MERCERIANTHE A Publication for Alumni and Friends of Mercer University Spring 2006 • Volume 16, Number 1 Trustees Elect Underwood Next President

he Board of Trustees of Mercer University unanimously elected ber of the faculty of the Baylor Law School since Getting to Know law scholar William D. Underwood as the University’s 18th 1990. He held The Leon William D. Underwood Jaworski Chair in Practice Underwood was born in Ft. Morgan, Colo., to president at their semi-annual meeting in December. and Procedure and directed William H. and Mary E. Underwood. He and his the rigorous Practice Court four younger siblings — Becky, Debbie, Jim and T program, which has received Mary — spent their childhoods in Texas, Underwood, who served as interim president of Baylor University Kansas, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania and Michigan. high marks from The Underwood says he was inspired to become in Waco, Texas, until Jan. 2, will take office on July 1, upon the retirement of Dr. R. Princeton Review and a lawyer when he was studying history. “I was Litigation News. In 2004, struck by how often our country had turned to Kirby Godsey, who has been the University’s chief executive officer for an Baylor awarded Underwood exceptional lawyers for leadership in times of the prestigious designation of crisis,” he notes. “In a very real sense, excep- Master Teacher for his com- tional lawyers have been our nation’s great prob- unprecedented 27 years. lem solvers.” In 1990, Underwood went from mitment to teaching and practicing law to teaching it, and says the oppor- At the press conference held follow- cy at the University. tion of the University. During his six- scholarly research. Only nine tunity to play a significant role in developing the ing the Trustees’ vote, David Hudson, During his term at the helm of month presidency, he received a vote of of Baylor’s current 800 facul- next generation of lawyers was an attractive one. presidential search committee chair- Baylor, Underwood was credited for affirmation as well as a standing ova- ty members have received the Underwood says that, prior to becoming the man and newly-elected chairman of Master Teacher designation. interim president at Baylor University,he the Board, recalled the group’s first Underwood, the son of a received the best advice from a successful col- lege president. “He advised me not to be cruci- meeting with Underwood. Baptist preacher, earned his fied on six-inch crosses, and never to lose my “One member said, ‘Call in the undergraduate degree at desire and capacity to listen to others,” dogs, put the water on the fire, the hunt Oklahoma Baptist University. Underwood recalls. “That was great advice from is over,’” recalled Hudson. In an inter- A summa cum laude grad- Kirby Godsey.” view with the Waco Tribune-Herald, uate of the University of Underwood is married to the former Lesli Hudson said Underwood stood out as a Illinois College of Law, he Pearson, a third-grade teacher at an inner-city public school in Waco, who is a past president of candidate because of his background was a member of the Board the Waco Chapter of Parents for Public Schools teaching in the Baylor Law School since of Editors of the University and a past board member of National Parents 1990 and his experience as interim of Illinois Law Review and a for Public Schools organization. They are the president the past six months. member of the Order of the parents of two children, Jessica, 17, and Underwood said he plans on Coif. After law school, he William, 12. “picking up where Kirby left off” and completed a federal judicial continuing many of Godsey’s clerkship with the Honorable al law. After joining the faculty of ph initiatives, including continuing to ra Sam D. Johnson of the United States Baylor’s College of Law, he continued eleg upgrade the quality of the faculty and T Court of Appeals for the Fifth Court. to successfully represent clients in a

the student body, with an eye on The Macon He became a high-profile attorney variety of civil and criminal cases.

making Mercer “a premier, nationally bell, practicing civil trial law with An elected member of the

recognized university.” Beau Ca Carrington, Coleman, Sloman & American Law Institute, the American Underwood will follow in the aca- President R. Kirby Godsey speaks with President-Elect William D. Underwood following the Blumenthal, a prominent litigation Bar Foundation, and the Texas Bar demic tradition of Mercer’s 16th presi- Dec. 2 press conference. firm based in Dallas. Underwood has Foundation, Underwood has served as dent, Dr. Rufus C. Harris, who also was bringing unity back among the faculty, tion from the faculty senate and strong published extensively in the field of Reporter to the Civil Justice Reform a nationally noted law scholar and staff, students and alumni, which had support from the alumni association. civil practice and procedure, including Act Advisory Group to the United who had served as a law school dean become fractured during the previous Prior to his appointment to interim articles that have led to significant States District Court for the Western before beginning his 19-year presiden- administration over the future direc- president, Underwood had been a mem- changes in federal and state procedur- District of Texas.

Mercer Breaks Ground for New Science and Engineering Building By Mark Vanderhoek

uring the festivities sur- groundbreaking, outstanding materials-testing system. rounding the School of along with university “... Our School has a longstanding DEngineering’s 20th officials, students, partnership with the Warner Robins Air Anniversary on Oct. 21, 2005, Mercer graduates and former Logistics Center,” Aldridge said, “and also passed another important mile- deans of the School of this new facility will help us address stone by breaking ground on its new Engineering, College two of its greatest needs: the teaching Science and Engineering Building. The of Liberal Arts Dean of short courses and graduate building will further the educational Richard C. Fallis and education.” mission of Mercer University and United States Rep. Jim The new building will feature new cements the ties between Robins Air Marshall, D-Macon. laboratories, specialized classrooms, Force Base and the University. The new “This new state- study rooms and a 150-seat auditori- building will increase the level of activi- of-the-art teaching um. Students from the nine under- ty under Mercer’s longstanding and research facility Construction on the new Science and Engineering Building began on Oct. 21. Helping in the groundbreaking were: (left graduate and graduate engineering Education Partnership Agreement with will further advance to right) Michael Hatcher, director of engineering at Warner Robins Air Logistics Center; Richard C. Fallis, dean of programs, as well as the core sciences, the Warner Robins Air Logistics Center the University’s posi- the College of Liberal Arts; United States Rep. Jim Marshall, R-Georgia; M. Dayne Aldridge, dean of the School of such as physics, will study in the new Engineering; Elizabeth Embury, president of Tau Beta Pi, the engineering honor society; Donald LaTorre, chair of (WRALC) at Robins, which is the largest tion as a leader in the National Engineering Advisory Board; and Mercer President and CEO R. Kirby Godsey. facility. The new facility will provide single employer of Mercer engineers. engineering and sci- specialized classrooms and laborato- A number of representatives from ence education in the state of dean of the School of Engineering. ty the finest laboratories and special- ries to meet the growing needs of the the WRALC were on hand for the Georgia,” said M. Dayne Aldridge, the “It will provide our students and facul- ized classrooms possible as well as an — Continued on page 2

MERCERIANTHE AROUND THE UNIVERSITY Spring 2006 • Vol. 16, No. 1 President and CEO R. Kirby Godsey Executive Vice President and Provost Mercer Horace W. Fleming Senior Vice President for University Advancement, University Admissions and External Affairs Emily P. Myers Senior Vice President for Finance Summit Confirms Mercer’s Baptist Commitment Thomas G. Estes, Jr. Senior Vice President for Administration Richard N. Goddard Senior Vice President – Atlanta n January, Mercer University power of one person, and the Baptist that represent their religious roots to endorsements ... if Mercer is to become Richard V. Swindle called together some 200 church Idea [is] the power of freedom and the the nation, Shurden called upon the kind of national Baptist University Dean, College of Liberal Arts Richard C. Fallis and lay leaders to begin a dia- power of grace,” he said. Mercer to follow their lead and become that is needed,” he explained. Dean, School of Engineering I M. Dayne Aldridge logue concerning the sustainment of “Mercer is about the convergence the nation’s Baptist university. “We William D. Underwood, who will Dean, Eugene W. Stetson School of the University’s Baptist identity. of the power of thought and the power really should think of becoming noth- become Mercer’s 18th president upon Business and Economics Roger C. Tutterow The two-day “Baptist the retirement of President Godsey on Dean, Tift College of Education W. Carl Martray Summit,” held on the July 1, 2006, closed the forum on an Dean, College of Continuing and Macon campus, resulted exciting, but cautionary note. He told Professional Studies Thomas E. Kail from the November vote those in attendance that a Baptist uni- Vice President for University Advancement Administration by the Georgia Baptist versity has a distinct advantage over Kenny Daugherty, CLA ’80, EDU ’82 Convention (GBC) to end not only state-sponsored schools, Senior Associate Vice President for University Advancement its 172-year relationship which mandate that discussions of Gloria O. Marshall, CLA ’86 Vice President for University with the University.In religion and theology be from a neu- Development December, the Executive tral, secular perspective, but also other Jay T. Stroman, SSBE ’91 Senior Assistant Vice President Committee of the Board faith-based institutions. for Development Allen S. London of Trustees of Mercer “What Baptist universities have ... Assistant Vice President of Development came to an agreement is the historical and theological com- and Planned and Estate Gifts Richard Spivey, CLA ’94, BUS ’04 with the Executive mitment of Baptists to individual free- Assistant Vice President for Development Matthew R. Hall, CLA ’96, LAW ’00 Committee of the GBC on dom of thought and expression,”he Senior Associate Vice President how to sever the affilia- explained. “Because of our Baptist of Alumni Services and University Special Events tion in an orderly man- commitment to freedom, we, among T. Raleigh Mann, CLA ’65 President R. Kirby Godsey discusses Mercer’s Baptist heritage with President-Elect Willliam D. Underwood, Senior Assistant Vice President ner over the next two Trustee Griffin B. Bell and Trustees Chairman David Hudson. all universities, faith-based or secular, of Alumni Services and University Special Events years. should have the most open and RIGHT: President Godsey chats with Erin Pitts Lones, CLA ’00 President R. Kirby Godsey, in his robust exchange of ideas — the Alumni Services Staff Mercer alumnus Jim Griffith, former Sharon Lim Harle, SSBE ’86, ’90, opening remarks, reaffirmed that executive director of the Georgia Baptist fullest and most rewarding pursuit of Terri Newham Massey, CLA ’99 Kim Adams Mercer is committed to being a Baptist Convention, during the Baptist Summit. truth. This can be the exciting future Editor Judith T. Lunsford university. of Baptist higher education at Managing Editor “That reality can never be changed of one person to make a Mercer.” Richard L. Cameron Designer by the action of the Convention,” he difference with the gift of However, he warned the group that Steve Mosley told the standing-room-only audience. freedom and the gift of grace,” to preserve this great heritage of Writers Denise Cook, Nancy Fullbright, “Furthermore, it is our intention and Godsey added. “That, for me, is Baptist principles and to realize the Rachel Garza, Andy Peters, Anna Sandison, Mark Vanderhoek commitment to strengthen our Baptist what it means to be a Baptist university’s full potential, Mercer must Photographers Beau Cabell, Peggy Cozart, Leah Yetter identity, and to relate even more university.” resist the threat of secularization and Mercer University Alumni closely to Baptists.” Dr. Walter Shurden, execu- be intentional in its efforts to stay true Association President G. Faye Dumke, BUS MBA ’92 He stated that the challenge before tive director of the Center for to its Baptist roots.

NATIONAL ALUMNI ASSOCIATION the University is how to maintain the Baptist Studies at Mercer and one of the ing less than a national — not a “Mercer can be the single greatest BOARD OF DIRECTORS institution’s “Baptistness” beyond its three moderators for the forum, called regional, but a national — Baptist resource in Baptist life, if Baptists will OFFICERS G. Faye Dumke, BUS MBA ’92, previous connection with the GBC. upon the administration and Board of university ... that is proud of its embrace us,” said Underwood. “Mercer President Kathy C. Lynn, MD ’90, Continuing the University’s Baptist Trustees to see the departure of the GBC Penfield roots,” said Shurden. may be the best hope for preserving Immediate Past-President identity, Godsey said, is critical since as an opportunity for Mercer to become However, he told the attendees he the principles that have defined BOARD MEMBERS Elijah Morgan, CLA ’83, that is what sets Mercer apart from “the” national Baptist university. did not want the university to “ever Baptists. Today, there remain relatively CLA President Mike Cook, CLA ’69, other institutions. “I don’t want Mercer to become again be hard-wired to another few Baptist universities that have not CLA President-elect Rusty Watts, LAW ’92, Godsey explained that what makes less Baptist; I want Mercer to become denominational entity.” He instead been lost to either the threat of funda- Law President Daniel Craig, LAW ’79, the Mercer Experience unique is the more Baptist,” Shurden urged the recommended that Mercer develop mentalism or the threat of seculariza- Law President-elect Timothy A. Poole, PHA ’86, fact it is a union of the Mercer Idea group. “dotted line relationships” with several tion. ... Mercer can be the intellectual Pharmacy President Pamala Smith Marquess, PHA ’93, and the Baptist Idea. “The Mercer Idea Referencing Brandeis, Notre Dame national Baptist denominational enti- engine of a dynamic worldwide free Pharmacy Vice President Alison Carwile Webb, BUS ’99, [is] the power of the mind and the and Brigham Young as universities ties. “It will take these kinds of Baptist movement.” SSBE President P. Kevin Wycoff, BUS ’99, SSBE President-elect Julian K. McLendon Jr., MD ’91, Medicine President Beulette Y. Hooks, MD ’93, New Science and The new facility will be located Macon campus. Medicine President-elect Kamlesh M. Desai, ENG ’92, next to the Mercer School of During the most recently completed Engineering President Engineering Building Jackie Smith Baxley, ENG ’98, Engineering, and with construction, fiscal year, about 40 percent of the new Engineering President-elect — Continued from page 1 William B. Myers Jr., CAS ’85, equipment and furnishings, the engineers hired by Robins AFB came CAS President physics department and the School Science and Engineering Building is from Mercer School of Engineering, Cheryl Kasper, CAS ’87, CAS President-elect of Engineering. One of the new labs expected to cost $14 million. making it the number one provider of Joy Thompson Callaway, Tift ’68, Tift President will allow faculty and students to Other labs in the facility will include engineers to the base. Understanding Elise T. Phillips, Tift ’63, Tift President-elect develop curriculum designed to work equipment and devices for students to the value that Mercer provides to the April Page Aldridge, EDU ’96, Education President with instruction software modules for study basic mechanical, electrical, elec- base, President R. Kirby Godsey and E. Michele Deriso, DIV ’99, Theology President students, a project partly funded by a tromagnetic, solid state, optical and Maj. Gen. Michael A. Collings, James Mackey, DIV ’00, Theology President-elect recent Keck Foundation award. nonlinear phenomena; digital and ana- Commander of the Warner Robins Air Jeanette Wimbish Gaston, NUR ’81, Nursing President The largest industrial complex in log solid state electronic devices; the Logistics Center, in June 2004 expanded JoEllen Hooker, NUR ’94, An artist’s rendering of the new Science and Engineering the state with more than 22,000 design and fabrication of devices with their joint venture, called the Nursing President-elect Building shows what the building will look like when it is The Mercerian is published twice a employees and military personnel, imbedded microprocessors; digital signal Education Partnership Agreement. The completed. The $14 million project will house numerous year for alumni and friends of Mercer University. Comments or questions Robins Air Force Base is critical to the processing; and composite materials. agreement provides the Air Logistics should be addressed to: Mercer University, Office of University economic vitality of Central Georgia. The construction of the new Center with extra assistance and a new and expert knowledge, along with the Advancement, 1400 Coleman Avenue, Macon, Georgia 31207 One of the primary reasons Mercer is building comes on the heels of the new perspective in research and develop- opportunity to work on practical prob- (478)301-2715 or (800)837-2911 www.mercer.edu constructing the Science and $40 million University Center, which ment areas of interest to its work. It lems of the Department of Defense and

Mercer University admits qualified students Engineering Building is its longstand- was completed in 2004. Both buildings also provides Mercer students, faculty the aerospace industry. without regard to race, color, national or ethnic origin, sex, age or disability. ing partnership with the U.S. Air Force are part of the University’s plan for and staff with access to resources, such At the groundbreaking, Michael at Robins AFB. major capital improvements to its as unique, state-of-the-art equipment Hatcher, the director of engineering at

