EchoesS U M M E R 2 0 0 8

EchoesVOLUME 9, ISSUE 2

HOW TO CONTACT US:

Echoes accepts submissions of articles, stories,photographs and letters. Please send submissions, requestsor changes of address to:

Young Harris CollegeOffice of Alumni RelationsPO Box 275Young Harris, GA 30582

(800) 241-3754alumni@yhc.edu

On the CoverCover photo taken by Melissa Mitchell

ContentsF EATURES

4 Remembering ReeceBY DR. JOHN KAY

6 Two Generationsof Art at YHCBY DAVID SELLERS ‘70

L E T T ERS

26 Letter from the PresidentCATHY COX

DEPARTMENTS

A L U M N I

8 Homecoming 2008Inauguration

F A C U LT Y & S T A F F

12 2008 A Year ofOpportunityBY DR. RON ROACH

13 Strategic Plan

15 One Size Fits All

S T U D E N T S

16 Sweet 17BY DR. MEG GRING WHITLEY

18 Ben Anderson ‘99Memorial

N E W S & E V E N T S

20 YHC 2008Clay Dotson Open

22 People in the News

23 Paul D. Beckham Honored

24 Activities Calendar

25 RememberingMama ShawBY JENNIFER A. MARSHALL ‘79

w w w. y h c . e d u 3

STATEMENT OF PURPOSE:Echoes, the official magazine of Young

Harris College, is devoted to sharinginformation about this special place.• For those whose lives were changed by abrief period spent in the north Georgiamountains at a small, private college—this magazine is for you.• For the numerous friends of the institutionwho have shared in the vision of theschool—this is an affirmation of your trust.• For the current and former facultymembers who have given tirelessly to thedevelopment and advancement of thisunique institution—this is a celebrationof your labor.• For the parents and students of today—this is an invitation to your future.This magazine tells the story of the

traditions and heritage of YHC, as wellas the evolution of changes and excitingadditions that make it grow as a greateducational institution.

MAGAZINE STAFF:Editor in Chief Jennifer A. Marshall ‘79

Contributors Leslie andTonyBabcock ‘99Dr. Jason BrownCathy CoxJason Duke ’99Dr. Meg GringWhitleyRenee Orr Hilley ‘99Dr. John KayJennifer A. Marshall ‘79Ann P. NelsonChris Postell ‘99Dr. Ron RoachDavid Sellers ‘70John “Smitty” Smith ‘99

Photography Cathy AndersonRick Blackshear ‘76Dr. Meg GringWhitleyBertW. Huffman ‘97Shannon E. HuffmanMichelle E. Martin ‘96Melissa MitchellRuth PageDavid Sellers ‘70

Art Director/Design Melissa Mitchell

Managing Editor Ann P. Nelson

16

23

4

ne mile north of VogelState Park, in “the land of

the dancing rabbits,” travelers downUS Highway 129 will encounter aGeorgia historical marker along theroadside.The first two lines of themarker text read,“RenownedAppalachian poet, novelist andfarmer Byron Herbert Reece livedmost of his life near this site. Herehe composed, to critical acclaim,four volumes of poetry and twonovels, Better a Dinner of Herbs andThe Hawk and the Sun.”The finaltwo sentences read,“Suffering fromtuberculosis, Reecetook his own life threemonths before his 41stbirthday. He is buriedin Old UnionCemetery near YoungHarris.”Fifty years have passed since

Reece brought to an end a lifeplagued by illness, loneliness,relentless duties and literaryachievements compromised by lackof monetary reward.Those whoknew him in those last days recall a man who sufferedfrom deep depression.His life ended where recognition of his literary genius

began in earnest, on the campus of YHC. In the late1930s, the young Reece had been a student of DeanLufkin Dance and was the shining star of the Quill Club,founded and led by Dance. Now in the ‘50s, Reece hadreturned to his alma mater to teach, not out of choice, but

out of financial necessity.Thebullet that ended his life cutshort the promising career of apoet and novelist, but it couldnot do violence to the literarylegacy he left behind.

In the mid-60s, during hispresidency at YHC, Dr. Raymond

Cook revived interestin Reece byestablishing theByron HerbertReece MemorialCollection, located inthe Duckworth

Library. He further used hisinfluence to establish the BHRMemorial Lecture series at thecollege. Dr. Cook became the firstbiographer with his book MountainSinger:The Life and the Legacy ofByron Herbert Reece. CherokeePress andThe University ofGeorgia Press have continuedpublication of Reece’s books ofpoetry and two novels, all of whichremain available for purchase.The most recent impetus for

promoting Reece occurred in 2003when the Byron Herbert ReeceSociety was organized in a meetingon the YHC campus. Beginningwith 301 charter members, thesociety has in the five years of its

existence made significant strides inachieving its mission to preserve,perpetuate and

promote the literary and culturallegacies of Reece.These accomplishments include

the production of an oral historyDVD entitled “The Bitter Berrywith friends,” which featuresexcerpts of interviews with nine persons who wereacquainted with Reece.A “Reece in the Schools” committee is working to

introduce Reece and his works to students in local schoolsystems. Lesson plans are evolving, and more and more

