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SPRING/SUMMER 2010

EchoTHEOFFICIALMAGAZINEOFYOUNGHARRISCOLLEGEes

INSIDE: The Green Life at YHC + The Return of Basketball + Jerry Nix: A Genuine Leader YHC-EchoesSp10-4:Layout 1 7/12/10 1:04 PM Page 2

On the Cover Members of the Young Harris College chapter of Roots & Shoots planted a tree at the old College Farm in honor of Arbor Day this past April. Pictured from left to right are Mattie Jewel, Garret Kessler, Katie Dyer, David Agori-Iwe and Sara Rodgers.

PHOTOGRAPH SCOTT DEAN

Right: Eric Lindsey, ‘10, of Fayetteville, co-stars as the Pirate King in Theatre Young Harris’s presentation of Gilbert and Sullivan’s most popular operetta The Pirates of Penzance. Above: Senior Ryan Bender, of Braselton, charms the General’s Daughters as Frederick in the May 2010 production.

Contents D E PA R T M E N T S 5 From the Valley 23 On Campus 32 Mountain Lions Roundup 41 Forever Young Harris 48 Class Notes

Young Harris College is accredited by the Commission on Colleges of the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools to award associate and baccalaureate degrees. Contact the Commission on Colleges at 1866 Southern Lane, Decatur, Georgia 30033-4097 or call (404) 679-4500 for questions about the accreditation of Young Harris College.

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FEATURES 12 The Green Life | Sustainability at YHC 22 Welcome to the Jungle | A Survival Lesson in the Amazon 29 Building a Legacy of Learning 36 Reviving a Key Tradition 44 A Genuine Leader

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FROMTHEPRESIDENT Echoes VOLUME 12, ISSUE 1, SPRING/SUMMER 2010 The Official Magazine of Young Harris College A Lesson in Sustainability PRESIDENT Cathy Cox Do you remember a time when green was just a color? If so, then you are PROVOST/EXECUTIVE VICE PRESIDENT Dr. Ron Ingle showing your age! VICE PRESIDENTFOR ADVANCEMENT “Green” is now an adjective describing something as environmentally friendly Jay Stroman or sustainable; “green” is, in fact, a way of life today. You will be proud to know VICE PRESIDENTFOR that Young Harris College is quickly becoming a very “green” place, and I’m not ENROLLMENT MANAGEMENT just referring to our expansive central lawn area or the surrounding mountains! Clinton Hobbs, ’88

During the three years that I have now been privileged to call YHC home, one VICE PRESIDENTFOR FINANCE of the best lessons I have learned has been taught by our students—and that is Wade Benson the genuine importance they place on sustainability. Our students live and VICE PRESIDENTFOR ACADEMIC AFFAIRS breathe it. For them, it is not just bumper-sticker philosophy. They pay attention Dr. Ron Roach to what they (and we) waste, from paper and plastic to food and energy. They VICE PRESIDENTFOR STUDENT DEVELOPMENT recycle as if it had become a second-nature act to Susan Rogers them. They are focused on whether or not their VICE PRESIDENTFOR CAMPUS TECHNOLOGY lifestyles will cause harm on our world, now and long Ken Faneuff

into the future. VICE PRESIDENTFOR PLANNINGAND ASSESSMENT It is an incredibly inspiring lesson, and I think you, AND CHIEFOF STAFF too, will be impressed and inspired when you read in Rosemary Royston ’89 these pages about the “green” wave that hit campus BOARDOF TRUSTEES,CHAIRMAN this year—even to the point that our students now Jerry Nix “tax” themselves with a $5 per semester “green fee” EDITORIALSTAFF that is matched by the College and placed into a fund EDITOR that our Student Government Association can use for Denise Cook campus-wide sustainability programs. STAFF WRITERAND EDITORIAL ASSISTANT Cathy Cox We have an incredibly beautiful campus, and I am Krystin Dean PRESIDENT proud that our students want to protect, preserve and ART DIRECTOR Melissa Mitchell enhance it for future generations of students. That has been very much our focus as we continue to grow YHC into a great four-year CONTRIBUTORS Peggy Cozart, Heather Deyton, Rev. Dr. Tim college. Our most recent addition to campus, a 200-bed residence hall that we Moore, Emily Sane, Mickey Seward, Stephanie Sexton temporarily named “Enotah Hall,” earned LEED Silver certification this year, PHOTOGRAPHY making it the most environmentally friendly building ever placed on the campus Jim and Lisa Bryant, Peggy Cozart, Krystin Dean, and setting a great standard for buildings to come. The energy efficiencies of this Scott Dean, Dana Ensley, ’97, Fred Gerlich, Philip Sampson, ’84, Mickey Seward, residence hall are amazing—and its low utility bills prove it! Our new recreation Jamie Sides, Jennifer Stalcup and fitness center that opens in August is also expected to earn LEED EDITORIAL OFFICE certification. Echoes Magazine, Office of Alumni Services In partnership with Blue Ridge Mountain EMC, we currently are investigating P.O. Box 275, Young Harris, Georgia 30582 a major solar project for campus. We hope to place solar panels on a small Phone (706) 379-5173 • Fax (706) 379-4572 Website www.yhc.edu • Email [email protected] portion of the YHC farm that, ultimately, would generate some four megawatts of electricity, making us—possibly—the first completely solar-powered college TOUPDATEYOURADDRESSANDTOSUPPORT YOUNG HARRIS COLLEGE: campus in America! Call (800) 241-3754, ext. 5173 or We are dreaming big and moving eagerly toward a celebration of the College’s (706) 379-5173 or email [email protected]

125th anniversary in 2011 by preparing YHC to flourish and excel for another Echoes is published by the Office of Communications 125 years. That is, after all, the essence of sustainability. We want our actions, and Marketing at Young Harris College. The views and opinions presented in this publication are not plans, buildings and everything else we do today to contribute to an even necessarily those of the editors or the official policies of stronger—and greener—future for YHC in the years to come. the College. Green—what a perfect complement to YHC purple! Copyright 2010 Young Harris College

Warmly,

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GEORGIA TREND/STEVE PENLEY PAINTING Georgia Trend January Featured in COLLEGE HARRIS YOUNG dacmn t(0)379-5173. (706) at Advancement of Office the contact article, the www.georgiatrend.com. at www.yhc.edu or at archives News YHC the in online available is article The Douglasville. from senior rising a Morris, Tyler student YHC and staff and faculty other Cox, Cathy President YHC with interviews includes and college four-year a to transformation historic College’s the on focuses Wilder, Shannon by College,” Harris Young “Reinventing Trend of issue 2010 January the in fyuwudlk rn oyof copy print a like would you If featured was College Harris Young aaie h story The magazine. Georgia 5 From the Valley YHC-EchoesSp10-F2:Layout 1 7/14/10 3:10 PM Page 6

YOUNGHARRISCOLLEGE’S Enotah Hall Earns LEED Silver Certification

Young Harris College’s newest residence hall, Enotah Hall, was awarded LEED Silver certification in January by the Green Building Certification Institute, making it the first higher education facility north of Atlanta to achieve this level of certification. The $16 million, 62,500-square- foot, three-story residential facility opened in August 2009, fulfilling the need for additional on-campus housing as student enrollment continues to reach record highs. Enotah Hall’s 50 residential suites are each comprised of two double- occupancy rooms, providing housing for 200 students. The Green Building Certification Institute is a third-party reviewer for the U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC), a Washington, D.C.-based non-profit organization committed to performance criteria for the design, LEED Silver-certified Enotah promoting national sustainability construction, operation and Hall at Young Harris College through cost-efficient and energy- maintenance of high performance offers students amenities saving green buildings. USGBC green buildings. such as an inviting terrace on developed the Leadership in Energy LEED promotes a whole-building the third floor and a grand and Environmental Design (LEED) approach to sustainability by piano in the main lobby. Green Building Rating System to recognizing performance in five key provide building owners and operators areas of human and environmental windows to take in our with a framework of tools and health: sustainable site development, beautiful views, and we water savings, energy efficiency, wanted it to set a standard materials selection and indoor for being ‘environmentally friendly.’ Enotah Hall environmental quality. We have all that and more in this According to the USGBC’s website, fabulous facility.” only two other facilities in north Led by Chet Roach and Brad Noyes, Georgia have registered a higher LEED Brailsford and Dunlavey served as rating; a USDA Forest Service ranger project manager throughout the design office and a Georgia Department of and construction of the new building. Natural Resources state park hikers’ They were responsible for the inn both have Gold certification. The development of and adherence to a majority of Georgia’s LEED-certified LEED plan while managing the design buildings are in and around the and construction teams. Atlanta area. “This is an exciting achievement for “From the very beginning, we Young Harris College, as well as for wanted this new residence hall to everyone on the project team,” Roach complement our environment,” Young said. “This is certainly a bold testament Harris College President Cathy Cox to the College’s commitment to said. “We wanted large expanses of sustainable design and its position as 6 YHC-EchoesSp10-F2:Layout 1 7/14/10 3:11 PM Page 7

an exemplary environmental steward in the community.” “If you look at where LEED projects are registered, they tend to be located in urban areas,” said Jackson Kane, a YOUNGHARRISCOLLEGE project manager with Lord, Aeck & Sargent, who served as the architect for Enotah Hall. “One of the ways this Dedicates project serves the community at large is by demonstrating sustainable design in the north Georgia Enotah Hall mountains.” Young Harris College made it a top priority to Following the spring meeting of the Young implement sustainable design practices that reduce the Harris College Board of Trustees on campus on From the Valley College’s carbon footprint, including an upgrade to a April 23, Young Harris College President Cathy geothermal mechanical system with an energy Cox led trustees, students, recovery unit. faculty, staff and other guests Kane noted that the building was constructed Patrick in a dedication ceremony for with regional and recycled materials, FSC Sanders Enotah Hall. President Cox (Forest Stewardship Council)-certified wood, recognized project managers, and low-VOC paints and sealants. Also, the architects, contractors and building employs generous daylighting and other workers involved in sustainable site strategies. Robust energy-saving the building project and led measures conserve natural resources and those in attendance in a minimize adverse environmental effects. special litany to dedicate the The residential wings are oriented so that new residence hall “to serve windows are within 15 degrees of due south or due present and future generations of students who north, maximizing seek an educational, inspirational and daylighting while empowering experience” at Young Harris minimizing late afternoon College. Hall Council President Patrick Sanders, glare. Deep roof overhangs a rising sophomore business major from Winder, help shade the upper brought greetings from the students and terrace, and the two-story residents of Enotah Hall, and Campus Minister porch provides coverage at Rev. Dr. Tim Moore led a prayer of dedication. the building’s west-facing Special guests in attendance included Mrs. curtainwall openings. Lillie Mae Green, who made a significant gift to Rainchains direct water Young Harris College to name the first-floor from the terrace into the common area of Enotah Hall the “Green Family planters at the base of the Lobby.” The College will dedicate the lobby and porch’s masonry columns. honor Mrs. Green, whose son, Ronnie, was a The building also made a member of the Class of 1965, at Homecoming/ significant positive impact on the local economy. Nearly $4.5 Alumni Weekend in July. million, or approximately 30 percent of the total project cost, was spent locally among several counties surrounding the College. Additionally, the large majority of non-local workers stayed at local hotels and contributed to the overall economic well being of the community through the purchase of meals and other services in the area. Staff members with Hardin Construction, general contractor for the project, rented local properties for housing, providing a steady income stream for local property owners. “Enotah Hall sets the tone for how we move forward,” said Susan Rogers, vice president for student development at Young Harris College. “It’s full of ‘wow’ moments – from the third-floor terrace, which is one of our most popular gathering Mrs. Lillie Mae Green (center) is accompanied by spots for students, to the lovely little comfortable seating friends Skip Reed and Bonnie Reynolds for the spaces with windows at the end of each wing. The students dedication of Enotah Hall at Young Harris College. are crazy about it.” 7 YHC-EchoesSp10-F2:Layout 1 7/14/10 3:11 PM Page 8

FACULTY AND STAFF YOUNGHARRISCOLLEGEPREPARES HONOREDWITH Pilot Program for QEP Emeritus Status Young Harris College has continued developing its Quality Eight former Young Harris College faculty Enhancement Plan (QEP) since the student learning initiative’s and staff members were recommended for inception in March 2009. The QEP is one component of and granted emeritus status at the spring YHC’s 10-year reaffirmation process by its accrediting agency, Board of Trustees meeting on April 23. the Commission on Colleges of the Southern Association of Following the meeting, the honorees named Colleges and Schools (SACS). Young Harris College’s SACS below were recognized at a special campus- Compliance Certification was submitted in March 2010, and wide luncheon. the SACS onsite team will visit campus Sept. 21-23, to review the College’s QEP.The 10-year reaffirmation is an entirely Kenneth Fox, emeritus professor of computer separate accreditation process from the substantive change science—Served at YHC 1984-2009 procedure YHC has been engaged in with SACS to begin Deborah Courtney, emeritus professor of granting bachelor’s degrees. physical education—Served at YHC 1988-2009 “Our topic is improving students’ written and spoken communication,” said Mark Rollins, Ph.D, assistant professor Dr. Meg Gring Whitley, emeritus professor of of English and QEP committee chair. “Professors are foreign language—Served at YHC 1987-2008 developing writing- and speaking-intensive versions of their Thomas Jeffery, emeritus professor of theatre courses, and the College is developing resources to help Served at YHC 1980-2009 students complete these courses successfully.” The Written and Spoken Communication Program includes Dr. Robert Nichols, emeritus professor of a Center for Writing and Speaking that will assist students mathematics—Served at YHC 1973-2009 with papers, presentations and techniques for effective class Dr. Roberta Rankin, emeritus professor of discussion. The Center will be directed by faculty members theatre—Served at YHC 1987-2009 from the departments of English and communication studies and is scheduled to open in Fall 2010. Resources will include Rev. Fred Whitley, ’68, emeritus professor of on-campus writing and speaking labs, staffed by student tutors religion and campus minister who have received extensive training and are certified in Served at YHC 1980-2008 speaking and writing instruction, and a website with online George “Bud” Dyer Jr., emeritus director of resources that address specific aspects of effective writing and admissions—Served at YHC 1971-2009 speaking such as thesis statements, effective organization, grammar, audience awareness and anxiety management.

PRESIDENTCOXRECOGNIZES Retiring Faculty and Staff During a special end-of-year faculty and staff luncheon on Dale Cochran has been part of the May 7, Young Harris College President Cathy Cox recognized Young Harris College community for two members of the YHC community retiring more than 20 years, most recently at the end of the academic year. serving as adjunct scene designer in Felicia McDuffie, Ph.D., associate professor the Division of Fine Arts. He has Dale Cochran of religion and chair of the religion and designed more than 30 sets over the philosophy department, has been on the years for the theatre department and has also served as faculty at Young Harris College since 2001 adjunct professor of art. His paintings of Georgia birds and and was instrumental in developing and wildflowers have been exhibited in national and local shows, implementing YHC’s successful Ethics Across and he was selected as one of Artist Magazine’s top 125 the Curriculum initiative. wildlife artists in America in 1990. Dr. Felicia McDuffie

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Other highlights of the Written and Spoken Communication Program YOUNGHARRIS include workshops for faculty that examine effective techniques for writing COLLEGENAMES and speaking instruction and a peer observation program to enable faculty to share ideas about how to create lively and well-focused class discussion. “Fifteen faculty members have volunteered to teach writing- or speaking- New Dean intensive versions of their courses in Fall 2010 as part of the QEP pilot FORDIVISION program,” Dr. Rollins said. The classes include a mix of lower- and upper- OFHUMANITIES division courses from each academic division. More courses will be offered in Spring 2011, and the program will formally begin in Fall 2011. Ruth Looper, Ph.D., has been named

dean of the Division of Humanities at From the Valley Young Harris College. Dr. Looper, who previously served as chair of the Division’s YOUNG HARRIS COLLEGE PARTICIPATES IN English department, began her new role July 1, making her the Appalachian Studies College’s first female dean. She was Conference appointed to the Young Harris College participated in the position after Steve 2010 Appalachian Studies Association Harvey, Ph.D., Dr. Ruth Looper Conference hosted by the Georgia announced that he would Appalachian Studies Center March 19-21 step down to focus on full-time at North Georgia College and State teaching in English and creative University in Dahlonega. The College co- writing. Dr. Harvey served for two hosted a special opening reception with years as the Division’s first dean, the Byron Herbert Reece Society for during which time he oversaw the Dr. John Kay, ’56, development of the new bachelor of participants of the 33rd annual conference, and Rosemary Royston, ’89, arts degree in English and bachelor of March 19 was declared “Byron Herbert Reece Dawn Lamade and Dr. Day” by the Georgia General Assembly in honor Ron Roach represented arts degree in communication studies. of the state’s Appalachian poet and novelist. Young Harris College at A member of the faculty since 1976, Young Harris College Vice President for the College-hosted Dr. Harvey has published three Academic Affairs Ron Roach, Ph.D., introduced reception on March 19 collections of personal essays, a series of presentations called “Rediscovering of the 2010 Appalachian including A Geometry of Lilies. Our Past: Mountain Land and People” along Studies Association Dr. Looper joined the English faculty with a paper on the subject titled “Zell Miller Conference in Dahlonega. at Young Harris College in 1996. She and Joe Brown: Remarkable Parallels and a specializes in Anglo-Irish literature, Sense of Place in the Rhetoric of North Georgia’s modern British literature and Appalachian Governors.” contemporary poetry. Dr. Looper holds Young Harris College Associate Professor of Biology Brenda Hull, Assistant a bachelor of arts degree from Furman Professor of Communication Studies Nick Bowman, Ph.D., and rising senior University and a master of arts degree business and public policy major Matthew Kammerer, of Loganville, in English from the University of collaborated with Clarissa Youngblood Fuentes of the Hinton Rural Life Virginia. She earned a Ph.D. in English Center on a presentation titled “Developing Mutually Beneficial Community- from Emory University. Campus Partnerships: Young Harris College’s Renewed Emphasis on Community Engagement.” Other representatives from the College involved in the conference included John Kay, Ph.D., professor emeritus and Class of 1956 alumnus, Rosemary Royston, ’89, vice president for planning and assessment and chief of staff, and Dawn Lamade, dean of library services. “I talked to several representatives from regional agencies and commissions and am encouraged at the possibilities for future grants and other collaborations as we continue developing our Appalachian, Bonner and civic engagement components,” said Dr. Roach, who also emphasized the importance of partnering the College’s sustainability programs with Appalachian and regional initiatives in the future.

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YOUNGHARRISCOLLEGEADDS Five New Baccalaureate Programs

Young Harris College earned approval from the The new majors join the existing bachelor’s degree Southern Association of Colleges and Schools (SACS) programs—biology, business and public policy, English Commission on Colleges in late February to offer five new and music—for a total of nine new baccalaureate bachelor’s degree programs beginning in August 2010. programs added since the College was awarded four-year Incoming and returning students for the Fall 2010 status by SACS in December 2008. semester can now pursue a bachelor of arts in “We are pleased to receive approval for these new communication studies, a bachelor of arts in history, a degrees and believe that they are outstanding additions to bachelor of arts in theatre, a bachelor of arts in musical our academic program,” said Ron Roach, Ph.D., vice theatre or a bachelor of science in outdoor education. president for academic affairs at Young Harris College. “We are thrilled to offer these five new programs to our “The College’s strategic plan calls for the addition of new students,” Young Harris College President Cathy Cox said. majors each year for the next several years as we move “Each major has been custom-designed to fit the needs of forward as a four-year school.” today’s 21st-century student. We believe that these new programs are attractive opportunities for our current and future students.”