2 THE M ERCERIAN / SPRING 2006

community news Engineering School Celebrates Two Decades of Excellence

By Mark Vanderhoek ability to prepare engineering gradu- while providing a broad-based, practical appointing a committee to help work planning and fostered by a talented, vol- ates to achieve all the greatness of and innovative experience. Mercer also on fund raising for the school. unteer advisory board, the School of he School of Engineering their true potential.” realized that a liberal arts approach — Beginning in early 1985, Mercer began engineering earned accreditation of its celebrated its 20th anniver- with written and verbal communication work to complete plans for its newest B.S. in Engineering degree by the T sary on Oct. 21, 2005, bring- Achievements as a major component — and a faculty school, with the appointment of Accreditation Board for Engineering and ing together many of the people who Among its many achievements over focused more on teach- Technology within five had a hand in its beginnings, includ- the past 20 years, the School of ing students than doing years of accepting its first ing the first dean, Engineering has research, would help class. An accreditation many of the first “We have built a tradition of built a reputa- graduates succeed in team visit in the fall of students and even excellence and have stayed tion for produc- the real world. The 1989 resulted in accredi- the Air Force gener- committed to our mission of ing graduates approach has proven to tation that applied to the al who helped to who are ready to be a winning one for first graduate in the educating men and women to be bring the school work in industry the School of spring 1989 and the about. engineers who are prepared to and government Engineering, as it years that followed. As part of the serve roles in the companies and and to pursue continues to draw While it was building celebration, the graduate studies high-quality students its first classes, Mercer industries of Georgia and the ABOVE: Those who have served as dean or interim dean of the School of School held a spe- in the most and support from Engineering — left to right, Allen F. Grum, C.B. Gambrell, M. Dayne Aldridge, drew upon the assets in cial retrospective United States.” renowned employers. Mogens Henriksen and Benjamin S. Kelley — attended the Oct. 21, 2005, industry and government 20th Anniversary Celebration. meeting of its research and The School now to gain both support and National professional offers the Bachelor of BELOW: Inaugural students, faculty and staff from the School of Engineering expertise. In 1986, United Engineering schools. U.S. Science in Engineering gathered for the 20th Anniversary Celebration Dinner. Inaugural faculty members in States Sen. Sam Nunn attendance (seated, from left to right) were: John Patterson, Harris Burns, Advisory Board, as News & World degree with six spe- C.B. Gambrell and Jack Mahaney. They were joined by the students and staff helped the University well as a ground- Report has cialization areas: bio- (standing, from left to right) including: Richard Weekley, Michael Smith, Peter establish the National breaking on ranked Mercer’s medical, computer, Bryant, Bill Chandler, Tracy Patel, Jon Baker, Lonnie Morris (first assistant to Engineering Advisory Mercer’s new School of electrical, environ- the dean), Steven Penley, Scanlon Putegnat, Kate Zirkle (inaugural staff), Board (NEAB). NEAB Carol B. Hernandez and Kimberly Jordan. Science and Engineering one mental, industrial and Engineering of the top under- mechanical engineer- Building and wound graduate engi- ing. Undergraduates down the day with a neering pro- can also earn a dinner honoring the founders of the grams in the Southeast for the past Bachelor of Science school and featuring United States Rep. seven years. Since it graduated its first degree in industrial Jim Marshall, D-Georgia, as the class in 1989, the school has produced management or tech- keynote speaker. nearly 1,400 alumni, who have, in nical communication. “We have built a tradition of excel- turn, been hired by more than 500 For graduate students, lence and have stayed committed to employers. The School of Engineering, the School offers the our mission of educating men and from its inception, has worked closely Master of Science in women to be engineers who are pre- with Robins Air Force Base, and is now Engineering degree pared to serve roles in the companies the largest single provider of engineers with specializations in and industries of Georgia and the to the Warner Robins Air Logistics computer, electrical, United States that help them to remain Center (WRALC) at Robins. software and mechani- competitive,” said Mercer University In establishing the school, Mercer cal engineering, as well as engineering several committees. Mercer officials continues to help provide the School of President R. Kirby Godsey. “Today, we worked with area employers, including management. Also included in the cur- began to work with Robins Air Force Engineering students and faculty pre- broke ground on the new Science and the largest single employer in Central riculum is a Master of Science degree Base officials on engineering programs mier research opportunities, contribut- Engineering Building that will provide Georgia, Robins Air Force Base, to create in technical communication manage- and curriculum. Robins appointed a ing technical expertise and financial the School of Engineering with the a curriculum to meet the needs of the ment, software systems and technical “tiger team” to work with Mercer in support and providing career opportuni- space it needs to grow and develop — area. Mercer’s curriculum has kept stu- management. Graduate courses are the planning process. ties for graduates. a space that will enhance Mercer’s dents on the cutting-edge of technology offered at the Robins Air Force Base Technical growth at Warner Robins With so much input from engineer- Resident Center in Warner Robins, fur- Air Force Base would not have hap- ing practitioners, the School’s curricu- ther cementing the bond between the pened without the engineering school, lum has been built to help students meet The partnership between School and Robins. The Master of according to Maj. Gen. Nugteren. real world demands. The School’s goal Mercer and Robins Air Science in technical communication Mercer hired Dr. C.B. Gambrell Jr. to from the outset has been to graduate Force Base helps to management is offered online. serve as the School’s first dean and 21st-century engineers capably equipped secure the economic admitted its first class in the fall of to demonstrate exceptional promise in vitality of Central History of the School 1985. On Oct. 17, 1986, officials from their areas of specialty. Students also Georgia and the Mercer and the Greater Macon Mercer, Robins and the Chamber spend time outside of the classroom entire state. Chamber of Commerce began joined a number of elected officials to working on projects and working in “Robins Air Force exploring the perceived need for an dedicate the new 62,000-square-foot internships and co-ops to build up their Base plays a major role engineering school in the Central Mercer School of Engineering. In 1987, experience as working engineers. in Georgia’s economy Georgia area in January 1984, after Mercer also began a research arm of “Industry reports that our emphasis and we consider it our Mercer President R. Kirby Godsey and the school, the Mercer Engineering on understanding the breadth and depth responsibility to continue Maj. Gen. Cornelius Nugteren, then Research Center (MERC), to provide of complex problems provides graduates labs and classrooms for the School of Engineering and physical our operations efficiently commander of the Warner Robins Air clinical opportunities for students and who rapidly engage their first work sciences as well as the physics department of the College of Liberal Arts. and effectively so we can Logistics Center, held discussions about faculty. MERC has since grown into a assignments with success,” said Dr. M. continue to have that the need for engineers on the base. major contractor with Robins. Since its Dayne Aldridge, dean of the School of the WRALC, acknowledged the role,” Hatcher said. “It is through our On Dec. 7, 1984, Mercer’s Board of inception, MERC has exceeded $165 Engineering. “Recent national reports importance of the School of longstanding academic partnership Trustees gave President Godsey million in contract revenue. indicate that our School of Engineering Engineering to his organization and with Mercer University and its School authority to move ahead with an The School’s nontraditional curricu- is positioned for a very bright future. The praised the new building, which will of Engineering that we are able to engineering school. The Chamber, lum gained favorable recognition in new building will give reality to this help provide new engineers and further meet the ever demanding needs for then under the leadership of President engineering education’s highest circles. future, not only for Mercer University the education of its current employees. engineers.” Melvin Kruger, pitched in to help, Fortified by thoughtful administrative but also for all of Central Georgia.”

THE M ERCERIAN / SPRING 2006 3

AROUND THE UNIVERSITY

Mercer Shows Support to Alums in the Military By Nancy R. Fullbright

apt. John Newman, forwarded them to AROTC alumni cur- Mercer, both younger and older than equipment and toys are boxed and support and defend the Constitution commander of B Company, rently serving on active duty. These myself — men and women who have sent to active duty Mercer alumni of the United States against all C 3-15 Infantry, and a 1999 flags are now carried by Mercer had all different experiences and stationed overseas, who then pass the enemies — foreign and domestic — BBA graduate of Stetson School of AROTC alumni — one in Korea, two views, and whose knowledge and items along to youth organizations, and to bear true faith and allegiance Business and Economics, doesn’t shy in Iraq, one in Afghanistan and one in experiences I can now tap into and schools, hospitals and orphanages to the same.’ This program produces away from a challenge. Currently Germany. The sixth is flown on the learn from,” explained Newman. “It within their area of operations. officers who understand their stationed in Baghdad, Newman had campus flagpole on responsibilities and are his mettle tested in October when his the Macon campus prepared to lead!” infantry company thwarted a terrorist as a symbol of sup- Newman agreed with Pitchford attack aimed at the Sheraton and port and as a about the caliber of cadets Palestine hotel complex — home to reminder of their Mercer produces, and said many international journalists in Iraq. sacrifice. Mercer ROTC cadets should Despite a number of civilian casualties “I want to continue to be appreciated and in the attack, Newman said the encourage solidarity encouraged in the work they incident was “a success story. It among these Mercer are doing. could’ve been much worse.” officers during this “I’d just like to remind A typical day for Newman might difficult period, and everyone what important work is include patrolling the sand swept streets hope that they pass going on in the bottom floor of to defeat insurgents, searching for the flag on as new Penfield Gym. Many students only weapons and seeking out known terror- Mercer officers know of the ROTC folks as the ists, and helping local governments and rotate in and out of guys or gals in uniform once a police forces get re-established. “It’s their particular week, or the folks that threw honestly a very wide-ranging job, but it’s areas,” Pitchford them off the rappelling tower been very interesting, and we really feel said. “The Mercer during their first-year seminar like we’re making a difference,” community has his- Capt. John Newman (far left) brings the Mercer spirit to several Iraqi children in Baghdad. experiential wilderness weekend Newman said. torically been sup- [formerly known as freshman In recognition of the difference its portive of the military, and we want to has also renewed a certain school Magazines, books and other specially seminar program]. The men and alumni and faculty are making through carry on that tradition.” spirit or pride. Having the flag hang- requested items are sent to be distrib- women that are being commissioned military service, Mercer is developing Newman, who has posed with his ing up in my room and taking pic- uted to the soldiers under their com- by Mercer are going on to lead ways to express its support and grati- flag throughout Baghdad, said the flag tures all over Baghdad with it has mand. The department is also plan- literally thousands of soldiers, and are tude. Sgt. 1st Class Allan Pitchford, the renewed pride in his alma mater and really renewed the pride in the school ning a military working day and University’s liaison to the Army ROTC has given him a chance to meet other that I graduated from.” alumni reception “The Mercer community has night to keep not program and a 24-year veteran of the Mercer military alumni. Another initiative of the Military in time for historically been supportive of only our soldiers United States Army, has launched “Having a Mercer flag here in Iraq Science Department is Kittie’s Corner. Homecoming safe, but to the military, and we want to Operation Visibility in conjunction with has done a few things for me person- Through the efforts of the cadet staff weekend in protect the way of the Mercer Military Alumni Program. ally. It has given me a chance to get to and the departmental secretary, Kittie February. carry on that tradition.” life we currently After purchasing six Mercer flags, they know other military graduates from Wheelus, donated soccer balls, sports “We recruit enjoy,” Newman the best students for our program said. “Those cadets in ROTC need a

Authors Luncheon Honors Godsey, Features Grace — Twenty-four national and regional authors and more than 300 book lovers and teach them to understand the pat on the back and words of filled the conference area of the Renaissance Waverly Hotel in Atlanta last November for the 26th Mercer University Press Authors Luncheon. During values of duty, honor, country, and to encouragement because they have a the program, Mercer President R. Kirby Godsey (below left) was honored for his vision in establishing Mercer Press in his first year of presidency in set a high moral standard as both tough road ahead of them, but they 1979. Mercer Press presented him with framed copies of the book jackets of his latest books, The Courage Factor and Centering Our Souls, both military officers and as Mercerians,” will eventually be very, very proud they published last fall. Also, one of television’s most respected legal analysts and host of Headline News’ legal analysis program, Nancy Grace, on Headline Prime, Nancy Grace, CLA ’81, LAW ’84 (below right, seated), was a featured author at the event. She told the capacity crowd that it was Pitchford noted. “We all may very took the challenge.” the random murder of her fiancé that changed her life, resulting in her choosing a career in law and setting her on the path to become a felony well disagree with the [politics], but For more information on this prosecutor and an outspoken victims’ rights advocate. as officers they understand they are effort, contact Pitchford at (478) 301- duty-bound by the oath they take ‘to 2658 or [email protected].

President’s Club Life Members Recognized — Fourteen members of the President’s Club were recognized in October as new Life Members. Qualification for recognition as a Life Member follows cumulative giving of $100,000 to the University. Present to receive Life Member citations at the 41st President’s Club celebration included: front row, Mary Wasden, Patty Jones, Mary Anne Armour; back row, Jerry Vanderhoef, K. Wayne Jones, Rollin Armour. Not present to receive their citations were Diane Owens, William and Nell Key, Roy and Eugenia Smith, and David Lynch.

4 THE M ERCERIAN / SPRING 2006

AROUND THE UNIVERSITY

First Year Marked Success for Townsend Institute By Denise Cook

stablished in 2005 as a Townsend Institute is raising the 2007 academic year. The admissions enced an excellent first semester and This spring, the choirs are sched- collaboration of Mercer standard of excellence in church deadline for the program is July 1. performed in numerous concerts. uled to perform Mahler’s 3rd E University’s Department of music and is preparing me to be a One of the community programs The choirs participated in the Symphony with the Macon Symphony Music of the College of Liberal Arts better musician, initiated by The Townsend Institute is lighting of the Hospice Christmas Tree Orchestra, perform at three area and McAfee School of Theology, the leader, disciple the Mercer churches, give a Sophia Malin Townsend and and scholar.” Children’s Choir, THE TOWNSEND INSTITUTE spring concert, and Raymond Clay Townsend Institute Dr. John which involves participate in a con- GRADUATE PROGRAMS IN CHURCH MUSIC Graduate Programs in Church Simons, coordi- more than 70 chil- cert tour to St. AT MERCER UNIVERSITY Music prepares musical artists for nator for gradu- dren from Central Augustine, Fla., and ministry. With an enrollment of seven ate music stud- Georgia. Comprised Tampa, Fla. John Simons students in Macon and one student ies, reported the of the Preparatory Choir (ages 7-9) in Downtown Macon, performed on For more information about The in Atlanta during its first year, The program is expecting enrollment for and the Touring Choir (ages 10-15), live television (channels 13 and 41), Townsend Institute admissions or its Townsend Institute is enabling fall 2006 to be seven to 10 students, The Mercer Children’s Choir helps for the Macon City Council and at community programs, visit www.mer- musicians to serve in local church, bringing the total expected graduate young singers develop their singing Colonial Mall, participated in Mercer’s cer.edu/music or contact Dr. John E. community music, or music student population to between 14 and and performance skills. The Touring Music Department’s performance of A Simons, coordinator for graduate missions ministries. 17 students. Choir performs throughout Georgia Festival of Nine Lessons and Carols, music studies, The Townsend Institute, According to current student R. The Townsend Institute is now and also performs in an annual out-of- and presented a Christmas concert to at (478) 301-4012 or Creston Groover of Macon, “The accepting applications for the 2006- state concert tour. The choirs experi- a full house in Newton Chapel. [email protected].

ROBERT MCDUFFIE &Friends FALL FESTIVAL FOR STRINGS at Mercer University he Department of Music of the College T of Liberal Arts hosted the Robert McDuffie and Friends Fall Festival for Strings Sept. 8-11, 2005. Sixteen high school junior and senior string musicians, eight violinists, four Robert McDuffie coaches Jennifer Chun of The three-day festival culminated with a public concert during which the students performed alongside their master teachers. cellists and four violists, were Marietta, Ga., after her solo performance during a chosen for this exclusive three- violin and viola master class. Students participated in both personal formance. The University is now Festival for Strings, Aug. 31-Sept. 4. day strings immersion work- concert artists and two outstanding and group lessons that advanced accepting applications for the 2006 For more information, visit shop with five of the nation’s foremost Mercer Music faculty members. them to a new level of music per- Robert McDuffie & Friends Labor Day www.mercer.edu/mcduffie. Mercer Homecoming 2006!

HOMECOMING, with a theme of MercerPalooza, featured many events for students and alumni. Feb. 10-11 events included both men’s and women’s basketball games in the University Center, dinner and dancing at the class reunions and lots of good food and fellowship. Student events held throughout the week included talent shows, competitions and the annual homecoming dance. Cindy Strowbridge and Drew Hartley were named the 2006 Homecoming queen and king.

THE M ERCERIAN / SPRING 2006 5

AROUND THE UNIVERSITY

Renovations Enhance Historic Grand Opera House By Denise Cook

n Monday night, Sept. 23, Series, the Nutcracker of Middle office system, installing new phones ager for the GrandKids program, es on the wall and the dirty carpet, 1884, an asbestos fire cur- Georgia, and the Central Georgia Opera and a computerized ticketing system “We’ve had more than 38,000 stu- but someone new comes in and sees O tain rose on the opening Guild, among others. Mercer’s music to increase tickets sales and improve dents from both public and private that it looks pretty bad. The Grand has performance in Macon’s new theater, and theatre departments frequently use customer convenience. The schools in seven counties participate been in need of serious repairs for a then called the Academy of Music. the venue for student performances. University recently added online in the program. They arrive at The long time,” Brittain said. After two years of construction, the Since assuming stewardship in ticketing via thegrand.mercer.edu, Grand excited and noisy, and then Among the work completed was facility was elegant beyond anything 1995, Mercer has made a substantial and the box office was renamed they walk in and their eyes get huge the removal and replacement of the previously dreamt of in the original stage floor. “The old floor small town of 15,000 peo- was worn out and uneven, and that ple. The new theater was a was a problem during show load-ins,” source of enormous pride Brittain explained. “But we did to the community. It was, preserve Houdini’s trap door!” he according to the editorial added. writer of the Telegraph and A separate HVAC unit was installed Messenger, “... a model of in the balcony and noise reduction elegance and a triumph of features were installed in all of the good taste; the prettiest duct work. “With the old unit, it was amusement house in the nearly impossible to keep both the south outside New balcony and the floor level at Orleans.” comfortable temperatures. Now we Fast forward more than can regulate them separately. We also 120 years, The Grand removed some of the old duct work in Opera House still stands the balcony to add another row of tall on Mulberry Street in seats,” Brittain said. downtown Macon. The his- The entire theatre — door toric landmark theater is frames, filigree work, columns and located just a few blocks other details — have been painted down the street from ABOVE: The Grand Opera House underwent a complete repainting during renovations that included a new color scheme. bold, contrasting colors. The painting Mercer’s Walter F. George BELOW RIGHT: The renovation project called for the replacement of the original stage floor. Scaffolding was constructed inside the theater for the repainting job to be contractor responsible for the job was School of Law and is offi- accomplished. Tony Long, who cially dubbed “A performing arts cen- investment in capital improvements Mercer Ticket Sales. is known for his ter of Mercer University.” and operations at The Grand. Along Over the past decade, restoration work In its early years, The Grand host- with Bibb County and the City of attendance at the on many other ed spectacular names like Houdini, Macon, the University has made physi- Broadway Series has historical facili- Will Rogers, Charlie Chaplin, the John cal improvements to the theater, such more than tripled. ties in town. Philip Sousa Band, George Burns and as renovation and repainting of the According to Karen “Before, you Gracie Allen. Then, after decades as a lobby and façade; reconstruction of Lambert, executive direc- didn’t notice movie theater and a target for demoli- tor for The Grand many of the tion, community leaders recognized Opera House, architectural ele- its historical and cultural impact and “Subscriptions to ments because worked together to bring about its our Broadway Series everything was revitalization. increased from 345 painted gold and On Oct. 1, 1995, Mercer University in 1995 to 1,255 in 2005 — a and all they can say is ‘wow!’” white. The new colors bring out all of signed a lease with Bibb County for 364 percent increase.” Many of Fugate adds, “For many children, the little details,” said Long. the management and administration these shows have opened to sell- this is their only opportunity to see In addition to a rich, new color of The Grand Opera House. Since out crowds in recent years. professional performing arts.” scheme, which is the first color then, the renewed focus has been to “Thanks to the support of our Through the program, more than change since the 1970s renovation, broaden the community’s access to sponsors and patrons, we’re able 6,000 students visit The Grand several the ceiling is now a breathtaking day- the arts and reflect the diverse inter- to present world-class entertain- times during an academic year, expe- time sky that fades into night, com- ests of Central Georgians by present- ment every season. These shows riencing a variety of professional art plete with more than one hundred ing a multitude of quality arts and cul- For more information, to purchase are the same tours that perform forms. Prior to each visit, the students fiber-optic, twinkling stars. tural experiences. The University’s tickets, or to make a gift to The at the Fox Theatre in Atlanta and watch a preparatory videotape work- The project was partially funded efforts to keep The Grand alive are a other major venues all over the shop in their classrooms. Students by a $250,000 grant from the United Grand, contact Mercer Ticket Sales direct result of Mercer President and world,” Lambert said. also receive a GrandKids Gazette, States Department of the Interior, CEO R. Kirby Godsey’s continued at (478) 301-5470 or visit In addition, community use of which uses articles, puzzles and National Parks Service, Save America’s emphasis on community engagement. thegrand.mercer.edu. The Grand has increased by games to offer additional insight about Treasures Grant Program. Additional In his words, “What’s good for Mercer Box office hours: more than 50 percent. “Besides the upcoming performance. Local funding was provided locally by a is good for Macon, and what’s good 10 a.m.-5 p.m., Monday-Thursday; its traditional use for performanc- radio personality Jami Gaudet writes grant from the Peyton Anderson for Macon is good for Mercer.” 10 a.m.-4 p.m., Friday. es, The Grand is the perfect place the content for the workshops and Foundation. “The Grand’s Board of As in the past, The Grand continues for corporate meetings, dinners serves as host in the videos and at the Governors and Mercer University are to rely on the dedicated support of on stage, weddings, receptions, live performances. This distinctive raising the remaining funds to cover countless volunteers and community the sidewalk, curb and street at the award ceremonies, pageants, anything approach moves the arts beyond the renovation costs,” said board leaders. In addition to the program- front entrance; replacement of the you can imagine,” Lambert explained. leisure entertainment to a vivid learn- chairman John Shoemaker. ming booked by the University, The roof; replacement and upgrade of all In 1996, Mercer created the ing environment. The Board of Governors hopes to Grand serves as one of central over-stage rigging; installation of a GrandKids Arts Education Series to The Grand underwent much need- complete additional renovations and Georgia’s premier rental venues and is Wenger acoustical sound shell; com- provide rich learning opportunities to ed renovation and repair work during facility additions in the future. “This home to the Macon Symphony plete re-carpeting of all interior students, through exposure to profes- the summer of 2005. Macon architect building belongs to the citizens of our Orchestra, the Macon Civic Club’s floors; HVAC upgrade; and replace- sional music, dance and theatre per- Charles Brittain was in charge of the community, and we need to do every- Annual Musical Revue, the Macon ment of electrical service to the stage. formances at The Grand Opera House. project. “It’s kind of like your own thing we can to preserve it for genera- Kiwanis Club’s Travel and Adventure Mercer also upgraded the old box According to Ann Fugate, house man- house. You may overlook the scratch- tions to come,” Shoemaker said.

