffee experience to the TFC used the floor and exterior shingles from Bandy Hall community and guests of the college. to make the front counter. The seating is made up We do that by providing delicious of furniture from the former student lounge, a desk, coffee at a reasonable price in a and chair that used to be in the residence hall, and comfortable atmosphere. pews from First Alliance Church.

In its first few months of Our most popular drink is our regular coffee. It is business,business, the Coffeehouse has an organic, full city roast coffee from Peru, supplied become a pplacelac for students by the Alpaca Bean Coffee, a local coffee roaster in to meetmeet forfor studystud groups or Lavonia, GA. Our non-coffee, specialty drinks like hanghahangng ooutut wwithith frfriends.ie Some a Chai Tea Latte or London Fog are also popular morningsmomornninngss yyououo ccanan findfin professors among the guests. Seasonal drinks appear on the havinghaviv ng a sspecialppeeciciala cclasslal ssss ssessionesessis onon aroundaroun the tables in thethe coffeehousecoffeehhoouse o ror st staffaffff meme mmembersbberrs m meeting with studentsstudents toto provideprovide mentoringmentoring oror careerc guidance. In thethe evening,eveningg, sststudentudent ororganizationsganizzaattiio host special eventsevents withwiti h a guestguese t speakerspeaker or aann OOpen Mic night showcasingshowcaasing ourour students’students’ variousvariousus talents.t MindfulMiM nddful of oourur iimpactmpact on tthehe eenvironment,nnvviiro the coffeehousecoffeehouse s ensendsdsd i tsits uusedsed cocoffeeffeffee g grounds to TFCTFC ValleyValley FFarmsarms fforor uusesee iinn ththeirheie r ccomposting. President Bob Myers with Toccoa Mayor David Austin and wife, Michelle, both TFC alums. menu for a limited time throughout the year. For the fall, Pumpkin Spiced Latte and Apple Cider were added, and Winter will see the addition of peppermint flavored drinks.

If you find yourself on campus, stop by Odyssey Coffeehouse to get a delicious drink or enjoy the homey atmosphere. Follow us on Facebook or Instagram for information about our hours and special events.

Facebook: @OdysseyCoffeehouseTFC Instagram: @Odyssey.c.h

22 Connections TFC Welcomes New Board Members and VP of Business and Finance

Dr. Mark Herndon Dr. Dee Mooney Sen. John Wilkinson

Toccoa Falls College is pleased to where he practices general surgery. Beach Atlantic University, Bryan announce the selection of its two Before going into the medical field, College, and University of the newest Board of Trustee members, Herndon was an officer in the Southwest. Dr. Mooney also has Senator John Wilkinson and Dr. USAF, serving as a crew member considerable experience in the Mark Herndon in October 2018. aboard B-52H bombers. He credits for-profit sector having worked Senator John Wilkinson, a his father-in-law for inspiring him in public accounting with a major Republican from Toccoa, currently to go to medical school. corporation. serves the Georgia General Assembly as the state Senator He has three teenage sons, the oldest Dr. Mooney has been active in from the 50th District. As the entering college this fall. In his free Christian university business officer former Executive Secretary of time, Dr. Herndon enjoys working in organizations for more than two Georgia’s FFA, John worked 30 his yard, outdoor activities, playing decades. She served in volunteer years preparing young leaders to drums, and serving in his church. leadership capacities with both grow jobs in Georgia. John’s primary Some of TFC’s students have come the Council for Christian Colleges goal while serving is to promote to know Dr. Herndon as a guest and Universities CFO Commission legislation that creates a business lecturer in the School of Nursing. and the Association of Business friendly environment to bring good He has also participated in mock Administrators of Christian Colleges jobs to our communities. interviews for students wishing Board of Directors. She has also to apply for graduate programs. served on the Small Institutions Senator Wilkinson learned the value Teaching is definitely a passion of Council for the National Association of education from his father, Warren his whether it be “on the wards” of of College and University Business Wilkinson, who was principal at the hospital, in the college classroom, Officers. South Habersham High School or in his church. for 15-years and Superintendent Dr. Mooney holds a BBA in of Stephens County Schools for TFC also welcomed Dr. Dee Accounting from Baylor University, 12-years. Senator Wilkinson holds Mooney as its new Vice President a M.Acc. from the University of Bachelors and Masters degrees for Business and Finance in Tennessee at Chattanooga, and a from the University of Georgia December. D.Ed. from Southwestern Baptist and is committed to equipping Theological Seminary. She is also our children with a world class Dr. Mooney most recently served a CPA. education. Through his leadership with Cornerstone University, where at FFA, Senator Wilkinson has she served as CFO. In that role she Dr. Mooney and her husband Tim demonstrated a passion for using led the areas of accounting and have two married children and education to develop Georgia’s finance, student financial services, two grandchildren. She enjoys future leaders. and human resources. Dr. Mooney reading, bible study, coffee dates has served in financial management with her husband, watching movies Dr. Mark Herndon is a native of and teaching roles in Christian with her family, playing with Greenville, South Carolina but higher education for nearly thirty her grandchildren, traveling, and currently resides in Toccoa, Georgia years including positions at Palm serving in the local church.