COMMUNICATIONSTUDIES The bachelor of arts degree in communication studies prepares students to enter specific communication contexts such as electronic media/broadcasting, journalism, media psychology, advertising, interpersonal/intercultural/health counseling, organizational consulting or training, marketing and public relations; supplies a broad background of information and develops skills needed to enter areas such as law, ministry and public service; develops students for graduate studies; and offers opportunities for debates and discussions of current issues as well as informative and entertaining media programming. Students choose one of two tracks: Human Communication Studies Concentration or Media Studies Concentration. Contact: Dr. Joy Goldsmith, (706) 379-5350, [email protected]

HISTORY The bachelor of arts degree in history educates students in all aspects of the historical process. Within the framework of the liberal arts, students will become vigorous contributors to historical knowledge—producing accurate, compelling and revealing narratives of real significance—and will have the opportunity to find and explain the human condition. A history degree is flexible and far-ranging and serves to prepare individuals for service in a variety of fields, such as law, education, historical archives, museums, government, business, public service, journalism and medicine. Contact: Dr. Thomas Stearns, (706) 379-5239, [email protected]

THEATRE The bachelor of arts degree in theatre trains students, within a liberal arts context, in all phases of the theatre and prepares them for graduate programs in theatre. Students will develop a range of practical acting skills at a high artistic level, the ability to operate effectively as a theatre technician in a production setting, a range of practical design skills at a high artistic level, and an understanding of the history and literature of theatre and the ability to communicate about it thoughtfully. In addition to careers in the entertainment industry, an undergraduate theatre education is excellent preparation for a wide variety of careers including education, law, design and business. Contact: Eddie Collins, (706) 379-5144, [email protected]

10 YHC-EchoesSp10-F2:Layout 17/14/103:12PMPage11 ON ARSCLEESETS Enrollment RecordAnother COLLEGE HARRIS YOUNG E R AT E H T L A C I S U M soit ere hsspring. this degrees associate their earned who students 33 including College, the at education their continue to fall this return to class sophomore YHC’s of percentage high a expects Management Enrollment of Office The YHC. from degree associate an receiving after universities and colleges other to transferred otherwise have would who students many retaining anticipates College the place, in degrees 2009. Fall in set was 696 of enrollment fall record consecutive third a after just established was record spring The College. the for figures enrollment increasing steadily of 2007 in began that trend a continuing campus, on students 683 with College the of history the in enrollment spring largest settings. service social effective, provide of variety to prepared a leaders in ethical programs competent, education be outdoor with will resources sound, environmentally program campus combine the that of experiences faces. Graduates field rock areas. wilderness and and surrounding classroom trails through rivers, application premier and to theory access integrate the immediate Students between with Mountains, forests, Appalachian national southern Nantahala development. the and and in Cherokee Chattahoochee, learning located environment to learning approach holistic a students from arts, a benefit emphasizes liberal Students that the experience of educational comprehensive spirit a the in In education. engage experiential of foundations theoretical and historical philosophical, and design law, education, including careers of variety wide the business. undergraduate a and theatre an industry, for entertainment preparation of excellent the literature is in and of education careers history theatre range to the musical a addition of thoughtfully. understanding area, In performance principal it an their about and communicate music level, in to artistic vocal music ability high in of a skill piece setting, at production a self-teach skills a dance to in theatre ability technician musical theatre the level, a artistic skills as acting high effectively practical operate a of to at range ability performance a the develop level, artistic will Students high theatre. a musical at in programs graduate for them prepares and theatre TION O I AT C U D E R O O D T U O codn oCitHbs 8,vice ’88, Hobbs, Clint to According bachelor’s offer accreditation to With its saw College Harris Young 2010, In [email protected] 379-5113, (706) Dussler, Rob Contact: the in rooted curriculum innovative an with students provides education outdoor in degree science of bachelor The [email protected] 379-5144, (706) Collins, Eddie Contact: musical of phases all in context, arts liberal a within students, trains theatre musical in degree arts of bachelor The esol e nte os nretention.” in boost another see should II, Division we NCAA to move the makes YHC “Once eaei hstedo record of trend this in are we year. each enrollment in increase percent 10 to eight steady a with decade, next the within students 1,200-1,500 around to enrollment eligibility.continuous maintain to year freshman their after transfer student-athletes who numerous loses YHC Hobbs, to According said. he retention,” in boost another see should we II, Division NCAA to move the makes YHC “Once program. athletics four-year a to transition the makes YHC as again change may rate retention the management, enrollment for president Ia eypesdadtaku that thankful and pleased very am “I grow to plans College Harris Young C LINT H OBBS ’88, , IEPEIETFRERLMN MANAGEMENT ENROLLMENT FOR PRESIDENT VICE uia theatre.musical and theatre studies, communication education,outdoor policy, history, public and business biology,music, College—English, the by offered baccalaureate degrees nine representing all students 60 than more of consist to expected is that class graduating a with 2011 Spring in degrees students.” 773 of goal our reach to and 2010 Fall in enrollment have record another to pace on are we moment atthe and well, working are that place systemsin of lot a have “We said. Hobbs economy,” the despite enrollment H ilaadisfrtbachelor’s first its award will YHC ln ob,‘88 Hobbs, Clint 11 From the Valley YHC-EchoesSp10-F2:Layout 1 7/14/10 3:13 PM Page 12

multiple facets of day-to-day life. These kinds of changes take time and strategic planning before they can come to fruition. The Green Life As defined by The College SUSTAINABILITYATYHC Sustainability Report Card website, sustainability efforts focus on meeting BYDENISECOOKANDKRYSTINDEAN current needs “without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs” by determining Several decades ago, there may have been one or two avant-garde how resources should be used and student activists on campus preaching about recycling and swearing managed throughout regular off the use of plastic bags. Then, perhaps a club was formed with operations. several members devoted to saving the planet through various service projects, but never a campus-wide environmental awareness ranging from the entire student body all the way up to the President’s office. Times have changed.

Now, two-thirds of university company in the nation applicants say that a school’s hopping onto the “going environmental report card would green” bandwagon, it may influence whether they would plan to not come as a surprise attend, according to a recent survey by that this issue of the Princeton Review. While the “green Echoes addresses that report card” movement is relatively exact topic. It is easy new, and colleges are still deciding to get carried away whether these rankings accurately with the trend, buying reflect their efforts, the message is loud more reusable totes than and clear. Today’s college students are one could ever use or purchasing an concerned about the environment and unneeded accessory simply because it desire to be affiliated with an is made from recycled materials, but it institution that is doing something is more difficult to permanently shift significant to protect it. into a new way of thinking and make With seemingly everyone and every lifestyle changes that transcend

GREENBUILDINGSONAPURPLEHORIZON In 2009, Young Harris College opened its first facility built to LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) standards. The 200-bed Enotah Hall earned LEED Silver certification, signifying that the building was designed and constructed using strategies to ensure energy savings, water efficiency, stewardship of resources and other performance metrics. The College’s new 57,000-square-foot recreation and fitness center has also been designed and Enotah Hall constructed to LEED standards and is expected to earn LEED certification. Like the old College Farm, the new recreation and fitness center will provide a variety of job opportunities for YHC students. The next major facility planned for the College is the 125,000-square-foot campus center—combining a dining hall, banquet facility, library and student center into a single, convenient state-of-the-art building that will become the social and intellectual hub of campus. The campus center, currently in the final stages of design, is being created to LEED standards as well.

Recreation and fitness center

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ANEWDAYATTHEOLDFARM YOUNGHARRISCOLLEGE After laying dormant for a number of years, Young Harris College’s old College Farm, located west of campus near the edge of Towns County, is Green Profile seeing new life. In addition to the one-acre plot that is now being used to cultivate plants and trees, Young Harris College is in negotiations to build solar Facility Initiatives: • LEED Silver certification earned for arrays on part of the land, paving the way for the College to become— Enotah Hall residence hall (2009) possibly—a completely solar-powered campus. Young Harris College is • LEED certification expected for recreation partnering with Blue Ridge Mountain EMC, the local electric membership and fitness center (2010) corporation, in developing the plans for the project. Together the College and • Geothermal heating and cooling systems the EMC hope to harness solar energy for use by the College and the local installed to serve Enotah, Hillgrove, Manget and Winship residence halls community. More information is expected to be available in late 2010. (2009) • YHC Annex repurposed for art department space and environmentally friendly pervious concrete pad installed sustainability committee to facilitate to reduce runoff (2010) campus-wide recycling efforts. As • Green cleaning supplies used throughout Young Harris College expands and campus grows in the coming years, the sustainability committee Administrative Initiatives: • YHC Sustainability Committee anticipates a significant • Member of Association for the increase in recyclables. That Advancement of Sustainability in Higher means YHC will have to Education (AASHE) continually step up recycling • Campus-wide recycling activity and manpower in order to meet student Student Initiatives: expectations. YHC President • Bonner Leaders Cathy Cox is on board to do • Project Artemas whatever it takes. “What’s • Roots & Shoots beneficial for the environment is • Student Government Association Green good for YHC,” she said. “Likewise, Fee of $5 per semester (matched by the College) what’s beneficial for YHC must also be good for the environment.” Academic Initiatives: Members of the Young Harris With the College undergoing • YHC Beekeeping Institute addresses College community, representing all possibly the most significant green and non-chemical beekeeping ages, are spearheading efforts across transformation in its 124-year • YHC beekeeping classes, lectures and many aspects of the College to be history, the opportunity exists to not workshops are offered to students and better stewards of resources, to only make good decisions for YHC’s public reduce the carbon footprint of the future, but to also make green • YHC Hemlock Project conducts research for a non-chemical solution to an College and its individual members decisions to ensure that future will, ecological problem and to seek out new ways to in fact, one day exist. Already, • Organic gardening class teaches integrate sustainability into their discarded or unwanted items and students, faculty and staff to grow their everyday lives. materials are being recycled or own food using natural fertilizers and organic pesticides Much of the green movement at reused; new buildings are being Young Harris College is driven by constructed to U.S. Green Building Religious Initiatives: the current generation of students Council standards; existing resources • Special chapel services and religious life who expect and demand sustainable are being repurposed; alternative programming are offered (Theology of practices and lifestyles. For example, energy sources are being explored Ecology service and Earth Day events a recent sustainability survey at the and developed; and students are were held in Spring 2010.) College found that recycling is the forming alliances and creating • Opportunities for students to participate in special summer programs are available number one priority of YHC mechanisms to make a difference. A (Rising senior Kyle Hatley attended students. In reaction, one student culture shift is happening at Young Program on Interfaith Engagement and group—Roots & Shoots—is taking Harris College—a shift, in a way, Environmental Responsibility the lead to work with the College’s back to the College’s roots. in Summer 2010.)

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YOUNGHARRISCOLLEGE THEOLOGYOFECOLOGY: ARELIGIOUSEARTHDAY Celebrates Earth Day 2010 CELEBRATION In connection with Young Harris Young Harris College returned to its College’s Earth Day celebration, the roots on Saturday, April 24, when several Office of Religious Life hosted campus organizations and departments co- “Theology of Ecology,” a special hosted a special day of service at the old chapel service on April 21, the eve of College Farm to celebrate the 40th global Earth Day, at the new Enotah Hall Earth Day, which was Thursday, April 22. Amphitheatre. The event was funded The event, dubbed “Creeks, Crops and by the Student Government Cornbread,” was part of a series of activities Association Green Fee initiative in organized and co-sponsored by YHC’s which students self-impose a $5 per chapter of Roots & Shoots, the Bonner semester “green fee” that is matched Leaders, the Office of Religious Life, the by the College to fund sustainability Office of Campus Activities, the YHC efforts at the College. Sustainability Committee and the Student Campus Minister Rev. Dr. Tim Experiential Learning Government Association. Moore invited Rev. Alan Jenkins, Coordinator Rob Campbell “Despite the thunderstorms that drenched founder of Earth Covenant Ministry, Young Harris on Saturday afternoon, biology holds a commemorative Earth Day T-shirt. an eco-justice outreach ministry in professor Brenda Hull and an excited group Atlanta, to deliver a special message of students planted 10 apple and pear trees about the healing and renewing of and eight blueberry bushes on an acre of land at YHC’s old College God’s creation. Jenkins led the group Farm, reviving the fertile soil and marking a new era of sustainability at through exploration of Psalm 24:1, YHC,” said Rob Campbell, experiential learning coordinator and “The earth is the Lord’s, and director of the Bonner Leaders Program at Young Harris College. everything in it, the world, and all The groups also planned a clean-up effort for Corn Creek the same who live in it;” (NIV). day, but the stormy weather forced cancellation. Jenkins pointed out hopeful signs Still in good spirits despite the continuing rain, the YHC groups of mankind reconnecting with God’s concluded their Earth Day celebration Saturday evening with a campus- earth through recent trends in wide barbecue dinner with commemorative Earth Day T-shirts and live sustainability and environmental music by Cornbread Ted and the Butterbeans, comprised of Ted awareness like creating community Whisenhunt, associate professor of art and chair of the art department, and urban gardens, implementing Jamie Watson, Ph.D., assistant professor of philosophy, and their wives, renewable and sustainable energy Eloise Whisenhunt, Ph.D., and Darlena Watson. and recognizing all living creatures as “our neighbors.” Young Harris College In closing, Jenkins challenged the students plant fruit trees and YHC community to slow down and bushes on the College Farm spend time with and be inspired by in honor of Earth Day 2010. a living creature. “Allow yourself to be awestruck at the beauty, intelligence, freedom, simplicity and complexity,” he said. “Then begin to marvel at the web of life, and consider how your life is connected to that YHC’s chapel praise band leads being. Consider your the call to worship during the vocation, your purpose. special Earth Day chapel service Consider the Lordship on April 21 at the Enotah Hall of Jesus Christ.” Amphitheatre.

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YOUNGHARRISCOLLEGESTUDENTCHOSENFORPILOT Program On Interfaith Engagement and Environmental Responsibility Kyle Hatley, a rising senior biology major from Kennesaw, Time was spent together as a whole was one of 30 students in the country selected to participate group and in various smaller groups, Kyle Hatley in Common Ground: Interfaith Engagement and including seminarian and undergraduate Environmental Responsibility, a summer program co- cohorts and intrafaith groupings. A team of sponsored by Andover Newton Theological School, Hebrew experiential educators served as the core faculty with guest College and Yale University at the Incarnation Conference scholars, activists and artists joining the program for specific Center in Ivoryton, Conn., June 7-11. experiences. Core faculty members will continue to mentor This innovative pilot program brought together a diverse participants throughout the upcoming academic year. group of college and seminary students interested in the “The chance to study with leading scholars from such relationship of environmental responsibility and interfaith prestigious institutions while immersed in that diverse and cooperation. The program was a week-long summer camp dynamic environment cannot help but be transformative,” Dr. experience for 15 college students and 15 seminarians Moore said. representing diverse religious and spiritual traditions. Core faculty for the program included Abdullah Antepli, “My hope is that Kyle will not be the only one to benefit Duke University’s first Muslim chaplain, Sharon M. K. Kugler, from this experience; I hope our entire religious life program university chaplain of Yale University, Jennifer Howe Peace, will benefit from this summer’s experience, challenging us all the managing director of the Center for Interreligious & to engage more intentionally and authentically with faith and Communal Leadership Education (CIRCLE) and Or N. Rose, the wonderful intersection of faith and reason,” said Rev. Dr. associate dean of the Rabbinical School of Hebrew College Tim Moore, YHC campus minister. and co-director of CIRCLE. A five-day retreat experience, the Common Ground project “It was an honor and a privilege to be part of the Common included exploration of sacred texts and contemplative Ground project this summer,” Hatley said. “The time I spent practices, scientific research and models of effective interfaith in Connecticut was great. I was able to meet new people with action. Learning took a number of different forms, including different perspectives and learn how different classroom learning, guided nature walks, artistic explorations religions can work together to maintain the and service learning. beauty of God’s creation.”

“Many students had never dug in Organic Gardening is Chic the dirt before, much less planted AT YOUNG HARRIS COLLEGE anything. They were as excited as little kids when their seeds A sustainable, organic garden is thriving at Young Harris germinated,” she said. “Many are concerned College thanks to a group of environmentally conscious about leaving their plants during the summer students and Brenda Hull, associate professor of biology. The and want to come back to campus every now Rising senior Katie garden, located next to the Beetle Lab house on the YHC and then to see what is growing.” Dyer checks her campus, was tended by 31 eager students during the spring The students have no reason to worry. The plants at Young semester as part of a new one-credit course. garden is being carefully nurtured over the Harris College’s “I started the garden three years ago as part of another summer by Hull and a team of YHC faculty organic garden. class hoping it would catch on, but it’s time had not come and staff. for our students,” Hull explained. “I decided to offer it this Hull looks forward to expanding the class’s involvement in year as a separate course, and it exploded.” organic gardening elsewhere on campus in the future. “We The students planted spinach, broccoli, leaf lettuce, also have the acre at the YHC farm to play with now,” Hull buttercrunch lettuce, sugar snap peas, Swiss chard, mustard, said, referring to the space where she and a team of students onions, potatoes and tobacco. For Hull, the most rewarding planted fruit trees and bushes for Earth Day. part of implementing the garden was the reaction of the The Fall 2010 course will include trips to other gardens as students when the plants started blossoming. part of the College’s trendiest new class.

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Jane Goodall Brings Inspiring Message TOYOUNGHARRISCOLLEGE and empowering message of hope and empower women’s groups and local Dr. Jane peace. organizations to develop Goodall Dr. Goodall discussed her microenterprise and revenue-sharing groundbreaking work with programs linked to ecotourism chimpanzees in Africa and her activities that made communities feel continued work with the Jane Goodall like real stakeholders in the process. Institute’s (JGI) innovative community- “These three words, educate, inspire centered conservation projects in and empower, bring us back to place,” Africa. he added. “They are the pillars of the While introducing the guest lecturer, YHC vision.” Assistant Professor of Biology Jody Dr. Goodall applauded Young Harris Stallings, Ph.D., described how he College for its campus-wide efforts to came to know the JGI team while spending four years in Uganda as the On Feb.18, Jane Goodall, Ph.D., environmental officer for the U.S. DBE, founder of the Jane Goodall government. “Their projects quickly Institute and UN Messenger of Peace, became my favorite sites to visit made a special visit to Young Harris because I was so impressed with their College to share her remarkable story work ethic and the way they worked and talk about her internationally with local communities,” he said. recognized work with an enthusiastic “When I think of the Jane Goodall crowd. The theme of the evening was Institute work, I think of three key “Gombe 50: Celebrating Dr. Jane words: educate, inspire and empower,” Goodall’s Extraordinary Legacy,” and Dr. Stallings said. “The Jane Goodall YHC students, faculty and staff, local Institute team would educate children citizens and Goodall admirers from through their environmental education Pictured above with her familiar beyond the local communities filled centers; they would inspire local mascot, "Mr. H," Dr. Jane Goodall the campus’s Glenn Auditorium to communities to work toward a more proudly displays her new Young Harris capacity to hear Dr. Goodall’s inspiring sustainable future; and they would College Roots & Shoots T-shirt.