6 THE M ERCERIAN / SPRING 2006

COLLEGE OF LIBERAL ARTS

International Conductor Performs at Mercer By Denise Cook

n Oct. 13, 2005, Boston Pops conductor was the assistant conductor of the By the time I left, I was the director of the associate conductor of the band. I also led some various ensem- orchestras and in charge of the Cincinnati Symphony and the Keith Lockhart led the Atlanta Symphony bles during undergrad. But I always conducting program. Cincinnati Pops. Because of that Orchestra in a special performance, also did it because I love the process of I left Carnegie Mellon to accept a exposure, people in Chicago called O assembly. I love the fact that you can position at the University of Akron. me to do educational concerts and featuring world-renowned violinist Robert take something and make something The next year I became the assistant corporate events. Then people in greater than the sum of its individual conductor of the Akron Symphony. L.A. and Hollywood saw me, and McDuffie, in downtown Macon at The Grand Opera House, a parts — the collective effort. And I performing arts center of Mercer University. The event was held love being the person who was in charge of getting that to happen. in honor of Dr. R. Kirby Godsey and his wife, Joan, for their I applied and was accepted years of service to Mercer. Before the evening’s concert, Lockhart that summer to the conducting program at the Ashton Music spoke with some of Mercer’s music students about his musical Festival. I had an amazing experience. I lived life next to a lot background and how he became conductor of the Boston Pops. of professional musicians. I saw The following narrative highlights Lockhart’s discussion. conductors who were young enough that I could imagine being Musical Beginnings had become my life, and as I tried to them. I also saw grand old I had been a pianist since the age remove parts of it and broaden my maestros in their 70s in front of of 7. I also played clarinet, and I was base a little bit further it just felt totally me in line at the grocery store. I heavily involved in all the ensembles. wrong. So I went to my parents and saw them in love with music, and I While in Macon to guest conduct the Atlanta Symphony Orchestra for the Presidential Musical Gala on said ‘I’m going to be a music major.’ Music was pretty much my entire life, saw them continually challenged Oct. 13, Boston Pops conductor Keith Lockhart met with Mercer music students to discuss his career but I didn’t know what I was going to My father looked at me and said, by it. I saw the possibilities I think in conducting and answer questions. do with it. I didn’t have musical “Well, you know I’ll support anything for the first time of parents, two IBMers for parents, you want to do as long as you’re somebody actually because of those events, people in actually. And though they were very prepared to do it as well as anybody doing that. So I Boston saw me. supportive, the only professional does it.” That was a little daunting, but came back to senior Around 1992, when the conductor musicians I knew were my band it was enough incentive to continue. year, put the of the Boston Pops decided to retire, director and my piano teacher. From Piano to Conducting blinders on, barely we began a two-and-a-half-year I had decided that, since I didn’t squeaked out my courtship in which I would guest About three years into my under- know anybody who actually did music senior recital conduct several times a year. In graduate training I realized that I did- for a living, who had taken this pas- because by that February of 1995, I was appointed n’t know what I was going to do with sion and turned it into something to point, it was around conductor of the Boston Pops. this degree. The easy choice was to go Mercer Music Department Chair John, left, and wife, Jean Roberts, which they would devote themselves the same time as my I’m now in my eleventh season with to grad school and get another degree spend time with Keith Lockhart. professionally, that I had to do what grad school the Boston Pops, and I’ve done more in performance and piano, but I really everybody else had to do and get a conducting audition, and my focus Our general manager left a year later than 800 concerts, about 60 television wanted to be out there performing. real job. I decided that I would go to was elsewhere. to become the operations director of shows, and nine recordings over the So this young professor at my col- a school with a good music depart- the Cincinnati Symphony, which had last decade. In 1997, I was a candidate lege, Dr. John Roberts, now chair of The Road to Boston ment. I would take the LSAT at the end been looking all year for a new for the music directorship of the Utah Mercer’s Music Department, said, After receiving my master’s degree of my four years and go to law school. associate conductor. The former Symphony. I auditioned for them and “Have you ever thought about conduct- from Carnegie Mellon, I joined the general manager of the Akron got that job. And now I have a nicely Becoming a Music Major ing?” This sparked my interest in con- faculty, where I taught for six years. I Symphony said to them, “You know balanced plate that involves me being During college, I tried to keep my ducting as a profession. I had toyed conducted the wind ensemble, who you should call ...,” and I got a in Boston for about 20 weeks and in options open, but I was unable to around with conducting in high school. managed the orchestra, and was the call asking me to audition. I became Utah for 17 weeks of the year. divorce myself from music. It literally I had conducted some musicals, and I resident conductor of the orchestra.

Student Benefits from New Women’s and Gender Studies Major

By Mark Vanderhoek human trafficking Morgan has been impressed with the University announced that it would during the Feminist Porter’s focus and her “non-tradition- include a WGS major. rin Porter, a senior from Majority Leadership al” status. Porter, 28, went to college “I was really excited when I found Walkerton, Va., has made a Alliance Southeastern briefly after high school, but eventual- out I could major in it,” she said. E big impact on the Women’s Regional Conference ly stopped and began working. Taking Now, Porter is a double major in and Gender Studies (WGS) program at Spelman College in a job at a hotel, she worked nights, English and WGS and aspires to a since arriving a little more than a year Atlanta. The Mercer reading USA Today and the Richmond career working with women’s rights ago, fresh from earning her associ- WGS program was a Times-Dispatch and as many as five internationally. She is currently applying ate’s degree in her home state. co-sponsor of the novels a week. to graduate schools outside the United Porter is the president of the conference, which “I went to an all-girls high school, States, including schools in England, Feminist Majority Leadership Alliance featured such speak- and I’ve always been really interested Ireland, New Zealand and Australia. chapter at Mercer and turned a WGS ers as Eleanor Smeal, Erin Porter, right, a junior in Mercer’s Women’s and Gender in women’s issues, but I didn’t know “Eventually, I’d like to work some- service-learning project into a job with former president of Studies Program, represented Mercer as a discussant on a panel until my 20s that I could make a place like the United Nations and go to Crisis Line of Middle Georgia, where the National the Feminist Majority Leadership Alliance Southeastern Regional career out of it,” Porter said. developing countries and study gender Conference at Spelman College in Atlanta. Porter was able to meet she is an advocate for victims of sexual Organization of one of her heroes, Eleanor Smeal, left, former president of the Before she arrived at Mercer, and then make suggestions for small assault. Porter recently put her knowl- Women and publisher National Organization of Women and publisher of Ms. Magazine. Porter had already made the decision changes,” she said. “Because I hate it edge of women’s and gender studies to of Ms. magazine. to major in English and minor in when people want to go over and further use. She represented Mercer “She did an absolutely fabulous Mary Alice Morgan, professor of English women’s and gender studies. She change everything right away without as a discussant on a panel about presentation at this conference,” said and director of the WGS program. received good news last year, when studying what it’s like in that country.”

THE M ERCERIAN / SPRING 2006 7

COLLEGE OF LIBERAL ARTS

CLA Grad Tackles High-Profile Cases By Andy Peters

he Walker County crema- called for a favor in response. a case that might take weeks.” 2001. “He’s real considerate about his and the Tokars death penalty trial, one tory case of 2002, in which “Walker County had been gracious The case was very time consuming decisions and very, very careful about would think that Bodiford would have T 334 rotting corpses were enough to let us move (the Tokars) for Bodiford and his staff. ruling on the merits of any particular used up his allotment of high-profile found strewn about the grounds of a case from Cobb County,” he said. “We spent a lot of time on that issue. He’s an excellent judge.” cases. But Bodiford has not been able northwest Georgia crematory, was one “That was a death penalty case which case,” he said. “And I don’t mean to In the area of fielding media to escape the bright lights of media of the most challenging in the long took 59 days. I said that I owed say that I resent it, but it’s just that’s requests, two areas helped tremen- exposure this year, either. career of Judge James G. Bodiford, Walker County a dously. One was a Web In 2004, Bodiford presided over BA ’74. It involved extremely complex favor, and that all site, administered by the the Houston County, Ga., trial of Julia legal maneuverings and incessant of Cobb County 7th Judicial Administrative Lynn Turner, who was convicted of queries from state, national and inter- owed Walker District, that was updated poisoning her husband with antifreeze. national media. County a tremen- continuously with new This trial was broadcast live, gavel-to- But Bodiford didn’t even have to dous debt of grati- docket items and other gavel, by Court TV and received exten- be there. tude.” information. Another was sive national media attention. Bodiford, who in January 2005 took The Tri-State that Bodiford’s clerk, Also, in the wake of the fatal over as Chief Superior Court Judge of Crematory case Leanne E. Dolin, held a shootings at the Fulton County the Cobb Superior Circuit, accepted a involved some very law degree and was very Courthouse in early March, Bodiford request to be the presiding judge in the unusual legal savvy in talking to the told the Atlanta Journal-Constitution state of Georgia’s case against Walker maneuverings — media. that Cobb County was in the process County resident Ray Brent Marsh. some that Bodiford “Most of the media of designing a new courthouse that Marsh pleaded guilty in November had not experi- interested in the case would consolidate courtrooms and 2004 to dumping the corpses, admitted enced before or knew my law clerk on a eliminate security gaps in several to hiding bodies intended for cremation since. One was the first name basis,” older buildings now used by county and passing off cement dust as their vast number of Bodiford said. courts. While no Cobb judges or judi- ashes, and was sentenced in January to counts against The highly unusual cial personnel have been killed on the 12 years in prison. Marsh — he nature of the Walker job, there have been tense moments, Jody Overcash, administrator for pleaded guilty to County crematory case Bodiford told the paper. One incident the 7th Judicial Administrative District, 787 counts of theft, The Rome News drew extremely high levels that resulted from a melee that broke asked Bodiford to consider presiding abuse of a corpse, of interest from print and out during a divorce case more than over the case, because all four of the burial service broadcast media world- two decades ago resulted in new Photo courtesy of judges in the Lookout Mountain fraud and making Judge Bodiford has presided over some of the state’s highest-profile cases. wide. Such was the media handguns for deputies. Judicial Circuit recused themselves false statements. coverage of the crematory Despite his busy schedule, Bodiford from the case. Other legal challenges included the amount of time that it took. I have situation that when Bodiford traveled to continues to maintain close ties with his The case took months (although it determining whether Marsh was an a good staff and we were prepared to Europe during the case, his audiences alma mater. Since 1994, Bodiford and could have been even longer, had it indigent and should be held financially give as much time as we needed and knew what he “... considerate about his John O. Cole, profes- gone to trial) and coincided with an responsible for the clean-up and inves- we spent an enormous amount of time was working on. sor at the Walter F. agreement Bodiford made with the tigation of the Tri-State Crematory. on the case.” “I traveled to decisions and very, very George School of U.S. Department of Justice to travel on Bodiford also faced the challenge of That Bodiford would accept the these countries careful about ruling on the Law, each year col- four separate occasions to the selecting a jury from the population of assignment to preside over the Marsh thousands of merits of any particular laborate on teaching European nations of Bosnia- Lee County, in southwest Georgia, and case says a lot about his character, miles away, and a 20-hour course in issue.” Hercegovina and Estonia to consult moving them to Walker County. according to Heather Currier Wright, I was introduced constitutional crimi- with government officials on designing “That was extremely unusual and LAW ’99. as the judge who was the crematory nal procedure case. The class, which is a judicial system. Suffice to say that complex,” Bodiford said. “That has its “That’s the kind of guy he is,” said judge and a majority of people there sponsored by the Institute of Continuing Bodiford admits he didn’t have much own problems: picking a fair and Wright, an attorney with the Atlanta had heard about the case,” he said. Judicial Education of Georgia and is held in the way of down time between early impartial jury from Lee County. I didn’t firm Currie, McGhee & Hiers, LLP, who “It was sort of astounding.” throughout the state, is geared toward 2002 and early 2005. think we’d get too many volunteers for clerked with Bodiford from 2000- With the Marsh crematory case magistrate and municipal judges. “I had handled other high profile cases before, but I didn’t quite realize how much work this one would be,” said the 55-year-old Bodiford. MERCER’S There is something for everyone during Still, Bodiford said that when other Mercer’s Summer Experience. attorneys asked him what possessed him to take the case, he responded Summer Experience that he didn’t hesitate when For students who to plan to stay in of Student Life. The University Center Technology and Culture. plete an internship for college credit. approached about the assignment. Macon for the summer, there is a full and pool will be open for use. One of the most popular summer By working closely with an advisor, “Any judge would have accepted it. range of guaranteed undergraduate Apartment housing and dining options activities is traveling to exciting desti- students may be matched with an We needed a Superior Court judge to courses being offered on campus. are also available on campus. nations. Mercer’s Study Abroad pro- internship that best meets their aca- handle that case,” said Bodiford, who Summer provides a great opportunity Everything students need to maintain grams are an excellent way to earn demic and career goals. Students are majored in history and minored in to accelerate academically by earning a good balance between academics college credit and see the world dur- also welcome to pursue internships in business at Mercer. “I think any judge additional credit. It allows students the and summer fun is available in ing summer break. Scotland, Paris, their own hometowns. Internships for would have done that.” opportunity to focus on more difficult Macon. and Morocco are among the planned academic credit must be approved by Part of the reason Bodiford decided courses without the distraction of a full For many students, home is the academic excursions for Summer the student’s advisor. to be the presiding judge in the Marsh schedule of classes. Students also destination of choice for the summer 2006. These exciting trips are led by Summer is a great time to have case was because, in 1997, Walker benefit from smaller classes and clos- months. By employing the latest tech- faculty members and complemented fun, play in the sun, and earn college County was chosen as the site for the er interaction with faculty members. nology, students can take Mercer with with accompanying texts and assign- credit. Mercer’s Summer Experience high-profile trial of prominent Cobb However, Mercer’s Summer them wherever they go! A limited ments. offers all of that and more. County attorney Fred Tokars, who was Experience is not just about the books. number of courses will be available Summer is also the ideal time to For a complete listing of available charged with the murder of his wife, Students who attend classes in Macon online and via video podcasting, participate in an internship. Through summer courses, an activity calendar, Sara. Bodiford said the hospitality he may take advantage of a full schedule including Harry Potter and 20th Mercer’s Summer Experience, stu- and pricing, visit Mercer’s Summer and his staff were afforded at that time of fun activities planned by the Office Century Literature, MAPS 305, and dents have the opportunity to com- Experience at www.mercer.edu/ss. from Walker County’s residents only

8 THE M ERCERIAN / SPRING 2006

COLLEGE OF LIBERAL ARTS

Mercer Education Paved Way to National News

By James Madden Bowers at the Macon News & Macon ered notable events of the late 1970s pers and eventually elevating Madden tant city editor at the Atlanta Journal- Telegraph, allowing him to pay his way and early 1980s — Elvis’ funeral, to Southern Division News Editor of Constitution and as managing editor he 2,300 miles between through school and support his family. Muhammad Ali, James Earl Ray, UPI, where he managed dozens of with the former Gwinnett Daily News, Mercer University and Los Madden spent his days taking classes Mississippi floods, even Herschel reporters and saw to the distribution Madden then moved into the media T Angeles, Calif., takes a mere and his nights learning the dynamics Walker’s first game — each story fill- of hundreds of daily stories. field that would dominate the remain- five hours by airplane, but for Tom of the newspaper business. Mercer ing the pages of the nation’s newspa- With subsequent stops as an assis- der of his career — corporate Madden, BA ’74, the journey has refined many talents in Madden, newswires. spanned 30 years and thousands of but one in particular impacted “When people ask me what I am most proud of in my life, among It was in the newswire industry that experiences. The stories woven into him the most — writing. the first thoughts is my degree from Mercer — it has shaped me in Madden translated the ease with which Madden’s journalistic and business “The History Department at so many ways over the years and helped to define who I am.” he spoke to his interview subjects into career have included politicians, Mercer taught me that you need- increased sales for companies requir- — Tom Madden, CLA ’74 celebrities, average citizens and even ed to learn how to research and ing news distribution services. After America’s best-known corporations. to learn how to write — sound writing transferring to Southern California However, despite that success, was critical to the career path I with PR Newswire, Madden harnessed Madden rarely forgets the academic chose.” Madden said. his Mercer education and 30-year institution that laid the foundation that Madden’s success at the News & career into the creation of PrimeZone aids him today. Telegraph attracted the attention of Media Network in 1998. Like many growing up in Central the Warner Robins Sun, where he PrimeZone is a global press Georgia, Madden was raised by par- was appointed managing editor — release and multimedia distribution ents that spent a lifetime working at not a small task for the 26-year-old company, disseminating news for Robins Air Force Base, employment Lizella native. While at the Sun, companies such as Delta Airlines, that brought economic freedom to Madden interviewed then candidate JetBlue, Northrop Grumman and thousands in the area. That strong Jimmy Carter, an interview that ulti- MSNBC. He attributes Mercer as an work ethic instilled by his parents mately earned him a job with United integral part of that success. motivated Madden to seek a college Press International (UPI). “When people ask me what I am education, a first for his family. At “Interviewing Jimmy Carter in most proud of in my life, among the Mercer, he studied history under pro- 1975 — as he was beginning his run first thoughts is my degree from fessors such as Dr. Spencer King, Dr. for President — certainly was a big Mercer — it has shaped me in so Jamie Cockfield and Dr. Henry break for me. I knew this was a many ways over the years and helped Warnock. moment in history for Georgia and the to define who I am. I am forever In addition to his studies, he was South,” said Madden. grateful to Mercer and what it has hired by the late, legendary Harley It was with UPI that Madden cov- meant to my life.”