O

4 E c h o e s

ReeceB Y D R . J O H N K A Y

R E M E M B E R I N G

teachers are including in theircurricula aspects of the culture andwritings of Reece.The most demanding of the

society’s projects is the establishmentof the Byron Herbert Reece Farmand Heritage Center on the 9.3 acresof the family homestead in Choestoe.The aim is to provide a place wherevisitors will learn about Reece aswriter and farmer. A master plan hasbeen designed by architect GarlandReynolds of Gainesville, andapproximately one-third of the fundsneeded to complete the project hasbeen secured through several grantsand private donations.To date, thebarns have been restored and madeready for agricultural exhibits, theReece family house has been movedand prepared for renovation as theVisitor’s Center, and a bridge is under

construction acrossWolf Creek,linking the two major portions of theproperty. Detailed information aboutthis objective and other societyactivities is available atwww.byronherbertreecesociety.org.Following Reece’s death in 1958,

Ralph McGill, noted editor of TheAtlanta Constitution, wrote thesewords:“He will live in the hearts ofthose who knew him.Appreciationof him as a poet will increase hisstature across the years ahead.Whathe might have been, how far hemight have gone as a poet, none may

say. He left usenough of poetryand of friendshipto give him a placeas one of the best

and most sensitive poets of our time.This he would accept as epitaphenough.”Arguably, Reece is the most

important literary figureto have matriculated atYHC over the 122 yearsof its history.Thecollege now serves asthe headquarters of theReece Society, and theDuckworth Library isthe principal repositoryof the Reece archivalmaterials and

memorabilia.We have embraced hislegacy.In commemorating the 50th

anniversary of his death, ourchallenge is to ponder the value ofthat legacy and its rightful place inthe college’splans for thefuture.

w w w. y h c . e d u 5

The Byron Herbert ReeceFarm and Heritage Center

developed by The ByronHerbert Reece Society

Ezra Sellers arrived on the campusof YHC in 1935, entering theacademy in the eighth grade. By thetime he was ready to begin hiscollege studies, Ezra had chosen theministry as his major. Officiating at afuneral at a local church as one of hisduties, he was shocked when a youngwidow jumped into the casket of herdead husband and had to be forciblyremoved. Ezra decided that hissensitivities could best be utilized byhis second love, art.After graduating from YHC in

1941, he continued his studies at TheUniversity of Georgia, did a stint in

the Army duringWorldWar II,married Bettie Mixon, and started afamily.Teaching art under LamarDodd at UGA gave him thefoundation to accept the head of theart department at LaGrange College.By 1965,YHC had completed the

Clegg Fine Arts Building and waslooking for someone to build an artsprogram. Ezra’s dream had alwaysbeen to return to the valley of YoungHarris, and when offered the job, hemoved his family to the mountains.He had a passion for painting the

mountain area, and by 1975, onefavorite painting of Double Knobs

TWO GENERATIONSof Art at YHC

BY DAV I D S E L L ER S ‘ 7 0

Alumni

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6 E c h o e s

was used by the college to makeprints to be given to graduatingstudents.This gave each student aspecial reminder of this beautifulplace where they had lived andlearned.In 1968, David Sellers graduated

from Berry Academy in Rome andreceived a music scholarship to Berry

College. After careful consideration,he chose instead to enter YHC andstudy art under his father andliterature with his mother Bettie.On leaving the valley, he entered

the Army during theVietnamConflict, returning to his studies oncompletion of his tour of duty.Following the family tradition, Davidfound himself in Paris, France,teaching art at Schiller College. Butlike his father, the call of themountains was too strong. So by1975 he returned to Young Harris toopen the Appalachian Gallery, nowlocated behind the tennis courtsadjacent to the campus.David’s love of painting the

mountains was much like his father’s.And in the spring of 2008, hepainted his version of Double Knobsand the valley.Wanting to create asimilar memory for graduatingstudents, he approached theadministration about the idea ofmaking prints of his new painting.

They accepted his idea, and noweach graduate has a print of the placewhere they lived and studied. Awonderful memory of the time theyspent at YHC is now theirs.In the photographs, you may

notice that both Ezra and David arewearing the same painting smock.On his father’s death in 1986, Davidwas given his dad’s smock and paintbrushes which he uses daily to followthat wonderful tradition passed on tohim from his teacher, mentor andfriend.At this year’s homecoming, the

original painting of “TheValley” willgo to the highest bidder at a silentauction to help fund the upcomingbuilding program for the college.Prints of the painting will also be

available for a $100 donation.VisitHomecoming 2008, and take homeyour own memory of the valley ofYoung Harris.

w w w. y h c . e d u 7

R E V I S I T , R E M E M B E R , R E C O N N E C T

omecoming 2008, July 24-27,

promises to be an unforgettable

experience for every alumni and friend of

YHC! Not only will you have the opportunity

to reconnect and revisit your alma mater and

special friends, classmates and professors, you

will have the opportunity to celebrate one of

the most exciting times ever at the college.