WINTER 2019 23 FDPSXVHYHQWV their first national release in 2013, the group earned a Top 10 single with “Let Them See You,” a song that remained on On November 17th, Christian comedian Chonda Pierce Billboard’s National Christian Audience Chart for 29 weeks. took the stage of Grace Chapel and Performing Arts Center at TFC to a sold out crowd. Chonda has built her This year in honor of Aaron, a TFC alumni, The Aaron Shust career by being “real” - sharing her heart, talking about Worship Arts Scholarship was established. The $1,000 difficult issues, and blending it all with humor, insight and scholarship is awarded to an individual TFC music major self-examination. Chonda along with special guest, Karyn pursuing a concentration in Worship Arts. During the Williams, encouraged women look to their relationship with concert, Dr. Bob Myers, President of Toccoa Falls College Christ as the answer for completeness and self-acceptance. presented this year’s award to scholarship winner, Lindsey The roar of laughter throughout the night Saltz, of Dacula, GA. Lindsey is a Junior at TFC made it pretty obvious the evening was Chonda Pierce majoring in Music with a concentration in Worship enjoyed by all. Arts and Voice. On November 29th, TFC welcomed acclaimed On December 6th, The Toccoa Falls College Music Christian artist Aaron Shust to the for his Department held its annual Candlelight Concert. annual “Unto Us” holiday concert. Shust was The concert featured the Handbell Choir, the accompanied by the Toccoa Falls College Concert Band, the Jazz Band, and Kayla Beggs (a senior Music Performance major) performing on

Candlelight Concert - handbell choir Candlelight Concert - jazz band

classical guitar. The Handbell Choir performed a variety of Christmas selections, including “Still, Still, Still,” “The First Noel,” Lindsey Saltz and “The Holly and the Ivy.” The Concert Band performance included Aaron Shust three beautiful pieces of instrumental literature Choir, along with 32 alumni choir members and community evoking the Christmas spirit. members who also joined the choir for this special event. The One selection, “Christmas evening was filled with holiday favorites both old and new as Day,” was an exciting attendees enjoyed beautiful songs of the season. fantasy on some of the Old Over the past decade, Aaron Shust has earned a reputation English Carols we all know as one of Christian music’s most compelling songwriters and JJ Weeks and love, including God a vocalist of considerable depth and passion. He was named Rest Ye, Merry Gentlemen, both New Artist and Songwriter of the Year at the 2007 Good Christian Men, Rejoice, and the timeless classic The Gospel Music Association Dove Awards and the impact of First Noel. Kayla Beggs, a senior Music Performance major, his song, “My Savior My God” was recognized with the Song performed an arrangement of the classic Tchaikovsky piece of the Year honor. He has continued to build on that early “Dance of the Sugar Plum” on classical guitar. promise to become one of the community’s most creative and Following a short carol sing, the Jazz Band took the stage trusted voices. and featured several selections ranging from jazz-styled Opening for Shust was the JJ Weeks Band from Macon, traditional carols to holiday favorites performed in exciting GA. JJ has opened for everyone from MercyMe and Casting “big band” format. “A Charlie Brown Christmas,” a medley of Crowns to label mates Unspoken. Also, their music was music by Vince Guaraldi, reminded listeners of the nostalgia featured on the official soundtracks for high-profile films of gathering together and tuning in to the 1960’s Charlie God’s Not Dead and Four Blood Moons. With the debut of Brown Christmas television special in years gone by.