“S.A.F.E. and the Towns Country Food Unwanted Items Get New Pantry are two great organizations that make sure the people in our community who are Life through Project Artemas struggling get the things they need to make their lives better,” said Miller, who is also a This spring, Young Harris College’s Office of Residence Life member of the YHC sustainability committee. introduced Project Artemas, a new initiative encouraging YHC Collection bins were placed in the lobbies of each residence students moving out of the residence halls to donate hall and outside the halls to collect non-perishable foods, unwanted belongings and non-perishable food items to two clothing, furniture, unused school supplies, books, kitchen community outreach organizations, the S.A.F.E. Again Thrift items and electronics. After three collections during the last Store and Towns County Food Pantry. week of the Spring 2010 semester, nearly 1,000 pounds of Organized by Enotah Hall Resident Director Stuart Miller goods were donated to the S.A.F.E. Again Thrift Store, and and funded through the students’ self-imposed SGA Green more than 150 pounds of food were given to the Towns Fee, Project Artemas was created as part of the Young Harris County Food Pantry. College Recycling Strategic Plan. Student leaders were utilized “I am thankful to our students at YHC who made the effort to help organize the overall program, including resident to help someone else when it might have been easier to just advisors and residence hall council sustainability chairs. throw something away,” Miller said. 16 YHC-EchoesSp10-F2:Layout 1 7/14/10 3:17 PM Page 17

promote sustainability and green choices. She also encouraged involvement in JGI’s global Roots & Shoots environmental and humanitarian RAISESAWARENESSONCAMPUS youth program Roots & Shoots and ANDINLOCALCOMMUNITIES recognized the YHC Roots & Shoots chapter for their work. Dr. Goodall During her visit to Young Harris College, Jane Goodall, Ph.D., met challenged those in attendance to with members of YHC’s student chapter of Roots & Shoots, a global think about the kind of impact each environmental and humanitarian youth program of the Jane Goodall person makes every day. Institute. The group consists of 16 members led by President Emma “Each one of us is capable of making Witherington, a rising junior biology major from Winder. a difference,” she said. “We have a YHC Roots & Shoots members have mobilized to raise more than choice of what kind of impact we’re $1,800 since the group’s founding in 2009. going to make.” “To raise money, we began by selling African Trash Beads made of 2010 marks a monumental recycled magazines, a common livelihood for women in Uganda. The milestone for Dr. Goodall and JGI. necklaces were a big hit on campus,” said rising junior biology major Fifty years ago, Dr. Goodall, who is David Agori-Iwe. today a world-renowned primatologist, “Their original plan was to fundraise and get organized,” said Assistant conservationist and humanitarian, first Professor of Biology Jody Stallings, Ph.D., who serves as the Roots & set foot on the shores of Lake Shoots chapter advisor and YHC’s sustainability committee chair. “After Tanganyika, in what is now Tanzania’s the Goodall event, Roots & Shoots became more action-oriented.” Gombe National Park. The Dr. Goodall’s lecture prompted Fannin and Towns county schools to chimpanzee behavioral research she contact YHC’s Roots & Shoots chapter to find out how to get involved. pioneered there has produced a wealth Members of the YHC chapter visited these local schools to talk about of scientific discovery, and her vision what they learned from meeting Dr. Goodall and reiterate the importance has expanded into a global mission to of taking care of the environment. To further the growth of Roots & empower people to make a difference Shoots throughout the region, the chapter will offer grants to these local for all living things. schools to fund their own chapters. A major part of this mission is Roots “We hope that by targeting younger children, we can raise awareness of & Shoots, a global program of JGI to green issues and encourage their involvement from an early age,” Agori- make positive change happen for Iwe said. communities, animals and the The chapter is also focusing on campus recycling, allocating part of environment. The program engages their funds to educate students about the correct way to recycle. The young people from preschool through chapter also collaborated with the YHC Student Government Association college as they take positive action in (SGA) to produce signs for recycling containers purchased by SGA for all their communities and beyond. residence halls. “Everywhere there are young people In the future, the group plans to focus who want to tell Dr. Jane with shining on animal rights outreach and help non- eyes what they’ve been doing to make governmental organizations communicate a difference,” Dr. Goodall said. “That’s the dangers of invasive plants and the inspiring. It’s really my main reason for benefits of planting native species. hope.” “Our students have shown outstanding A book signing followed the lecture, initiative from bringing the Roots & and Dr. Goodall spent time greeting Shoots program to Young Harris to the long line of fans anxious to meet fundraising and educating fellow her, posing for photos and signing students,” Dr. Stallings said. “They are not autographs. only accepting the environmental programs implemented by the YHC YHC President Cathy To view and download photos Cox hosted a dinner at from the event, visit sustainability committee, but are actively seeking out ways to facilitate positive change.” her home on campus for www.janegoodall.org/tour-photos. special guest Dr. Jane For more information about For more information about the JGI Roots & Goodall and biology Dr. Jane Goodall and the JGI, visit Shoots program, visit www.rootsandshoots.org. faculty and students. www.janegoodall.org.

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NaturallyCreative ALUMNUSFINDS‘GREEN’CAREERCOMBINING PASSIONS FOR ART AND NATURE BYPEGGYCOZART

As founder of his own architecture get to know them and then develop a firm, Kevin Palmer, ’89, brings a strong design which reflects their personality personal philosophy of architecture as rather than mine.” a creative, service–based profession to Palmer graduated from Young Harris his work when interpreting his clients’ College in 1989 with a liberal arts brick and mortar needs. Founded in degree. He then took a year off to 2006 in his hometown of Statesboro, spend some time working—and Kevin Palmer, ‘89 Palmer’s young firm is making a name playing his guitar—on Jekyll Island. for itself in the Southeast and is a After the sabbatical he went on to His two years at Young Harris leader in green design practices. enroll in the architecture program at College provided him with Palmer Architects specializes in Southern Polytechnic State University opportunities for leadership and educational and commercial design, in Marietta, where he earned a B.A. in student activities as well. “Everybody’s creating projects that range from architecture in 1996. involved in some group,” explained $1 million to $10 million in Palmer, who now lives in Statesboro Palmer, who helped found the Zeta Pi construction costs. In addition to a full with his wife, Julie, and their three fraternity and served on the Council of range of architectural services, the firm young children, Rebecca (10), Maggie Presidents. Additionally, he played on also provides a spectrum of in-house (4) and Jake (2), credits the liberal arts the soccer team, was a member of the services often not found in smaller education and his time at YHC with student senate and even performed in firms, including surveying, civil preparing him for success as an the Christmas musical Cotton Patch engineering, interior design and three- architect. “A liberal arts degree is Gospel. dimensional marketing models. While excellent preparation for the business Palmer is an artistic soul who thrives the majority of their work is in world,” he said. “You become well- on the act of creating whether it’s Georgia, the staff currently has projects rounded and learn how to relate to music, painting, writing or in three states. other people.” architecture. “In most cases the arts Palmer enters into each project with Palmer came to YHC in 1987 at the and nature are fairly compatible. I also no preconceived ideas and strives to suggestion of his high school history believe the same is true of architecture maintain open lines of communication teacher. “I loved the area and the and nature,” he said of his work. “In throughout the process. “I can tell how mountains. At the time, the town of fact, the way in which a building well I’ve done my job by the emotional Young Harris was still secluded, and I interacts with nature is one of the main reaction I get the first time the owner fell in love with it,” he said. “I have characteristics that elevates it to the sees a rendering of their new building,” always been involved in outdoor status of architecture in the first place.” he said. activities, and I love nothing more than After earning his degree, Palmer Of his philosophy, he said, “Meeting time spent as far away from civilization signed on with the architecture firm the requirements of the program, and as possible. I suppose that’s why I Buckley and Associates in Swainsboro, even the budget, is really not that chose YHC in the first place.” working there for 10 years before difficult. What keeps me interested in It was at YHC that Palmer learned to deciding to go out on his own. Palmer the profession are those clients who are study, organize and get involved. “At a recounts the experience of opening his looking for something unique, a large school of 20,000, how many firm. Starting out with an empty office, building that becomes a representation people do you know?” Recalling a a shelf of reference books and no and symbol of themselves or their student body of about 400, he said, money was, in his words, “Horrifying! I organization.” He does not see it as his “You got to know most of them and spent a lot of time cold calling, and job to push his own style on clients. developed relationships more deeply after two years we had grown to 12 “It’s much more rewarding for me to than at a larger school.” employees.”

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The busy firm currently has several of wood, the vast majority of which is know how much the area means to me projects on schedule to break ground local pine. The cypress used came from personally, and I see how it has this year. “From inception to nearby Mount Vernon, Ga., and was changed since the days when I was completion, a $3 million or $4 million harvested from dry growth, rather than hiking up Bell Mountain and camping project can take two years to complete being collected in wetlands. The 8,000 by Lake Chatuge. I try to remember and occupy,” Palmer explained. He and square feet of decking is a composite that no matter where I am asked to his team just wrapped the design and material made of a combination of design, someone has nostalgic feelings construction drawings, and funding engineered wood fiber and recycled about that place, and it’s my job to treat has been approved, for a student plastic. All of the stains, sealers and it with respect.” housing project at East Georgia College paint are low- to zero-VOC (volatile Palmer remembers his years at Young in Swainsboro. They also have two organic compounds) content, which Harris College as the best of his life, renovation projects at Georgia affects indoor air quality. The building and 20 years later, he still looks for any Southern University in Statesboro has very little carpeting, and the carpet excuse to return. “There is simply an slated to begin soon, and they have just that was used was manufactured about overwhelming sense of place that seeps begun the design phase for an addition 45 miles from the site at a plant that into your soul and never lets go. Every to the plant operations building at East not only touts their use of recycled time I’ve returned since, it’s felt just like Georgia College. Additionally, several content but is partially powered by coming home,” he said. “The valley just projects are underway in nearby waste material from the canning gets into your blood and the people Dublin, Ga., including a medical industry just down the road. The you experienced it with become a sort imaging center and an assisted living windows were manufactured in Adrian, of family.” facility. about 20 miles from the site. Palmer admits that not a day goes by Much of the firm’s work, particularly “The point of sustainable design is to that he is not reminded, in some way, in the educational field, meets current pay attention to the details related to of being there, and he continues to be LEED (Leadership in Energy and the products we use, where they come inspired. “The memories are imprinted Environmental Design) certification from and how they are made,” he said. on my heart in a way that few others standards, providing a tangible Palmer’s experiences in Young Harris are. In a lot of ways, I can visualize my measure of environmentally friendly and the north Georgia mountains time there more clearly than I can features used in the design and helped shape his beliefs about remember last week. It’s not just visual. construction of a building. “In the architecture and the environment. “I When I think of Young Harris, I educational sector, there is more of a remember how fall sense of ownership and more of a smells and the taste willingness to spend the extra effort of dew.” needed to meet the LEED certification.” The trend toward green design and sustainability suits Palmer’s sensibilities well. “We spend a good amount of time thinking about how to be environmentally friendly because we want to do the right thing.” According to Palmer, “going green” Kevin Palmer, ‘89, in his line of work has become more combined his love of an issue of time and management than art and nature into his an issue of additional funding. For architectural vision for example, LEED standards call for local the recently and recycled materials to be chosen completed Learning when available, and the firm’s recently Center at East Georgia completed Learning Center at East College in Swainsboro. Georgia College is made almost entirely

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VIEWPOINT Seeing Creation Anew: A Theology of Ecology BYREV.DR.TIMMOORE Then God said, ‘Let us make humankind in our image, according to our likeness; and let them have dominion over the fish of the sea, and over the

birds of the air, and over the cattle, and over all the wild animals of the while corporately many, then God is earth, and over every creeping thing that creeps upon the earth.’ So God an essentially and intimately created humankind in his image, in the image of God he created them; intertwined sociality. In technical language, God’s character is expressed male and female he created them. Genesis 1:26-27 (NRSV) perichoretically. In more accessible language, God is one while, also, In Christian theology, we over creation. many. Moreover, if we are created in regularly turn to biblical Does having dominion that image, then quite possibly, we, texts as the first stop in the mean domination? Does too, exist fundamentally as corporate long, creative process of having dominion mean individuals. articulating doctrine. humanity is justified in Such a doctrinal notion places a Often, we turn and return exploiting the great deal of significance on our to particular texts, as those environment for whatever sociality and the social systems particular texts provide a (short-term) benefit might generative of and created by our rich resource that is be gained? Unfortunately, sociality. Further, the care for those abundant in insights and more times than can be systems becomes paramount because that informs divergent yet recounted, the answer to those systems must exist in order that indispensable theological Rev. Dr. Tim Moore these questions has been we exist. Said more positively, such positions. Many analyses of “yes.” Yet, such a reading of care seems a natural outgrowth of our these texts and the positions they the text is only a partial interpretation own recognition that systems are underscore are ancient, supplying the of the text. The text provides a essential to all life and that having foundational claims for central balancing, additional source for dominion is more about responsibility doctrines. Yet, on the occasions when theological guidance. for those systems and sustaining those a separate or new issue arises about Returning to those two pivotal and systems than it is the exploitation of which the church has less frequently ancient doctrines possibly alluded to those systems. Such exploitation or never definitively spoken, within the text (i.e., the Trinity and the would be out of character for a people theologians will, again, turn to these imago dei), we find the governing who understand their very essence to seminal passages, extrapolating a new concepts for what it might mean to be wrapped up in the sustained doctrine from ancient doctrines have dominion. If (1) the concept of presence of systems. emergent from these primary the Trinity speaks to the character of Because of this possible essentiality interpretations. God and (2) the concept of the imago of systems within Christian doctrine, I The above text from Genesis is just dei speaks to the derivative character have entitled this piece a “theology of such a text, poured over and sifted of humanity relative to that character ecology.” Ecology is the study of through for the seed of such pivotal of God, then transitive logic suggests systems; the study of the and ancient doctrines as the Trinity an indelible, essential correspondence interrelatedness of various things. and the imago dei (i.e., our being between who God is as Trinity and Interestingly, if not purposefully, the created in the image of God). In more who we are as persons created in God’s word “ecology” derives from the same recent years, theologians have turned image. Greek root for our word “church,” to this text as a means to imagine how If, as many have understood the oikos. The church is understood to be we might speak to issues of ecology. doctrine of the Trinity to suggest, a vibrant, diverse, dynamic yet Frequently at question is how to deal God’s unique character is to be singularly interconnected entity. (As with our being conferred “dominion" simultaneously both uniquely one Paul reminds us, the church is, after

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all, one body with many members.) In environmentally responsible, engaging environment, try Norman Wirzba. other words, while we discover the proactively in social and political Wirzba is both an excellent theologian very essence for what it means to be systems seeking to care for creation. and an expert on Berry. In analyzing Viewpoint the church, we also discover what it This complicated and important Berry’s thoughts, Wirzba supplies means to be ecological. For Christian topic is rapidly gaining attention both theological depth and language to theology, this means that being inside and outside the church. Berry’s engaging prose. As an initial interested in and passionate about the To read more about theology, read, I recommend Wirzba’s The environment should be a natural and ecology and the Christian faith, I Paradise of God: Renewing Religion in inevitable outcome. recommend finding an essay by an Ecological Age. While these All people, regardless of our faith Wendell Berry. If you are to read just readings are just two of the many commitments, would benefit from one essay, I would read his works in this expanding area of such a shift in emphasis away from “Christianity and the Survival of theological inquiry, these two authors “dominion as domination” toward Creation” in his collection Sex, provide useful avenues into this vexing “ecology of care.” If the excerpt from Economy, Freedom and Community. world of conversations about faith, the creation story previously cited While profound and provocative, creation and our proper role. narrates anything, it is the reality that Berry’s work remains eminently Keep reading and discussing. we are, literally, in this together, and accessible. Being a novelist, his essays To ask questions, comment or creation care is our common concern. are a pleasant encounter. further discuss this topic with Dr. If the church and institutions of the If you want to push a little deeper Moore, email him at [email protected]. church like Young Harris College are into both Berry’s work and the to be faithful to our created theological issues underlying and imaginings, then we must be encompassing conversations about the

...the word “ecology” derives from the same Greek root for our word “church,” oikos.

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TO WelcomeTHE Jungle ASURVIVALLESSONINTHEAMAZON

BYPEGGYCOZART

This past fall, Young Harris College study abroad grant from YHC rising junior outdoor education funded by alumna Beverly Student Spotlight major Mallory Holland lived the Woodward, ’53, and her husband, adventure of a lifetime during a Len. Holland also wrote her semester-long expedition in the congressman and other key officials Amazon region of Brazil. seeking financial backing and Over a period of 80 challenging secured donations from neighbors, days, Holland journeyed through a friends and family in support of her National Outdoor Leadership School quest. Additionally, a letter of (NOLS) course that teaches recommendation from YHC participants both the hard skills of President Cathy Cox helped her earn wilderness camping and the soft a NOLS scholarship. Mallory Holland skills of group dynamics and During her semester in Brazil, expedition behavior, training Holland and her NOLS classmates “To get to the Cerredo, we had to students to become strong and spent a month paddling the upper basically climb vertically, up one of confident outdoor leaders. tributaries of the Amazon on the the less steep canyon walls, to get to “I learned about NOLS in my Intro Juruena and Tapajós rivers in the the highlands of the upper Amazon,” to Outdoor Education class during Brazilian state of Mato Grosso, explained Holland. “This section was my freshman year at Young Harris,” followed by a week of hiking the the most challenging due to our bare Holland said. “The program ground-level rainforest in the surroundings and scarce water. screamed my name because it Amazonia National Park. However, there were nonstop covered two of my favorite outdoor The NOLS training then rounded breathtaking vistas.” skills, canoeing and hiking.” out the students’ cultural experience Wrapping up their 80 days of The 21-year-old from Woodstock, with a week spent living in the training and adventure, small groups single-handedly raised the $15,000 remote Amazon backcountry with a of six and seven students had to find needed for the trip. In addition to Brazilian host family. “This their way off the highlands and out working an entire experience really made me of the jungle to their final summer at northwest appreciate communication and destination, a town called Villa Bella. Georgia’s Camp Misty realize how often we take it for Holland cites YHC Instructor of Mountain, Holland’s granted,” Holland said of having to Outdoor Education and Director of fundraising efforts learn basic Portuguese. the Outdoor Education Center Rob included earning a After their stay with the Dussler as a mentor who encouraged Amazonian families, as part of their her to pursue the unforgettable Independent Student Group NOLS program experience. She Expedition (ISGE), the students plans to become a wilderness hiked the vastly diverse Brazilian therapy field instructor and help Highlands region and the troubled youth in rehab situations Cerrado, the world’s most through backcountry training. biologically rich savanna. “One thing I learned is that if you During this segment of the want something bad enough you’ll training, students learned to overcome obstacles and jump through use only a map, a compass hoops to get it,” Holland said. “I got and their surroundings to to the jungle, and I survived. And I navigate the rugged terrain. think about it every day.”