President Cathy Cox will be inaugurated as

the 21st president of YHC on Saturday at

10:30 a.m., and together we will begin the

journey to becoming a four-year,

baccalaureate degree-granting institution.

Plan to be on hand for this exciting event as

well as all the activities and events planned by

the Homecoming Committee of the

AAYHC. If you are a member of a reunion

class this year and don’t see your information

on the schedule, please contact the alumni

office for the latest information.

Come back and spend a magical weekend in

the enchanted valley as we celebrate cherished

memories and old friendship and look ahead

to our exciting future. You won’t be

disappointed!

H

Alumni

�

2008

8 E c h o e s

The Trustees, Faculty, Staff, Students and Alumni of

YOUNG HARRIS COLLEGE

Request the honor of your presence at

THE INAUGURATION OFCATHY COX, J.D., LL.D.

As the Twenty-First President of

YOUNG HARRIS COLLEGE

Saturday morning, the twenty-sixth of July

Two thousand and eight

At half past ten o’clock

Hilda D. Glenn Auditorium

Young Harris, Georgia

e

The favor of a reply is requested by July 1, 2008

T H U R S D AY, J U LY 2 4

3 p.m. RegistrationTent Opens, Campus Plaza

11:30–1:30 p.m. Lunch, Grace Rollins Dining Hall

4:45–6 p.m. Dinner, Grace Rollins Dining Hall

7–9 p.m. Meet and GreetMyers Student Center

8 p.m. RegistrationTent Closes, Campus Plaza

F R I D AY, J U LY 2 5

7 a.m. Coffee, Grace Rollins Dining Hall

7:30–9 a.m. Breakfast, Grace Rollins Dining Hall

9 a.m. RegistrationTent Opens, Campus Plaza

11:30–1:30 p.m. Lunch, Grace Rollins Dining Hall

2–3 p.m. MakeYour Own Ice Cream SundaeTent, Campus Plaza

3 p.m. Planetarium Show, Rollins Planetarium

4:45–6 p.m. Dinner, Grace Rollins Dining Hall

7 p.m. YHC’s Gala for GreenBrasstownValley Resort(Reception at 6 p.m.)Annual Alumni Awards will be presentedat this banquet.

8 p.m. RegistrationTent Closes, Campus Plaza

8:30 p.m. Planetarium Show, Rollins Planetarium

S AT U R D AY, J U LY 2 6

7 a.m. Coffee, Grace Rollins Dining Hall

7:30–9 a.m. Breakfast, Grace Rollins Dining Hall

9 a.m. RegistrationTent Opens, Campus Plaza

9 a.m. Inauguration Delegates meet for robesand instructions, Susan B. Harris Chapel

10:30 a.m. Inauguration of Cathy Cox, 21stPresident of Young Harris CollegeHilda D. Glenn Auditorium

Noon–4 p.m. FamilyTime,Tent*

12:15–2 p.m. Celebratory Lunch on the LawnComplimentary lunch in celebrationof the Presidential Inauguration andHomecoming 2008

1 p.m. Class of 1998 10th Reunion, Tent

1 p.m. Class of 1988 20th Reunion, Tent

1 p.m. Class of 1983 25th Reunion, Tent

1 p.m. Alpha Iota Reunion, Mayor’s Park

2 p.m. Phi Chi ReunionHome of Clint andTeresa Hobbs ‘88(706) 379-1352

2–3 p.m. Student Center (Little Store):Unveiling of plaque for Mullins’service to YHC

New Dorm Namingand Groundbreaking

2–4 p.m. Kappa Tau Omega ReunionHome of George “Bud” Dyer,Dyer Cove

2 p.m. Zeta Pi Reunion, LocationTBD

2 p.m. Phi Delta Reunion, Hesed House

3 p.m. Sigma Beta Sigma and UpsilonDelta Sigma Watermelon CuttingCupid Falls

3 p.m. Young Alumni Event, LocationTBD

4:45–6 p.m. Dinner, Grace Rollins Dining Hall

4–6 p.m. Artist’s Reception–Mary Barber Coxwith Special Guest David HammondCampus Gate Art Gallery

Take the evening off to enjoy time with friends new and old.

S U N D AY, J U LY 2 7

7 a.m. Coffee, Grace Rollins Dining Hall

7:30–9 a.m. Breakfast, Grace Rollins Dining Hall

9–10:30 a.m. Registration Checkout, RegistrationTent

10 a.m. Church School, Sharp Memorial UMC

11 a.m. Worship ServiceReverend G. Lee Ramsey Jr. ‘76, SpeakerSharp Memorial UMC

Noon Lunch, Grace Rollins Dining Hall

Noon Lunch, Sharp Memorial UMC

*FAMILY TIME,TENT: Need a break with the kids?Bring them by the tent to be entertained clowns,bubbles, face painting and they can jump the day away inthe MoonWalk while munching on cotton candy!