24 Connections class

David (HS 1961) and Carolyn notes Head David (HS 1966) and Carole Henke, 5704 Hastings 1950s Square, Columbus, GA 31909, dhenkewatchman@gmail. High School 1968 Richard Gathany, Ruth (Koehler) Schoon, Ruth (Gregory) Nodine, Debbie (Golla) Elliott, Phyllis Boudier, Jeani Goodwin, com Mark Landfear, Joel Martinez, Tommy Bishop, Martha (Hunter) Goodman, Doug Robertson, Mary Carden, Marshall Miller, Peter Cheng Donald (HS 1968) and Gayle Svenson, 12 Cedar Ln, Franklin, NC 28734, [email protected] Gordon (1969) and Pat Mary Jeane (Post, HS 1958) (Damron, 1966) Swenson, Snook and Janet (Lewis, HS 12344 Hidden Hills Ln, Jacksonville, FL 32225, 1962) Webb Class of 1968 Lawrence DuBose, Ted Heglund, Michelle Ring Austin, [email protected] Carolyn Hall Mullinax 1960s Bill (1974) and LaRue (Barrett, “God continues to meet all 1970s 1973) Mullins, 905 Johnson needs and then some, as we Ave, Portage, PA 15946, trust Him.” poppymay58@ [email protected] yahoo.com Steve and Rose (Ihinger, 1977) Oliver, 380 Ernest Davis (1970) Cedarhurst David and Lois (Carden) Clark Dr, (HS 1960) Sharon (Cross, HS 1971) Zanesville, DuBose, 407 Dali Dr, Rick Ivester (1975) and OH 43701. Marie Brandon, FL 33511, dubose. Rebecca Dosien (HS 1975) at Rose has worked as a (Underwood, [email protected] Homecoming registration Juvenile Probation Officer for HS 1960) with Deborah (Hubaker, HS over 20 years. Steve and McClenahan, Sharon Sanderson (1971), 1975) Kerr Rose have five children and 113 Harvey 124 S Stratford Dr, Athens, five grandchildren. Rose has Pkwy, Avon GA 30605, sanderson47@ written five books and is Lake, OH bellsouth.net working on another book to 44012, publish through Amazon. [email protected] [email protected] Jean (Chrouser, 1978) Lawrence (1976) and Karen Burkhart, 814 S Yow Mill (McCrary, 1973, 1974) Smith Rd, Toccoa, GA 30577. Paul and Jean retired from the Rebecca Gathany-Bailey (HS Clyde (1977) and Barbara May, 1016 Evergreen St, Brockway, C&MA in 2014, then Paul 1972) and Debbie Gathany- passed away in 2015. Jean Bailey (HS 1974) enjoyed PA 15824. Clyde retired at the beginning of the year, is currently serving as the catching up with Nancy Milton Brown and Gary Ewert, but still works part-time. office manager at Paradise 1961 graduates and former (Collins, 1979) and Ken (1977) He and Barbara have three Mountain Ministries. jcburk@ roommates Hazelton. grown children and four gmail.com grandchildren. Clyde says, WINTER 2019 25 (trains new school bus drivers) for the State of Ohio. [email protected] P. Matthew (1984) and Gina Dillon, 100 Pleasant Ct, Willow Park, TX 76087. Matthew and Gina recently Keith and Janice (Crabtree) relocated to the Dallas-Fort Hood (1988) with their Worth area. Matthew is son, Solomon (current TFC teaching at St. Mark’s School student) of Texas. pmattdillon@aol. Edie (Lugo, 1996) Tubbs and com Charlotte Moon (1989), Diane (Derk, 1978) Crisler Oscar (1978) and Pamela 759 Rhoden Cove Rd, David (1985) and Wynelle (McCrary, 1977) Lopez, 23306 Tallahassee, FL 32312, (Koehn, 1984) Fugett, 5589 [email protected] Cody Ct, Denton, MD 21629. Oscar retired in 2018 after Forester Lake Dr, Sarasota, FL 33 years as a minister in the 34243, [email protected]