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CAMPUSFACILITIES Continue to Grow and Expand

Just over a year after Young Harris Recreation College broke ground on a new and fitness On Campus 57,000-square-foot recreation and center arena fitness center, the grand facility is and exterior nearing completion and scheduled to open in August. The facility boasts an impressive 37-foot-high rock climbing wall beside a fully equipped weight room and fitness will be available for the center. An elevated local community. indoor jogging track The tennis courts surrounds the facility that were located near and overlooks the state- the athletic fields on of-the art, 1,100-purple- campus were removed seat, NCAA-regulation in spring of 2009 to arena. The center also accommodate storm boasts the Balance Café, a water management healthy food and juice areas next to Corn bar, and multipurpose Creek. The space classrooms for yoga, dance and Enotah Hall, which opened in will ultimately be landscaped and aerobics. Ample office space and August 2009, was awarded LEED converted into a beautiful, locker rooms are available for use by Silver certification. picturesque “green space.” the athletics program and wide Also scheduled for completion in The next major facility stipulated expanses of windows allow visitors August is a new tennis complex in the College’s master plan is a to take in the breathtaking located on Hwy 76 that will be home new campus center that will surrounding views. Young Harris to the Young Harris College men’s combine a library, dining hall, College students will have and women’s tennis teams. The banquet facility and student center immediate, unlimited access to the complex will feature 12 lighted into a single modern, state-of-the-art facility’s amenities, and fitness center tournament-quality courts that will building. The campus center has memberships will be available to help make YHC eligible to host been in design throughout 2009 YHC faculty and staff as well as the NCAA-member tournaments and and into 2010. local community. The facility has other tennis events. The Berry House been designed and constructed to that currently houses the College’s LEED (Leadership in Energy and Outdoor Education Center will Environmental Design) standards become home to a pro shop, locker and is expected to earn LEED rooms and offices for YHC’s tennis certification upon completion. The and cross country programs. When recreation and fitness center will be the collegiate teams are not using the the second new facility to be courts, all YHC students, faculty and completed as part of Young Harris staff will have access for recreational College’s aggressive strategic plan to tennis. Additionally, memberships make the transformation to four-year status and the second facility to earn A rendering of the new Young Harris LEED certification. The 200-bed College Tennis Complex

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Young Harris College’s Division of Fine Arts presented an exciting spring Fine Arts Take lineup of events that showcased the talents of YHC students, faculty and guest artists. Center Stage Totaling nearly 9,000 patrons for the 2009-2010 year, Theatre Young Harris, directed by Theatre Department Chair and Assistant Professor of at YHC Theatre Eddie Collins, opened the semester with a special collaborative presentation with the Division of Humanities of the Pulitzer Prize-winning play Wit in Susan B. Harris Chapel on Feb. 2. Next the theatre company presented four performances of the Tony Award-winning dramatic play Dancing at Lughnasa, Feb. 18-21, in Dobbs Theatre. The group closed out the season with Gilbert and Sullivan’s most popular operetta, the smash-hit swashbuckling romp The Pirates of Penzance, filling Glenn Auditorium April 22-25. The Theatre Department also hosted its first student-produced The Young Harris College Choir show, Almost Maine, with two sold-out presented “An Evening at the performances March 2-3. USO” Feb. 26-27.

Above: Theatre Young Harris presented Dancing at Lughnasa Feb. 18-21. Right: Student a cappella groups Southern Harmony and The Compulsive Lyres performed at the third annual Acapalooza concert on March 26.

Renowned House of Sand and Fog Author Visits YHC

On March 23, Young adapted for the 2003 film of the same During his two-day visit to Young Harris College’s Division of name. Harris College, Dubus also participated Humanities hosted a Dubus has also received critical in two question-and-answer sessions Andre Dubus III special reading in Glenn acclaim for other works, having won and presented special lectures about Auditorium with author the 1985 National Magazine Award for poetry and fiction to English and and novelist Andre Dubus his short story “Forky.” His 2008 multi- creative writing students. III, widely renowned for his 1999 novel layered novel, The Garden of Last Days, “Having Andre Dubus come to our House of Sand and Fog. is currently being adapted into a film class made everything that we’ve done Dubus has been a bounty hunter, slated for 2011. in my English course come alive,” said private investigator, bartender, teacher During his lecture, Dubus read from sophomore business major Torben Krauss. and actor, but he is best known as an his memoirs, which are scheduled to important American short-story writer be published next year. He also spoke and novelist. His most famous novel, candidly about events in his life that House of Sand and Fog, secured his shaped him as a writer. To explain place on the list of major contemporary why he writes, Dubus simply stated, authors and was a finalist for the 1999 “When I write, I am far more me National Book Award in fiction. It was than when I don't.”

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Rising sophomore Evan McLean, of Woodstock, co-starred as Major-General Stanley in The Students Pirates of Penzance April 22-25. Celebrate The Art Department, chaired by Associate Professor of Art Ted Whisenhunt, hosted three the Arrival of diverse exhibits throughout the semester in the Campus Gate Art Gallery. “Fossil Fools” by Spring On Campus Kristen Baumlier, Tom Hansel and Brian Harnetty fused a live performance in Dobbs After emerging from a cold, snowy Theatre with an exhibit that consisted of winter that lasted into March, Young installations about the past and future of fossil Harris College held its annual Spring Fest fuels and energy resources. The “Alice Hirt Memorial Art Exhibition” extravaganza, April 12-17, for students to featured sculptures by Mike McFalls that explored beauty in the changing celebrate the return of warm weather and contemporary landscape. The semester ended with a Student Juried Art to enjoy some of the last Exhibition, featuring work by many talented days of the semester. For YHC students. Corey Hendrix, ’10, of the first time ever, the Waycross, was awarded Best of Show for his festival spanned a full bailing wire piece “Rupert the Rhino.” week with new activities The Department of Music presented the every day, making the Young Harris College Choir, conducted by event bigger and better Associate Professor of Music and Director of than ever. Sponsored by Choral and Vocal Studies Jeff Bauman, in the the Campus Activities 1940s big band-era tribute titled “An Board, events Evening at the U.S.O,” Feb. 26-27. YHC throughout the week hosted the DeKalb Symphony Orchestra on included a blood drive, Corey Hendrix, ‘10, was March 18 for the “Fay Harmon Clegg Hoag a coffeehouse open congratulated by Ted Concert Series,” featuring guest conductor mic night featuring performances by YHC Whisenhunt, Art Fyodor Cherniavsky and viola soloist Amy students, a special chapel service Department chair and Leventhal in Hector Berlioz’s Harold in Italy. sponsored by the Office of Religious Life associate professor of The YHC Guitar Ensemble, directed by art, and YHC President and a dance at Enotah Hall. Instructor of Guitar and Music History The event culminated on Saturday with Cathy Cox for his Richard Knepp, hosted “An Evening with Leo winning artwork “Rupert the Spring Fest Carnival on the YHC lawn, Brouwer” on March 22, performing works by the Rhino” at YHC’s where student organizations set up Student Juried Art the famous Cuban composer. Southern booths with airbrush Exhibition on April 15. Harmony, YHC’s 12-voice female a tattoos, old-time photos cappella group, and its 12-voice and refreshments, male counterpart, The Compulsive including cotton candy Lyres, both directed by Bauman, hosted the third annual and snow cones. Fun Acapalooza concert, performing their own original arrangements activities on the lawn of popular tunes to a sold-out crowd on March 26. The Young included bongo ball Harris College/Community Concert Band performed mania, volleyball and in February and April, with Benny Ferguson, Ph.D., Frisbee, along with dean of the Division of Fine Arts, serving as a performance by conductor. YHC Adjunct Instructor of Music Leigh Atlanta-based Miller, Ph.D., was featured as clarinet soloist in Carl alternative cover Maria Von Weber’s Concertino in the Feb. 23 concert, band UNZIPT. The while YHC Department of Music Chair Sandy carnival culminated Calloway, D.M.A., was featured in “Highlights from with a barbecue on The Music Man” in the April 27 performance that the plaza, wrapping also included John Philip Sousa favorites and other up an exciting, action- patriotic tunes. packed week. Visit www.yhc.edu for information about upcoming fine arts events. 25 YHC-EchoesSp10-F2:Layout 1 7/14/10 3:22 PM Page 26

Spring Break Trip Educates, Inspires and Empowers Students to Combat Human Trafficking BYSTEPHANIESEXTON

only non-governmental building on realize that the battle is not over, and Several Young Harris Capitol Hill. this trip helped us understand how big College students chose to The seminar consisted of the problem of human trafficking informational sessions on the issue of really is and that it will take much spend their spring break in human trafficking, group discussions more involvement for a solution to this Washington, D.C., taking and meetings with various agencies very disturbing problem,” said rising working to end both domestic and sophomore music major Lizann part in a transformative and international human trafficking. The Weissinger, of Tucker. empowering mission trip seminar also included trips to agencies Although the week was primarily along with YHC Campus including Shared Hope, an devoted to missions work, the students organization that rescues and restores also had the opportunity to spend Minister Rev. Dr. Tim Moore, women and children in crisis, and several hours each day touring the city and Senior Admissions International Justice Mission, a global and taking in the historic sites of the organization that works to prevent nation’s capital. Counselor Julianna Barron, human trafficking, primarily focusing “Members of our group went to March 7-12. on third-world countries. museums, skated at the Smithsonian The group also attended a ice rink, toured the Capitol Building, fundraising informational dinner for took in the botanical gardens, rode the The trip, made possible by a grant Courtney’s House, a local Washington, elevator to the penthouse viewing from the Chatlos Foundation, gave the D.C.-based agency that provides a safe lounge of the Bank of America students an opportunity to learn about home, education and restorative building and walked to the White how to end and prevent human environment for children who are House to see if the President was trafficking in the United States and to victims of trafficking. The Young home,” Dr. Moore said. “Each night, learn more about Not for Sale, a non- Harris College students also met with we gathered at our church home to profit corporation that attempts to U.S. House Representative Paul C. catch our breath, reflect on the day’s identify and shut down trafficking Broun and U.S. Senator Johnny work and pray.” rings across the country and support Isakson to discuss human trafficking Rising sophomore business and victims of human trafficking. and upcoming Senate bills regarding public policy major James Tripp, of The group from YHC participated in the issue. Fayetteville, called the trip “an a two-day seminar hosted by the “The experience was inspirational, amazing experience.” He continued, “It General Board of Church and Society educational and shocking. We have to was so great to see how just a few of the United Methodist Church, an agency that seeks to empower college students to take actions to reshape society. The seminar was held at the “The experience was inspirational, educational and United Methodist Building, a large shocking. We have to realize that the battle is not complex located beside the Supreme Court Building and across the street over, and this trip helped us understand how big the from the Capitol Building. It is also the problem of human trafficking really is...” SOPHOMORE MUSIC MAJOR LIZANN WEISSINGER

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“My prayer is that the students find the trip a moment of awakening to “My prayer is that the students find the trip a action, inspiring concrete moments moment of awakening to action, inspiring concrete that invite others to share in both their newfound knowledge and passion for moments that invite others to share in both their change,” Dr. Moore said. “Over the newfound knowledge and passion for change.” coming year, we hope to continue our efforts more locally, traveling to the On Campus YHC CAMPUS MINISTER REV.DR.TIM MOORE state capitol to discuss this important issue with our legislators and coordinating efforts with other campus ministries similarly committed to students from Young Harris College missions group shared their stories and seeing our faith made incarnate in our could make even the smallest students wrote letters to state and actions.” difference.” federal representatives. The chapel Upon returning to YHC, the service marked the first of many efforts Sexton is a rising junior musical students began the effort of turning YHC’s Inter-religious Council hopes to theatre and communication studies their knowledge into action by holding implement to address the issue of double major from Cumming. a special chapel service in which the human trafficking.

Bass Fishing Team Finishes 12th in the Nation

After hopping in a boat and starting Young Harris College’s first competitive bass fishing team last fall, rising sophomore Brad Rutherford and Clint McNeal, ’10, led the College’s team to a 12th-place finish in the National Guard FLW Outdoors College Fishing National Championship held April 10-12 on Ft. Loudoun Lake in Knoxville, Tenn. The event hosted the top five teams from each region with a total of 25 teams competing for the championship. The YHC team scored its first win during its first tournament appearance last October at the Southeast Division event on Lake Guntersville, Ala., beating out 39 other teams. The victory earned the team $10,000 to be split evenly between the College and the bass fishing club. McNeal and Rutherford next competed in the nationally televised Regional Championship on Lake Monroe in Sanford, Fla., in November, finishing in the Above, top: The YHC bass top five and securing a spot in the national tournament. fishing team presents a As part of their fifth-place award, the team presented a check for $3,000 to President Cathy Cox. Next: check for $3,000 to the College. Brad Rutherford and Clint According to club sponsor Danny Rubino, assistant McNeal, ‘10, are softball coach at Young Harris College, the team has Brad Rutherford shows off his interviewed on stage at the latest catch at the National Guard participated in other local and regional tournaments National Guard FLW FLW Outdoors College Fishing beyond the FLW Outdoors series and is looking Outdoors College Fishing National Tournament. forward to a great second season in the fall. National Tournament. 27 YHC-EchoesSp10-F2:Layout 17/14/103:23PMPage28

28 On Campus isfrHiii h rc Rollins Restaurant. Grace Campus the in Haiti for kits health assembled students YHC Urgency and Compassion with Disaster Haiti to Responds College Harris Young otc o h apscommunity. campus the for of contact point the as served and effort the coordinated activities, campus resources. and time their contributing quickly, responded students and Moore. Tim Dr. Rev. Minister Campus College Harris Young said respond,” to want We break. hearts our horror, and destruction such see we When people. Haitian the upon weighing already poverty crushing the by compounded disaster, natural tremendous kits. health personal and clothing donations, monetary of collection included that effort relief three-fold a implement and develop to scholars service-learning Leaders Bonner and the Life Religious of Office the with closely worked Activities Campus of Office The disaster. the to reaction in response campus-wide a mobilized quickly College Harris Young January, in earthquake osln maul ietrof director Emmanuel, Rouseline staff faculty, help, to asked When a such is Haiti in earthquake “The Haiti devastating the Following omte nRle aldfor called Relief on Committee the summer. in more send to plans with February early in Incorporated) Health and Education for Program Organization (Haitian HOPEH through items collected of shipment first the sent and campus on halls residence of the all in boxes collection there. placed still She are who relatives as Haiti well from as are who U.S. the in living now members family has Kennesaw from sophomore rising The to Haiti. send to clothing collect to effort February. in Cross Red American the to $500 presented and community YHC the from donations monetary destruction.” the with Haiti to assist up stepped have world the around people many since peace of a feeling have I “Now said. she are there,” members family my of some since especially Haiti, in occurred that devastation the heard I when tears in and speechless was “I quickly. react campus the was help she to determined and 11, age at U.S. to the moving until Haiti in lived having personal, was it Emmanuel, For fYHC. of behalf on Church Methodist Chapel United Reid’s to kits health 100 nearly delivered Moore Tim Dr. Rev. h ntdMethodist United The an led Brun Michelle student YHC collected office Emmanuel’s ee e.Orpaesg u othe people.” to Haitian out go prayers Our met. never have they neighbors of love their to and compassion and generosity their to witness is response Their called. when responded certainly community campus Our action. material and outpouring emotional an both for opportunity the offered clothing donated of gathering the and kits health of assembling funds, of collecting “The effort. relief YHC’s of said Moore away,” far so when difficult is response material a Such materially. physically, respond to also but respond only to not is impulse our So, together. life share should we that belief N.C. Charlotte, in center collection a to transported to be 23, Jan. on N.C., Dam, Hiwassee in Church Methodist United Chapel Reid’s nearby to process, assembly were kits The kits. 100 nearly for materials assembled and collected College Harris Young and hygiene, personal in aid to supplies essential containing kits, health of donations att respond.” to want We break. hearts our horror, and destruction such see we “When ihlf-vrsple rmthe from supplies left-over with day. following the throughout and 20, Jan. on service chapel weekly College’s the during assembled Acnrlpr forfihi the is faith our of part central “A or eiee h is along kits, the delivered Moore H C YHC R EV D . AMPUS R T . IM M M INISTER OORE YHC-EchoesSp10-F2:Layout 1 7/14/10 3:24 PM Page 29

BUILDINGA Legacy of Learning

BYPEGGYCOZART

Fueling the visible physical growth underway on Assistant Professor of campus is the behind-the-scenes academic growth that Education Dr. Mark is taking place as Young Harris College continues its Brunner and transformation to a four-year liberal arts college. Department of Under the committed leadership of two men, the Education Chair and YHC Department of Education is poised for the Professor of Education Dr. Bill Brown academic growth ahead. Both professors bring a history of dedication and enthusiasm for education, learning and teamwork to their latest roles. In anticipation of Both men bring to serving the needs of future educators these two lifelong YHC a history of building programs, and each conveys learners, each with vast experience in the field of excitement about the work ahead. “The spirit at YHC is education, bring their distinct vision to Young Harris energizing and challenging at the same time,” Dr. College. Brunner said. “The energy comes from the enthusiasm Between the two of them, Department of Education and dedication in which people go about their work. Chair and Professor of Education Bill Brown, Ed.D., and The staff is extremely motivated and committed to the Assistant Professor of Education Mark Brunner, Ph.D., mission of the College.” have more than 75 years experience in teaching and As Education Department chair, Dr. Brown is guiding education administration. Since 1970, Dr. Brown has the development and implementation of a 10-year logged 20 years as a secondary school science teacher strategic plan as the department prepares to offer four- and another 20 years in year degrees. Pending review and approval by the higher education Georgia Professional Standards Commission (PSC) in administration. Dr. early 2011, the program is on track to be in place by Brunner began his Fall 2011. teaching career in 1973 Prior to his move into higher education, Dr. Brown in his native Ohio, later taught in public schools as a science teacher and moving to Florida and coached women’s high school basketball. He began his rising to the rank of teaching career as a physical science teacher in school principal during Manchester, Tenn., at Westwood Junior High School his 36 years in and worked eight years in Tennessee before moving to education. the Atlanta area, where he spent 12 years.