Speedway Case Among Those of Interest During Judge’s Career By Mark Vanderhoek

udge Stacey W. Cotton, AB ’60, early-to-mid-1970s making sure the ings. The press box was heavily dam- enroll at Mercer. He found success in Mercer’s Henry County Regional LLB ’62, is one of the most racing operation kept running. His aged. The track superintendent called Mercer’s 3-3 program where he spent Academic Center. J respected bankruptcy lawyers efforts resulted in the raceway turning on his friends from around the south his first three years in the College of The Cottons’ daughter, Kimberly and judges in Georgia. For 23 years a profit, which enabled him to attract and soon truckloads of racing fans Liberal Arts majoring in history and the Cotton Tomlinson, is enrolled at the prior to his appointment, Cotton, now new investors and successfully devel- were arriving to help clean-up, repair next three years in the Walter F. George Macon Regional Academic Center and retired, practiced law in Atlanta spe- the damage and get the track ready School of Law, to earn his law degree. is studying for her teaching certifica- cializing in the fields of corporate for the race, Judge Cotton said. Cotton managed to pass the Georgia tion. Kimberly has a son, Andrew: reorganization, creditors’ rights and “Some of them worked Bar Exam after his second year in law Stacey has twin sons, Kyle and Kole, bankruptcy. He founded and was the Thursday through Sunday without school, and though he could have named partly in homage to the fami- senior and managing partner of the sleep, or very little sleep, and they begun to practice, he elected to com- ly’s NASCAR roots. law firm of Cotton, Katz & White, P.A., replaced 1,000 of the 1,400 seats, plete his degree, graduating in 1962. Cotton got an early start on his which consisted of 12 lawyers. During ran electrical wires to the press “Getting my bankruptcy law his practice, he represented a broad box so they could broadcast the degree was very “... a gentleman and a fine, career. During his variety of interests in bankruptcy race on television, and it all came important to me,” fine jurist.” third year in law cases, including debtors, secured and together on Sunday,” Cotton still Cotton said. “I am school at Mercer, unsecured creditors, receivers, marvels. “We had a big crowd and the first member of my family to earn one of Cotton’s professors, Charles trustees, creditors’ committees and a big race.” The experience college degrees.” Nadler, invited him to take a trip to equity holders. He also served as a amazed Cotton, who learned The judge enjoyed his time at Atlanta to meet with a firm that spe- trustee in some cases. Some of his about the dedication of stock car Mercer, particularly after moving on cialized in bankruptcy law. The firm, cases included Atlanta International fans and the goodness of people. campus when his sister and brother- Lipshutz, Macey, Zusmann & Sikes, Raceway Inc., Trend Carpet Mills, “To me, it was just really unbeliev- in-law moved away. While he was in offered Cotton a job and, after gradu- Retired Judge Stacy Cotton ’60, ’72 Hi-Fi Buys, Atlanta Metallic Casket able that those fans cared that Macon, Cotton met and married the ating, Cotton moved to Atlanta. Company and Highland Bakery. op and implement a reorganization much about racing and the track itself, former Suzanne Dixon, his wife of In 1966, Cotton went into practice While a bankruptcy lawyer, per- plan to pay creditors and sharehold- to drop everything and come down to 44 years. for himself, forming a law partnership haps his most notable case, and one ers, which is generally judged a major help us,” Cotton said. “It’s one of The couple has two adult children a year later. The firm was then known of his most successful outcomes, had success in a bankruptcy filing. those things that really reaffirms the who have continued the Mercer tradi- as Cotton, Katz & White P.A. and exists as much to do with racing as with The experience with the raceway fact that people do nice things — even tion. Their son, Stacey L. Cotton, today as Lamberth, Cifelli, Stokes & bankruptcy law. He served as the also has given Cotton some great sto- in the commercial arena.” earned his degree at one of the Stout P.A. Chapter X trustee, and later as the ries. One of his favorite stories hap- University’s Regional Academic Cotton left his firm three decades lawyer for the trustee, for the Atlanta pened in 1973, when a tornado hit the Into Bankruptcy Centers while serving as police chief later, in 1985, to accept appointment International Raceway Inc., now track on a Thursday morning before a Cotton grew up in Atmore, Ala. After for the City of Covington. In addition to the United States Bankruptcy Court known as Atlanta Motor Speedway. Sunday race. More than 1,400 seats high school, he moved to Macon to live to serving as police chief, he now for the Northern District of Georgia. Cotton spent nearly four years in the were destroyed, as were several build- with his sister and brother-in-law and to teaches as an adjunct professor at — Continued on page 22

THE M ERCERIAN / SPRING 2006 9

STETSON SCHOOL OF BUSINESS & ECONOMICS

Students Develop Marketing Plan for PAWS Altanta

By Mark Vanderhoek ing a three-hour session that included In part because its name implied it order to be supported by the numerous questions from the PAWS received county money, even though it community. ercer’s business program in Atlanta aims Atlanta board members. In the end, stu- did not, and because its focus “At our next board meeting the stu- to bring real world experience into the dents got a lot out of their experience, widened beyond DeKalb County and dents’ project will be a focal point for according to Catherine McGillivray, all the members,” Tierney said. “The classroom, and that’s just what the 28 a senior in the class. tagline is generating the most buzz M “I definitely think it is a very right now, but we’re going to go back students in Bob Anservitz’s worthy cause, and it was fabulous through what the class provided us, undergraduate Marketing Promotions class did. The students put that we were able to work with which was just a tremendous amount them,” McGillivray added. “I felt of information, and pick out the things what they were learning in the classroom to work developing a proud to be able to contribute we can implement immediately and the to it.” things that we can use down the road.” strategic marketing plan for PAWS Atlanta, one of the area’s oldest The volunteer animal welfare Anservitz, who has been an and most well-regarded animal welfare organizations. effort began in 1966 and later was adjunct marketing professor at incorporated as the DeKalb Mercer for 20 years, knew the The students’ work was of the reviews. In addition to their regular Humane Society. Over the past 40 majority of the students in this class quality that the chairman of the board coursework and exams in this class, years, it has expanded to include from having prior classes with them. of directors of PAWS, Chris Tierney, the students also spent time in and out numerous services to homeless pets “While working for an actual client in said he and his fellow board members of this class working in task forces on and has become the largest no-kill a class setting can be a dicey situation, would consider utilizing a significant this client’s marketing needs. In adoption shelter in the Atlanta area. I knew the remarkable potential of so amount of what was proposed. response, they Because many of these students,” Anservitz Members of the Print Media and Direct Marketing Among the most impressive items developed a PAWS Atlanta Task Force present to PAWS Atlanta on March 6. said. “I teach here because the caliber was a modified logo and a new number of deliv- is so well CiCi Lacinova shows one of the brochures the of student that Mercer attracts is tagline for the organization: erables, including run, it group designed as Taiane Ferretto, center, and second-to-none.” Still, Anservitz Michael Li look on. “Pets. Love. Homes.” a strategic mar- earned a explained the demands of this type of “This was clearly a high-caliber keting plan, pub- four-star rating into the metro Atlanta area, the organ- client work and then put the decision group,” Tierney said. “The enthusiasm lic relations plan, from Charity ization changed its name to PAWS to a vote. “The class voted to take on and the effort of the students showed PowerPoint walk- The students in Bob Anservitz's Marketing Navigator. This Atlanta in 2004. The name change and these major client commitments and Promotions class developed a new tagline for through. They really put more into this and-talk presen- PAWS Atlanta and modified the nonprofit's logo rating held spe- the widened scope created a chal- ended up delivering a total tour de than what they had to just to get a tation, public to include it as part of a class project. cial appeal for lenge in marketing, and Mercer’s force,” he said. grade. They really worked hard for us.” service commer- Anservitz. Marketing Promotions class helped to “This is truly an exceptional group All 28 students in the class present- cials, volunteer recruitment plan, and “When choosing a client to work with fill that void, Tierney said. of individuals. They developed great ed their ideas and materials on March print and electronic advertising. a class, among my main criteria is that Tierney told students during the work for a great client. I couldn’t have 6 to PAWS Atlanta’s executives and The task forces were responsible the prospective client have both signifi- presentation that now that PAWS asked for more,” Anservitz said. “This board members. The students got for different portions of the marketing cant marketing needs and unquestion- Atlanta is serving a larger area it is was really a win-win for Mercer, for tough questions, but also glowing plan, with each group presenting dur- able fiscal integrity,” he said. essential that it have more visibility in PAWS Atlanta and for the students.”

Goddard Honors Former Professor with Classroom Dedication By Mark Vanderhoek

he University dedicated a erosity, this classroom is equipped with joining the business faculty in the After serving 10 years as dean, Andrews University’s Graduate School of state-of-the-art classroom in the latest teaching technology designed College of Liberal Arts. returned to teaching full-time in 1988. Business, where he is a graduate of the T honor of longtime econom- to provide the highest-quality learning In 1978, he became dean of the Goddard is chairman and CEO of Owners and Presidents Management ics professor Charles H. Andrews on environment for students,” said business school, then a division of the Goddard Investment Group, a privately Program. Oct. 25, 2005. The large classroom, President Godsey during the dedication. College of Liberal Arts. During his held firm focused on investing in com- In 1978, he joined the Atlanta real located in Stetson Hall, features some of “A classroom that offers the very best to tenure as dean, he led the planning mercial real estate and serves as estate firm of John Hunsinger & the latest teaching and presentation a student’s learning Company. In 1984, he became presi- technology as well as photographs and experience is truly dent of Brannen/Goddard Company, memorabilia of his teaching career. a fitting tribute to one of Atlanta’s premier full-service Andrews, who will retire at the end Dr. Andrews, who commercial real estate companies, of the spring semester, is a professor of has served as a later serving as the company’s chair- economics and holds the James D. professor and man and CEO. Stetson Chair in Economics, as well as mentor to the Goddard has had a number of the founding dean of the Eugene W. thousands of young leadership roles in the community Stetson School of Business and men and women and at his alma mater. As well as Economics. He returned to the class- who have studied serving on the Board of Visitors of the room fulltime in 1988 and has contin- economics at Stetson School of Business, he also ued to earn acclaim from his students. Mercer over the served a term on the Mercer Board of “It seemed like for awhile that we past 32 years.” Trustees. His wife, the former Kathleen would have to retire the Faculty Andrews had a Economics professor Charles Andrews, second from left, was honored with a classroom in his name during a dedication Hill, is a graduate of Wesleyan College ceremony in October. Marking the occasion were, left to right, Andrews’s wife, Lorain; Andrews; Bob Goddard (CLA Teaching Award because Charlie won it vital role in the and also serves on many community ’77), Kathleen Goddard; President R. Kirby Godsey and Business Dean Roger Tutterow. all the time,” said President R. Kirby growth and devel- and civic boards. Godsey, during the ceremony. opment of Mercer’s business program. process for establishing the School of Chairman of the Board for Post Goddard spoke at the dedication One of Andrews’ former students, He earned his bachelor’s degree in Business and Economics and led the Properties, the preeminent developer about his profound respect for his for- Mercer alumnus Robert Goddard III, economics at Mercer in 1960, and faculty in designing and initiating the and operator of upscale multi-family mer economics professor. “I think the CLA ’77, and his wife, Kathleen, made went on to earn his Ph.D. from evening executive development and apartment communities. He studied world of Charlie Andrews, and he has the generous gift to name the room in Vanderbilt University in 1967. After master of business administration pro- economics under Andrews, earning his meant a lot to me through the years, Andrews’ honor. teaching at Stetson University’s business grams. In July 1984, the school became bachelor’s degree in 1977. He later not just as a [teacher], but also as a “Through Bob and Kathleen’s gen- school, he returned to Mercer in 1973, a separate unit within the University. continued his studies at Harvard friend,” Goddard said.

10 THE M ERCERIAN / SPRING 2006

STETSON SCHOOL OF BUSINESS & ECONOMICS

Senators Bring World Issues to Forum By Mark Vanderhoek

orld issues took providing affordable broadband tory, but we are winning this battle.” ties, and we should always be con- Sept. 11, 2001, Isakson also defended center stage at The Internet access, the United States could Isakson, a Republican, also devoted cerned about civil liberties. But I want the Bush Administration’s wider war on Executive Forum in be left behind by the rest of the world. his speech to the war on terror and the to tell you that had we not had the terror and the treatment of prisoners at December, as both of “Although many people assume that Iraq conflict. He had harsh words for Patriot Act and passed it when we did, Guantanamo Bay, Cuba, noting that WGeorgia’s United States senators urged the United States will always be the war critics, especially Howard Dean, and allowed our intelligence networks without the Patriot Act, and the enemy support for the United States’ mission world’s leader in science and technolo- the chairman of the combatant role at Guantanamo, the in Iraq and the war on terror. gy, that may not continue to be the Democratic Party and “Americans have always stood by their U.S. would not have gone without a ter- Sen. Saxby Chambliss, Georgia’s case,” Chambliss said. “I can’t stress the former governor of allies to the end of the battle. We’re a ways rorist attack on its soil. senior senator, spoke on Dec. 5 in enough how quickly the lead in science Vermont. Isakson said “Had we not established the enemy away from total victory, but we are Macon, urging support for the Iraq and technology can be lost and how he was happy to have a combatant role ... and had we not War, as well as a hard it is to recover once it’s lost — forum in which to refute winning this battle.” found a way to incarcerate enemy push to expand if, indeed, it can ever be recovered.” a Dean statement made combatants that we could verify were a science and math Chambliss’ major focus drew on earlier in the week that “the idea that to have the capabilities to do what they part of the terrorist network,” Isakson education in the one of the most significant issues in we’re going to win the war in Iraq is an can do today, I do not believe that said, “I’m not sure we could have United States. On American policy and politics: the war idea which is just plain wrong.” America would have survived without fought as effectively as we have in Iraq, Dec. 9, in on terror and a push to continue the Isakson denounced the statement another terrorist attack in the last four and I’m confident we wouldn’t have

Duluth, Sen. Saxby Chambliss U.S. presence in Iraq until victory is and compared it to statements made in years, and we have.” stopped all the terrorist attacks we’ve Johnny Isakson achieved. the Vietnam era, when, he said, politi- Citing intelligence he has seen since stopped in America.” denounced Chambliss, who is a Republican, cians turned to making anti-war state- politicians who took issue with recent attacks by ments for political advantage. are calling for a Democrats about the Iraq conflict, “Now, for a man this week to say From the MBA Bookshelf by Linda L. Brennan withdrawal from including the criticisms of the now- the idea of winning the war is wrong Iraq and pushed debunked intelligence about weapons and to recognize we’ve already o you ever get so caught and examples of the kind of thinking for the renewal of mass destruction, which helped secured two-thirds of the goals we up in “doing,” running skill described. Maxwell then outlines Johnny Isakson of the Patriot Act. make the case for war, as well as the publicly stated when we went into D from appointment to WHY you should cultivate that particu- Both men also took time out to calls for an early withdrawal from Iraq, is troubling to me when our sons appointment, keeping up with mail lar skill, followed by HOW to develop praise Mercer President and CEO R. Iraq. Chambliss defended the Bush and daughters are deployed there in and messages, trying not to get any that skill. Each chapter ends with a Kirby Godsey for his work in building Administration’s handling of the pre- harm’s way,” Isakson said. “We have further behind than you already are “Thinking Question” and suggestions Mercer into one of the Southeast’s war intelligence, noting that “every deposed Saddam Hussein, Iraq has — that it feels like you never have for next steps. There is a good bal- leading educational institutions. other industrialized nation had access had two elections and, in six days, will time to think? Or do you have that nag- ance between the inspirational and “What a great job Kirby Godsey has to the same intelligence and came to have a third and final election. They ging sense that one day is the same as the practical aspects of the book. done at the University,” said Chambliss, the same conclusions.” have written and ratified a constitution, the next, that you are working hard I am hard-pressed to point to a whose son graduated from Mercer. “It Chambliss also pointed to the great and they fight side by side with us. We but not making much progress? favorite chapter, torn between the one was a good university before he arrived, strides that Iraq has made since have trained 200,000 and are on the Then you need to think for on strategic thinking and the one on but has he ever made it take off.” Saddam Hussein was deposed. way to training the sufficient force nec- a change. reflective thinking. Both chapters had Said Isakson: “Your service, what “The leadership (within the Iraqi essary for Iraq to defend itself. John C. Maxwell, acclaimed very specific suggestions to help you you’ve done for Mercer University, what military) is increasing, and at some “The idea that somebody would say author, inspirational speaker and make sure that you are spending your you’ve done for the state of Georgia point — we’re hoping in the very near that we can’t win a war that we are, in leadership expert, has some sugges- time on things that are important. One and what you’ve done to change the future — we’ll be able to turn that fact, winning by the measurement we tions for you. His book, Thinking for suggestion is to MAKE TIME FOR lives of countless thousands of students country back over to them and that’s established three years ago, is disap- a Change: 11 Ways Highly Successful THINKING. Schedule that time into over the years is just incredible.” when we’ll have victory in Iraq.” pointing; it’s disconcerting and it’s just People Approach Life and Work your calendar. Maxwell says that at In his speech, Chambliss briefly U.S. troops are steadily training morally wrong for a leader to say (Warner Books, 2003), advocates that the beginning of every month, he advocated for a fair hearing for Judge Iraqi troops to take their places, and that,” Isakson said. “people must learn how to think well spends a half day working on his cal- Samuel Alito, President Bush’s latest the fledgling democracy is growing in Isakson also took the opportunity to achieve their dreams and reach endar for the next 40 days (this way nominee to the Supreme Court, as well Iraq, Chambliss noted, and American to advocate for the renewal of the USA their potential.” he gets a “jump” on the next month as immigration reform, but spent a troops and their families are resolved Patriot Act, the legislation passed in The book describes 11 skills that and avoids being surprised). That’s a larger portion of his speech on the to keep up the fight. the days after the Sept. 11, 2001, ter- constitute good thinking: form of strategic thinking. Then he looming deficit the United States could “Is this the time for us to leave, as ror attacks that has drawn fire from • Seeing the Wisdom of Big-Picture also suggests that, in reflective think- face in technological innovation. some folks are out there publicly say- civil liberties groups. Thinking ing, you set aside a few hours to Without an increase in science and ing? It’s not the American way,” “We must extend the Patriot Act,” • Unleashing the Potential of review your calendar from the previ- math education, Chambliss said, com- Chambliss said. “Americans have always Isakson stated. “I have great respect Focused Thinking ous month (p. 189): bined with reforms in tax policy, stood by their allies to the end of the for those who are speaking against it • Discovering the Joy of Creative “Review your appointments. streamlining the patent system and battle. We’re a ways away from total vic- and express concern about civil liber- Thinking Check your to-do lists. Figure • Recognizing the Importance of out where you spent your time Realistic Thinking and whether you did so wisely. Executive MBA students and • Feeling the Energy of Possibility As you look at individual professors spent 10 days in Thinking entries, ask yourself: Have I China last summer, visiting numerous American companies and • Embracing the Lessons of already reflected on this event? sites in the Beijing area. The Reflective Thinking What went right? What went students stopped for a photo at the • Questioning the Acceptance of wrong? What did I learn? What Great Wall of China during a tour. Popular Thinking can I do differently next time? Standing (left to right): Karen England, Maria Grant, Lashanda • Encouraging the Participation of Don’t forget to write down Gray, Valeria Antonio Policarpo, Shared Thinking insights to be filed and action Cathy Hood, John Mascaritolo, • Experiencing the Satisfaction of points to be completed.” Andri Weathersby, Mathew Otto, Joel Bulger, Nelton Gartner, Unselfish Thinking The point is that investing that time Jason Ghannadian, Stephanie • Enjoying the Returns of Bottom- will reap dividends; the challenge is to Turpin, Dr. Ken Lord, Dr. Frank Line Thinking. find the time to invest. Start by invest- Ghannadian; sitting (left to right): Each chapter starts with an inspi- ing in the time to read this book. Take Don Sumner, Bonnie Johnson, Fritz Valsaint, Hisham Khalafalla, rational quotation, a humorous it to the beach with you this summer Marie Johnson, Eric McMath. vignette (“What Were They Thinking”) — you won’t be sorry!