United Methodist Church. Michelle Ogles (1985), 104 1990s Pamela retired in 2017 after Bradley Ln, Adairsville, GA Tom (1991) and Xong Hang, 30 years as an elementary 30103, [email protected] 4610 51st St Apt 2, San education teacher. They Diego, CA 92115, sanukai@ love living close to their 3 yahoo.com daughters and sons-in- laws, and 7 grandchildren. Brent and Tricia (Freeman, [email protected] 1991) Milligan, 7309 Deaver Dr, North Richland Hills, TX Richard and Christine 76180, [email protected] (Brantley, 1979) Tomlinson, Steve and Donna (Ryals, 1978) 129 Swan Lake Dr, Melrose, Lee Ann and Danny (1986) Todd and Lynda (Gongre, 1991) Jordan, 535 Anderson Rd, FL 32666, pjrctomlinson@ Beck enjoyed the BBQ dinner Steiner, 1002 E Northfield Eden, NC 27288. Steve aol.com with Tim (1988) and Cristina Blvd J101, Murfreesboro, TN and Donna recently moved (Manley, 1986) Beck. 37130. Todd and Lynda both to Eden, NC, and decided work for the VA Hospital to retire there to be close 1980s and are honored to be able to their new grandchild. to serve those who served. Chuck and Melissa (Williams, Donna would love to hear [email protected] from her alumni friends. 1980) Wilson, 3333 Boydston Rusty (1992) and Lori Arwood, [email protected] Rd, Chattanooga, TN 37419. chukmisa@epbfi.com 7780 Wells Rd, Talbott, TN 37877. Rusty has been in the banking industry since 1993 and is currently the Business Services Manager Greg (1986) and Penny for TVA Credit Union. Lori (Sturgess, 1985) Schroeder, has a Doctorate in Christian 5020 Pine Creek Cir, Counseling and is the church Woodstock, GA 30188, greg. counselor at True Life [email protected] Church in Jefferson City, Stephen and Karen (Bowers) TN. Rusty and Lori recently Sickel (1983), 809 Armstrong Heather McDonald (1987), PO celebrated their 20th Dr, Willard, OH 44890. Box 2345, Loganville, GA wedding anniversary. They Stephen is a substitute school 30052, hmdavis1968@yahoo. have three children, Abbey, teacher for three public com Will, and Bailey. arwood5@ school districts in northern William and Melissa (Morris, charter.net Ohio. [email protected] 1988) Harrison, 504 Piedmont Karen is a special needs Dana (McCreary) Knox Lake Rd, Pine Mountain, GA Alumnus of the Year school bus driver for Willard (1992), 1712 Connecticut Homecoming 2018 City Schools and an on 31822, melissajoharrison@ Ave, Saint Cloud, FL 34769, CDR Paul Rumery (1988) board school bus instructor gmail.com [email protected] Chaplain Corps, US Navy 26 CoConnectionsnnections Carrie (Stanley, 1992) Rd, Beavercreek, OH 45432, Jefferson, GA 30549. Julie is Sorensen, 430 Breakwater [email protected] the woodwind instructor and Dr, Altamonte Springs, FL band assistant for Commerce