**Be sure to visit the Campus Gate Art Gallerythroughout the weekend for a special exhibit featuring theartwork of Mary Barber Cox, mother of President Cox,and other special friends of YHC.

Prices at Grace Rollins Dining Hall:Breakfast–$4; Lunch–$5; Dinner–$6

Meal times: Coffee 7 a.m., Breakfast 7:30–9 a.m.;Lunch 11:30 a.m.–1:30 p.m.; Dinner 4:45–6 p.m.

Homecoming 2008 information will be posted onwww.yhc.edu or call (706) 379-3111 extension 5173or email alumni office at alumni@yhc.edu.

w w w. y h c . e d u 9

PLANT A LEGACY

A C C O M M O D AT I O N S

RESERVATIONS

Reservations for Homecoming 2008 will be made ona first-come-first-served basis. Reservations will be takenfor Rollins Hall from those who are physically challengedor who have difficulty getting around campus. Preferencewill be given to those in classes prior to 1950. Reservationsare $15 per night, plus a key deposit of $5. For reservationscall (800) 241-3754 extension 5173 or emailalumni@yhc.edu.A member of the student life staff will be on duty

during Homecoming 2008 to offer assistance. Yourcompliance with the college policy of no alcohol and/ordrugs on campus is expected. It is requested that theprivacy of all attending Homecoming 2008 be respected,as well as observance of quiet hours in the residence hallafter 11 p.m.

Security personnel may be contacted through the studentlife office at extension 5118 or by calling 379-4569. Pleaseremember to take your room key when you leave yourresidence hall and to leave it when you check out.

ROLLINS HALL

Rollins Hall has 11 air-conditioned suites with fourstudent rooms and one common living room in each suite.Each suite has four double rooms and two bathrooms; eachroom contains a built-in closet/dresser and moveable bedsand desks.A laundry facility and a lounge withTV andvending machines are located on the first floor.

LIBRARY HOURS

Library hours will be announced at registration.

Alumni

�

BED AND BREAKFASTS:

Creekside HideawayB&B/GuesthouseYoung Harris(706) 379-1509(888) 882-7335www.creeksidehideaway.com

Henson Cove PlaceB&B/CabinHiawassee(706) 896-6195(800) 714-5542www.henson-cove-place.com

Mountain MemoriesB&BHiawassee(706) 896-8439(800) 335-8439www.mountainmemoriesbandb.com

HOTELS, MOTELS AND RESORTS

BrasstownValley ResortYoung Harris(706) 379-9900(800) 201-3205www.brasstownvalley.comSpecial rate for YHC alumni

Holiday Inn ExpressBlairsville(706) 745-6844

Holiday Inn ExpressHotel and SuitesHiawassee(706) 896-8884(888) 838-8892www.hiexpress.com/hiawasseega

Ramada Lake ChatugeLodge of Hiawassee(706) 896-5253(800) 613-4349www.lakechatugelodge.comSpecial alumni rates

The Ridges Resortat Lake Chatuge Hiawassee(706) 896-2262(888) 834-4409www.fieldstoneinn.comCall for special alumni rates

Young Harris MotelYoung Harris(706) 379-3136(800) 304-1464www.youngharrismotel.com

CABINS, COTTAGES, CHALETSAND OTHER PRIVATE RENTALS

A GetAwayHiawassee(706) 896-3636www.a-getaway-mtn-retreat.com

Apple Orchard Log CabinHiawassee(866) 650-1055(706) 896-1863www.appleorchard.org

Brendle Branch CabinsMurphy, North Carolina(877) 422-2469www.brendlebranchcabins.com

Creekfront RentalsHiawassee(706) 896-4606www.creekfront-rentals.comCan accommodate groups up to 30

Cove CottageHayesville, North Carolina(850) 984-0093www.cabins.com

Dogwood DenHiawassee(706) 896-2723(828) 665-6547email ourdogwoodden@hotmail.comattn: Ruth Gudger

Fox Chapel Mountain Cabin RentalYoung Harris(706) 379-1395Accommodates sixLocated behind YHC

Great EscapeVacation Rentals Inc.Hiawassee(706) 896-9820(866) 525-3372www.greatescapevacation.com

Hiawassee RiverTrout LodgeHiawassee(706) 896-7400www.hiawasseecabins.comSpecial alumni rates

Laurel Mountain CabinsHiawassee(706) 896-8015(888) 859-6018www.laurel-mountain-cabins.com

Misty Mountain Inn and CottagesBlairsville(706) 745-4786(888) 647-8966www.jwww.com/misty

Mountain Cabin RentalsEllijay(888) 882-2246www.mountaincabinrentals.com

Mountain Country InnYoung Harris(706) 379-1565Call for special alumni rates.All rooms are non-smoking.