“The spirit at YHC is energizing and challenging at the Mark Brunner same time. The energy comes from the enthusiasm and B.S., M.S., Youngstown State University dedication in which people go about their work. The Ed.S., University of South Florida staff is extremely motivated and committed to the Ph.D., University of Florida mission of the College.” DR.MARK BRUNNER

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Legacy of Learning

From 1993 through 1999, in high expectations and empowers addition to teaching, Dr. Brown everyone to think outside the box worked as an education consultant and not to settle,” he said. “The with the prestigious Oak Ridge message is not, ‘That’s the way we’ve National Laboratory where he always done it,’ but rather, ‘What are directed the Elementary Science we going to do?’ The support here is Bill Brown Leadership Institute, sponsored by phenomenal.” B.S., University of Tennessee, Knoxville the National Science Foundation, In an effort to address the needs of M.A., Ed.S., Tennessee and the Appalachian Regional the surrounding communities, Dr. Technological University Commission’s Teacher Leadership Brown’s department has teamed with Ed.D., University of Tennessee, Institute, overseeing programs Towns and Union counties and Knoxville designed to expose working teachers assessed their needs. In the spring of to working scientists. “I was able to 2009, the Teacher Education “We want to make sure we are help the teachers in these programs Advisory Committee (TEAC) was serving the mission of the make connections between their created. The committee meets twice institution. We must educate experiences working with practicing a year and is comprised of members students in a manner to be scientists in the national lab and of the YHC faculty, including some productive citizens and inspire them their own classrooms and students,” department chairs and division to be lifelong learners,” he said. “We he said. deans, along with school owe them an academic integrity that Next Dr. Brown made the move to administrators from Towns and will empower them to be successful college educator and administrator, Union counties. in their careers. That’s where a serving five years at Lindsey Wilson As department chair, professor liberal arts foundation provides for a College as a division chair and a and Teacher Preparation Program quality of life.” programs coordinator, then spending coordinator, Dr. Brown handles Dr. Brown delights in seeing a four years at Shorter College, first as numerous tasks each day, such as spark ignited in future educators. chair of the Department of preparing documents required for The essence of a lifelong learner Education and later as dean of the PSC approval and to ensure himself, he lights up when School of Education and Social establishment of a high quality recounting his journey into the field Sciences. He came to Young Harris program. of education. He grew up a College in the fall of 2008, just In addition to his administrative “Tennessee farm boy” and, in fact, before the school was granted four- workload, Dr. Brown teaches the still owns the family farm in Warren year baccalaureate status by the course Teacher Technology. “This County, Tenn., which serves as his Southern Association of Colleges class is set up to meet the standards weekend retreat. “As a farm kid and Schools (SACS) that December. of the International Society for there is no way you can get away As department chair, Dr. Brown Technology in Education,” he from science, from viewing comets oversees the design and explained. “We live in a digital to being out in nature, splashing in implementation of a full Teacher world, and the course is designed creeks and hearing the spring Preparation Program to be approved to meet the needs of 21st-century peepers,” he said. by the Georgia PSC. students.” On the farm, Dr. Brown was He is quick to point out his role is As an advisor, meeting with instilled with the values of family anything but a one-man show, students allows Dr. Brown to and being a part of the working unit noting the backing and efforts of maintain a relationship with them as needed to run the farm. It is much many, right up to YHC President the program develops and to stay in the same for him at YHC. Cathy Cox. “President Cox has very touch with their needs. “Professionalism, collegiality and

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When I arrived in the fall of 2008, I saw an where students get a glimpse of real-world classroom settings in opportunity in the form of a Genesis moment nearby schools. taking shape at Young Harris College. That’s a rare Citing their openness and eagerness, he finds it rewarding to moment. It’s exciting to come into that moment, to work with college students who On Campus have an impact and to produce a legacy.” soon will be stepping into the profession in which he has spent DR.BILL BROWN so many years. “They are just beginning to think about their teamwork are hallmarks of the YHC Dr. Brunner teaches three direction,” he said. faculty—everybody is involved in classes—two Introduction to Young Harris College’s mission everything,” he explained. Education courses and one to educate, inspire and empower Dr. Brown’s colleague Dr. Mark Introduction to Exceptional blends well with Dr. Brunner’s Brunner was attracted to Young Education course. Additionally, personal philosophy. “The little Harris College by the opportunity to he directs the early childhood things are the big things,” he be part of the development team in a education program. explained. He sees this ideal growing program. He began his An integral part of Dr. Brunner’s throughout the campus. “The people career in 1973 as a third grade role in the department is to tap of YHC are very warm and inviting teacher and a reading specialist for students well suited for careers in and supportive,” he said. “There is six years in Ohio. In 1979, he and education. “When asked, ‘Why are a spirit here, a real feeling of his wife relocated to Inverness in you in an education program?’ community.” Citrus County, Fla., where he began successful future teachers almost Dr. Brown agrees. “When I arrived teaching second grade. always answer that it was a teacher in the fall of 2008, I saw an His career path led him to become in their life that inspired them,” he opportunity in the form of a Genesis a curriculum specialist for the Citrus explained. “When asked, ‘When did moment taking shape at Young County School District and then, in you know you would teach?’ almost Harris College,” he said. “That’s a 1985, an elementary school all say it was clear to them at an rare moment. It’s exciting to come principal. He went on to become the early age. They always knew.” into that moment, to have an impact district’s executive director of Dr. Brunner cherishes the moment and to produce a legacy.” educational services. Dr. Brunner he knew he would become a teacher. Dr. Brunner believes the new also worked at the university level He remembers getting excited one education program is indeed an with positions as project facilitator day in class while his seventh-grade important part of the YHC legacy. for Florida State University’s history teacher Mrs. Kochera was “People do not become teachers Learning Systems Institute and as an teaching about Native American because they like grading papers and adjunct professor at the University history. He rushed home that day to creating lesson plans,” he said. “They of South Florida and the University find a shovel and headed to some become teachers because they want of Florida. nearby mounds to dig for artifacts. to touch lives.” Dr. Brunner came to Young Harris Then and there he was College in August of 2009, and Dr. hooked. “The passion in Brown is glad to have him on board. which Mrs. Kochera taught “Mark has a wealth of experience history and my love for that and, in particular, has great strengths subject is what ultimately led in connecting with the students who me to teaching,” he said. are and will be seeking certification As a way of finding future in our programs,” Dr. Brown said. teachers, Dr. Brunner “In addition, he is very involved facilitates freshman and with the local schools systems.” sophomore field experiences,

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Athletics Prepares for Competition at Four-Year Level BYMICKEYSEWARD

An era ended when Young Harris Several teams, including tennis, to consistency. “The men’s team was College’s women’s golf team golf and women’s soccer, competed very successful on the field and in completed its final round in the against four-year schools this past the classroom,” McKeever said. “I’m National Junior College Athletic season, and the competitive excited to take these lads into a more Association’s national championship difference was obvious when YHC’s competitive environment.” tournament this past May. As the all-underclass teams faced teams with Other coaches, such as Baseball Mountain Lions’ final player walked juniors and seniors. Head Coach Rick Robinson, have off the 18th green at the LPGA “Being able to work with a team for encouraged student-athletes to move International Course in Daytona four years will allow us to become on to Division I opportunities and Beach, Fla., she took with her the much more competitive, both have signed almost entirely new College’s status as a junior-college physically and mentally, as teams for this first season as a four- athletic program. individuals and as a team,” Men’s and year program. That status no longer applies to the Women’s Golf Head Coach Brett A move of this magnitude does not Mountain Lions’ athletic department, Beazley said. come without its share of challenges. which moves from the junior-college Assistant Athletic Director and From scheduling, to conference level of competition to the four-year Women’s Soccer Head Coach Kathy affiliation, to opponents’ experience level this fall. The transition follows Brown added that the older student- level, the Mountain Lions will face an the College’s move from a two-year athletes will help serve as role models uphill climb. college to a baccalaureate degree- to their younger teammates. “I’m Young Harris College will seek granting liberal arts institution. excited to have an opportunity to conference affiliation when it learns As part of the move, Young Harris develop strong leaders that will help of its status with the NCAA, but for College has applied to the National evolve the program,” Brown said. the 2010-2011 academic year, its Collegiate Athletic Association for “Having quality juniors and seniors teams will compete as independents, membership in NCAA Division II. to set the example for new players to which causes some headaches for The move to a four-year athletic follow is extremely important.” coaches. program has many people on campus A former NCAA Division II “We have been very fortunate to excited about the opportunities that student-athlete and assistant coach, put together a pretty good schedule, lie ahead, including YHC coaches Men’s Soccer Head Coach Mark but it’s definitely not easy doing so who are looking forward to the McKeever speaks from experience without conference affiliation,” chance to invest in the lives and about advantages of Division II Brown said. “We are going to have to athletic careers of their student- competition. “Everything will provide travel a little more than we would athletes for more than two years. a more structured environment, from like.” “It will be exciting to bring in a the student-athlete, to the NCAA, to Women’s Basketball Head Coach freshman and see the improvement the level of play,” McKeever said. “I Brenda Paul agrees. “The lack of during the four years of loved playing at the Division II level, conference affiliation is going to be a competition,” Women’s Tennis Head so it’s a welcomed return.” challenge this year,” Paul said. “Our Coach Alli Hillman said. “At the Many of the teams will include student-athletes will not be able to junior-college level, you work with plenty of student-athletes who have compete for a conference an athlete for two years and then been a part of the program for the championship.” watch her finish her journey past two years. Both soccer teams, for In the short term, the physical elsewhere. Now, we will be able to be example, will have a majority of their differences between the junior-college a part of the entire process.” players return in 2010, which leads and four-year levels could also play a

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part in the learning process. “Right many of our players may not have felt The coaches all agree that the move now, we have a very athletic team, ready to compete at the four-year should bring increased name but we lack the physical maturity that level their freshman year, but knew recognition for Young Harris College. players at the next level have,” Brown that with two years of experience, “The conference that we join will give said. they could get there. Now, we have us immediate recognition and a sense Even with the challenges that will higher expectations of the student- of pride for our students and come, McKeever likes the road the athletes that come to Young Harris.” alumni,” Paul said. “It helps define us Mountain Lions are traveling. “All the Brown agrees that the transition and puts us into the same pool with challenges are positive,” McKeever will lead to a more competitive the institutions we wish to be

said. “The student-athletes will be student-athlete. “We are focused on compared to.” Mountain Lions Roundup treated exactly the same with high academics; we train to win; and we While the pressure to win will be expectations on and off the field. are extremely disciplined,” Brown felt by the coaching staff, Paul There is obviously going to be more said. “In that regard, my job will not cautions that there will be growing work going through the NCAA, but change. What will change is the pains. “Remember to have patience as it’s all a part of creating that opportunity to go after quality players we nurture our young and growing structured environment for our that we could not pursue in the past programs,” Paul said. “Most of us will student-athletes.” because some student-athletes would compete with inexperienced While student-athletes will see few never consider competing at the freshmen against teams full of changes in the way they are treated junior-college level. I hope to recruit experienced juniors and seniors.” on campus, the transition will change better depth that will lead to more However, she believes the the way coaches do parts of their competitive training sessions.” opportunity to support an up-and- jobs. Although McKeever said he will not coming four-year program should get “The recruiting philosophy will change the way he coaches, “what Mountain Lions fans on board. “This change,” Hillman said. “We must now will change,” he said, “is the manner is a great time to support us and sell our program differently. We are in which we have to organize and enjoy the journey with us as we no longer trying to prepare student- cooperate with rules and regulations.” develop these student-athletes who athletes for the next level. We are “The biggest difference right now is will become the backbone of our now playing at that next level, and paperwork and following procedures program.” the student-athletes need to be ready for NCAA compliance,” Hillman said. for this level of competition when “We must pay more attention to they arrive and must desire to stay at details as we learn the NCAA rules as this level for four years. In the past, well as follow them.”

FOLLOWTHEMOUNTAINLIONSSPORTSACTIONON YHCathletics.com In March, Young Harris College introduced YHCathletics.com, the online home of Mountain Lions Athletics. The new website is the official source for scores, stats, schedules, ticket information, photos, multimedia and up-to-the- minute news for Young Harris College Athletics. YHCathletics.com offers expanded resources for alumni, fans and media to follow and affiliate with all Mountain Lions sports.

Fans can also keep up with the Mountain Lions on Facebook at Young Harris College Athletics and follow the Mountain Lions on Twitter @YHCAthletics.

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Player of the Year, in both the 19th (77-87-84-248) and freshman Spring GJCAA and in the East Central Matthew Peeler, of Zebulon, was District, and earned first-team All- 22nd (83-87-84-254). Earlier in the Sports Region and All-District honors. spring, Young Harris posted a pair of Freshman pitcher Mitchell Knox, top-10 finishes in back-to-back Recap of Appling, joined Lowery on the events, finishing fifth at the University All-Region first team, while of West Georgia Invitational and sophomore outfielder Chris fourth at the Spring Reeder Cup, BASEBALL Matt Lowery Holloway, of Signal Mountain, hosted by Covenant College. After finishing 39-17 Tenn., was named to the All- overall and 12-9 in Georgia Junior GJCAA second team and to the WOMEN’SGOLF College Athletic Association play, GJCAA’s All-Tournament team. Young Harris College’s Young Harris College’s final season in women’s golf team won the the junior college ranks ended with a MEN’SGOLF NJCAA Region XVII pair of losses to eventual YHC’s men’s golf team Championship in Albany, and tournament champion Gordon finished fifth at the 2010 finished 12th at the NJCAA College in the GJCAA playoffs. NJCAA Region XVII National Championship in The Mountain Lions opened the Championship in Albany. The Daytona Beach, Fla. Ranked season with 11 consecutive Mountain Lions shot 965 in 12th in the final national victories and won the First Pitch the 54-hole event, firing poll, the Mountain Lions Classic in Florida, hosted by Gulf rounds of 314, 323 and 328, played an excellent final Coast College, and were later respectively. Sophomore Eric Kelsey round at the national ranked as high as Hodgson, of Canton, finished McEntyre tournament, firing a team-best No. 9 in the 12th (76-82-78) overall with a tourney round with a score of score of 236 to pace Young Harris 353 to jump two places on the Mitchell nation in the Knox NJCAA Division I in the event. Freshman Matt leaderboard on the final day. poll. Sophomore Lewallen, of Clarkesville, finished Freshman Kelsey McEntyre, of Hiram, centerfielder Matt 14th (78-81-82-241), freshman who won the individual medal at the Lowery, of Beau Gammage, of Cedartown, was region tournament, was YHC’s top Columbus, was 16th (84-73-85-242), freshman player in the national tournament, named the Defensive Chris Holloway Cameron Medina, of Bremen, was

Geldart Assumes New Role Earns 500th Win In April, Young Harris College President Cathy Cox Since membership announced that Eric Geldart had decided to step down from in NCAA Division II his role as director of athletics in order to concentrate on his necessitates that the College YHC President Cathy Cox duties as the College’s head softball coach. He will continue have a full-time athletic presents a commemorative to assist administration in a new role as senior associate director, Geldart made the plaque to Softball Head Coach athletic director. choice to devote his time to Eric Geldart in honor of his “The NCAA Division II model calls for a full-time athletic leading the College’s softball 500th career win. director without any coaching responsibilities,” President Cox program rather than giving explained. “We are grateful for Coach Geldart’s outstanding up coaching duties to concentrate fully on administration. service to the College as athletic director. After much “As we pursue membership in NCAA Division II, it will be discussion through this transition process, we respect the fact important for the College’s athletic director to devote 100 that Coach G wishes to continue coaching, and we want to percent of his time to administering and guiding the allow him the opportunity to do that while also utilizing his department. In order for me to do this, I would not be able administrative expertise.” to continue coaching softball and do not want to give that 34 YHC-EchoesSp10-F2:Layout 1 7/14/10 3:26 PM Page 35

shooting 84-85-51-250 to finish 30th Snellville, and Childree (58th), of Valdosta, overall. Sophomore Courtney Moore, freshman pitcher freshman Mitchell Midkiff (63rd), of of Powder Springs, who carded a Victoria Sink, of Macon, and freshman Felix Reichl career-low 81 in the tournament’s Dacula, were named (68th), of Berlin, Germany, all final round, finished 47th with a 54- to the All-GJCAA earned national rankings. In hole score of 88-92-81-261. second team, and Emily Wilson addition, the doubles team of Freshman Carol Raterman, of Atlanta, Wilson and sophomore second freshman Matt Howard, of Duluth, (96-101-98-295) finished 87th and baseman Jennifer Watford, of Rome, and Dixon was ranked 40th in the freshman Katie Bludworth, of Ga., were named to the conference’s final poll. Alpharetta, (101-108-93-302) was All-Tournament team. 90th. In the regional tournament, WOMEN’STENNIS McEntyre, Moore and Bludworth MEN’STENNIS Playing a schedule that included finished 1-2-3 overall.

Young Harris College’s men’s tennis mostly NCAA Division II schools, Mountain Lions Roundup team finished the season with a 20-12 YHC’s women’s tennis team finished SOFTBALL overall record and finished second at the 2009-2010 season with a 7-22 Young Harris College finished the the Georgia Junior College Athletic overall record and finished third in 2010 softball season with a 20-21 Association tournament. At the end of the regional tournament, which was overall record, including an 11-11 the season, the Mountain Lions were broken down into flights and scored mark in conference play. The ranked 27th nationally by the by individual victories each team Mountain Lions reached the Intercollegiate Tennis Association, and member earned. semifinals of the Georgia Junior five singles players were Freshman Michelle Allen, College Athletic Association ranked among the top 70 of Marietta, reached the Tournament, pulling off a 1-0 players in the U.S. championship match of upset of third-seeded Darton Freshman Laurenz the No. 5 singles College in the first game of the Schraepen, of Montreal, bracket, and freshmen event, then shocking top- Quebec, earned the Sarah Deese and Holly seeded tournament host team’s highest national Smith, both from Middle Georgia College with a ranking at No. 17, while Roswell, teamed up to 4-3 victory. Following the sophomore Will Dixon advance to the title tournament, sophomore Mitchell (29th), of Port St. Lucie, match in the No. 2 Michelle outfielder Emily Wilson, of Midkiff Fla., freshman Jamie doubles bracket. Allen

up. I welcome the challenges and direction I can give in this the Mountain Lions to a 228-165 record. During the past newly defined role,” Geldart said. eight seasons, Geldart’s YHC teams have collected four 30- Known affectionately throughout the campus community win seasons, won two NJCAA Region XVII championships as “Coach G,” Geldart earned his 500th career collegiate and twice appeared in the NJCAA national tournament. He softball coaching victory on Jan. 30, 2010, when his Young will enter the 2011 season with a 518-361 (.589) career Harris Mountain Lions defeated Broward College 2-1 in the record in 26 years as a head coach. International Women’s Fastpitch Invitational in Kissimmee, Along with his collegiate coaching experience, Geldart is Fla. That milestone victory came on the second day of well known in international softball circles. He managed and Geldart’s 26th season as a head coach on the collegiate level, coached select teams from 1995-2001, competing each and his eighth season at Young Harris College. summer in the Puerto Rico Festival Olympico. In late 2005, Geldart spent 18 years as the first head coach at Western he began coaching in the International Fastpitch event. New England College, beginning his tenure there in 1979. Geldart also has extensive experience as a basketball coach With Geldart at the helm, Western New England put and referee, both in the United States and abroad. He together a 290-196 record. He also guided the school coached in the Puerto Rico Basketball League, leading the through the transition from the National Association of Quebradillas Pirates to the league championship in 1970. He Intercollegiate Athletics (NAIA) to the National Collegiate was also an NCAA basketball referee for several years. Athletic Association (NCAA). Geldart is a member of the National Fastpitch Coaches Since coming to YHC in the fall of 2002, Geldart has led Association and a graduate of Roanoke College.

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Reviving a to miss it—the Key Tradition excitement, the energy. The alumni, especially the former players, are BYEMILYSANE fired up about the return of basketball to Young Harris.” “Back in the ’50s and ’60s, Former YHC Young Harris was known as a basketball player Bill basketball school,” former Roberts, ’52, also plans Young Harris College basketball to attend the home player Phil Meadows, ’62, said opener against the as he reflected on his time as a Saints. Roberts played Mountain Lion. “Basketball was for Young Harris what put us on the map. We Phil Meadows, ’62 College during the were a small school, but our 1950-1951 and 1951- basketball program was big. We 1952 seasons. He currently serves could fill the gym on campus and on the College’s Board of Trustees. the gyms at just about everywhere “I’m ready for the home opener else we played. We were known against North Georgia,” Roberts nationally.” said. “The new teams and the new Meadows played basketball for facility will be good additions to the YHC Mountain Lions during Bill Roberts, ’52 the college.” the 1960-1961 and 1961-1962 During the upcoming 2010-2011 seasons. During both seasons, the said. “I loved playing basketball, but season, the Mountain Lions will take men’s basketball team successfully I also loved everything else about on their opponents in a new on- advanced to the junior college the school. I wish Young Harris had campus facility. The 57,000-square- national tournament. been a four-year college because I foot recreation and fitness center, Coming to Georgia from Illinois, would’ve played basketball there for Meadows was on his way to Athens all four years.” to play basketball at the University On Monday, Nov. 15, 2010, of Georgia. He was advised, Meadows, along with YHC students, however, to play at YHC before faculty, staff and other alumni, will taking the court for the Bulldogs. gather on campus to cheer on the “Back then, college freshmen Mountain Lions as they play in the couldn’t play intercollegiate College’s first intercollegiate basketball at the varsity level,” basketball games in 40 years. Meadows said. “Instead of going Basketball is back at YHC. The straight to the University of Georgia, Mountain Lions will return to the I played two years at Young Harris. I hardwood as they host the North was able to get some playing time Georgia College and State University and not just sit on the bench.” Saints from Dahlonega. The Lady Meadows eventually attended Mountain Lions will tip off against Middle Tennessee State University the Lady Saints at 5 p.m., and the after two years, but he would have men’s team will follow against the been happy to stay at YHC. Saints at 7:30 p.m. “I really fell in love with the “I plan to be at the first home college when I was there,” Meadows game,” Meadows said. “I don’t want Jon Goldman, ‘61, goes for the rebound in a 1960 game.