32714. Carrie works with Middle and High School. She The Travelers Insurance also teaches preschool music Company. She has one part-time in Athens. Joe daughter, Sarah Beth. and Julie have four children, [email protected] Hailee, Chantel, Teresa, and CJ. [email protected] Chris and Cindy (Nodine) Greaves (1994), 3733 Suffolk Philip (1999) and Sarah Alumni Scholarship Recipient Dr, Tallahassee, FL 32309, Jackson, 116 Roger Dr, Santa Ian and Wendi (Smoak) Homecoming 2018 [email protected] Cruz, CA 95060. Phil works Danielle Pottorff Jackson (1998), 2635 as a visual designer and web Daughter of Concord Rd, DeLand, FL developer in Santa Cruz. Sarah Ed and Sue Pottorff (1996) 32720. Ian is the AVID is an ESL teacher currently Coordinator at T. Dewitt working as a full-time mom to Taylor Middle High School. our two children. philjaxon@ Wendi is the Community gmail.com Information Specialist for the City of Deltona. They have two children, Grace and Brian (1994) and Jessica Colin, and a basset hound. 2000s (Vena, 1996) Rockwell, 801 They are members of Iowa St, Belgrade, MT 59714. Deltona Alliance Church. Brian is the lead pastor of [email protected] Belgrade Alliance Church. Jessica is working full time as a coach at Lone Mountain Gymnastics. Their two oldest Guy and Rebecca (Damron) boys, Brandon and Jared, Wasko (2000), 275 South are attending Toccoa Falls St Apt 16L, New York, NY College. Their son, Colby, is 10002, [email protected] a Junior in high school and Ben (2001) and Laura (Page, daughter, Isabel, is in 7th Michele (Whited, 2000) Banks, 2002) Brammer grade. [email protected] 1052 Turner Rd, Winter Park, , 104 Fox FL 32789, michelewhited@ Creek Rd, Anderson, SC Omar and Donna (Dodge, hotmail.com 29621. Ben is Assistant 1996) Rey, 103 Macungie George and Bennette (Person) Professor of Christian Ave, Emmaus, PA 18049, Kashella (1998) Studies at Anderson University. Laura is a [email protected] domestic engineer managing the lives of their two boys, Zachary and Seth. [email protected]

Brian (2000) and Jenny (Hosch, 2001) Bojo, 48 Turnbull Dr, Justin and Bethany (Boston, Rome, GA 30161, bjmbojo@ Brandi (Holbrook) Ryan (1998), 1996) Rose, 302 W 15th gmail.com Ave, Torrington, WY 82240, 422 Savannah Dr, [email protected] Woodstock, GA 30188, Jessica Hays (2000), 2302 [email protected] Timberline Dr, Columbiana, Alumna of the Year Wade (1997) and Mary Joyce Joe and Julie (Trammell, 1999) OH 44408, jhays497@gmail. Homecoming 2018 (Still, 1996) Climie, 1952 Rich Dixon, 3964 Brockton Rd, com Karrie (Furnish, 1998) Perrin Stephens County School System FALLFALL 20182018 27 Richard (2001) and Jody that one of their three Paul (2004) and Joanna  *ULIÀWK, 6108 children (Seth, Lucas, (Bodevin, 2005) Crosby, Shadyway Ln, Chattanooga, and Audrey) continue the 490 Palm Springs Way, TN 37416, [email protected] tradition. andrea.l.burns@ Colorado Springs, CO 80921, [email protected] Brad and Polly (Perkins) hotmail.com Mock (2001), 817 N 150th Matthew (2003) and Jessica St, Omaha, NE 68154, (Norvell, 2004) Lewis, 3860 [email protected] Sugar Pike Rd, Canton, GA 30115, rawtherboringday@ gmail.com Canas and Jennifer (McGarvey, 2003) Blackston, 10611 Abercorn St Apt 207, Savannah, GA 31419, Nate (2003) and Andrea [email protected] (Lopez, 2001) Burns, 23306 Paul (2004) and Lorie (Sykes, Cody Ct, Denton, MD 21629. Michael (2001) and Jennifer 2006) Huneycutt, 4581 Andrea was recently named Broadview Rd, Cleveland, OH (Wooten, 2002) Musick, 4080 Teacher of the Year for 44109, loriehuneycutt@yahoo. Longford Dr NE, Marietta, Caroline County, MD. “Work com GA 30066, mjmusick@gmail. Hard, Dream Big” is the com philosophy that Andrea Kyle and Stacy (Barath, 2004) James (2001) and Anita strives to instill in her Smith, 71 Mill St, Middleton, students. As a former MA 01949. Kyle and Stacy (Mascaro, 2000) Partin, 4209 international ELL student have three daughters, Emma, Isle Vista Ave, Belle Isle, FL herself, she is committed to Ella, and Lydia. nygrl4evr@ 32812, anita.partin@gmail. improving the multicultural yahoo.com com landscape, championing ELL