Rocky Knob CabinYoung Harris(706) 781-4954email rockyknobcabin@alltel.net

Sneak Away CabinsHiawassee(706) 896-8456(706) 896-9687www.sneakawaycabins.com

Stillwater Cottage at Lake ChatugeHiawassee(813) 727-5918www.lakechatugerentals.com

TOWNS COUNTYTOURISM ASSOCIATION(800) 984-1543

CHAMBERS OFCOMMERCE OF:Towns County, Georgia(706) 896-4966

Blairsville-Union County, Georgia(706) 745-5789

Clay County, North Carolina(828) 389-3704

Cherokee County, North Carolina(828) 837-2242

10 E c h o e s

THE Greeningof YHC

D R . J A S O N B R O W N

In the Strategic Plan 2008-2012,YHCoutlines a plan to make the campus one thatis committed to sustainability, including acomprehensive recycling program, an increasein the student body workforce andcoordination with the current student group,the Greener Campus Union.Under the leadership of President Cathy

Cox and Provost JohnWells, YHC isdemonstrating a strong institutionalcommitment to playing a prominent role inenvironmental action and education forstudents and the local community. Acting onthe strategic plan, the Campus SustainabilityCommittee, a new standing faculty-staffcommittee, has been commissioned andcharged with reviewing policies and practicesthat relate to the college’s environmentalimpact and sustainable operation and growth.This committee will make policyrecommendations and propose sustainabilityprojects to the campus community.In one of its first actions, the Sustainability

Committee proposed that YHC joinPartnership for a Sustainable Georgia, part ofthe Pollution Prevention Assistance Divisionof the Georgia Department of NaturalResources. As a member of SustainableGeorgia, YHC has expanded recyclingefforts, adding cardboard to the alreadyexisting aluminum, plastics and compostablematerials recycling.YHC may not actually paint the campus

green, but through the efforts and energy ofstudents, faculty and staff with strongadministrative support, YHC is moving intoits bright future as a baccalaureate institutionwith a solid foundation on which to build itsgreening efforts.

PLEASE JOIN US FOR THEFIRST ANNUAL

GALA FOR GREENA fundraiser for a sustainable YHCand Alumni Awards Celebration

eAs part of the Plant a Legacy year at Young

Harris College, 21 native tree specimens will

be planted in three groves on the campus this

fall. The 21 trees, representative of YHC’s 21

presidents, will serve as a symbolic planting of

the legacy of Young Harris College while

simultaneously honoring our vision for the

future and paying homage to our past. All

funds raised at this year’s Gala for Green will

go toward offsetting the cost of the tree planting

and other beautification and environmentally

friendly projects at Young Harris College.

SPONSORSHIP LEVELS

Tree Patron: $1,000/Couple

Rhododendron Patron: $500/Couple

Flowering Patron: $250/Couple

Individual: $125

Alumni Class Rates

Table of Ten: $1,500

Use the Gala for Green as an opportunityto bring your classmates together.

PLANT A LEGACYw w w. y h c . e d u 11

2008Faculty&Staff

�

Students in my public speaking classes sometimes accuseme of having aWinston Churchill quote for every occasion.Churchill was, indeed, a master wordsmith and is one of myfavorite orators. For example, Churchill once said:“Apessimist sees the difficulty in every opportunity; an optimistsees the opportunity in every difficulty.”These areappropriate words for us to ponder this year.As most of you know,YHC is

planning to begin offering baccalaureatedegrees in the near future.There is nodoubt that moving to four-year statuspresents many challenges. However, it isalso true that each challenge presents anopportunity to make YHC a bettercollege.Led by President Cathy Cox, the

college already is working hard to takeadvantage of the tremendousopportunities that lie before it.We aremaking progress on many fronts,including:

REAFFIRMING OUR MISSION.Last November, the college’s board oftrustees approved revised mission, value and visionstatements.This document remains true to the historicmission and values of the college, while embracing anexciting vision for the future.The revised mission statementreads:Young Harris College educates, inspires and empowersstudents through a comprehensive liberal arts experience thatintegrates mind, body and spirit.We believe this missioncaptures the essence of what it means to be a church-related, liberal arts college. It will be our focal point,providing direction for all planning, programming andactivities at the college and ensuring that the YHC spiritremains strong as we move to four-year status.

EXPANDING OUR TEAM. In addition to loyal alumni,trustees and friends, the college enjoys an outstanding teamof staff, faculty and administrators. One of our strengths aswe grow into a four-year college is that most of our facultymembers already hold the terminal degree in their teachingfields. However, in order to grow the college into a four-

year institution, we must add more personnel.Thisexpansion will enable us to make YHC the superior four-year institution we want it to be.

APPLYING FOR BACCALAUREATE DEGREE-GRANTING STATUS. In order to offer baccalaureatedegrees, the college must apply for and receive approval foreach degree from the Commission on Colleges of the

Southern Association of Colleges andSchools (SACS).We intend to submitthe first such application in August 2008.For each major that is approved, thecollege can begin offering the degree inthe fall of 2009.The first five projectedmajors for which the college will applyare: Liberal Arts, Biology, Business andPublic Policy, English and Music. Each ofthese majors is designed to build uponour strengths as a liberal arts college.