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which opens in August, “We played will include a 1,100-seat very well as a arena with an NCAA team,” former regulation-sized court to YHC basketball serve as the home for the player Dora women’s and men’s basketball Dora Moreland Marshall, ’48 (fourth Moreland Marshall, ’48, said. teams. from right), and the 1948 YHC As“We could win most of our “The new facility will be so women’s team games around the area. One different from the gym we had in season we won all of the games the ’50s,” Roberts said. “Our facility The men’s team won the junior around the area and got to go to the during those years was a wooden college state championship in 1953, playoffs. We took a bus to building covered by sheet metal. It 1957, 1961 and 1962, and also Chattanooga for the games. All the was just up the hill from where the finished as state runner-up multiple girls were excited to travel together new facility is being built.” times. In 1961 and 1962, the team to the playoffs. The other team Mountain Lions Roundup clinched the regional championship outscored us by a few points, but PLAYINGA and consequently advanced to we played a good game.” GOODGAME the national tournament in The YHC men’s basketball team Hutchinson, Kan. FOLLOWINGA first took the court in 1930 and The Mountain Lions concluded CHAMPIONCOACH played until 1969. The women’s the 1960-1961 season in ninth Young Harris College alumnus team started playing in 1931 and place nationally. Luke Ruston, ’42, coached continued into the 1940s. During the following season, the basketball at YHC from 1948 to For most of the time on the Mountain Lions entered the 1969. Throughout 21 seasons, court, Young Harris College played national tournament as the number Rushton and his teams won 407 in the Georgia Junior College one team in the country. The team games and only lost 167 games. Conference. The basketball teams placed fifth in the national In addition to coaching competed against other two-year tournament and completed the basketball, Rushton colleges throughout Georgia during 1961-1962 season with a 38-1 coached tennis and the regular season. record. The team’s only loss came served as the athletic “We didn’t play four-year schools during the tournament. Moberly director. He enjoyed like North Georgia College back in Junior College from Missouri beat all sports. Standing the ’50s,” Roberts said. “One of our YHC by a few points in the game’s only five feet, eight biggest rivals was Brewton-Parker final seconds. inches tall, Rushton College. I remember beating them Moberly’s coach Cotton opted to play baseball at home in our gym. They were Fitzsimmons later went on to coach during his student from the southern part of the state, the Atlanta Hawks and the Phoenix days, but eventually and we were at the very north end Suns. learned to coach the of the state. It was a good game.” “At one time, we were ranked as game of basketball. Opposing teams complained the number one junior college “He had an innate they could not beat YHC at home basketball team in the country,” ability to connect because the school’s gym was Meadows said. “We had great with his players by chemistry and our success was a often cold. getting on their level,” Luke Rushton, ’42 “We played in the old gym that huge deal. Young Harris College Rushton’s son Eddie was heated by two potbelly stoves,” had nearly 600 students while some said as he described his father. “This Roberts said. “Its floor was not of the other junior colleges we is how he made things work. He completely level. There were low played in the tournament had could understand the type of player spots in the wooden floor, but we thousands of students.” a person was, and he could also knew where they were, and we The women’s team also scored understand the player’s personality.” played around them.” success on the court. Rushton used basketball practices

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Reviving a Key Tradition

as opportunities for teaching his STRENGTHENINGA against conference rivals Kentucky players. Basketball games were COLLEGECOMMUNITY and Florida. Prior to his time at where he coached his players. From the 1930s to the 1960s, UGA, he coached at the United “Coach Rushton led basketball enhanced the overall States Naval Academy, Kansas State, by example,” Roberts college experience at YHC. The Virginia and Western Kentucky. said. “I learned from game brought excitement and “It is the ultimate challenge for a his actions. He was a entertainment to the campus. coach to build a new basketball good teacher, coach “In the 1940s, students didn’t program,” Herrmann said. “It’s really and person.” have as many entertainment options exciting for me to build this program Wins and losses as they do today,” Marshall said. from scratch. I’m thrilled that were not the only “Students loved to watch the everyone else is excited like I am. measurements of basketball games on campus. The The students, the alumni, the success used by gym was the place to be on game administration, the faculty and Rushton. He days. We were thrilled to play, and staff—everyone is fired up.” wanted his lessons the students were thrilled to watch Paul will coach the Lady to help build the us.” Mountain Lions. Before coaching at character of his The success achieved on the court YHC, she coached at Elon University basketball players. helped to strengthen the college from 1994 to 2008. She also “Luke Rushton community off the court. coached at Georgia State, Mississippi was my mentor,” “The team had a good camaraderie State, Berry College and Tennessee Meadows said. and that extended to the rest of the Wesleyan College. Entering her first “He never got campus,” Roberts said. “Basketball season at YHC, Paul needs only nine angry or raised was the thing to talk about and to victories to reach 450 career wins. his voice, but see as well. It unified the “The total atmosphere at Young you never community. It produced good Harris College attracted me to this questioned him publicity for the college then, and it coaching position,” Paul said. Students watching more than once. will produce good publicity for the “President Cathy Cox has the vision, a game closely in He wanted the college now. It will help with the passion and energy to build a 1968 best for you and growth of Young Harris College.” reputation of academic and athletic helped you to success. In return, I want to build a want it too. His impact transcended RETURNINGTOTHE basketball program with players who beyond the court.” HARDWOOD During his years at YHC, Rushton To help rebuild the basketball developed strong relationships with programs, YHC hired Pete his players and also with fellow Herrmann and Brenda Paul as head coaches and officials. coaches in September of 2009. Both “He cared about the game and the coaches bring many seasons of people in the game,” Eddie said. “He experience, knowledge and would have been absolutely excited leadership to the court. about the return of basketball to Herrmann will coach the men’s Young Harris College. He influenced team. He came to YHC from Athens, many people, including me, through where he coached six seasons for the the game.” Georgia Bulldogs. He also served as For back-to-back seasons, the the associate head coach and, in Atlanta Tip-Off Club named Coach 2009, as the interim head coach. Rushton the Georgia Junior College During his last season at Georgia, Eddie Rushton with Men’s Basketball Coach of the Year in 1961 and 1962. Herrmann led a young team to wins Head Coach Pete Herrmann

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important for a new program. “I am very proud of Young Ultimately, we want to be winners. Harris,” Meadows said. “When they We want to win league do something, they do it right. They championships like the former have done a good job in hiring Young Harris basketball teams. We coaches to build these programs want to continue that tradition.” successfully. Coach Herrmann and The new coaches have already Coach Paul are first-class people Women’s Basketball Head Coach gained the support of former who will build a first-class program.” Brenda Paul players.

play together with heart, enthusiasm and pride for the College.” As the Mountain Lions return to the hardwood this fall, the coaches Mountain Lions Roundup are inviting and encouraging the community to come and support the teams. “We will be a young team,” Paul said. “It will take time to mature. We will gain experience one game at a time.” The upcoming 2010-2011 season will be the beginning of rebuilding a prosperous program. Former YHC basketball players Charles White, ‘56, Bob Short, ‘51, Dora “We are working to receive NCAA Marshall, ‘48, Terry McCollum, ‘56, Bill Roberts, ‘52, and Phil Meadows, ‘62, Division II status and play in a attended a College-hosted luncheon in November 2009 to welcome new conference,” Herrmann said. coaches Pete Herrmann and Brenda Paul and celebrate the return of “Finding an identity is always basketball to Young Harris College.

DON’T MISS IT! Get Season Tickets for Mountain Lions Basketball

Be part of all the action when basketball returns to Young Harris College this fall. Call the YHC Department of Athletics at (706) 379-5296 or (800) 241-3754 x5296 to get your season tickets for the inaugural 2010-2011 season and watch every home game from your new purple seat! Mark your calendar now, and make plans to return to YHC on Nov. 15 when the Mountain Lions take on the North Georgia College and State University Saints in the new

recreation and fitness center! Join generations of Young Harris College alumni and friends NOV. 15 to celebrate the return of basketball with exciting pre-game and half-time festivities and cheer on the Mountain Lions! The women tip off at 5 p.m., and the men follow at 7:30 p.m.

Visit YHCathletics.com for details. FIRST GAME

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NEWCOACHNAMEDFOR was an assistant with the school’s women’s program during the 2007- Men’s Tennis 2008 academic year. Prior to joining the KSU staff, Turner served as an assistant instructor at Harrison Jacob Turner “Being able to put my ideas and Tennis Center in Marietta from was named men’s stamp on a growing program was 2003 to 2007. tennis head an opportunity that I couldn’t pass Turner is a decorated veteran of coach at Young up,” he said. the United States Air Force, having Jacob Turner Harris College in Turner comes to Young Harris reached the rank of staff sergeant. April. He brings strong recruiting after serving as an assistant coach He served in Iraq, Afghanistan, experience and a coaching for the men’s team at NCAA Germany and South Korea. background from an NCAA Division I Kennesaw State Turner earned a bachelor of Division I program, attributes that University for the past two years. science degree in sports are very important as Young Harris Helping to start the brand new management with a minor in College moves its athletics program Owls men’s program in 2008, coaching from Kennesaw State. He to four-year status. Turner saw four of his players earn is currently pursuing a graduate Turner said he is excited about scholar-athlete honors from the degree in sports management from the future of the College and his Intercollegiate Tennis Association, Georgia Southern University. He team. The Mountain Lions’ men’s and the program earn the highest holds a United States Professional tennis program was revived this cumulative grade point average of Tennis Registry certification, as well past season after a decade of any KSU team. as Etcheberry Academy Certification inactivity. For Turner, the newness Before joining the fledgling men’s for Strength and Conditioning in of the team was a motivator. program at Kennesaw State, Turner Tennis.

Young Harris College will open a new tennis complex in August 2010 that will be home to the men’s and women’s tennis teams. The new facility will feature 12 lighted tournament-quality courts that will also be available for use by all YHC students, faculty and staff. Memberships will be made available to the local community. In addition, the adjacent Berry House, currently used as the College’s Outdoor Education Center, will be converted into a pro shop, locker rooms and offices for the tennis and cross country programs.

YHC Names New Athletic Director Young Harris College President Cathy Cox announced on June 7 that Randy Dunn, athletic director at North Georgia College and State University in Dahlonega and long-time coaching veteran, would join YHC as director of athletics on July 1. Most recently, Dunn led NGCSU’s New YHC Athletic transition from the NAIA (National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics) to the NCAA Director Randy Dunn and YHC President (National Collegiate Athletic Association) Division II and the Peach Belt Conference. Cathy Cox Look for a full story on Dunn’s experience and vision for YHC in the next issue of Echoes.

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higher education. He has been a A Gift of Education professor of mathematics at the BYDENISECOOK University of North Carolina at Greensboro since 1973. When Jerry Vaughan, Ph.D., He believes it may have been the Now as he begins to think about decided to honor the memory of his Methodist connection that brought retiring in the next few years, Dr. mother, Irma Crenshaw Vaughan, her to the enchanted valley. “I have Vaughan wants to help other ’31, he realized the best way to pay often wondered how my mother students achieve their educational tribute was to support came to YHC. I asked goals. a cause very dear to my cousins about this, His generous gift established the Irma Crenshaw Vaughan Endowed her heart: education. and one of them said Forever Young Harris Dr. Vaughan and that our grandfather Scholarship at Young Harris his brother learned Paul Jackson Crenshaw College. The scholarship will be the importance of owned a general store awarded annually with preference education from their in Homer and was a to students from Banks County, in mother as children Methodist circuit honor of his mother. growing up in rider.” Dr. Vaughan has also made a Charlotte, N.C. “She The 1931 alumna planned gift to the College that will taught both of us always wanted more benefit the scholarship, making him how to read before we Dr. Jerry Vaughan education, and although a member of the W. Harry and started school,” he said. she took some courses Harriet Hill Society for Planned “I remember going into a new later in life, she was never able to Gifts at Young Harris College. “I’ve third grade class after we had complete another degree, Dr. included in my will for a portion of moved within Charlotte. There was Vaughan explained. “She urged me my estate to be added to the a circle of students passing a book and my brother to get all the scholarship,” he said. around, and the teacher was education we could, and she This lasting legacy is a fitting helping them read aloud. When supported us through that tribute to a lady who believed in the book came to me, I just started endeavor.” the gift of education. reading out loud,” he continued. Soon after leaving Young Harris, “The teacher was very surprised; his mother went to work for the apparently I was ahead of the other federal government in Washington, students in reading.” D.C., where she met Dr. Vaughan’s In an effort to pay it forward, Dr. father. “They married in 1936,” he Vaughan decided to endow a explained. “Then I was born in scholarship at his mother’s alma 1939.” At a very young age, Dr. mater. “My mother gave a lot of Vaughan moved with his family to credit to Young Harris College,” the Charlotte, N.C., where he stayed Greensboro, N.C., resident said. until leaving for college. Dr. Vaughan’s mother came to Dr. Vaughan took his mother’s YHC from Banks County during advice seriously. He studied math, the difficult days of the Great earning an undergraduate degree Depression. “My mother never from nearby Davidson College in mentioned this to me,” he said, “but 1961 and a Ph.D. in mathematics I’ve been told that in those days, from Duke University in 1965. students could work on the college After serving two years in the farm and earn their way through United States Army and earning the college.” He wonders if that may be rank of captain, Dr. Vaughan has the way she paid her tuition. dedicated most of his career to Irma Crenshaw Vaughan, ’31

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YOUNGHARRISCOLLEGERECEIVES Gift to Name New Campus Center Banquet Hall

Young Harris College Suber. I am also thankful for the College’s new recently received a gift relationship with the Campbell family and truly totaling more than appreciate their hard work and dedication to working out $3.35 million from the all of the details with the Foundation,” President Cox Charles Edwin Suber said. “It’s clear that Mr. Suber was a devoted United Foundation. Methodist, and his estate will strengthen our college and $3 million will be other United Methodist causes for generations to come.” used to support The gift will benefit YHC students and the College construction of Young through critical scholarship funding, which is more Harris College’s new important than ever as the College continues to grow campus center with the enrollment, and through support of a great new facility facility’s banquet hall to designed to accommodate that growth. be named for Charles “We are pleased that the Suber name will hold a Edwin Suber, a United Charles Edwin “Ed” Suber publicly distinctive place on our campus forever now Methodist layman and with the naming of our soon-to-be-constructed campus retired Fulton County center’s banquet facility in honor of Mr. Suber and his Superior Court clerk who passed away in November legacy,” President Cox added. 2007. More than $54,000 will benefit the Robert V. Ozment Endowed Scholarship, honoring Suber’s former pastor at Atlanta First United Methodist Church and long-time Young Harris College trustee Rev. Dr. Robert V. Ozment. The remaining $300,000 will establish the Charles Edwin Suber Endowed Scholarship. The Suber Foundation was established by the estate of Charles Edwin “Ed” Suber, a lifelong resident of Atlanta. He attended Emory University and served in the United States Army during World War II. His family owned and operated the C. P.Suber Grocery Store in the Ben Hill community. Trustee of the Suber Foundation Jim Campbell, along with his wife, Evelyn, and their son Mark Campbell (left) and his parents, Jim and Evelyn Campbell (center), present a gift for Young Mark, presented the gift on behalf of his first cousin to Harris College totaling more than $3.35 million on YHC President Cathy Cox. behalf of the Charles Edwin Suber Foundation to “We are extremely grateful for the generosity of Mr. YHC President Cathy Cox.

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YOUNGHARRIS ¡Qué Bueno! COLLEGE YOUNGHARRISCOLLEGE RECEIVES GIFT TO EXPAND Makes THE GOIZUETA FOUNDATION Changes to SCHOLARSPROGRAM

Over the next four years, The Goizueta Foundation Gift Reporting Scholars Program for Hispanic/Latino students at Young

During the 2008-2009 fiscal year, Forever Young Harris Harris College will be enhanced and expanded through the continued generosity of Atlanta-based The Goizueta several changes were introduced in Foundation. In December 2009, the College received a Young Harris College’s Office of $610,000 grant from the Foundation to expand the The Advancement, including the creation of Goizueta Foundation Scholars Program and enhance a new publication called the President’s recruitment of Hispanic/Latino students. Giving Report. Because of this change, “The opportunity to expand our reach and enroll more the Spring/Summer 2010 issue of Hispanic/Latino students who would benefit from the Echoes does not include its usual Report strong academic programs, nurturing learning to Investors. While previous reports to environment and close campus community that we offer investors recognized donors on a presents many wonderful possibilities for the students, the College and the community,” Young Harris College calendar year, this new publication lists President Cathy Cox said. gifts made to Young Harris College In addition to funding scholarships, the grant will during the fiscal year, which runs from enable the College to implement targeted recruitment July 1 to June 30. This new fiscal-year strategies, employ dedicated admissions counselors and format is the standard for colleges and develop specialized academic support programs to better universities across the nation. assist Hispanic/Latino students during every step of their The Office of Advancement published college experience at Young Harris. the 2008-2009 President’s Giving Report “The impact of the The Goizueta Foundation grant over the next four years will be one that increases both the size in June 2010. The report was and diversity of the student body,” YHC Vice President for distributed to the College’s donors in Enrollment Management Clint Hobbs, ’88, said. “We look recognition of gifts made between July forward to furthering this lasting partnership between 1, 2008, and June 30, 2009. Young Harris College and The All gifts received since July 1, Goizueta Foundation that allows us 2009, will be included in the to realize a mutual goal of providing 2009-2010 President’s Giving excellent educational opportunities Report. Going forward, these for Hispanic/Latino students.” reports will be published in The Goizueta Foundation is a private foundation established by the fall immediately following Roberto C. Goizueta in 1992 to the end of each fiscal year. To provide financial assistance to learn more about this new educational and charitable institutions. publication, contact the A Cuban immigrant, Goizueta was Office of Advancement at chairman, director and CEO of the (706) 379-5173. Coca-Cola Company from 1981 until his death in 1997.

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A Genuine LEADER

BYDENISECOOK

Jerry Nix never planned to be board chairman of a small, private college in the north Georgia mountains. Now the Genuine Parts CFO embraces his newfound role of leading Young Harris College through possibly the greatest transformation in its 124-year history.