THE M ERCERIAN / SPRING 2006 11

SPECIAL P HOTO SECTION APresidential Extravaganza Celebration of The President’s Club Honors Kirby and Joan Godsey

he 41st annual celebration of The President’s Club, held Friday, Oct. 28, and Saturday, Oct. 29, T 2005, honored Mercer President R. Kirby and Joan Godsey. The Presidential Extravaganza, which featured a video in tribute to Dr. Godsey’s 27-year tenure as president and CEO, was held at the InterContinental Buckhead in Atlanta. During the Extravaganza, Dr. Godsey was presented a glass sculpture by Merridy Palmer, the same artist who designed the glass sculptures hanging in the McCorkle Music Building and the

University Center, and Joan was presented a lim- ABOVE: Stephanie Shepherd, daughter ited edition Boehm porcelain of Van Gogh Irises. of Dr. and Mrs. Godsey, reads the salute to her father, Also, Mercer alumnus and Trustee Doc Schneider while Mercer development officer Matt Hall presents the glass sculpture read a poem he had written for the occasion. to Dr. Godsey.

LEFT: Mercer development officer Shawna Dooley presents the Irises scupture to Joan Godsey while son Hunter Godsey looks on. Emily and Remer Crum enjoy President’s Club activities.

Godsey family members present for the Extravaganza include, left to right: Jack Godsey, Dr. Godsey’s brother, and his wife, Judy; Joseph and Erica (daughter) Godsey Daniell; Leneal and Hunter Godsey (son); Tamlin Fortner at Joan Godsey; Kirby Godsey; the Extravaganza Raleigh (son) and Judy Godsey; George and Stephanie (daughter) Godsey Shepherd; and Jeannine Morrison (George’s mother).

Carolyn and Bill Self at the tribute to Kirby and Joan Godsey

Mercer’s School of Theology namesake Carolyn Eli Morgan, president of the Mercer Alumni McAfee, left, with Kirby and Joan Godsey Association, and his wife Phyllis Carolyn and Max Westmoreland at the Friday night tribute

12 THE M ERCERIAN / SPRING 2006 SPECIAL P HOTO SECTION Mercer Presents a Musical Tribute to President and Mrs. Godsey

he Atlanta Symphony Orchestra, with Keith Lockhart as guest conductor and Robert McDuffie as guest solo violinist, T performed a Presidential Musical Gala Oct. 13, 2005, at The Grand Opera House in Macon. Lockhart serves as music Gala guest conductor Keith Lockhart, with Kirby and Joan director of the Utah Symphony and as conductor of the Boston Pops. McDuffie Godsey and guest solo violinist Robert has appeared as soloist with many of the world’s major orchestras. McDuffie James A. and Mary Bishop of Sea Island and William A. and Neva L. Fickling of Macon served as co-hosts of the Presidential Musical Gala.

ABOVE: From left, Mercer Trustee and Gala Co-hosts William A. and Neva L. Fickling, with Kirby and Joan Godsey, and Mercer Trustee and Gala Co-hosts James A. and Mary Bishop

Janet and David Hudson, chairman of the Board of Trustees, enjoy the Gala.

Joan and Kirby Godsey speak to the capacity crowd at The Grand Opera House.

Former Trustee Mimi and Tommy Holland at The Grand Opera House

World-renowned violinist Robert McDuffie with Neva Fickling, for whom Mercer’s Fickling Music Hall is named

THE M ERCERIAN / SPRING 2006 13 SCHOOL OF ENGINEERING

Founders of School Honored on 20th Anniversary

uring the 20th Anniversary dinner for the Engineering. He served on the inaugural through his “persistent and determined appreciation as we mark this 20th NEAB board, is a former chairman of efforts to have an engineering program anniversary milestone.” School of Engineering on Oct. 21, 2005, the NEAB and still serves on the Board. in Central Georgia while serving as The National Engineering Advisory University, the School of Engineering and The special resolution honoring Commander of the Warner Robins Air Board surprised the key founder of Kruger noted that he “shared the Logistics Center that the D University’s vision for the School of University took steps to estab- the National Engineering Advisory Board Engineering and played a key role in lish the School of Engineering. (NEAB) recognized the four men who were instrumental in the working to ensure that this vision “[His] dedicated service successful development of the School of Engineering. became a reality. [He] faithfully, tire- as a member of the National lessly and generously has supported Engineering Advisory Board Dr. C.B. Gambrell, dean emeritus Robins Air Force Base and to provide the engineering programs at Mercer and as an inaugural member of the School of Engineering, was hon- practical work experience for Mercer’s University through not only [his] time of the National Engineering engineering students and became and leadership, but also annual gifts Advisory Board Fellows the center’s first director, serving and the establishment of the Harry demonstrated [his] staunch from 1987 to 1995. Morris Schwartz Endowed Scholarship. belief in the Mercer School of “For [his] visionary leadership, “And, [he] believe[s] so firmly in Engineering and assisted in development of innovative programs the high quality of a Mercer education the school’s continuing suc- and tenacious efforts to increase the that [he has] hired Mercer engineer- cess,” stated the resolution. size and stature of the School of ing graduates for [his] company, “For [his] strong convic- Engineering, we honor [him] with Schwartz Precision Manufacturing,” tion in the vision of the Retired Maj. Gen. Cornelius Nugteren (left) was the this resolution as an expression of the resolution continued. Mercer University School of commander of the Warner Robins Air Logistics Center our profound gratitude for [his] “For [his] long demonstrated Engineering before the first at the time of the School of Engineering’s founding. During the 20th Anniversary Celebration Dinner, devotion to the establishment and belief in the Mercer School of student ever enrolled, for the President R. Kirby Godsey presented him a citation development of the Mercer Engineering and [his] unwavering key role [he has] played to recognizing his role in helping to establish the School. University School of Engineering.” dedication to its success through [his] ensure that our shared vision Melvin Kruger, CEO L.E. wise leadership, we wish to honor became a reality and for [his] time, the School of Engineering, President Schwartz and Son Inc., was chair- [him] with this resolution as an resources and efforts to advance this and CEO R. Kirby Godsey, with a spe- President R. Kirby Godsey presented C.B. man of the Greater Macon Chamber expression of our sincere appreciation school, we wish to honor [him] with cial award at the end of the evening. Gambrell (left) a citation for being the inaugural of Commerce in 1985, and helped on the occasion of the Engineering this resolution along with our deepest — Continued on page 21 dean of the School of Engineering. to provide much needed community School’s 20th anniversary.” ored for his significant contributions to support in establishing the School of Retired Maj. Gen. Cornelius the School in its earliest days. Gambrell Nugteren, who served as founding dean of the School of served as the com- Engineering from 1985 to 1993. In mander of the 1987, he organized the Mercer Warner Robins Air Engineering Research Center (MERC) in Logistics Center at Warner Robins, and was its director Robins Air Force from 1987 to 1995. He retired in 1996 Base from 1982 to as vice president for University Research. 1988, was instru- The special recognition for Gambrell mental in the stated in part that he “provided valuable alliance between guidance and leadership to the School Mercer and the by recruiting and hiring the inaugural WRALC. faculty and staff and directing them According to President R. Kirby Godsey (center) was honored during the School of Engineering’s 20th through the accreditation process in Melvin Kruger (left) served as chair of the Greater Macon Chamber the resolution, Anniversary Celebration Dinner as a National Engineering Advisory Board Fellow “in recognition record time. [He] organized the Mercer of Commerce at the time of the School of Engineering’s founding and Nugteren con- of his inspiring courage to step forth and meet a vital academic need in Central Georgia in was instrumental in gathering support for its founding. He was establishing the Mercer School of Engineering.” Melvin Kruger, (left) a former chair of NEAB, Engineering Research Center in Warner presented a citation by President R. Kirby Godsey during the tributed to the suc- and Donald LaTorre, the current NEAB chairman, presented Dr. Godsey with the award on Robins to serve the engineering needs of celebration dinner. cess of the School behalf of NEAB.

Students Develop Control System for Train Exhibit at Hartsfield-Jackson

By Andy Peters Concourse T of the airport last August. the project in September, and by Kwamusi said having a real-life obstacles that we couldn’t have In fall 2004, in conversations with December 2004, they had a working client, a hard timeline and a budget predicted, like interference issues, but he senior engineering design their professor, Dr. Edward O’Brien, prototype. They said they enjoyed for his senior design project provided we were able to get past those project of Mark Kwamusi, the students learned that the Central being able to put their engineering him with insight into the workings of obstacles. I think we all have a certain T Mahran Mohebi and Nabil Georgia Model Railroad Club needed education into practice through this the real business world. fondness for trains now.” Salman, completed as Mercer someone to develop a con- “Failure was not an Since graduating, two members of University School of Engineering stu- trol system that would allow “Failure was not an option.... It was exciting to option with this project,” the group have continued their engi- dents, is on display for millions of peo- passengers to activate the work on such a high-profile, complex project.” Kwamusi, who is from neering studies at the graduate level, ple to see at one of the world’s busiest trains when they get close Kenya, said. “It was exciting and the other has begun his engineer- destinations, the Hartsfield-Jackson to the glass surrounding the exhibit. senior design project prior to gradu- to work on such a high-profile, com- ing career. Mohebi is pursuing a mas- Atlanta International Airport. The stu- The group also needed a counter so ating. All three students specialized in plex project.” ter’s degree in electrical engineering at dents, who graduated at Mercer’s 2005 that they could monitor how many electrical engineering at Mercer. Salman of Greenville, S.C., said he Duke University in North Carolina and commencement, used their electrical times the trains are activated, and they “It was challenging. We had a tight and his two fellow students had a lot Kwamusi is working on a master’s engineering expertise to develop a sen- needed a control system that would timeline to complete the project, and of fun, too. degree in electrical engineering at sor control system for one of the trains allow them to vary the speeds of the we had to get used to getting up at 6 “We really had a great time,” he California State University — Los in the “Model Trains Through the trains in the exhibit. a.m., but we did it,” Mohebi of said. “There were so many Angeles. Salmon is an electrical engi- Ages” exhibit that went on display in The three students were assigned Dubai, U.A.B., said. components, and we ran into neer for Kraft Foods in South Carolina.

14 THE M ERCERIAN / SPRING 2006 MERCER ATHLETICS UPDATE

Baseball Letterman Inducted into GACA Hall of Fame

arold Lee Scott, AB ’55, who lettered in champs five of six seasons, state champions once and state baseball for four years at Mercer, was runner-up twice. His boys’ teams inducted into the Georgia Athletic made it to the state playoffs three times, finishing in the top four in H the state twice. Coaches Association (GACA) Hall of From 1966-1974 at Savannah Fame at the 67th annual GACA Awards Banquet in 2005 High, Coach Scott was the Region in Dalton, Ga. Basketball Coach of the Year five times and Savannah Coach of the Scott, who has received many His first coaching job was in Year six times. Scott then returned local, state and national honors dur- 1956 at Nahunta High School. He to Sylvania to farm with his father. ing his illustrious coaching career, immediately coached a state However, the man “born to coach” graduated from Sylvania High School championship squad and a state came out of retirement in 1987 in 1950 after a stellar four-sport ath- runner-up in his first three seasons in and led the Sylvania boys to their letic career. He played for the Mercer boys’ basketball. Two years later, he first and only region champion- Bears under coach Claude Smith from moved to Cherokee High School ship the next season. In 1995, he Harold Lee Scott Scott’s Hall of Fame Recognition 1951-1955. where his girls were region led the Gamecocks to their only other state playoff. He received the National Federation Off Club Award and, several times, Coach Scott retired in 2001 after Interscholastic Coaches Association was named Basketball Coach of NFL Starter Hosts Former Teammates receiving a host of awards and honors State Distinguished Service Award, the Year by various Georgia for his accomplishments including the GACA Dwight Keith Award, the newspapers. ormer Mercer basketball player down pass leading to a Denver win induction into the Greater Savannah GACA Boys Basketball Coach of the Also, the new Screvens County Wesley Duke, now a tight end and, ultimately, started in the AFC Athletic Hall of Fame, the Screven Year, the National High School High School gym was named F for the Denver Broncos, hosted Championship game against Pittsburgh. County Athletic Hall of Fame and the Association Southeastern Region 3 the Harold Lee Scott Gym in the Bears at the Broncos’ facility in Duke will continue playing football Cherokee County Sports Hall of Fame. Coach of the Year, the Atlanta Tip his honor. December when they traveled to this spring. The six-foot, five-inch, 235- Denver to play the University of pound tight end has been assigned to Colorado. Duke’s conversion as a the Hamburg Seadevils of NFL Europe. Mercer Golfer Advances to Match Play in college basketball player at an He reported to that team’s training institution that does not have a football camp at Tampa, Fla., on Feb. 10. The Canadian Amateur Golf Championships program, has captured the hearts of NFL Europe season ends in early May, NFL fans from Macon to Colorado. and he will be back at Denver’s training ercer men’s golf team round as he made the turn at three to birdie holes 13 and 14 to even the Duke not only made the Broncos’ camp in July. He still has two one-year members Brandon Price, under par, but proceeded to shoot match at all square. A costly double team as a walk-on, but caught a touch- contracts remaining with the Broncos. MMichael Gregory and four over par on the back nine to bogey at the par four 15th, and anoth- Andrew An competed in the Canadian miss the cut by two er bogey on hole Amateur Championship in mid-August. strokes. number 16 allowed Mercer held the distinction as the An defeated Ross Moser to take a two- only school to send three returning by a score of two up hole lead. An won the players to the competition. The tour- on Tuesday to par-three, 17th hole nament format featured 36 holes on advance to the round to pull within one, but Sunday, Aug. 14 and Monday, Aug. 15, of 32, and faced Ben Moser closed out the before the field was cut to 64. After Moser, a Kent State match on number 18 the cut, match play began on Tuesday graduate, on to win one up. and concluded with the championship Wednesday morning After stumbling match on Friday, Aug. 19. in an 18-hole match slightly to open the Bears’ sophomore Andrew An with the winner mov- fall season at the made the cut of 64 and advanced to ing on to play in the Andrew An Reynolds Plantation the match play portion. An shot a 76 round of 16 in the Classic, An closed out in the first round and followed that up afternoon. The Richmond Hill, the Bears’ fall season with a team-best with a 73. His two-day total of 149 put Ontario, native lost one down to 71.7 stroke average, finishing in a tie him in a tie for 58th place with eight Moser in the round of 32 on for fourth place at the Sam H. Hall other golfers. Those eight golfers Wednesday morning. Intercollegiate, hosted by Southern competed in a playoff that sent the top After a back and forth front nine, Mississippi, Oct. 31-Nov. 1. He seven to the match play rounds. An An made the turn one down. Moser recorded a career-low round of 63 at went on to make the cut and Tuesday won the 12th hole, but An proceeded the Farms Golf Club in Hattiesburg. morning was matched up against Andrew Ross, an Ontario native that plays at Arkansas State. Price struggled in the first round For Photo Reprints Please Visit shooting an 81, but he made a strong push for the cut after shooting a 69 in www.mercer.edu the final round. He birdied three of Under “Department & Services:” the last four holes and finished in a tie Click on “Community,” for 66th place. His score of 69 was Click on “University Advancement,” one of only nine scores in the 60s on Click on “University Relations & Marketing,” that Monday. Click on “UR&M Photos.” Gregory finished in a tie for 81st, Men’s head basketball coach Mark Slonaker, left, stands with Wesley Duke in front of the after shooting scores of 78 and 73. Just select the event you would like to view! former basketball player’s locker at the Denver Broncos’ training facility. Gregory had an up and down second

THE M ERCERIAN / SPRING 2006 15 TIFT COLLEGE OF EDUCATION

The Voice of a Teacher By Shannon Friedman

This article first appeared in the September 2005 issue of Legacy and is reprinted with permission eternally repeat junior high, they won- make us close our books.” admired, and it’s easy to see why, after from the Watson-Brown Foundation, Inc. dered. Others rose only halfway, As the oldest, Erin set the bar high. leaving Lakeside High School in t’s shortly after 7 a.m. and Erin Keel’s first day of school. unsure in their adolescent insecurity of Keeping the hours of an Olympian-in- Augusta, Georgia, Erin decided to the “cool” answer. Erin waited until training — she often woke up at 4 major in music education at Mercer Most of the back-to-school newspaper ads show gently she saw a sea of high fives. “Well, I a.m. to study — her dedication was University. hated it, and that’s exactly why I’m an early hint of her future career. “After my first week at Mercer, I blowing fallen leaves, curled by the autumn wind, but if here today,” she said. “This realized I was in the right I year, I will do everything place, and I would not trade you’ve ever stood at a bus stop on a late August day in thing that I can to make you those years for anything,” Georgia, you’d know that the morning sun is as sharp as a No. 2 love middle school.” she says. pencil. The heat only adds to the first day jitters, but as the bell rang Consistency plays a While Erin took over four major role in Erin’s years to graduate, her 5-year and students slowly trickled in, Erin, or Ms. Keel as she will be approach to teaching. plan was hardly slack: She known for the next 272 days of the school year, straightened to her Perhaps it’s because, from balanced a 10 or 11 class an early age, she displayed load each semester, was

hardly-taller-than-an-eighth-grader height and welcomed her first an unwavering drive to tion elected to student govern- period class at Upson-Lee Middle School in Thomaston, Ga. learn. In the evenings the ment every year (her junior three Keel girls would gather year she served as student tson-Brown Founda a