achievement, and celebrating Eric and Faith (Thomas) all learners’ backgrounds. Needham (2003) are working Andrea is Preston with Crossworld in Thailand, Elementary’s Equity Liaison coordinating the Thailand and the founding head of the Teacher Project. They have Multicultural Committee three boys, Jacob, Owen, and within her school, an Titus. eric.needham@ initiative that helps increase crossworld.org positive multicultural awareness through building intentional relationships and Patrick (2002) and Susan designing affirmative Andy (2005) and Heather Duke, (Johnson, 2004) Jones, 317 N activities. She has an M. Andy has been serving the Vernon St, Princeton, IL Ed. from La Salle University past 8 years as youth minister 61356. Patrick recently (2016) and a B.S. from Toccoa at Christ Baptist Church in graduated from Trinity Falls College (2001). Andrea Raleigh, NC. He graduated Evangelical Divinity School is also a published and with a M.Div. from with a Master of Theology award-winning portrait Southeastern Baptist (NT). He is serving as the photographer. Theological Seminary in May. pastor of Bureau Township Andrea was third generation In July, their family moved to Community Church. Susan at TFC. She is preceded northern Colorado to start a works at a local café and a by parents Oscar (1978) Mark and Thomi (Megowan, new church. Three other local realty office. They have and Pamela (McCrary, 2003) Pratt, 4663 Malone Ct, families moved with them and two children, Levi and Lily. 1977) López. J. Clifford Lilburn, GA 30047. Thomi they are thankful that God is (1950) and Pauline (Tingen, is currently an Associate [email protected] already drawing hearts to 1950) McCrary are her Professional Counselor Jonathan (2002) and Erin Himself as they love their grandparents. Andrea’s pursuing Licensure in neighbors and share the Neely, 2401 N Beech Ln, husband is Nate Burns the Metro Atlanta Area. gospel! [email protected] Greensboro, NC 27455, (2003) and they both hope [email protected] [email protected] 28 CoConnectionsnnections They have three children Nathan and Beth (Lucia, Roswell, GA 30076, under 10, far too many 2009) Smith, 4915 NW 21st [email protected] books, and more blessings Dr, Gainesville, FL 32605, Seth (2011) and Julie than they can count. aaron. [email protected] Winstead, 1947 Bonnie Ridge [email protected] Dr, Griffin, GA 30223, seth. [email protected] Joseph and Karlee (Greene, Daniel and Amy (Fincher) 2012) Glendening, 335 Caledon Ct, Greenville, Hanscome (2005), 674 Shady SC 29615. Karlee is Creek Rd, Toccoa, GA currently a Licensed 30577. Daniel and Amy are Professional Counselor currently serving in Africa working at a private with their children, David, Clarence Wulf (former faculty) practice in Mauldin, SC. Abigail, and Lillian. Bobby (2008) and Jessica karleebrookeglendening@ [email protected] (Valandingham, 2011) Musil, 212 Powder Creek Ct, Dallas, 2010s gmail.com GA 30157. After spending 8 years as a youth pastor, Bobby decided to pursue his education further in the field of counseling. In May 2018, he graduated from Messiah College with a Master’s in Clinical Mental Health Counseling. Bobby currently works at two hospitals (Willowbrooke and Adam and Ashley (Franklin) Tyler and Lane (Arnold) Taylor Ridgeview Institute) Ivester (2010), 1020 Easy St, (2012), 490 Ricks Rd, providing counseling to Toccoa, GA 30577. Adam is Lavonia, GA 30553, lane@ Aaron (2005) and Sarah (Lee, suicidal adolescents and serving as a Creative Arts tayloredmarketingllc.com 2004) Prosser, 1494 Cedar adults. Additionally, he Pastor. Ashley is an Ln, Lemoore, CA 93245. works for a private practice, elementary school teacher. Aaron and Sarah serve at Counseling Innovations, in [email protected] Christ Church Anglican Marietta providing Mission, a congregation of counseling to kids, teens, Grante and Lynnette (Vaill, the Anglican Church in adults and couples. 