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one year, then served as a pilot for the next five years,” he recalled. “When I got out, I went to work for Ernst and Young.” Impressed by Nix’s leadership skills and initiative, YHC Trustee Emeritus William C. (Bill) Hatcher, GPC’s then president, asked Nix in 1994 to serve on the Young Harris College Board of Trustees alongside him and GPC Group Vice President Duncan T. Fulton Jr., ’44. Fulton was working at General Automotive Parts in Dallas, Forever Young Harris Texas, when GPC bought the company in the 1980s. After moving to Atlanta in 1983, he served on the board for his alma mater from 1989 to 2003. “Mr. Fulton has a special place in his heart for Young Harris,” Nix said of his retired colleague. “He loved going back to campus for the meetings, and he still keeps in touch.” Hatcher and then YHC Chairman “I came to work for Genuine Thomas K. (Tom) Glenn II encouraged Parts Company in the late ’70s. They Nix to get more involved, first on the were my client while I was working at academic affairs and endowment Ernst and Young in Atlanta,” the committees, then as chair of Mississippi native explained. “I liked endowment, then as chair of the the people in the company, and finance committee. In 2000, he found fortunately, they liked me. I’ve been himself serving as vice chairman under here ever since and done just about new YHC Chairman Paul D. Beckham, every finance-related job at some ’61. In 2008, Beckham confidently point.” handed over the reins to Nix. He is not kidding. Nix started out in A 2004 recipient of the YHC internal audit, then moved to President’s Medallion, Hatcher served insurance director. Then he added on the YHC board from 1981 to 2003. director of internal audit back to his He was introduced to YHC through responsibilities. Over the next decade, his business relationships with he moved on to be assistant vice entrepreneur and philanthropist O. president for finance, vice president Wayne Rollins and John H. Harland for finance, senior vice president for Company Chairman and CEO J. finance and now executive vice William (Bill) Robinson. “Because of president for finance and chief his own involvement with Young financial officer—the position he has Harris, Mr. Rollins asked some other held since 1990. He also serves as Atlanta business people to get Vice Chairman for the GPC Board of involved. One of those was Bill Directors. Robinson,” Nix said. “Mr. Robinson “I’ve been blessed,” he said. “I like and Mr. Hatcher had a good what I’m doing, and that’s important.” relationship, and I believe Mr. When Nix graduated from Robinson then asked Mr. Hatcher to Mississippi State University in the serve on the YHC board.” 1960s, the Vietnam War was in full Nix said he too will pass the torch swing, so he joined the United States one day, ensuring that Genuine Parts Air Force. “I was in pilot training for Company remains connected to the 45 YHC-EchoesSp10-F2:Layout 1 7/14/10 3:31 PM Page 46

A Genuine LEADER

College. “We try to stay involved capital has grown over the past 82 when it acquired Atlanta-based EIS, with the community in general. One years into a leading Fortune 500 Inc., an electrical/electronic materials of my main objectives and goals is to enterprise in the U.S. automotive distribution group. take young people that come along aftermarket that exceeded $10 Today, the company’s automotive and get them involved in billion in revenue in 2009. parts division accounts for more philanthropies and non-profits,” he GPC grew steadily over the years, than half of GPC’s net sales and explained. “As long as Young Harris acquiring more stores and operates throughout all of North College wants someone from expanding their automotive parts America. It serves approximately Genuine Parts on the board, we’ll distribution services under the 5,800 NAPA Auto Parts stores in the make sure that tradition continues.” NAPA brand name. U.S. alone, about 1,000 of which are Genuine Parts Company places a “In 1969, the company decided to owned by GPC. great importance on community diversify and purchased Beck and By maintaining close ties with the involvement, both at the corporate Gregg Hardware,“ Nix said. The National Automotive Parts and individual level. “If our century-old hardware distributor Association and keeping a small- employees are happy and successful was located in downtown Atlanta. company atmosphere across all four individually, then we will be as a “We sold the company in the mid- of its divisions, Genuine Parts has company,” Nix said. “It’s pretty ’80s but held onto the building.” successfully weathered changing simple and basic in our minds.” GPC later donated the 2.5-block economic climates and consistently According to Nix, the company property to the Atlanta Olympic provided outstanding and reliable has one basic rule. “We try to follow Committee for the 1996 summer service to customers. Nix knows the the Golden Rule—the original games. It served as the foundation importance of a good name and Golden Rule—whether dealing with for Centennial Olympic Park. reputation. “We’ve got a lot of good, our employees or customers,” he In 1975, the company purchased talented people who make sure we said. S. P.Richards, an office products do the right thing,” he said. “We GPC has been doing something distributor and one of the oldest take great pride in our consistency right; the company, headquartered in companies in Georgia, having started and our integrity. That’s extremely north Atlanta, has been in existence up in Atlanta in 1848. One year important to us and our credibility and successful since 1928. later, it purchased Motion Industries, with customers.” That was the year Carlyle Frazer a Birmingham, Ala.-based industrial At GPC, doing the right thing goes moved to Atlanta and purchased a parts distributor that today makes beyond business success and small auto parts store. His fledgling up nearly one-third of GPC’s total community involvement. The auto parts distribution company net sales. The company’s last company has in place green with six employees and $40,000 in expansion to date came in 1998 initiatives for each business unit. “We believe that’s important in all YHC Board of Trustees Chairman Jerry Nix leads a YHC executive committee aspects of business today,” Nix meeting at Genuine Parts Company’s corporate office in Atlanta.

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added. “We think everyone appreciates companies who make an effort to be green.” GPC’s green initiatives are not just handed down from the top either. “Sometimes a lot of folks get into it because it’s a fad,” he said. “But for it to be sustainable, you have to get input from your employees.” GPC is ramping up company- wide efforts in 2010 with the

introduction of LEEP,the Forever Young Harris Living Earth Environmental Program. “We want to continue to raise awareness of environmental issues but also get input from our employees about how to live and work in Jerry Nix at Genuine Parts Company’s corporate office in Atlanta. ways that respect the earth and reduce our impact on the environment,” he do it. I’m happy to serve and am school as well,” he explained. “But said. committed to getting us through this because of the special place that Young LEEP program components include transition.” Harris has in their hearts and minds, promoting recycling and reusing Nix believes the board struck gold we know they will step up to invest in materials, communicating when they successfully lured YHC the future of YHC.” environmental issues and news with all President Cathy Cox away from Although he is not an alumnus, Nix employees through special Georgia politics. “I think that she has shares a similar attachment for the publications (printed on recycled made a huge difference in every way at College and its mission. “I’m happy to paper), and recognizing performance the College, and I think we will be associated with Young Harris and results from GPC locations and continue to see her influence,” he said College. I feel a little guilty about not individuals. “We give out awards to of Georgia’s first female secretary of having gone to school there,” he business units and locations that state. “She likes the challenge, and we admitted. A member of Marietta’s Mt. achieve their sustainability goals as believe she enjoys being out of politics Zion United Methodist Church, he well as give recognition to people who right now. Our challenge will be to understands the significant role the deserve credit,” he explained. keep her,” he added. small Methodist college has played in Nix’s business philosophy carries The other challenge Nix faces is many lives. “The feeling of the people over into his personal life as well. “I leading the College through its who did go there is so special, and don’t believe in being superficially upcoming major capital campaign. their experience was so unique. Many involved,” the Roswell resident said. “I “We hit this transition at the most have remained very involved and don’t care what it is. If you commit to inopportune time,” he said. “It would dedicated over the years—including doing something, you need to do it be a challenge even under the best of many of my colleagues on the board.” and do it to the best of your ability.” circumstances, but I think the He credits past outstanding leaders His wife of 42 years, Cheryl, and economic situation has made the for the College’s remarkable children, Hope, Jay and Scott, know board better and made us more accomplishments. “The secret is finally he means what he says. focused on all aspects of the process.” out about this wonderful place, and While he may never have thought Nix is confident that YHC can get we want it to be out,” Nix said. “That about taking on the chairmanship of the job done. “With the leadership is a tribute to Zell Miller, ’51, and all of the YHC board, the other board we’re going to have on this campaign, the contacts and connections he and members quickly picked up on Nix’s we will have a very successful other outstanding leaders have had. personal philosophy and knew they campaign. Many of our alumni also They have kept this board strong over had found the right person for the job. graduated from a four-year institution, the years, and I’m excited about what “When Paul stepped down, they asked and they are sharing their time, we’re going to accomplish going me to be chair,” he said. “I agreed to attention and resources with that forward and the legacy we will leave.”

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Campus Organ Strikes a Chord with Alumnus BYEMILYSANE

Each Wednesday evening for nearly Church. It was subsequently donated to wanted to be involved with the music two decades at Young Harris College, YHC in 1957. He admits the organ’s opportunities at the college so I could Jerry Taylor, ’71, has been heard during 1988 restoration was a reason for his keep learning,” he explained. the weekly service in Susan B. Harris decision to start playing at the chapel In 1971, Taylor graduated from YHC Chapel. Look and listen for Taylor services. with an associate of arts degree in sitting in what he believes is the best Taylor received his first organ from history. He earned a bachelor of arts seat in the house—behind the organ. his grandmother when he was 14. “It degree from the University of Georgia Taylor has played the College’s 1934 had been my grandfather’s organ, but it in 1973. He also received a master’s Möeller four-rank pipe organ during the no longer worked,” he said. “She said I degree in education from North Georgia campus chapel services since 1991. could have the organ if I could make it College in 1979 and a specialist degree “I’ve played many songs over many work. So I put the organ back together.” in education from Lincoln Memorial years with many people, but I really His musical vocation began earlier University in 1999. love the traditional hymns,” he said. than that. The lifelong Towns County Remaining an integral part of the “Those songs are the ones I play during resident started taking piano lessons Young Harris community during the chapel services.” when he was 11 years old. “Although I retirement, Taylor teaches Georgia began playing the piano at an early age, history for the Institute for Continuing I did not learn to play the organ until Learning, an adult-education center college,” Taylor said. affiliated with the College, and is an While attending Towns County High active member of the Towns County School, Taylor was inspired to continue Historical Society. In 1983, he was his piano lessons by his music teacher named Towns County Citizen of the Mary Ann Fox, who was also a Year. professor of music at Young Harris In his spare time, he also teaches College. She not only encouraged him piano and organ lessons, and he plays to practice and play but also suggested the organ at Good Shepherd Episcopal that he attend YHC. Church in nearby Hayesville, N.C. “Mrs. Fox encouraged me to develop In 2008 Taylor was presented the my music skills,” Taylor said. “She let Iuventus Award during Young Harris me go on some of the college music College’s Homecoming festivities for his Jerry Taylor, ‘71, at the Möeller pipe trips while I was just in high school. exemplary contributions to education organ in YHC’s Susan B. Harris Chapel Being with the older students and youth. motivated me to practice and play In addition to the weekly chapel The current Towns County historian, more.” services, Taylor has played the campus Taylor taught history for more than 30 Taylor also credits Dr. John Kay, ’56, organ for memorial services and other years at Towns County High School, for inspiring him to play the piano and special activities. “Presently the organ is where he was named Star Teacher and influencing his decision to attend Young in urgent need of a replacement for its Teacher of the Year in 1996. Harris College. Dr. Kay was the minister original blower motor that finally ‘gave After retiring, Taylor figured out a from 1967 to 1980 at Sharp Memorial up the ghost,’” Taylor explained. The way to combine his passion for history United Methodist Church, where Taylor repair is estimated to cost $10,000. For with his love of music. In 2007 he served as church organist from 1973 to now, he plays the Chapel’s piano. opened the Organ Loft in Young Harris. 2003. The church is located on the Taylor said he will continue to play The museum features 31 organs YHC campus. the organ for chapel services in the collected by Taylor that showcase the Taylor graduated from TCHS in future because he loves the music, the progression of the instruments from the 1969, and, according to him, his services and the students. “As long as I 1880s to the mid-1900s. transition to college life at Young Harris am asked, I will keep playing for chapel According to Taylor, the Susan B. was “natural and easy.” services,” Taylor said. “I enjoy being a Harris Chapel organ began its life in an He focused on history in the part of the weekly services and getting Atlanta funeral parlor, then was moved classroom but also took some music to know the students. That keeps me to Toccoa First United Methodist classes, including the pipe organ. “I young.”

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Class Notes Share your news with other Young Harris College alumni and friends. Send achievements, announcements and photos to: Young Harris College Class Notes Office of Alumni Services • P.O. Box 275 Young Harris, GA 30582 • [email protected] Class Notes

ACHIEVEMENTS& SANDY G. MCGREW, ’72, and her family LYNDEE ADAMS CAYUPE, ’88, has a son, ANNOUNCEMENTS have been living in Canton, Ga., for Benjamin, who just turned four and almost four years and enjoy the peace loves animals of all kinds. and beauty of the foothills in the Blue 1 9 4 0 s Ridge Mountains. 1 9 9 0 s

ERNEST Q. CAMPBELL, ’43, of Nashville, SAMANTHA SPEARS, ’90, has changed STAN ANDERSON, ’73, is the chair of the Tenn., is now an emeritus professor at graphic design department at Georgia career paths from non-profit Vanderbilt University, where he served State University and an associate management to website management and most of his career as professor and chair professor in GSU’s Welch School of Art photography. In addition to working full of sociology and dean of the Graduate & Design. Before joining the faculty at time for Marist School in Atlanta as the School. GSU, Anderson served for 21 years as web manager and photographer, she also has a photography business, TSI 1 9 6 0 s head of the broadcast design department at CNN, where he helped Ted Turner Photography. She currently resides in the East Cobb area of Atlanta. TRUSTEE REV.DAVID T. HAYGOOD SR., ’60, shape Turner’s vision for a 24-hour news represented Young Harris College at the network. BRYAN B. BRIDGES, ’92, is now the presidential inauguration of Dr. Dan Internet marketing director at Morgan McAlexander at LaGrange College, where JOHN BEVERSTEIN, ’78, and MARIANNE Stanley. Haygood is a member of the Class of NAIL BEVERSTEIN, ’79, are now owners of 1962 and his wife Harriette Kuhr a HoneyBaked Ham Co. and Café in P.JEAN HARN, ’93, has two beautiful Haygood is a member of the Class of Columbia, Mo. children, a wonderful husband and great 1964. friends. ANN HARPER SMITH, ’79, published the LYNDA LOVELL BOGGS, ’65, recently book Written On My Heart: Daily MAIREAD MOLONEY, ’95, received her retired from teaching and is looking Devotions for your Journey through the Ph.D. in sociology from the University of forward to gardening and seeing her Bible in January 2010. The book was North Carolina at Chapel Hill in children and grandchildren more often. published by Smyth & Helwys. December 2009. She is currently a post- doctoral research fellow in the Program DWIGHT BURGER, ’67, attended the 1 9 8 0 s on Integrative Medicine in the UNC University of Georgia after YHC. He BARBARA J. BANTA, ’83, is in her 16th Department of Medicine, as well as a enlisted in the U.S. Air Force and year as associate artist at The Foundation teaching fellow in the Department of completed a tour of duty in Thailand. He for Hospital Art, a non-profit Social Medicine. earned a master of social work degree at organization that provides artwork to the University of Washington School of hospitals and care facilities at no cost. HOLLY MULLINS NGUYEN, ’99, lives in Social Work and became a licensed She has traveled around the U.S. and the LaGrange, Ga., and is a textile designer clinical social worker. He changed his world to paint and use her art degree to for Milliken & Co. Reverend Dr. first name to Andrew, using Dwight as help others. Timothy S. his middle name. He now resides in 2 0 0 0 s Moore Atlanta. MARKUS “STORK”LEDERGERBER, ’83, is JOSEPH DELOACH, ’03, is the manager of 1 9 7 0 s the new director of housekeeping and laundry with Cutter Services at Shannon- Briarpatch Office Products, Inc. in Eatonton, Ga. WARD (SKIPPER) P.RIGGINS, ’70, received Gray in Jamestown, N.C. He is in charge his B.A. from Georgia Southern of the housekeeping and laundry staff KIMBERLY LYNCH, ’08, graduated summa University after YHC and now resides in and oversees minor repairs of the new cum laude from Georgia College and Rancho Mirage, Calif. 150-bed facility. Markus and his wife of more than 12 years, Mary, have lived in State University in May 2010 with a degree in political science and a minor in RALPH (ED)REED, ’70, was elected North Carolina for more than five years, Spanish. She plans to begin law school in president of the Union County Historical where they have welcomed numerous Fall 2011. Society, succeeding YHC alumnus Sam foster children into their home. Ensley, ’60, who served three years at the helm. (Continued on page 52)

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YHC Alumni Honored for Lifetime of Service BYPEGGYCOZART

Technically speaking, Lee and Jerry science in education and social Aldridge are retired. However, that studies, and later, his master’s degree does not mean the busy Young Harris in administration, both from Georgia College alumni have time on their Southern University. hands. The two former educators have Life in Covington suited them well, always been dedicated volunteers in and the Aldridges took root, becoming service to their community. mainstays in the community and The Aldridges came to Young Harris raising a family there. The family College more than 50 years ago. As remains close-knit and nearby. they flip through the pages of their yearbooks, recalling names and pointing out faces, it seems like just yesterday that they were on the YHC campus. The two young students hailed from two very different parts of Georgia. Lee said. “If I had attended Costley, ’59, as she was known then, UGA I never would have grew up in not-so-far-away Covington, graduated.” while Jerry Aldridge, ’58, was from Lee recounts details Blackshear, near the southeast corner about friends and teachers of the state. They came for different who touched her life, reasons. Lee applied to only one calling her experience at school, knowing exactly where she YHC life altering. “The staff wanted to be. Jerry enrolled thanks to was extraordinarily kind, Lee and Jerry Aldridge flip through the persistent efforts of a high school sweet and cooperative,” she recalled. the pages of one of their YHC counselor who secured a work “The faculty loved you. If you wanted yearbooks at their home in Covington. scholarship for him. to excel, you had the opportunities to Lee fell in love with YHC the do so, both in academic studies and in Daughter Cindy Norton lives in moment she saw it. “I thought the extracurricular activities.” neighboring Rockdale County and campus was beautiful and peaceful,” The couple met while working in works for the Department of Family she said. “I saw so many students the campus dining hall. She waited and Children Services. Son Keith is a milling about and talking to each tables; he washed pots and pans. pediatrician in Hall County, and other. To me it looked like a little “Everybody wanted to work in the youngest son Austin, who lives across piece of heaven, and it was.” She had dining hall. Other students often the street from Lee and Jerry, is a learned of YHC through her begged to take my place,” Lee said. “I Baptist youth pastor in McDonough. hometown Methodist church. had a blast and got to know Of their offspring’s career choices Jerry Knowing she wanted an affiliated everybody. It was not only an likes to say, “There is one to save your school, her pastor recommended the opportunity to meet the other students children, one to save your life and one college. but a way to make instant to save your soul.” On the other hand, Jerry arrived at friendships.” Lee retired from the Newton County YHC in the fall of 1956 when his Teaching and helping is a way of life school system in 1998, after nearly 38 parents dropped him off at “this place for the couple who eventually settled years of teaching. “I loved teaching that seemed like the end of the world.” in Lee’s hometown of Covington. After and to be able to touch a child’s life in He was certain he would soon return both graduated with associate degrees a positive way,” she said. “It is to Blackshear. By Christmas break his from YHC, Lee went on to earn dual miraculous to see the light turn on. outlook had changed, and he was in degrees in science and home Kids are wonderful. As long as they love with the place. “The students economics from Georgia College, knew you loved them, they loved were so friendly, like a big family,” he while Jerry earned his bachelor of you.”