“I was more nervous as a teacher and remembered how it felt to be 12 around their text books W body president), guided than I ever was as a student,” Erin years old. instead of the television, freshman as an orientation says, “but I was determined to let my “How many of you think that I pens pressed to loose-leaf leader, joined a sorority, humor and personality show.” loved middle school?” she asked. paper, wagging at the speed Photo courtesy of minored in history, and Erin (right) and her sister and fellow Watson-Brown scholar, Carrie, Once the class was settled, Erin Some students’ arms flew up — of thought. pose after a Mercer Singers concert in Austria. toured Europe with the elite looked into the rows of pre-teen faces why else would anyone volunteer to One sister’s school proj- Mercer Singers — all while ect would become a “house project” Meanwhile, her father’s sense of lead- maintaining a 4.0 GPA. She also met — an opportunity for the entire fami- ership at home and as a youth minis- her future mentors, Dr. Stanley Henry Teacher of the Year ly’s education. ter as well as her mother’s caring Roberts, Mercer Singers director, Dedication, energy earn county honor “Our parents trained us young, but nature were rubbing off on her. and Mrs. Marie Roberts, Erin’s we picked it up from there,” Erin says. Combine those traits, add a high voice teacher. By Heather Vogell, and Southern Baptist Theological “We’d study for hours until they’d school choir director that she — Continued on page 21 Atlanta Journal-Constitution Seminary in Louisville, Ky. She and her husband have a teenage daughter. oy Brown doesn’t know who the Brown has taught for nine years. geniuses are in her class. Before that, she worked in social serv- Douglas County Science Lab to be J Frankly, it doesn’t matter. ices, at a teacher retirement office and Named in Honor of Borrishes By Anna Sandison Each child gets a shot at success in at a psychiatric center for emotionally her class at Hickory Flat Elementary disturbed children. ith the help of ter accommodate the increasing the lab will have extra sinks, an emer- School, she says. “I feel everything else I’ve done benefactors Fred W. demand for these courses. Dr. gency shower and eyewash center and “Even if a child does not excel in has prepared me for what I’m doing W and Aileen K. Borrish, Frederick Ming, assistant professor of a sprinkler system designed specifically math or science, when they’re in the now,” she said. Mercer’s Douglas County Regional science and faculty consultant to the for science laboratories. music room, they’re treated as equally The student population at the Academic Center is renovating its renovation oversight committee, states According to Ming, “The as possible,” she says. McDonough school includes children science laboratory. The center opened that the “new lab signals a significant combination of presentation Brown hopes her approach gives who speak 14 different languages at in 1996 as a modern facility [multimedia] technology and everyone the chance to taste victory in home, and her principal lauded her with a state-of-the-art instructional laboratory school early on. That, she hopes, will for incorporating music that cele- laboratory, but the ever- furnishings and equipment propel them to achieve later on in all brates students’ divergent back- changing nature of science will guarantee a significant subjects. grounds. can outmode techniques and impact on instruction and “If children have a successful But she also gives lessons in equipment quickly. learning. New experiments experience in elementary school, they American music history — from The need for the expand- and activities that are not are more likely to enjoy school and Yankee Doodle to slave spirituals to ed space is due to the sci- [currently] possible will be do better in middle and high school,” Scott Joplin. ence requirement in the core incorporated into existing she says. “For many children, the place curriculum and the growing courses.” He particularly Brown’s energy, innovation and they’re going to learn American folk interest in science-based looks forward to the addition dedication earned her Teacher of the music, the place they’re going to learn careers. All undergraduate of a “wet lab,” which will Year honors for Henry County this the music of our culture, is going to students enrolled at a allow the Center to offer year. She’s now competing against be in the school,” she says. Regional Academic Center additional courses, such as teachers across the state for Georgia She touches on subjects other than are required to complete at chemistry and biochemistry. Teacher of the Year, which will be music, too. Kids as young as first least two science classes, The new science lab in Douglas County will be named in honor of Longtime supporters of announced at a spring banquet. grade, for instance, learn two eighth regardless of their major; Fred W. and Aileen K. Borrish, who were presented honorary educational endeavors, the Hickory Flat principal J.R. notes make a quarter note. That’s an education or criminal justice degress in the fall. Borrishes have continued to Isenberg said Brown is an upbeat, early fractions lesson. students must take even more. turning point for the status of science in support Mercer with funds to endow outgoing instructor with an impressive It’s satisfying to hear students have Popular television shows, such as CSI, our college.” Work on the laboratory is the Douglas County Center. In April knowledge of music. gone on to win honors in performing Law & Order and Bones, have ampli- expected to be finished by fall semester. 2005, they were honored with the “The kids love her, the faculty arts. But that’s not her only measure fied interest in the various fields of The new facility, to be named the dedication of their portrait, which loves her, I love her,” he says. “She’s of success. science, particularly forensics. Mercer Fred W. and Aileen K. Borrish Science hangs in the entrance of the Center. just one of those people who is going “What I hope is that they will have offers a forensic biology course, and Laboratory, will include a minimum of Last fall, on the day they both received to make sure that whatever she does, a lifelong enjoyment of music,” she the waiting list of students grows 30 student workstations outfitted with honorary doctorate degrees from she does it right.” says. “Whether or not they perform.” longer every semester. the latest technology, including ports for Mercer, Mayor Mickey Thompson of Brown’s a Georgia native who ______Expansion of the current science student laptops. Along with computers, Douglasville proclaimed Oct. 20 Fred studied at Mercer University in Macon Reprinted with permission laboratory will enable the Center to bet- projectors and audio-visual equipment, and Aileen Borrish Day.

16 THE M ERCERIAN / SPRING 2006

CLASS NOTES

MERCER ALUMNI N EWS

— OLLEGE OF L IBERAL A RTS —

are directors/coordinatorsC of House 1996 Henry Sherman Pinyan IV, BS, ACHIEVEMENTS MARRIAGES, of Mercy Orphanage, a 106-bed facili- Jennifer Bryant Dornan, BS, of of Marietta, accepted a position as first ANNIVERSARIES & 1936 ty for children in Piedras Negras, Buckhead, was promoted to managing officer flying an Embraer Regional Jet William J. Crump, AB, of Coahuila, Mexico. attorney of the Atlanta office of for Chautauqua Airlines. Chautauqua is BIRTHS William E. Curphey & Associates. She a regional carrier for Delta, United, Savannah, celebrated his 90th birth- 1978 has been practicing real estate law American and US Airways. 1937 day surrounded by 86 friends and Merry W. Fort, BS, of Macon, with the firm for three years. Margaret Anne Pitts Ritter, BA, Harriet W. Tindal, AB, of Novi, family. A native of Carnesville, he was promoted to vice president of lives in the Philadelphia, Pa., area and Mich., announces the birth of her retired from the Army Corps of Nursing Services Corporate of the 1997 serves as director of annual giving at great-grandson, Everett R. Wallace of Engineers, Savannah District in 1972 Medical Staffing Network, the largest Brian Regienczuk, BA, of the Shipley School. Fort Collins, Colo. after 32 years of federal service as provider of per diem nurse staffing in Atlanta, designed a project called chief of the Office of Administrative the United States. Ambient Experience for Healthcare. 2002 1955 Services. In 1970, the Crump Annex Lt. Col. Terry J. Mularkey, BA, The project was recognized by Lacey Perkins Gwyn, BA, of The Rev. J. Olan Jones, AB, of building was named after Crump of Ormond Beach, Fla., who retired BusinessWeek Magazine as a 2005 Centerville, earned her MA in profes- Waycross, and his wife, Ann, celebrat- because of his instrumental role in its from the Army after 21 years of serv- IDEA Gold winner. He works at Philips sional counseling from Argosy ed their golden wedding anniversary final realization. He was inducted into ice, is executive director of alumni Design in Atlanta. University in September 2005. on Sept. 17, 2005. Jones is president the Savannah District’s Gallery of relations at Embry-Riddle University. Matthew R. Miller, BS, was pro- emeritus of Baptist Village Inc. 1998 Distinguished Civilian Employees He and his wife, Nancy Creech, BA moted to captain in the United States Elaine Turk Nell, BA, of 1986 in 1978. ’79, who teaches international bac- Army on Sept. 1, 2005. Clemmons, N.C., became a licensed David C. Leeth, BS, and his wife, calaureate English at the local high 1955 clinical social worker, the highest 2004 Melanie, announce the birth of their school, have been married for 25 The Rev. Samuel M. Waldron, license in social work in the country. Meredith D. Waters, BS, of son, Elias Bialko, on June 1, 2005. years. Their son, Jack, is a cadet at AB, of Macon, has been an interim Eli Denard Oates, BA, BBA, of Clemmons, N.C., is a military contrac- The family resides in Atlanta. West Point Military Academy. associational missionary with the Racine, Wisc., joined the legal servic- tor with Halliburton-KBR. She is cur- Michael L. Ruffin, BA, of 1989 Pulaski-Bleckley Association since es department of We Energies as rently working with the Morale, Augusta, published a new book, Living Aravind Arepally, BA, and his 2004. From 1966 to 1994, he served counsel. Welfare, and Recreation Department at Between the Advents. He has been the wife, Holly Greene, BS ’90, announce as a foreign missionary to the Camp Anaconda, Balad Airbase, Iraq. 2000 the birth of their daughter, Ava Ann Philippines. When not participating in pastor of The Hill Baptist Church in Evans Robert Davis, BA, of Arepally, on March 11, 2005. The fam- mission activities, he has served as Augusta since January 2003. Decatur, was named head men’s bas- ily resides in Baltimore, Md. pastor to several Baptist churches. 1982 ketball coach and instructor in health Jeffrey Begeal, BA, of Smithfield, 1990 1956 and physical education at Truett- N.C., has written a new book, Holly Greene, BS (see Aravind The Rev. Tolly L. Williamson McConnell College. Arapally ’89) Jr., AB, of Decatur, who retired from Americans in Florence During the Emory University in 2001, recently 20th Century. He is the international became interim director of the baccalaureate coordinator at Parkland Clinical Pastoral Education program at High School in Winston-Salem, N.C. the CPE Partnership in Nashville, The Rev. C. David Dean, BA, of Alumni... Commemorate Your Time at Mercer. Tenn. In 2004, he was named supervi- Gainesville, Fla., recently returned to sor emeritus by the Association for the United States from Great Britain. Mercer University is in the process of designing and building a brick- Clinical Pastoral Education. He and He spent the past 12 years involved in lined plaza that compliments the new University Center. Alumni, students, parents and friends of Mercer have the unique opportunity his wife, Jerry, GBCN ’58, will main- local church and campus ministries tain their residence in Decatur. overseas. He is now involved in the to preserve their memories by purchasing a brick that will Presbyterian and Disciples of Christ be a one-sentence tribute to your days at Mercer. 1958 Student Center at the University of Your $100, tax-deductible gift secures a Oliver Chappell Wilson Jr., AB, Florida. personalized brick that can include your name, year of Marietta, celebrated the 50th of graduation, and even your primary student 1985 anniversary of being ordained to the organization, such as a fraternity, sorority, BSU or Lynn H. Murphy, BA, of Cordova, Baptist ministry on Sept. 21, 2005. SGA — up to three lines on the face of the brick. Tenn., has written her second novel, As part of this offer, Mercer University will send a 1962 Moonlight In His Hand, a sequel to written acknowledgment of your gift, including the B. Ray Hardman, AB, of Hoover, I’ll Be Seeing You. The characters in wording as it will appear on the brick. Ala., participated in the national the book come from a short story Senior Olympics in Pittsburgh, Pa. His Murphy wrote during her time at team, the Hoover Legends, placed fifth Mercer. She also writes freelance arti- YES, I want to participate in this unique opportunity! among the 46 teams in the 65-69 age cles for magazines, as well as drama Your Name Class Year division. Hardman, a retired informa- scripts for worship services. She is tion technology specialist at BellSouth, working on a novel set in the Terezin Address Phone was the team’s leading scorer. concentration camp. City/State/Zip

1972 1990 Please print your name as you would like it to appear on the brick. One character (including letters, spaces, punctuation marks, etc. — Greek letters may be used) per block and a maximum of 14 characters per line. Lynda M. Kay, BA, of Buford, was Jodonna G. Baker, BA, of promoted to regional field trainer for Lithonia, has written her first book, Line 1 the Southeast Region Lifetouch Hurt so good: A woman’s journey, IIIIIIIIIIIIII Portrait Studios. She was named under the name J.D. Baker. The book Line 2 IIIIIIIIIIIIII Manager of the Year in 2003. was published in June and is available Linda Teal Willoughby, BA, of online through major bookstores. Line 3 IIIIIIIIIIIIII Grapevine, Texas, opened a marriage and family counseling practice in 1994 Abbreviations for Colleges & Schools Bedford, Texas. She has been in pri- Amy Smith Boyer, BA, of Forsyth, CAS College of Arts and Sciences EDU College of Education NUR College of Nursing CCPS College of Continuing and ENG School of Engineering PHA Southern School of Pharmacy vate practice since receiving her Ph.D. was promoted to partner with Vaughn Professional Studies LAW School of Law THEO McAfee School of Theology Wright and Boyer LLP in April 2005. from the University of Denver in 1990. CLA College of Liberal Arts MD School of Medicine TIFT Tift College BUS School of Business & Economics 1975 1995 Calla Busby-Ragin, BA, of Please return this form with your check, payable to Mercer University, to The Office of Alumni Services, Karen L. Smith, BM, of Eagle 1400 Coleman Ave., Macon, Georgia 31207. Questions? Please call Kim Adams at (800) 837-2911 for more information. Pass, Texas, and her husband David, Macon, graduated from Leadership Macon.

CLA CLASS NOTES THE M ERCERIAN / SPRING 2006 17 CLASS NOTES

MERCER ALUMNI N EWS

C OLLEGE OF L IBERAL A RTS, continued

Chandra Carter Tutt, BA, and Amy Miller Hollis, BA, JD ’00, IN SYMPATHY 1949 Frank L. Hobby, AB, 71, of her husband, Charles S. Tutt, BA, and her husband, Lance, announce the Dan Bullard III, AB, 79, of Milledgeville, died June 29, 2005. announce the birth of their second birth of their son, Knox Edward, on Macon, died June 14, 2005. 1928 1959 son, Cameron Carter, on Jan, 29, April 4, 2005. The family resides in Ruby Kelly Durham, AB, 81, of Dorris Sherrer Hogan, 95, of Fay H. Browne, 68, of LaGrange, 2005. The family resides in Atlanta, Atlanta, where she is an associate at Gray, died June 3, 2005. Auburn, Ala., died May 4, 2005. died Jan. 28. where Ms. Tutt is an attorney with King & Spalding LLP. Harold E. Hart, AB, 82, of Voncile O. Compton, AB, of BellSouth and he is an American Stacy Veasey Lange, BA, and her 1931 Waycross, died Sept. 10, 2005. Atlanta, died Aug. 2. Airlines pilot. husband, John, announce the birth of Euler B. Thompson, 96, of James B. Kopp, AB, 80, of James E. Miles, AB, 68, of their child, Linden Hollis Lange, on Atlanta, died Jan. 13, 2005. Macon, died June 1, 2005. 1992 Macon, died Aug. 20, 2005. Aug. 20, 2005. The family resides in William R. McArthur, 81, of Jennifer B. Arends, BA, and her 1936 Smyrna. Macon, died July 20, 2005. 1960 husband, Gregory, announce the birth Jere C. Ayers, AB, 91, of Comer, Karen H. Smith, AB, 67, of of their third child, Addison Eve, on 1998 died May 13, 2005. 1950 Columbus, died July 27, 2005. May 16, 2005. The family resides in Elaine Turk, BA, married William 1937 The Rev. Andrew R. Haman, AB, Travelers Rest, S.C., where she is the Elmer Nell on Feb.12, 2005, at Herman K. Moore, AB, 88, of of Ormond Beach, Fla., died Jan. 3. 1961 president of GA&J Inc. Wesleyan Drive Baptist Church in Tampa, Fla., died July 7, 2005. Joseph H. Harvey Jr., 76, of Sea Malcolm B. Miller, AB 72, of Macon. The couple resides in Island, died Aug. 18, 2005. Dawson, died Sept. 3, 2005. 1993 1938 Clemmons, N.C., where he is a chemist The Rev. Jordan W. Holland Jr., Linda W. Wharam, AB, 64, of Jennifer Sherwood Bragg, BS, William Arthur Barrow, AB, 88, with R.J. Reynolds. AB, 75, of Savannah, died June 19, Macon, died April 13, 2005. and her husband, Steve, announce the of Fairhope, Ala., died Feb. 27, 2005. Kimberly Walker-Thurmond, 2005. Olene Burton Worley, AB, 73, of birth of their son, Tyler Seaver, on July Samuel L. Chiles, 90, of BA, and her husband, Michael, George A. Horkan Jr., AB, 78, of Cordele, died April 15, 2005. 17, 2005. The family resides in Savannah, died April 10, 2005. announce the birth of their daughter, Moultrie, died Feb. 2, 2005. Atlanta. A.B. Conger, AB, 88, of 1962 Hailey Ellen, on March 17, 2005, at Lee P. Oliver Jr., of Macon, died Lesley R. Gardner Murrah, Columbus, died Oct. 1, 2005. William E. Farley, AB, 74, of Piedmont Hospital in Atlanta. The fam- June 10, 2005. BBA, and her husband, Michael, Cleveland, Tenn., died Feb. 21, 2005. ily resides in Norcross. 1939 announce the birth of their son, Josey 1951 Angela Anderson Hasty, AB, of Dorothy Tucker Burgamy, AB, Ray, on March 24, 2005. They have 1999 George R. Genung Jr., AB, 75, of Macon, died Aug. 5, 2005. of Macon, died July 31, 2005. two other sons and reside in Lori Redwine Varnadoe, BA, Montgomery Village, Md., died Jan. 28, Genie Greene Hearn, 62, of Madison, Ala. and her husband, Erik Varnadoe, BA 1941 2005. Stone Mountain, died April 12, 2005. ’97, announce the birth of a daughter, Ralph B. Reeves, 86, of Macon, The Rev. Estus W. Pirkle, AB, 74, Carolyn H. Kinman, AB, 88, of 1994 Abigail Grace, on March 27, 2005. The died July 23, 2005. of Myrtle, Miss., died March 3, 2005. Vidalia, died July 31, 2005. Amy Smith Boyer, BA, and her family resides in Gray. David A. Walker Jr., AB, 86, of The Rev. W. Marvin Poe, AB, 82, husband, Kenneth, announce the birth 1964 New Fairfield, Conn., died Nov. 12, of Rome, died Sept. 1, 2005. of their son, Daniel Smith Boyer, on 2001 Donnie H. Morris, 63, of Baxley, 2005. Grover J. Robbins, AB, 83, of July 13. The family resides in Forsyth. Kelley Shirelle, BS, married died May 16, 2005. East Bend, N.C., died Jan. 19, 2005. Sharon Flagg Dailey, BA, Derrick William Grogan on April 2. 1942 Charles H. Robertson, BS, 62, of and her husband, Charles, announce The couple resides in Cumming. She The Rev. Robert T. Jones, AB, 1952 Hawkinsville, died Aug. 10, 2005. the birth of their son, Lawson Joseph, received her M.Ed. in science educa- 91, of Snellville, died Aug. 29, 2005. Mary Lynn Banks Blitch, AB, 74, 1965 on April 1, 2005. They have three tion from Georgia State University in of Newborn, died Oct. 15, 2005. 1943 Cathey A. Smith, AB, 64, of other sons, John Scott, Will and 2003 and is a science educator at Maribeth U. Calhoun, 73, of William W. McCowen, AB, 84, of Macon, died Nov. 12, 2005. Preston. The family resides in Northview High School in Duluth. Savannah, died Feb. 21, 2005. Macon, died April 3, 2005. Oliver E. Snow Jr., of Macon, Tallahassee, Fla. Brian J. Smith, BA, married Kelly Boyd L. Culp, AB, 77, of Sara M. Owen, AB, 85, of Atlanta, died Aug. 29, 2005. Monica Thomas Tritto, BA, and West on June 18, 2005, in Nashville, Cedartown, died Aug 27, 2005. died Aug. 16, 2005. her husband, Amedeo, announce the Tenn. She is the daughter of James F. 1969 1953 birth of triplets, Sophia Elizabeth, West, BA ’71. The couple resides in 1944 Thelma L. Goss, BA, 92, of Josiah Everett Flournoy Jr., 73, Samuel Matheson and William Franklin, Tenn., where he is a financial Richard L. Hanberry Jr., AB, 82, Macon, died April 20, 2005. of Macon, died April 18, 2005. Grayson, on Jan. 21, 2005. The family consultant for AmSouth Investment of Macon, died Oct. 1, 2005. 1975 resides in Wake Forest, N.C. Services. Pattie Swallum Witham, 83, of 1954 Ted W. Pickren, BA, 51, of Macon, died July 9, 2005. Cecil M. Anderson, AB, 74, of 1995 2002 Macon, died June 15, 2005. Decatur, died June 8, 2005. LeAnna Rensi Casey, BA, and her Elizabeth Cline, BA, married 1945 Patricia Reach Cullens, 72, of 1977 husband, Scott, announce the birth of Nicholas Lawton on July 30, 2005. The Waldo P. Harris III, AB, of Winter Park, Fla., died April 18, 2005. The Rev. Joseph D. Gordon, BA, their daughter, Ellayna Rensi, on July couple resides in Virginia Beach, Va., Washington, died July 2, 2005. The Rev. George V. Deadwyler 54, of Porterdale, died Oct. 13, 2005. 14, 2005. They also have a son, Aidan. where she is pursuing a master’s Pittman M. Jackson Jr., AB, 79, Jr., AB, of Clarkesville, died Aug. 4, 1979 The family resides in Louisville, Ky. degree in counseling at Regent of Milledgeville, died July 26, 2005. 2005. Debra F. Clark, BM, 48, of Aaron D. Strand, BS, and his University. 1946 Jack C. London, AB, 72, of Atlanta, died Aug. 9, 2005. wife, Karen, announce the birth of Heather Van de Voort, BM, Rear Adm. John Curtis Dixon Macon, died April 24, 2005. their son, Peyton Dale, on July 22, married Richard Davis Ellison on Jan. 1981 Jr., United States Navy, retired, 78, of Bobby N. McElroy, AB, 72, of 2005. The family resides in Lakewood 1, 2005, at Northminster Presbyterian Phyllis Davis Lowe, BS, of Hamilton, died Jan. 31, 2005. Macon, died Aug. 13, 2005. Ranch, Fla. Church in Macon. The couple resides Macon, died June 27, 2005. Wofford H. Martin Jr., AB, of Laura von Seeberg Roberts, 71, in Atlanta where she works for the 1996 Macon, died July 14, 2005. of Macon, died June 21, 2005. 1982 Atlanta Opera, and he is an architect Marla A. Smith, BA, and her Ben E. Weeks, AB, 80, of Marion, Jeanine Williams Allen, BS, 46, with Gardner, Spencer, Smith, Tench 1947 husband, Hilton Smith, BBA ‘97, Ind., died April 11, 2005. of Lilburn, died May 7, 2005. and Hensley. John G. Joiner Jr., AB, 88, of announce the birth of their second Macon, died June 15, 2005. 1957 1985 daughter, Gwyneth Elizabeth Smith, Martha Dykes Bryan, of Purcell Whitsel Jr., BA, 50, of on April 28. The family resides in 1948 Reynolds, died March 1, 2005. Macon, died July 22, 2005. Ruston, La. Thomas B. Kellam, AB, 80, of James A. McFarlane, AB, 70, of Dublin, died April 4, 2005. 1992 1997 Marietta, died March 17, 2005. The Rev. Charles F. McMinn, Stephanie Higingbotham, BA, Angela Scott Girdley, BA, and Charlotte Richardson Tatro, of AB, 78, of Nashville, Tenn., died June 35, of Macon, died Dec. 5, 2005. her husband, John, announce the birth 29, 2005. Atlanta, died Nov. 16. of their second child, Grace Elizabeth, 1998 M.G. Wood, AB, 82, of 1958 on May 18, 2005. The family resides Shannon Lynn Roquemore, BA, Tallahassee, Fla., died May 22, 2005. James R. Busby, 65, of Orange in Parma, Mo. 29, of Arden, N.C., died July 13, 2005. Park, Fla., died June 2, 2005.