PLANNING FOR THE FUTURE.At an alumni focus group last year, anaudience member asked how the collegeintended to carry out the move to four-year status. Paul Beckham, chairman of

the board of trustees, replied,“We plan, we plan and weplan some more.” Under the guidance of RosemaryRoyston, vice president for planning, assessment andregistration, the college is doing just that: vigorouslypreparing for growth through strategic planning. Inaddition, a leading planning firm is helping to develop anew campus master plan, which will ensure that we haveadequate physical facilities to accommodate projectedgrowth. Such planning is essential to integrate all thenecessary components as the college moves to baccalaureatestatus.The personnel and students of YHC are excited about

the future. Every day we hear another student say,“I wantto stay here for my junior and senior years! Can’t you speedup the process?” 2008 is an important year in the history ofthe college—a year of challenge and a year of opportunity.Join us as we continue the transformation of YHC from afine two-year college into a leading four-year college.

A YEAR OF OPPORTUNITYB Y D R . R O N R O A C H

12 E c h o e s

A pessimistsees the

difficulty in everyopportunity;

an optimist seesthe opportunity

in every difficulty.

WINSTON CHURCHILL

The mission of Young Harris College is to educate, inspire and empowerstudents through a comprehensive liberal arts experience that integrates mind,body and spirit.With this in mind, the following 2008-2012 Strategic Planwas designed and approved by the board of trustees on April 25, 2008.YHC will review the plan on an annual basis. For additional informationand a list of theYHC Goals,Values and Vision Statement, visitwww.yhc.edu

1. Young Harris College will undergo a process to successfullyobtain reaffirmation by the Southern Association of Collegesand Schools in 2011.

A. The following committee leader positions will be designated by fall2008: chair for the Quality Enhancement Plan (QEP) Committee andchair for the LeadershipTeam for SACS Reaffirmation.

B. The Compliance Certification process will begin in spring 2008, witha completion date anticipated in March 2010.

C. The Quality Enhancement Plan (QEP) will be identified by spring2009.

2. Expand and improveYHC’s academic and extra-curricularprograms to provide a comprehensive liberal arts experience.

A. Add Baccalaureate Programs (in the following order:)*

Fall 2009 – Biology, Business and Public Policy, English,Music

Fall 2010 – Elementary Education, Outdoor Education,Theatre,Psychology

Fall 2011 – Math, Religion (comparative/ministerial), Education(middle grades, secondary)

Fall 2012 – Communication/Media Studies, Political Science, LiberalArts

Fall 2013 – Art, History, Philosophy, Sociology, Languages* New programs listed in years 2010-2013 are tentative, pending board approval offunds, and will be reviewed annually.

Oversight: Provost/Academic Dean, Planning and Assessment Council (PAC),Academic Council

B. Ethics Across the Curriculum – A component of ethics will be addedto some regular classes by fall 2008.

Oversight: Ethics across the Curriculum Coordinator

C. NewAdvising Center – By summer 2008, a professional advisor and apart-time associate will be hired to coordinate a new advising processfor YHC students.

Oversight: Provost/Academic Dean

D. General Education Core – A comprehensive review of the generaleducation core should occur by 2010.

Oversight:Academic Council, Faculty

E. Honors Program – By fall 2009,YHC’s Honor Program will bereviewed and revised as appropriate.

Oversight: Provost/Academic Dean

F. Year Experience and Orientation of New Students – By spring 2009,the institution will have hired an individual to create and implement anew first-year experience and orientation program for incomingstudents.

Oversight:VP of Student Development

G. Academic Calendar – By fall 2009,YHC’s academic calendar will beexamined, with special attention to the summer offerings, pay scaleand the option of incorporating a January and/or May term.

Oversight: Provost/Academic Dean,Academic Council,VP of Human Resources

H.Outdoor Education and Student Development Initiative - By fall2010, a professional outdoor education staffer will be hired to expandand enhance outdoor education programming and services withinthe Student Development Division.

Oversight:VP of Student Development and Director of Outdoor Education

I. Living/Learning Communities – By fall 2009, a feasibility study oflearning and living communities will be done, with possibleimplementation for fall 2010.

Oversight:VP of Student Development, Director of Residence Life,Provost/Academic Dean

J. Experiential Component in Curriculum and Service Learning – Byfall 2010, a feasibility study regarding adding an experientialcomponent and/or service learning to the curriculum will have beencompleted.

Oversight: Provost/Academic Dean

K. Library – Beginning spring 2008, the library staff will work closelywith faculty to analyze and develop collections which ensure adequatesupport for the expanding curriculum. Staff will also evaluate andadjust personnel and space usage to meet the needs of students andwork to develop an information literacy program that will enhancelearning for every student on campus.