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“Miss A,” as she was always known Beaver award, the highest honor a Boy much time on their hands,” said Jerry, to her students, taught physical Scouts of America volunteer can who sees his time as something he science, biology, anatomy and receive. As a scoutmaster he has has to offer. “Somebody gave for you physiology, and senior biology (now guided 35 scouts to the rank of Eagle to get there. You have to give back.” called AP) at Newton County High Scout and currently has four boys This year, the couple received the School. working toward the goal. Additionally, R. O. Arnold Award, honoring their Jerry spent four years in the Jerry has been on nearly a dozen lifetime of service and commitment to

classroom, teaching history and civics, mission trips to Mexico and is a Newton County. The most prestigious Class Notes before moving into administration as longtime member of the Covington honor a Newton County resident can an elementary school principal and Kiwanis Club, having received the receive, the award was presented to then finishing his 31-year career as honor of Kiwanian of the Year and the Aldridges during the Covington- assistant principal at Newton County lifetime membership. Newton County Chamber of High School. Lee’s accolades include being Commerce’s annual meeting. When Of being a principal, the calm- named as one of the 2005 Women of accepting the award Lee said she was spoken Jerry said, “I always tried to Newton County in recognition of her literally speechless “for the first time do whatever was best for teachers and professional and volunteer in my life.” Then in May, the students. I was not necessarily an accomplishments. She is known for Aldridges were named Georgia administrator’s administrator. The her work as chair of the Newton Federated Woman’s Club Family of central office tended to see it all in County literacy program “Reach Out the Year in recognition of their black and white, and I worked a lot and Read” and for the annual dedication to church and community in the gray area, trying to temper classroom readings she gives dressed activities. rules to the situation.” as “The Cat in the Hat” each year Explaining the couple’s hours and To honor him in his last year as celebrating Dr. Seuss’s birthday. In years of professional and community assistant principal at Newton County honor of her more than 5,000 hours service Lee said simply, “I always felt High School, the senior class chose of service to the hospital, Lee received like we had servants’ hearts. It’s what Jerry to announce their names at the 2009 President’s Volunteer Service we enjoy doing.” graduation. Making the day even Award, given on behalf of the White more special was the fact that the House. Aldridges’ youngest son was a The couple embodies a personal member of the class of 1991. philosophy of giving back to their Beyond the classroom and the community. “So many people have so office, the Aldridges have logged countless hours of their time in volunteer endeavors. Lee coached cheerleading and served as advisor to the yearbook, school paper and Y Club. Over the years, Jerry found time to drive the bus for Lee’s cheerleading squad and announce the football games as the “Voice of the Rams.” Both taught Sunday School, Jerry for 40 years, Lee for 20 years, and have served on many boards at their home church of nearly 50 years, Julia A. Porter United Methodist, and both were 4-H volunteers for 30 years. Both currently volunteer at Newton Medical Center. Jerry has been involved in Boy Scouts since 1964, becoming Pages from the couple’s YHC yearbooks. Jerry is pictured in the lower scoutmaster of Troop 222 in Newton row, second from the left, in the book he is holding. Lee is seen standing, County in 1989. He holds the Silver to the left, in the book she is showing.

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JOE BANAS, ’01, married Allison McGee on TRAVIS BYRD, ’08, is engaged to ELIZABETH Class Notes Aug. 8, 2009, at St. John United Methodist HUNT, ’08. Travis proposed at Cupid Falls, Church in Atlanta. They reside in Duluth, where they had their first date. The Ga. wedding is scheduled for 2011. ENGAGEMENTS, MARRIAGES&BIRTHS JENNIFER DIEMER BROWN, ’01, and family announce the birth of her son Levi Jeremy INMEMORIAM Brown on Sept. 12, 2009. 1 9 9 0 s WILLIAM BURNETTE, ’58 ARION EARSON INALDI Dec. 19, 2009 KATY ROBERTS FIELDER, ’92, and her M P R , ’02, and her husband, MARK FIELDER, ’89, announce the husband, Dominick Rinaldi, announce the J. WILLIAM DENTON, ’55 birth of their daughter on Sept. 1, 2008. birth of their daughter, Elizabeth Grace, on Nov. 12, 2009. Feb. 20, 2010 BRANDEY SMITH CONN, ’94, and her ROBERT E. EDWARDS, ’62 husband, Dan Conn, announce the NANCY MANN WILLIAMS, ’02, and her June 6, 2010 adoption of their son, Evan James, who was husband, Dave Williams, announce the born on Aug. 20, 2008. birth of their daughter, Marylou Grace, on Sept. 11, 2009. She joins big brother Max. MARSHALL R. ELIZER, ’30 Nov. 26, 2009 HEATHER WHITE, ’95, married Ryan Saltamacchio on April 12, 2008, at First STEPHANIE STYKES MARTIN, ’03, and her JAMES E. FARGASON, ’37 United Methodist Church of Lawrenceville, husband, Luke Martin, announce the birth May 7, 2009 Ga. Their daughter, Makayla Grace, was of their son, Layton Henry, on March 14, born on Nov. 12, 2009. She weighed 7 2010. He weighed 9 pounds and was 21 PRESTON R. FERGUSON, ’57 pounds, 12 ounces and was 20 3/4 inches inches long. He joins three-year-old big Dec. 11, 2009 long. brother Logan.

ELLIE ASON BOBBY J. FITZPATRICK, ’51 MEG CAINE DU PLOOY, ’96, and her K J. M , ’03, accepted a marriage Oct. 7, 2009 husband, Braam du Plooy, announce the proposal from her long-time boyfriend birth of their son on July 22, 2009. Joshua Nelke on March 12, 2010. They currently live in Canton, Ga., and are MARTHA FOLEY, ’45 Oct. 4, 2009 LAURA SMITH COGGINS, ’97, and her planning a spring wedding for 2011. husband, Jason Coggins, welcomed their REID P.GALEY, ’89 first child, daughter Ava Elizabeth, on Nov. MARY BLACKSTONE, ’04, married Matthew Jan. 19, 2010 10, 2009. Ava weighed 8 pounds, 1 ounce William Busbee on July 11, 2009, in and was 19 inches long. Athens, Ga. The couple enjoyed a honeymoon in Italy and now resides in REYNOLDS GREENE JR. Friend of YHC CHRISTINE JOHN, ’97, married John Fuller Stone Mountain, Ga. Jan. 16, 2010 on Nov. 14, 2009, at St. Mary’s Chapel in Charlotte, N.C. LACIE TRAVIS, ’04, is engaged to LUKE MARDEN, ’04. The wedding is scheduled for DORIS M. HAMILTON, ’39 April 8, 2010 JAMIE HARPER, ’98, and KAREN WILLIAMS July 31, 2010, at Young Harris College’s HARPER, ’99, announce the birth of their Susan B. Harris Chapel. W. DALE HAMPTON, ’37 third child, Benjamin James, on Aug. 23, March 8, 2010 2009, at Parkwest Medical Center in NATALIE S. ROUSSEAU, ’05, married Gregory Knoxville, Tenn. He weighed 9 pounds, 2 Mullis on Nov. 14, 2009, in Columbia, S.C. HOWARD G. HANSON ounces and was 20 1/2 inches long. AMY BECK, ’05, married Robert Jason Faculty member at YHC Feb. 2, 2010 MARY BETH RUTLEDGE THOMPSON, ’99, and Conner Jr. on May 30, 2009, at Young her husband announce the birth of their Harris Memorial United Methodist Church VIRGINIA HEMRICK, ’34 second child, Lincoln James, on July 9, in Athens, Ga. Jan. 10, 2010 2009. He joins big sister Gracyn Elizabeth. KEVIN GIBBONS, ’06, proposed to Ashley Domm during a trip to Istanbul, Turkey. JIMMIE C. HILL, ’65 March 28, 2010 2 0 0 0 s They are currently living in Sheffield, England, where Kevin is completing a DR.JAYME WILLIAMS, ’00, married Capt. master of science degree in environmental JOHN M. HOOD, ’39 Adam Holcombe on Nov. 28, 2009. archaeology and palaeoeconomy. They are May 14, 2010 planning a welcome-home wedding for fall BRIDGET R. LARSEN, ’00, and RYAN C. of 2010 in Lake Placid, N.Y. PAULA P.JOHNSON, ’58 LEVERETTE, ’04, were married on May 11, March 11, 2010 2009, in the Cayman Islands. They reside in Athens, Ga.

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CLYDE LEE JR., ’48 May 21, 2010 Seasons of Friendship

FRANK MACKEY, ’40 CLASS OF 1958 RAISES THE BAR Dec. 13, 2009 FORALUMNIPARTICIPATION

ROBERT HOUSTON MADDEN III, ’91 Don’t call them senior citizens—the attend the July festivities and enjoy May 4, 2010 Class of 1958 never got the memo dinner together on Friday night. Class Notes CLYDE G. MCCARVER, ’39 that college was over. The Young When the next season rolls around, Sept. 29, 2009 Harris College alumni group learned the class, naturally, gets together to stay connected over the past 50- again, this time with Morgan hosting JEFF S. MCCLELLAND, ’84 plus years by taking trips together, the fall fun in Comer. “In October we June 12, 2010 meeting for lunch or gather to enjoy a dinner, participating barbecue meal out JOE M. MILLER, ’46 in YHC alumni in the country,” April 7, 2010 events, taking on Morgan said. HARRY L. MITCHAM SR., ’33 fundraising projects The Class of May 24, 2010 to support their 1958 is also alma mater and, in paving the way LEONARD A. MOEN, ’58 Class Coordinator for future Jan. 9, 2010 Carole D. Morgan’s generations of words, “keeping the YHC students— ROBERT G. MOORE, ’58 Feb. 21, 2010 YHC spirit alive.” literally. “One of “Each January, our class projects Members of the Class of 1958 DONALD C. NICHOLS, ’46 under the leadership gather at Young Harris College is the Brick Paver Sept. 2, 2009 of classmate Dr. Gary during Homecoming 2008 to Campaign,” Green, we gather celebrate their 50th class reunion. Morgan explained. DONALD H. NORRIS, ’56 for a luncheon in During the last Oct. 25, 2009 Gainesville,” Morgan two years, they said. In 2010, Director of Alumni have placed at least 20 bricks on the WILLIAM A. NORTON JR., ’57 March 27, 2010 Services Dana Ensley, ’97, joined the YHC plaza with plans to add more in party to share with them the exciting the future. W. JOSEPH PATTERSON JR., ’37 details of the College’s four-year Without a doubt, their most Feb. 26, 2010 transformation and what the growth remarkable alumni contribution was means for alumni often concerned made in 2008 when, in honor of their J. MICHAEL PORTERFIELD, ’67 about change. 50th reunion, the class presented a May 28, 2010 “I was thrilled to be a part of the gift of $50,000 to the Young Harris

ETHEL RYAN, ’34 Class of 1958’s winter tradition,” Alumni Foundation, which merged May 28, 2010 Ensley said. “I was able to assure them with the College later that year. that ‘good ol’ YHC’ is still the same “The Class of ’58 is an admirable JOHN M. STONE, ’38 place they fell in love with, only now example of how we, as alumni, can Feb. 6, 2010 students get the opportunity they make Young Harris College a part of always wanted—to stay four years.” our lives long after graduation,” CHARLES M. WHITE, ’56 The 70-somethings still enjoy a Ensley said. “Their year-round Dec. 10, 2009 lively “spring break” too. Every April, enthusiastic participation in College- they take a trip together and invite hosted events and their own class members of the classes of ’59 and ’60 gatherings is an impressive feat all of to join them. This year’s trip was us can strive to achieve.” hosted by Andy and Edna Lee Unaware of the true definition of Borders, both Class of ’59 grads, in “retirement,” the Class of 1958 has Shelbyville, Tenn. “We had 15 people been actively keeping the college on this trip,” Morgan said. spirit alive for half a century; don’t They also look forward to YHC’s expect them to slow down any annual Homecoming/Alumni Weekend time soon. in the summer. Many of the classmates

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On the Road of Service BYPEGGYCOZART

Carrie Miller, ’06, has a servant’s courtyard under the stars and a heart and an adventurer’s spirit. The mosquito net. young alumna recently returned to While in Africa, Miller shared her the United States following 14 experiences via her blog On the Road months of service as a Peace Corps Again. She noted that during her first volunteer in Niger, West Africa. month in the village she had After earning an associate of arts successfully learned to transport degree from Young Harris College buckets of water balanced, African– and a bachelor of arts degree in style, on her head sociology from the University of without spilling a drop. Georgia, Miller traveled to Niger in Carrie Miller, ‘06, spent 14 Since all of her water months as a Peace Corps October 2008, eager to serve and had to be carried from a volunteer in Niger, West explore a new place. well and filtered before Africa, learning about the Miller’s father, Charles Miller, said of local way of life and use, this was no small his daughter, “She wants to help and teaching her villagers accomplishment. make a difference in the world.” about outside cultures. In one compelling blog Living in a small village in the post, Miller eloquently Tillaberi region, a four- to five-hour “The utter bewilderment of wrote of how death seems drive from Niger’s capital city, Niamey, simply to occur in the villages of rural Miller worked with local farmers to moving to a village in West Niger. In a span of two days there combat desertification and with local Africa without being able to were as many deaths in Miller’s women to help create income- speak the language cannot world. One day a neighbor reported generating activities. Additionally, she be explained though words.” to her, almost casually, that her taught environmental education to daughter died the day before. Then children at the local school. CARRIE MILLER, ’06 Miller told about a man falling from a “The biggest part of being a ferry the night before that. “The ferry cannot be explained though words,” volunteer is cross-cultural exchange, stopped and circle around for about she said. “And yet in the two months I so I spent a lot of time learning the 30 minutes but eventually gave up, spent in my CBT (Community Based local language, Zarma (or Djarma in and we went on our way minus one Training) site, I made good friends French), to be able to communicate man,” she wrote. “Death is common whom I will miss tremendously.” with my villagers and tell them stories everywhere, a fact of life, but here it is Miller got around via a healthy mix about America,” Miller explained. accepted differently. I must begin to of walking (what most Americans “Many villagers have never been to the accept it in the same way.” might call hiking), bicycling and capital city and have a limited view of The cross-cultural experiences of public transportation, known as a the outside world and other cultures.” understanding and misunderstanding bush taxi. Take a van or old truck By the third day of her arrival in seem to run both ways. One evening, from an American junkyard, overload Niger she had moved in with her host as Miller was relaxing with a good it with people and farm animals, both family to begin her training. book, she thought the sounds of the inside and on the roof, and you get an Volunteers spend two months with village seemed particularly rowdy. She idea of Miller’s experience in a bush host families, learning language, skills decided to stick with her book but taxi. and customs they will need while soon was persuaded by a villager to Living conditions were difficult with living in Africa—not to mention come out and see the “fire” the temperature most days climbing to learning how to navigate the villages (electricity) and video. Someone had well over 100 degrees Fahrenheit. and markets. brought a generator, a television and Miller lived in a mud hut with a grass “The utter bewilderment of moving several music DVDs into the village. roof and no electricity or running to a village in West Africa without As American pop star Usher sang water. She typically slept in her being able to speak the language amid an array of scantily clad female

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dancers, villagers inquired of Miller, “Is from home took about two weeks to in the Peace Corps,” she said. this what all of America is like?” “No, reach her while packages usually made Her answer is not a surprise, coming it is not,” was her succinct reply. it in four weeks. She warned friends from someone who dedicated more Miller was able to speak with her and family, “Don’t expect a quick than a year to doing extremely tough family via cell phone weekly. In an reply.” Friends mostly kept in touch work in extremely tough conditions— interesting twist, most developing with Miller over the Internet, though and loving it. In her blog, where she Class Notes countries in Africa are investing in cell the quality was poor, and she only had touted her water carrying abilities, she phone technology, and Miller was able access when she traveled to Niamey. also summarized her first month in the to tap into the modern world using a Back in the U.S., she is somewhat village, tabulating the number of solar charger to power her phone, undecided about what her future will scorpions killed (1), weddings (3), iPod and other small electronics. hold and is “still getting used to funerals (3), marriage proposals On the other hand, the postal America again.” She has spent time received (too many), times she cried service is primitive. Miller had to travel hiking sections of the Appalachian (2), and the number of times she 25 kilometers (more than 15 miles) Trail while deciding on her next knew Niger was the place she wanted from her village to the larger town of adventure. “I may work for a non- to be (daily). Gotheye to pick up her mail. Letters profit or go to grad school or re-enroll

popular hits on the show, including Natasha Bedingfield’s Alumna Takes Part in Unwritten, George Michael’s Freedom! ’90 and Michael Jackson’s Man in the Mirror before finishing the Nationally Televised competition with So Long, Farewell from The Sound of Music. Singing Competition According to Usher, her experience at Young Harris helped prepare her for the competition. “I majored in LaTisha Wilson Usher, ’07, received somewhat of an liberal arts, and I loved being a part of the choir during early Christmas present last December when she landed my time at YHC. I sang under the direction of Jeff the opportunity to compete on NBC’s “one-of-a-kind Bauman at YHC and learned vocal technique that has battle of voices” television show The Sing-Off. Usher helped me excel in music performance,” she said. performed with Lee University’s 10-voice a cappella The show’s memorable finale included performances ensemble, Voices of Lee, who by Smokey Robinson, Boyz II Men advanced to the final round of the (including judge Shawn Stockman), vocal group competition show that Bobby McFerrin, (judge) Nicole aired Dec. 14-16 and ultimately Scherzinger, Natasha Bedingfield and finished second runner-up in the (judge) Ben Folds. star-studded finale on Dec. 21. “Being a part of the competition was More than 800 singing groups an unbelievable experience. It was so auditioned across the country exciting to meet the celebrities involved before the final eight were chosen in the show,” Usher said. “We worked for the show. When Voices of Lee hard the entire time we were in LaTisha Wilson Usher, ’07, and director Danny Murray learned California and had a great time learning Voices of Lee about an audition in Atlanta, he how things worked in the television selected 10 of the group’s alumni who he felt had business. It was such a great opportunity to do what good chemistry. we love.” “The 10 of us had performed together for a solid two Usher graduated from Lee University in 2008 with a years prior to the show,” Usher said, who attended Lee bachelor’s degree in behavioral science and is currently after graduating from YHC. “We went to the Atlanta earning her master’s degree in school counseling. “I plan audition thinking we would just try and see how it went. to be a school counselor in middle or high school,” she We never thought we would really get picked.” said. “I want to be an academic advisor to students and Voices of Lee performed unique renditions of many help them find a career path they love.”

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NON PROFIT US POSTAGE PAID Office of Alumni Services ATLANTA, GA P.O. Box 275 PERMIT #2380 Young Harris, GA 30582

YOUNG HARRIS COLLEGE CONFERS 147 DEGREES DURING 2010 COMMENCEMENT

On May 8, Young Harris College awarded 147 degrees to students in liberal arts, religious studies, art, musical theatre, music, theatre, science, allied health, athletic training, business, education and outdoor education. Many of the graduates will return to campus as juniors in the fall. Look for the full story in the next issue of Echoes.

For up-to-the-minute news, announcements and fun, connect with YHC online. Find us on Facebook, and follow us on Twitter @YH_College.

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