18 THE M ERCERIAN / SPRING 2006 CLA CLASS NOTES

CLASS NOTES

MERCER ALUMNI N EWS

— TETSON S CHOOL OF B USINESS & EC ONOMICS —

S 1997 2003 2004 1998 ACHIEVEMENTS Andrea C. Miller, BBA, of Lt. Chris Angel Fuller, BBA, is a J. Barrett Carter, MBA, of Andrea C. Banks Ferrell, BBA, 1991 Antioch, Tenn., earned her MBA in quartermaster officer in charge of the Smyrna, is the vice president and and her husband, Justin, announce the Charles N. Eldred, MBA, of management from Middle Tennessee supply support activity area at the Al director of transactions at Timbervest, birth of their daughter, Isis Pauline, on Omaha, Neb., is the vice president and State University on Aug. 14, 2005. She Asad Forward Operating Base outside LLC, a timberland investment manage- May 4, 2005. The family resides in chief financial officer of the Omaha is employed by HCA Shared Services of of Fallujah. ment organization. He specializes in Bonaire. She is an accountant with the Public Power District, one of the Nashville, Tenn. Lt. Morenika V. Richards, BBA, the acquisition, management and dis- Bibb County Board of Commissioners. is an adjutant general officer serving position of the company’s timberland largest publicly owned utilities in the 1999 2002 as the S-1 human resources manager holdings. nation. The Association of Government Laura E. DeMars, MSHA, of Camellia Childers, BBA, and her for her battalion at Camp Victory in Accountants presented him with the Atlanta, was promoted to manager of husband, Richard, BSE, announce the South Baghdad. She is in charge of 2005 Distinguished Local Government materials management for Saint birth of their son, Hunter Ethan personnel documents and accountabil- Leadership Award. Joseph’s Mercy Care Services, an entity MARRIAGES & Childers, on Nov. 11. The family ity for more than 500 soldiers. of Saint Joseph’s Health System. She is BIRTHS resides in Killeen, Texas. 1994 Lt. Kelley Nalley Smith, BBA, is a pursuing a Ph.D. in health care admin- Mark S. Wright, BBA ‘92, MBA, of quartermaster officer at Camp 2004 istration from Walden University. 1988 Kirkwood, Mo., was named the associ- Anaconda, Balad, Iraq. As the water stor- Melanie Thomas Meade, BBA, Todd Adams, BBA, and his wife, ate athletic director for development at 2002 age and distribution officer for the entire married Jason Meade, BSE, on June Heather, announce the birth of their Saint Louis University in St. Louis, Mo. Henry W. Smith, BBA, earned his camp, she must overcome an inadequate 4, 2005, at Riverside United Methodist son, Alfred Troy Adams, on Feb. 3, 1995 MBA from the University of Notre infrastructure in order to provide water Church in Macon. The couple resides 2005. They have two other children, Shenlia Hill, MS, of Duluth, grad- Dame in May 2005. He is employed by to dining facilities, showers and laundry. in Savannah. Hayden and Megan. The family resides uated from the Georgia 100 Executive Ernst & Young financial consulting Lt. Patty Vithaya, BBA, is a med- in Flowery Branch. Leadership Development Program. She practice in McLean, Va. ical service officer in charge of the is also pursuing a Ph.D. in organiza- Cassandra Hayden, BBA, joined health clinic at Camp Victory in South 1995 IN SYMPATHY tion and management from Capella the East Cobb sales team at Prudential Baghdad. She also assists the doctors Marguerite Perkins Aring, BBA, University. Georgia Realty in Marietta. She resides with minor medical procedures. and her husband, Jim, announce the 1976 in Cobb County birth of their daughter, Lily Elizabeth, Bettie B. Duttenhaver, BBA, 81, on June 29, 2005. They also have a of Atlanta, died Aug. 25, 2005. son, Briggs. The family resides in 1989 Winter Park, Fla. 1960 Grads Remain Best Friends David E. King, BA, 58, of 1996 Thomaston, died Jan. 24, 2005. or many, graduation marks the While they are Patricia Carey Connor, BBA, 1998 bittersweet end of many close separated by geog- married David C. Connor on May 21, Sumowuoi Pewu, MBA, 42, of relationships as friends become raphy, they remain 2005, in Middleburg, Va. The couple F Fort Worth, Texas, died Oct. 2, 2005. separated by geographic location, life close in spirit resides in Manassas, Va. She is experiences, and busy careers. through letters and employed by Alion Science & 2000 However, for one group of Mercer e-mail. They have Technology of Fairfax, Va. Mark Lee Jones, MBA, 41, of alumnae, their 1960 graduation from served as a support Macon, died July 27, 2005. 1997 the College of Liberal Arts marked the group for each , BBA, and his wife beginning of a friendship that has other during times Hilton Smith , BA ’96, announce grown stronger over the past 45 years. of grief and joy. Marla A. Smith the birth of their second daughter, In the months after their separa- Although their lives From left, Martha Clark Almand of Macon; Betty Ann Echols of Gwyneth Elizabeth Smith, on April 28, tion, the group began corresponding and interests have Jacksonville, Fla.; Kay Hatcher Norton of St. Petersburg, Fla.; Tempie 2005. The family resides in Ruston, La. through letters to share their post- become very differ- Hill Oliver of Jonesboro; Beverly Bloodworth Presley of Statesboro; graduation experiences. These letters ent since their col- Ruth Kilpatrick Pearce of Athens; Ila Kidd Tribble of Anderson, S.C.; and Emmalyn Phillips Wilson of Lake Jackson, Texas continued for the next 28 years. In lege graduation, Please complete the form, detach and mail to Mercer University. 1988, the group decided to have a they still share a common love for forever. This group of women would reunion to celebrate their 50th birth- their alma mater, Mercer University. like to encourage other Mercer alumni days. This was the beginning of a new When these eight alumnae get togeth- to make contact with their classmates Mercer University alumni, students and friends have tradition for the friends, and they have er, they share stories and reminisce from Mercer and reestablish the con- an opportunity to proudly display their school loyalty by held several subsequent reunions over about their years at Mercer. nection that began during their years purchasing a Mercer University commemorative tag. the past 12 years. Friendship is a bond that can last in college. If you would like to receive a Mercer University Class of 1955 Enjoys 50-Year Reunion — Sixty-five class members and spouses attended the Golden Anniversary commemorative tag, please class of 1955 reunion on Oct. 8, 2005. The previous evening the class joined more than 200 members of the Half Century complete this form and Club for dinner. This picture of 39 smiling classmates was taken at the Lee Alumni House steps. Afterwards, the class return it to the Mercer enjoyed a tour of the campus and a luncheon in the Presidents Dining Room of the University Center. Bruce Yandle served University Office of as moderator with Joe Watson and Chuck Haffenden leading the “walk down memory lane.” Other program participants were University Relations at 1400 Bill Middlebrooks, Jean Bolen Bridges, Peggy Carlisle Neal and CLA Dean Richard Fallis. Coleman Avenue, Macon, GA 31207, along with a $25 check made payable to Mercer University “Commemorative Tag.” Mercer will mail you a release form to take to your county tag office, which will have your tag shipped from the Bibb County Tag Department.

COMMEMORATIVE LICENSE TAG INFORMATION

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Address City State Zip Phone County in which vehicle is registered

* Your local tag office may require additional fees for commemorative tags.

BUSINESS CLASS NOTES THE M ERCERIAN / SPRING 2006 19 CLASS NOTES

MERCER ALUMNI N EWS

— CHOOL OF E NGINEERING —

Seminary. They resideS in Decatur with 1998 2002 ACHIEVEMENTS MARRIAGES & their three sons, Adam, Daniel and Karen Davis Morrow, BSE, and Richard Childers, BSE, and his BIRTHS 1990 Michael. her husband, Alvin, BSE ’99, wife, Camellia Childers, BBA, , BS, of Decatur, announce the birth of their son, Ethan announce the birth of their son, Hunter Joel Lee Tolbert 1997 1997 graduated from Columbia Theological Joseph Morrow, on April 27, 2005. Ethan Childers, on Nov. 11, 2005. The Sam Martinez Jr., BSE, of Macon, Erik D. Varnadoe, BSE, and his Seminary in May 2005. He is serving The family resides in Hephzibah. family resides in Killeen, Texas. was promoted to director of operation wife, Lori Redwine Varnadoe, CLA as pastor of Rehoboth Presbyterian at Burgess Pigment Company on April ’97, announce the birth of their daugh- 1999 2004 Church in Decatur. His wife, Jill 1, 2005. ter, Abigail Grace, on March 27, 2005. Alvin Morrow, BSE, and his wife, Jason Meade, BSE, married Patterson Tolbert, BA ’88 is graduat- The family resides in Gray. Karen, BSE ’98, announce the birth of Melanie Thomas, BBA ’04, on June ing from Columbia Theological their son, Ethan Joseph, on April 27, 4, 2005, at Riverside United Methodist 2005. The family resides in Hephzibah. Church in Macon. The couple resides in Savannah. — IFT C OLLEGE OF E DUCATION —

ACHIEVEMENTS CPA/ConsultingT firm as an administrator. 1997 MARRIAGES & ple met at the University. They reside in Michael G. Michaels, BS, of Oro Roderick Hilton, BA, received a Lighthouse Point, Fla. Grande, Calif., celebrated the grand Ph.D. in educational leadership, K-12, BIRTHS 1940 2001 , AB, is the opening of his Iron Hog Saloon in from Capella University on Oct. 1, 2005. Gertrude A. Tharpe 1988 Melissa Zubia McNinch, BA, executive director of the Alabama Grief May. The Iron Hog is housed in a 100- 1998 Kimberly Carlson Chaiken, BA, and her husband, Jaye, announce the Support Foundation in Birmingham, Ala. year-old building off Route 66 in Myron Massey, BS, of Hiram, and her husband, birth of their son, Joseph McNinch, in California. According to local histori- Mark A. Chaiken received an award for five years of BBA ’91, announce the arrival of March 2005. She received a master’s 1992 ans, the building was originally part of Sr., service with Coca-Cola Enterprises. He their fourth child, Mercer Rafael, born degree in human resources manage- Linda Pyatt Merrick, BS, of the Pony Express route, and a frequent was promoted to business analyst in July 31, 2004. The child was named ment from Troy State University in Virginia Beach, Va., left the legal field to stop for Roy Rogers. join Sullivan, Andrews & Taylor PC, a the information technology organiza- Mercer in remembrance that the cou- March 2004. They reside in tion in Atlanta. Antioch, Tenn.

Have You Registered in Mercer’s New Alumni Online Directory? No? Well, why not?

This secure service is provided at no cost to you by the Mercer Alumni Association! You can... • search for other alumni • update your record • receive a permanent e-mail address • post and read class notes • receive e-mail about your Alma Mater How to Access the Online Community Visit www.mercer.edu, click on the Alumni Menu and choose the Directory link. This link takes you to the Alumni Online Community. There you can register by using your unique Mercer Alumni Identification Number. The six-digit number that you need to register for the online community is the last six digits of your Alumni Identification Number, located on the top of the address label on the back of this publication.

If you have any problems accessing or registering in the Alumni Online Directory, call Kim Adams at 1-800-837-2911, ext. 2189, or E-mail [email protected].

20 THE M ERCERIAN / SPRING 2006 ENGINEERING, EDUCATION CLASS NOTES

CLASS NOTES

MERCER ALUMNI N EWS

T IFT C OLLEGE OF E DUCATION, continued

2002 IN SYMPATHY 1949 1967 1982 LaKisha Dennis Deon, BLS, and Ardath Loyd Bradshaw, M.Ed., Carole D. Pengra, M.Ed., of John M. Gillespie, 61, of her husband, Alonzo, announce the 1912 94, of Ocilla, died July 3, 2005. Pompano Beach, Fla., died Aug. 4, 2005. Thomaston, died July 13, 2005. birth of their son, Armon Walter, on Annie Maude J. Johnson, AB, of 1951 1969 1985 July 20, 2005. The family resides in Turin, died June 7, 1995. Winifred Colquitt Williams, M.Ed., Frances Hammond Mary Tollena Waters, 57, of Dover, Del. 1927 81, of Americus, died July 24, 2005. Funderburk, M.Ed., 79 of Valdosta, Dublin, died Jan. 22, 2005. 2003 died April 1, 2005. Cecelia Lawrence Cook, AB, 99, 1954 1994 Brandi Lee Hodges, BSED, and of Decatur, died April 28, 2005. Ann Adella Henry, M.Ed., 85, of 1970 Charles Vernon Merrick, BA, her husband, Clay, announce the Macon, died April 26, 2005. Eva Mae Ball, BA, 96, of Hiram, 56, of Virginia Beach, Va., died June adoption of their son, Evan, on April 1929 died Aug. 28, 2005. 20, 2005. 15, 2005. Evan was adopted from Grace Turner Swan, AB, 96, of 1956 Russia. The family resides in Fort Valley, died July 24, 2005. Florence M. Sanders, AB, 93, of 1979 2003 Covington. 1930 Macon, died Sept. 28, 2005. Timothy Jackson, of Augusta, Alicia Roberts Sampson, M.Ed., died March 15, 2005. 44, of Stone Mountain, died July 31, Kelly Marie Smallwood, BSED, Mary C. Hoffman, AB, of Dothan, 1958 2005. married Will Collins on June 11, Ala., died March 25, 2005. Faye M. Walker, of Lizella, 69, 1980 2005, at St. Joseph’s Catholic Church. 1933 died Aug. 22, 2005. Annie Rawlins, BS, 80, of The couple resides in Macon, where Jeanette Wallace Mecabe, AB, 92, Robert R. Gentry, M.Ed., 81, of Zebulon, died June 13, 2005. She is a third-grade teacher at of Watertown, Conn., died Aug. 2, 2005. Hawkinsville, died Dec. 3, 2005. Sonny Carter Elementary and he is a franchise owner of Firehouse 1941 Subs. Louise G. Doughty, AB, 85, of Engineering University School of Engineering, his the nation and the world with knowl- Smyrna, died March 16, 2005. visionary leadership that allowed him edge, creativity and innovation,” the 2005 Honors to see the multitude of possibilities resolution stated. Tasha S. Warren-Nears, BSED, 1943 — Continued from page 14 beyond the clear obstacles, his per- “It is with heartfelt gratitude and married Jerry Nears Jr. on July 9, The Rev. Howard R. Allen, AB, suasive talent for developing partner- profound admiration and respect that 2005. The couple resides in 84, of Pelham, Ala., died March 4, 2005. NEAB named Godsey as a ships and collaborations that have the National Engineering Advisory Stockbridge. She is a third-grade 1946 National Engineering Advisory strengthened and enhanced the Board bestows this high honor of teacher at Parklane Elementary School Carolyn Cutts Waters, AB, 80, of Board Fellow “in recognition of his School and its academic endeavors, service and leadership on the occa- in East Point and plans to attend grad- Chamblee, died June 5, 2005. inspiring courage to step forth and and his steadfast commitment to pre- sion of the twentieth anniversary of uate school in 2006. meet a vital academic need in Central pare men and women to be outstand- the School of Engineering …” the Georgia by establishing the Mercer ing engineers ready to serve Georgia, resolution concluded. Voice of a Teacher ing-impaired, and bright students. Sometimes they study composers and — Continued from page 16 instruments. Sometimes they sing in “They were my parents away from German and Latin. And sometimes home,” Erin says. “I have their phone Erin records American Idol, and they number memorized. They love me watch it the next day, adding their own enough to correct me if I’m wrong — critiques to Simon, Paula, and Randy’s. everyone needs that.” And now, the Ms. Keel promised her students that by voice that once reverberated in the the end of the year, they would love domed cathedral of St. Paul and middle school. What she didn’t tell climbed the gilded cupola of the them was that she would do it by lov- Vatican is contained by four school- ing them. room walls in the only middle school “I try to concentrate on every kid in Upson County. Thirty students per individually,” she says. period, eight periods everyday, Erin’s “One day, Casey might smile or a leading the county’s black, white, shy sixth grader might finally raise his Hispanic, low-income, high-income, hand. The smallest things make every- middle-class, shy, hyper, eager, learn- day rewarding.”