Oversight: Director of Library

L. Enrollment – By the end of spring 2008, a comprehensive strategicenrollment plan for YHC should be completed.

Oversight:VP of Enrollment Management, Strategic Enrollment Committee

STRATEGIC PLAN 2008-2012

w w w. y h c . e d u 13

14 E c h o e s

Faculty&Staff

�3. Provide the infrastructure and human resources necessary to

support the growth and development of YHC.

A. Annual Review of Human Resource Needs – Each year humanresource needs will be reviewed in order to ensure that YHC employsthe resources needed to support its programs.

Oversight:VP of Human Resources,VP of Finance, PAC

B. InformationTechnology – By summer 2008, a vice president ofinformation technology will be hired to guide YHC in selecting andutilizing technology to support its mission and assure the timelyprovision of IT services and training to the campus. YHC willintegrate the use of current technology into its operations andcurriculum and make proficiency in its use a priority for faculty, staffand students.

Oversight:VP of Human Resources,VP ofTechnology

C. Human Resource Policies and Procedures – By fall 2008, appropriatepersonnel policies, practices and procedures for faculty and staff willbe in place.

Oversight:VP of Human Resources

D. Faculty Rank and Promotion – By fall 2008, an updated tenureprocess and a procedure to evaluate and rank faculty will be in place.

Oversight: Provost/Academic Dean

E. Enterprise Resource Planning – By fall 2008, a final decision shouldbe made on an ERP system for the campus, including training for allfaculty and staff. Implementation of the ERP will occur in earlysummer 2009.

Oversight:VP ofTechnology

F. Professional Development – By fall 2008, the process of allocatingfunds for professional development will be defined. Guidelines forfaculty, staff and administration will be set for both professionaldevelopment/training and educational assistance.

Oversight:VP of Human Resources, Provost/Academic Dean,VPs, DivisionChairs,VP of Finance

4. Create a campus environment that reflectsYHC’s heritageand enhances the social and personal development ofstudents.

A. Culture Change –Young Harris College will engender a culture oftrust, accountability, shared space, cooperation and collegiality.

Oversight: President

B. Student Development and IDEAS programming – By fall 2008, anew approach will be utilized in regard to what is currentlyIDEAS/Arts and Assemblies.

Oversight: Provost/Academic Dean,Academic Council,VP of Student Development

C. Campus Master Planning – By summer 2008, a campus master planwill be completed.The master plan will seek to be creative in utilizingspace and will aid in the creation of an intellectual community.Themaster plan will incorporate the educational philosophy of thecampus, the campus’ heritage, the needed facilities to accomplishYHC’s mission and identification of areas/zones of growth on campusand in the surrounding community.

Oversight: President,VP of Planning,Assessment and Registration

D. Athletics – By June 2008, the Faculty Athletic Committee willrecommend to the president the athletic division to which YHCshould apply for membership. By summer 2009, application will bemade to the appropriate body.

Oversight:Assistant Athletic Director, President

E. Green Campus and Sustainability – By fall 2008, a coordinator ofsustainability will be identified.The coordinator will effectively tiestudent development into the effort of making the YHC campus onethat is committed to sustainability.This includes a comprehensiverecycling program, an increase in the student body workforce andcoordination with the current student group, the Greener CampusUnion.

Oversight: Coordinator of Sustainability,VP of Student Development

F. Religious Life and Student Development – By fall 2009, a plan willbe devised to strengthen the religious life program through diverseprograms, events and activities.

Oversight:VP of Student Development, Campus Ministers

G. Appalachian Heritage - By July 2013, a coordinator will be identifiedand hired to facilitate programming and facility needs so that YHCmay actively incorporate its Appalachian heritage into the liberal artsexperience.

Oversight:VP of Student Development, Provost/Academic Dean

5. OptimizeYHC’s current financial resources and develop newsources of revenue.

A. Open Budgeting Process – For the 2008-2009 budgeting process, amore open approach will be taken.The setting of tuition, fees, roomand board will move from fall to spring so that fees will be set at thespring meeting of the trustees in April 2009.A campus-wide methodof communication will also occur so that all employees understandthe rationale of the budget.All managers with budget oversight willbe asked to evaluate the budgeting process and make recommendationsto the Administrative Cabinet, which will examine budgeted programsfor their effectiveness.

Oversight: President,VP of Finance,Administrative Cabinet

B. Capital Campaign – By late 2008 or early 2009,YHC will havebegun the silent phase of a capital campaign.The amount to be raisedand the scope of the campaign will be determined after a feasibilitystudy that will occur by early fall 2008. Participation of 100 percent offaculty, staff and trustees will be needed to achieve the goals of thecapital campaign.

Oversight:VP of Development, President

C. Annual Fund –The goal for the annual fund has been increased from$750,000 to $1,000,000 for the 2007-2008 year, with a goal of 100percent participation from faculty, staff and trustees. Education ofYHC’s constituents as to the purpose of the annual fund and optionsof giving will be ongoing. By fall 2008, additional staff will be hiredin the advancement office so that it may more effectively achieve itsvarious goals.