2010) Shurtleff, 1108 Jody Dr, North America located in [email protected] Seneca, SC 29678, lynnette. [email protected] rural, central California. Ben (2008) and Tiffany (Taylor, 2009) Palacz, 130 Holiday Dr, Martinez, GA 30907, [email protected] James Eric (2009) and Andrea (Wingate, 2007) Hindmon, 626 Evergreen Dr, Sandersville, GA 31082, [email protected] Steven and Charity (Spradlin, Darren (2011) and Joanne Tom and Sara (Allen) Loghry 2008) Fearon, 4952 (Dodge, 1998) Dunavan Newpark Ln NW, Acworth, (2013), 212 Rockland Rd, North Scituate, RI 02857. GA 30101, gracespradlin@ Jared Fitz (2011), 2995 Tom graduated this past gmail.com Robin Rd, York, PA 19095, jaredfi[email protected] spring with a M.A. in Young Alum Award Jaye and Stacy (Anderson, Theology from Gordon- Homecoming 2018 2009) Richardson, 2904 Erich (2011) and Leann Conwell Theological Adam Bainey (2009) Ashley Ln, Opelika, AL (Westbrook, 2012) Pracht, Seminary. He is continuing Cardiology Fellow at Largo 36801, [email protected] 435 Wood Creek Ct, in graduate studies at Medical Center WINTER 2019 29 through this journey. When I Johnny is the student pastor was accepted into the Master at Coastal Cathedral Church of Divinity program at in Savannah. Taylor is the Toccoa Falls College Gordon-Conwell Theological Education Director at Coastal Service Award Seminary, my professors at Cathedral Early Education Homecoming 2018 TFC were among the first to Center in Savannah. know. My three years at [email protected] ASI Southeast Gordon-Conwell were some of the greatest, but I believe it Samantha Anderson Doug Hitchon was the foundation laid by (2016), 5514 Carville Ave, Halethorpe, MD 21227, Executive Vice President my professors at TFC that allowed me to flourish and [email protected] & Chief Operations Officer thrive in such an academic setting. In May of 2018, I graduated from Gordon- Conwell Theological Seminary with my Master of Gordon-Conwell in the M.A. Leadership from Lincoln Divinity, and my heart was in Ethics & Society program. Christian University. This glad to receive so many Most recently, this program past summer, he transitioned congratulations from my has given him the from the Resident Director in professors at Toccoa Falls opportunity to study at Forrest Hall (four years in College. TFC played a crucial Boston University in a course that role) to the Director of role in laying the foundation on Political Theology. Aside Student Engagement. Lala is for my academic journey from graduate studies, Tom is currently working through thus far, and they will presently serving in the her M.A. in Reading continue to provide a space Advent Christian Instruction at University of for me to thrive as I have denomination as assistant West Georgia. She is also signed on to be an online pastor of Rockland serving as a 6th grade Adjunct professor in the Community Church. He also Language Arts teacher at Bible and Theology serves on the Executive North Habersham Middle department. Council of the Advent School. [email protected] [email protected] Bob and Kinsey (Whittet, 2016) Harvey, 500 Brookview Ct Christian General Conference John and Tiffany (Schmidt, Apt 102, Auburn Hills, MI in the role of Clerk. On the 2013) Swan, 1910 20th Ave Dr 48326, kinseyawhittet@ side, Tom founded and NE Apt 9, Hickory, NC 28601, directs Advent Christian gmail.com [email protected] Voices, a blog featuring voices from across the denomination on matters of church and theology. Tom and Sara have one son, James. [email protected] Catherine Rybicki (2013), 411 Crested View Dr, Loganville, GA 30052. Catherine graduated from TFC with a Bachelor of Arts in Biblical Studies, minoring in Biblical Greek. She shared the following about her time at TFC: “It was my professors in the Bible and Theology John Thar (2017) and Joshua department who spoke into Lillie (2016), former SGA my life and encouraged me Presidents more than anyone else. Dr. Saylo and Lala (Xiong) Lor Brian Shelton was a Johnny and Taylor (Clegg) Miller (2013). Saylo completed a champion for me, and (2014), 511 Cobblestone Cir, M.A. in Organizational encouraged me as I walked Bloomingdale, GA 31302.