Alumni Student Recruitment Referral

If you know an outstanding prospective student, please complete and mail this form to Mercer’s Office of University Admissions, 1400 Coleman Ave., Macon, GA 31207. You may also call in your submission at (800) 840-8577 or e-mail us at [email protected].

Your Name ______Student Name ______Hometown ______High School ______Year of graduation ______SAT/ACT ______GPA ______Activities ______Home telephone number ______Address ______E-mail address ______

EDUCATION CLASS NOTES THE M ERCERIAN / SPRING 2006 21 SPECIAL INTEREST

Penfield’s Perpetual Caretaker By Wayne Ford, Athens Banner-Herald

urtis Whittaker has campuses in Macon and Atlanta. raised in this part of Greene County. taking on the role as guardian of the Church of Christ. It is here, in this rural community, “When she was buried here, it was gate. A few weeks ago, Skipper was bit- Whittaker recalled telling someone stood among the that Mercer University had its just an old country cemetery and he ten by a copperhead snake, one of the the benefits of living in Penfield. C beginning. gave the money and bought several hazards of country living. But the small “I said I wouldn’t take nothing for tombstones — the Jesse Mercer, its founder, and acres of land here to keep it under terrier survived the wound. living in Penfield. We haven’t had a final resting place for so many Bullington Sanders, its first president, perpetual care,” Whittaker said. “I’ve always worked two jobs. I bank robbery in a hundred years and a people who once lived in are buried here. Mercer University was The cemetery has a serene appeal. taught school and this is a hobby for murder in 200 years,” he said with a Greene County. Here were founded in Penfield in 1833, and in “There was a preacher who came me. I’d come in from school, despon- smile. “There was once a bank in 1871 it moved to Macon. But that move out here at least once a week to sit and dent and aggravated, and I’d get on the Penfield — a warehouse. It was a people he knew as a child, doesn’t mean Mercer has lost touch meditate,” Whittaker said. “He said it lawn mower and first thing you know, bustling little village at one time.” those he grew up with and with its roots. Every fall, the University was the most quiet and peaceful place I’m as happy as a bird,” said the man, Whittaker is a member of Penfield takes freshmen class members to he’d ever been in Greene County.” who taught at Gatewood School, a pri- Baptist Church, which meets in the those about whom he only has Penfield to roam the heard stories. Here also are his cemetery, place wreaths -Herald parents and the place he too on the graves of its early leaders and tour the old Athens Banner expects to lie one day. Mercer Chapel, a large f, “He loved that tree,” Whittaker said two-story columned about his father’s admiration for the building set on a crest huge red oak that shaded this corner of the hill that gives a of Penfield Cemetery where his parents compelling view for and brother are buried. those driving into this Photo courtesy Elissa Eubanks/Staf Curtis Whittaker, caretaker for Penfield Cemetery, has been caring for the property since 1959. In the distance a group of crows rural community. could be heard on this mild and sunny During his time as the cemetery In fact, many people would like to vate school in Eatonton. historic chapel, a facility that was October day, where Whittaker had caretaker, Whittaker has come to know be buried here, but few can. Whittaker said he grew up in erected in 1846 and restored in 1949. been mowing the cemetery grass. Since Mercer presidents such as Spright “It’s real restrictive. You’ve got to be Macedonia Community, in the upper The church has about 15 active 1959 he has served as the cemetery’s Dowell, who served Mercer from 1928 a long-time resident of Penfield or for- end of Greene County near Watson members. caretaker, tending to its needs from to 1953. mer long-time resident of Penfield Springs and about a mile from Scull Penfield is a place off the beaten picking up fallen branches to cutting “He loved Penfield and wanted to before you can be buried here. There Shoals, a town that died out in the 19th path, as only a county road passes the shrubbery. And for about 10 years be buried here,’’ Whittaker said. are a lot of disappointed people because century. His father moved the family to through. Whittaker sometimes sees the before that, it was a task taken on by And he knows R. Kirby Godsey, the when you drive through the cemetery, Penfield in 1948 to take on the care- occasional visitor who happens upon his father, William Whittaker. current president, who is retiring this you want to be buried here,” he said. taker’s job at the cemetery. the community with its cemetery, his- Penfield Cemetery, with a year after 27 years. “The most we’ve had out here is It’s a small community today. The toric chapel and old homes. perpetual-care endowed fund, shows “Dr. Godsey was up here last week, five burials in one year. Sometimes two things that bring the most traffic to “Unless you’re just riding around the care it is afforded. Surrounded by but I didn’t get to visit him. They are we’ll go one or two years without a Penfield are the Penfield Christian looking for something,” Whittaker said, a brick and granite wall, the tomb- real interested in this place,” Whittaker funeral. There are not many native Home, a Christian-based treatment “you’d probably never know anything stones that line the cemetery are said about the Mercer University Penfield people left,” he said. “I’d say center for alcohol- and drug-addicted about it.” joined by holly, cedar, magnolia and leaders. 50 percent of the tombstones you see persons, and The Swamp, a large ______oak trees. Whittaker lives in a house The cemetery’s fund for upkeep out here have been put here since I’ve church retreat center for the Atlanta Reprinted with permission just outside the front gate where he was established by Col. James G. been here.” keeps an eye on a cemetery that is Boswell, a wealthy Californian, whose The presidents of Mercer are eligi- important to Mercer University, which mother, Minnie Griffin Boswell, was ble for burial here. Dowell, the last president buried here, died in 1963. The name most often found on the Judge Cotton the Northern District of Georgia. tombstones is Boswell, a family with a — Continued from page 9 As chief judge, he helped to oversee a long history in Penfield and Greene pilot project to create an electronic County. The district, based in Atlanta, has court by participating in the Also buried here is L.A. Carrie, a eight judges and court divisions in development of a computerized former printer for The Christian Newnan, Rome and Gainesville, cover- electronic case filing and case Index, the Southern Baptist newspaper ing the northern third of the state. management system to be installed that Jesse Mercer moved to Penfield, Judgeship in the nation’s federal bankruptcy where it was published for many years. As a judge, Cotton heard a number courts. Others include Peter Northern, a of high profile cases, with several Cotton retired in 2004, after 42 veteran of the War of 1812, who was involving celebrities, including, rhythm years in law. buried here in 1863. And there is a and blues legend Isaac Hayes. One of His former colleagues say that brigadier general of the U.S. Army, his most memorable cases involved the Cotton left a positive mark on bank- Hughes L. Ash, who was buried here in popular music group TLC, based out of ruptcy law in Georgia, both as a 1985. The Rev. John Sanders Calloway, Atlanta. At the time, the singing group lawyer and as a jurist. who died in 1914, preached at was locked in dispute with its “He was just a good lawyer and a Bethesda Baptist and Penfield Baptist management and creditors. good judge; he performed well, he during his long career spanning four “That was one of my very interest- stuck to it, he was on time, he was decades. ing cases because the nature of the lit- prepared, and he didn’t bark or Caring for the cemetery is a year- igation and the number of people they holler,” said James Timothy White, a round job. had to deal with,” Cotton said. The longtime bankruptcy attorney, friend “In the wintertime, there’s always case resulted in two years of legal and former law partner of Cotton’s. some kind of work that needs to be wrangling. In 1996, the case was set- “The only thing anybody ever said that done — limbs and leaves,” said tled, with TLC renegotiating its con- was even halfway a criticism of him Whittaker, who explained he took tracts with its managers and getting was that he spoke so softly people over as caretaker after his father died back to recording hit records. couldn’t hear him. He never raised his in 1959.

In 1995, Cotton was named chief voice. He’s just a gentleman and a Often while he is mowing the grass, Mercer Trustees and their spouses visited the Penfield Cemetery following the December 2005 judge of the U.S. Bankruptcy Court for fine, fine jurist.” his dog, Skipper, will lie at the entrance Board meeting held in the historic chapel on Mercer’s Penfield campus.

22 THE M ERCERIAN / SPRING 2006

SPECIAL INTEREST

Beall’s Hill Master Plan Receives Citation Award By Anna Sandison

n the last half century, to create a variety of economic, educa- held at the Music Center at Strathmore on the idea that “it is important to world, only 14 designs received an tional, health and social service pro- in North Bethesda, Md. acknowledge the architect’s role in award. The Charter Award honors the once thriving grams in the 120-block projects which deal with projects that improve the overall I Central South neighborhood. broader urban context neighborhood environment, neighborhood of Beall’s In November 2001, issues that heal neighbor- including layout and landscaping — Hill has encountered many of Mercer, the City of Macon and hoods, provide a greater not simply the appearance of the the problems that afflict the Knight Foundation sense of community and buildings. inner-city neighborhoods. Of Program in Community repair fractured links In 2002, former president Jimmy Building at the University of between towns.” Dhiru Carter and his wife, Rosalynn, pre- those houses that have Miami organized a public Thadani, director of ASG’s sented Mercer University and CORE escaped fire or demolition, design charrette. The char- Town Planning Studio, Neighborhood Revitalization, Inc., rette included all persons with accepted the Citation with the Jimmy and Rosalynn Carter many have succumbed to the ties to the project who wished Award on behalf of the Partnership Award for Campus- corrosive effects of time and to discuss the general design. Beall’s Hill partnership. Community Collaboration. The excep- neglect. The prime location of The project was not devel- Such recognition is tional effort toward improvement and oped solely from an architec- not new to those preservation demonstrated by the this neighborhood makes this tural viewpoint, but consid- involved with the Beall’s Beall’s Hill collaboration stood out Cover of Beall’s Hill AIA Maryland ered the opinions of design- Hill project. Earlier, the among 33 nominated programs in deterioration an even more Design Award announcement regrettable situation. Beall’s ers, community leaders and Congress for the New Georgia. residents. Ayers/Saint/Gross, Architects+ Members of the Connecticut AIA Urbanism honored the Beall’s Hill For more information about Hill is situated near the Planners took the ideas garnered at the reviewed the designs and selected those Urban Design and Architectural the Beall’s Hill Neighborhood Medical Center of Central charrette and developed a master plan deserving of honors. The jury based Guidelines with a Charter Award. Of Revitalization Project, visit and architectural guidelines for the their selection of the Beall’s Hill project 136 submissions from around the www.mercer.edu/MCCD. Georgia, Mercer University’s project. A generous grant to Mercer Macon campus, an from the John S. and James L. Knight elementary school, Tattnall Foundation supported this design work. In September of this year, the Doss Named Superior Square Park and downtown Maryland chapter of the American Court Judge — Oliver Harry Doss, Macon’s variety of shops, Institute of Architects (AIA) notified BA ’66, JD ’69, of Blue Ridge, was installed as Ayers/Saint/Gross that the Beall’s Hill restaurants and museums. Superior Court Judge in the Appalachian Circuit Master Plan and Guidelines had by Gov. Sonny Perdue in December ceremonies Mercer’s Center for Community earned a 2005 AIA Maryland Design at the State Capitol. Doss served from 2001- Engagement and its partners are work- Award. Of the 121 designs submitted ing to recreate the safe, attractive neigh- by various Maryland, Virginia and 2003 as the president of the CLA Alumni borhood that once existed at Beall’s Hill. District of Columbia architecture Association Board of Directors. He served as This development plan is a 30-block firms, 26 received awards. The president of the 1966 senior class as well as component of the larger Central South designs were displayed at the 2005 president of his fraternity, Alpha Tau Omega. Revitalization Project. The overall goal is Annual Meeting and Design Awards

FROM THE OFFICE OF PLANNED AND ESTATE GIFTS — UNIVERSITY NEWS B RIEFS

McAfee School of Theology began a pastoral residency program in June. By Claude D. Smith Jr. I Planning for Your Future The program is funded by a $2 million grant from the Lilly Foundation. The residency program is designed to help McAfee graduates transition from the n today’s busy world, it bution by only tax deduction of classroom to full-time pastoral ministry. The grant will expire in five years, but 10 percent every $49,939 at the McAfee hopes to continue a smaller-scale program through support from seems that we spend so year, you would time of the gift. participating churches. I accumulate At death, the I The Southern School of Pharmacy introduced a pharmacy education much time taking care of $954,028.11 remaining funds program geared for the community. Called “Pharmacy College,” the program others, that we neglect many sponsors lectures on practical information topics, such as herbal medicines and after 30 years. in the annuity reducing medicinal costs. of our own needs –– Now, assume Claude Smith, are transferred Richard Spivey, that you have CLA ’74, LAW ’82, to your pre- CLA ’94, BUS ’03, I Last June, Mercer announced its partnership with Piedmont Healthcare in especially our financial Atlanta to create the Center for Health and Learning. The first initiative through maximized your is special counsel ferred school. assistant vice presi- planning needs. for planned and dent for estate gifts the Center addresses the growing need in Georgia to attract and educate more annual retire- estate gifts If you have a and development nurses. On Dec. 5, the Center introduced the inaugural group of Piedmont Year after year, we put off meeting ment contribu- desire to make a Scholars, 12 Georgia Baptist College of Nursing students who will receive with an estate planning attorney, a tion, but would still like to contribute charitable gift which would benefit their clinical training at and begin their nursing careers with financial planner and other key pro- more toward retirement. One alterna- you and your spouse as well as Piedmont Healthcare. fessionals who can help us plan a tive is to establish a deferred charita- Mercer, you may want to consider a I Dr. Martin L. Dalton Jr. has been named the new dean of the secure future for ourselves and our ble gift annuity. There are two distinct deferred charitable gift annuity. Of School of Medicine. His career took him to Alabama, Mississippi, loved ones. advantages to this type of gift. First, course, there are other methods of Texas, the District of Columbia — via the United States Army — before bringing him to Georgia. He participated in the first success- Whether you are self-employed, there is no annual contribution cap as estate planning that you can access on ful human lung transplant in 1963. In the medical school, he also work in a small office or large corpo- there is with a tax deferred retirement Mercer’s Web site by clicking on serves as professor and chair of Mercer’s Department of Surgery, is ration, planning early is key. By maxi- plan. Second, the payment rate is Alumni/Gift Planning. For more infor- chief of surgery and directs the surgical residency program at the mizing your contributions to an IRA higher. mation, contact Claude D. Smith Jr., Medical Center of Central Georgia in Macon. Martin Dalton or other retirement plan at work, you As an example, if you make a gift special counsel for planned and estate I According to The Princeton Review, “Professors Rock” at allow money that is sheltered from of $100,000 to Mercer when you and gifts, or Richard C. Spivey, assistant Mercer’s Walter F. George School of Law. For the second year in a row, Mercer’s income tax to grow over the years. your spouse are 50 years old and vice president for planned and estate law professors have made this top10 list, based on the quality of the classroom For example, by investing $150 per elect to begin receiving payments gifts and development, at (800)837- experience and accessibility outside of class. This year, Mercer’s faculty ranked ninth nationally. This fall, the School of Law also began offering Business Certificate month for 30 years, assuming an 8 when you both are 65, you will 2911 or (478)301-2715. Programs in Practice Management and Corporate Finance. To complete these percent return, you would accumulate receive an annual payment of 12.3 As individual circumstances vary, programs, law students enroll in specific courses through the Stetson School of $223,553.92 for your retirement. percent, or $12,300, for your life- please be sure to consult your Business and Economics without having to actually enroll in the MBA program. However, if you increased your contri- times. You also qualify for an income personal advisor.

THE M ERCERIAN / SPRING 2006 23 Non-Profit Org. U.S. Postage PAID THE Atlanta, Georgia 1400 Coleman Avenue • Macon, Georgia 31207-0001 Permit No. 2281 MERCERIAN A Publication for Alumni and Friends of Mercer University Winter 2006 • Vol. 16, No. 1

www.mercer.edu INSIDE ShareYour Latest News! THE Alumni Services would like to keep your classmates up to date on your MERCERIAN latest news. If you’ve recently moved or are planning to relocate, please send in this form so we can keep our records current. We also want to Spring 2006 • Volume 16, Number 1 know if you have recently married, had a baby, received a promotion, 1 Trustees Elect Underwood Next President retired or accomplished something else noteworthy. Mercer Breaks Ground for New Science and Engineering Building (Please print) 2 Summit Confirms Mercer’s Baptist Commitment Name ______3 Engineering School Celebrates Two Decades of Excellence Maiden Name ______4 Mercer Shows Support to Alums in the Military Class Year ______5 First Year Marked Success for Townsend Institute Preparing School or College ______Robert McDuffie and Friends Fall Festival for Strings Degree ______6 Renovations Enhance Historic Grand Opera House Fraternity/Sorority ______7 International Conductor Performs at Mercer toPass Student Enjoying Success in New Women’s and Gender Studies Major Street or Box Number ______8 CLA Grad Tackles High-Profile Cases City/State/Zip ______Mercer’s Summer Experience Home Phone ( _____ ) ______theReins 9 Mercer Education Paved Way to National News E-mail ______Speedway Case Among Those of Interest During Judge’s Career After an unprecedented 27 Business Name ______10 Students Develop Marketing Plan for PAWS Atlanta years as President and CEO, Goddard Honors Former Professor with Classroom Dedication Title ______11 Senators Bring World Issues to Forum Business Address ______Dr. R. Kirby Godsey prepares From the MBA Bookshelf City/State/Zip ______to hand over leadership 12 Presidential Extravaganza Business Phone ( _____ ) ______13 Presidential Musical Gala of the University to E-mail ______14 Founders of School Honored on 20th Anniversary William D. Underwood. Students Develop Control System for Train Exhibit at Hartsfield-Jackson “Chip Off the Old Block” — Please list any family members who are Mercer alumni. Story on page 1. 15 Baseball Letterman Inducted into GACA Hall of Fame NFL Starter Hosts Former Teammates ______Mercer Golfer Advances to Match Play in Canadian Championships ______16 The Voice of a Teacher ______Also Inside Henry County Teacher of the Year Douglas County Science Lab to be Named in Honor of Borrishes News to Share ______Photos from the President’s 17 Class Notes ______Club Presidential 19 1960 Grads Remain Best Friends ______Extravaganza and the 22 Penfield’s Perpetual Caretaker ______Presidential Musical Gala 23 Beall’s Hill Master Plan Receives Citation Award ______at The Grand — pages 12-13 From the Office of Planned and Estate Gifts RETURN TO: Office of Alumni Services, Mercer University, University News Briefs 1400 Coleman Avenue, Macon, GA 31207 • Fax: (478)301-4124 Or visit our Web site at www.mercer.edu