30 Connections Alumni Memorials

JosephJoseph RR.. MaMayy SrSr.. (1(1951)951) MalcolmMalcolm BriceBricce CashCaC shs (1958)(199585 ) AmyAmy (Ness)(Nese s)) ZimmermanZimmmermrmann ((1989)1989) JulyJuly 99,, 19192828 – JuneJune 29229,, 202201616 JanuaryJanuuarry 2525,, 19193535 – JJulyuly 18118,, 202018181 OctoberOctober 18, 19196969 – SSeptemberepteembm er 113,3, 22018018 StephanieStephaanie (A(Allen)llen) BoBowerwer ((1969)1969) TeresaTeT resaa DunhamDunham (1966)(1966) ElmaElma GGraceraace ““EG”EGG” (D((Davis)avvis) LongLong (1957)(1957) AugustAugust 77,, 191949494 – MarMarchch 11,, 20120177 JulyJuly 9,9, 19193434 – JJulyully 22, 20201818 DecemberDeeceembber 222,2,2 119339333 – OcOOctobertotober 9, 22018018 ViolaViola BeackBeack (1959)(1959) RobertaRoberta (Swauger)(Swauger) McDowellMcDowell EdithEdith (Smith)(S( mim th) FosterFoster (1940)(1940) 19361936 – MarchMarch 22,, 202201818 (former(foro mer faculty)faculty) DecemberDecemberr 99,, 191920920 – OOctoberctober 114,4,4 22018010 8 JanuaryJanuuary 8, 11932932 – AuAugustguustt 22,, 202018188 MargaretMargaret A.A. (Trout)(Troutu ) HoffmanHoffman ( 191(1982)822) CarolynCarolyn (J(Jacques)aca quq es) SheaShearsrs ((HSHS 11952)952)) DecemberDecember 22,, 191958588 – OOctoberctober 220,0,0 22018010 8 JuneJuJ ne 11,11, 193419334 – AAprilpril 27,27, 20182018 PaulPaul EE.. BeBennettnnett (H(HSHS 191953,53, CoCollegellege 191957)57) GraceGraace (Farr)(Farrr) WelchWelch (1953)(1953) JeanJeana ((Gile)Gile) LeLewiswis ((1963)1963) DecemberDeceember 225,5, 119289228 – AuAugustgug sts 117,7,7 22018018 SeptemberSeptember 4, 11932932 – OcOctobertober 2828,, 202018018 JuneJune 1,1, 19193838 – MayMay 12,12, 20182018 ChristopherChrir stopher WaWWadeade BarBarkerker (1(1997)1997) HeatherHeather LyLynnnnn GGibbsibbbs ((2001)2001) NovemberNovembere 221,1,1 11977979 7 – AuAugustgust 119,9, 22018018 AprilAprir l 27, 191978788 – MMayay 221,1, 22018018 BruceBruce CrossleyCrossley ((1986)1986) MarilynMarilyn (Morgan)(Morgan) SSimmonsimmons ((1977)1977) AprilApril 24,24, 19195555 – SSeptemberepptember 5, 2022018188 FebruaryFebruau ry 13, 119539553 – JuJunene 113,3,3 22018018 NormanNormr an FF.. WoodwaWoodwardrd ((1942)1942) DennisDeD nnis AlfredAlfred TallmanTallman (H(HSS 191961)61) SeptemberSeptember 2727,, 19192525 – SSeptembereptember 112,2, JuneJuJ nen 6,6, 1911942422 – JuneJunne 20,202 , 2018202 18 20182018

Gift Dedications InIn MemoryMemory oof:f: WadeWade HoustonHouston Mrs.Mrs.s LouiseLouo ise B.B HoustonHouusts onn JackJack W.W. MaMMartinrttin Mrs.MrM s. ClaraClara AnnAnnn PP.. CrCrutchfieldutchfieldl

EstherEsther MMoreauorreau Dr.Dr. anandnd MrMrs.s.s TomTomo CouncilCouncn il KenKeKen SandersSaSandnderers Mr.Mrr. andanand Mrs.MMrrss. JohnJohhn A.A WalterWalaltet r InIn HonorHonor oof:f: BethBeB th AllenAllen DDinn,ininn, CClasslass ooff 19199696 Mr.MrM . andana d Mrs.MMrs. ClayClay AllenAllen Dr.DrD . BobBob MyersMyers Mr.Mr. andand MrMrs.s. RRandyandy ShirleyShirlr eyy

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