Oversight:VP of Development, President

D. Maximize Earnings from Endowment – In spring 2008, trustees andinvestment experts will review the management and investmentstructure of our endowment to maximize earnings that will supportYHC programs.

Oversight: Board ofTrustees, President

E. Gift Acceptance Policy – By fall 2008, a gift acceptance policy togovern YHC’s receipt of all types of gifts and bequests and assure thatall gifts support the mission of YHC will be presented to the board oftrustees for approval.

Oversight:VP of Development, President, YHC Board ofTrustees Propertiesand Development Committees

F. Leveraging Institutional Aid – As higher degrees are offered and theYHC experience improves, the proportion of endowment funds usedfor institutional scholarships should begin to lessen. Each year, theamount of funds used will be examined for effectiveness.

Oversight:VP for Enrollment Management,VP of FinanceMay 2008

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PURCHASER’S NAME CLASS YEAR (IF APPLICABLE)

ADDRESS CITY STATE ZIP

HOME PHONE OFFICE PHONE EMAIL ADDRESS

Please print name clearly in the blocks below as it is to appear on brick. Each brick will have three lines maximum engraving withup to 16 characters per line, including spaces and punctuation. If you would like to purchase more than one brick, please printinscriptions on a separate sheet and include with this form. Enclosed is my check for $________ for _______ bricks at $100 each.

Brick location:� Plaza Area � Auditorium Area

Young Harris College reserves the right to approve all inscriptions.

Young Harris College assumes no responsibility for misspelled information submitted.

PERSONALIZED BRICK ORDER FORM

There’s no better way to honor someone than with a personalized brick at YHC.Whether fora beloved professor, fellow alumnus or recent graduate, a brick always fits and never needsreplacing! Consider recognizing someonespecial with a brick this year.

One Size Fits All

YOUNG HARRIS COLLEGE

Campus Plaza CampaignPO Box 275Young Harris, GA 30582

To order your brick, completethe form and mail to:

�

w w w. y h c . e d u 15

CROPWalk 2007 found YHC raising funds to fightworld hunger for the 17th time. Since 1991, the CROPWalk has become an annual event for faculty, staff, studentsand Young Harris neighbors, and for the second year, thecross-country trail provided their path. Participantsenjoyed a perfectly gorgeous fall day, with warm sunshinethat offset the cool autumnal breezes and refreshingtemperatures. Many veterans with 10, 15, even 17 years ofparticipation to their credit walked elbow-to-elbow withnewcomers, notably parents who accompanied theirstudents during this family weekend event. And who werethe two 17-year veterans? The same two faithful CROPWalk supporters you have been reading about for the past16 years, Dr. John Kay and Rev. FredWhitley.Why “sweet 17?” For several reasons, this year’s CROP

Walk seemed especially blessed with extraordinarytouches. First, the walk at YHC was actually the secondone for the year – the other one took place at LakeWinfield Scott during Rev. FredWhitley’s summerministry, known as “The ChurchWithoutWalls.” More

than 70 walkerscongregated at the lakesideshelter for a comfortablewalk around the campsites.This group was joined byout-of-town guests,including the impressivelylarge youth group fromFirst United MethodistChurch of Union Countyin Blairsville.In addition, CROPWalk

2007 witnessed severalother firsts. Rev.Whitleyofficiated at the wedding ofa family he had known foryears.What a surprise todiscover at the reception alittle brown bag by everyplate that announced,“Inlieu of favors, a donationhas been made in yourhonor to help sponsor a

CROPWalk for Hunger in north Georgia.”Coincidentally, the family name was Sweet! The LittleStore made bags of candy for Halloween and sold themfor $1 each, donating all proceeds to the CROPWalk(an amazingly sweet $359!). After chapel in October, oneof my former students handed me a wad of bills,explaining that he had promised himself to tithe his salaryto the CROPWalk. I unrolled a total of $80.While thatwas a first, it was not the last! Following theThanksgivingchapel service, another student approached me with theidentical gift.The sweet spirit that pervaded this year’s CROPWalks

was evident from the start. At the first chapel service lastfall, I told about how I met President Cathy Cox. Overthe summer, I went to her office to meet her, but also totell her about the CROPWalk. No, she had never been inone, but immediately added,“Mark and I will walk thisyear.”And indeed they did! All the walkers helped raisethe most ever for any single year, a total of $16,161.01,bringing our 17-year total to $129,119.90.Sweet often describes a taste, an emotion, a gesture, a

breeze, a person, an amount of money, a moment, amessage, a success…YHC’s 17th CROPWalk was sweetin every way.

YHC CROP WALKPROCEEDS TO DATE

1991 $2,7021992 $2,9491993 $2,1441994 $2,1471995 $3,5691996 $3,0451997 $3,3671998 $5,8451999 $5,8662000 $8,2762001 $ 9,5812002 $10,0102003 $14,3022004 $12,4572005 $14,0482006 $12,6502007 $16,161

Grand Total $129,120

Yoga instructor Ki Curtis gives CROP Walk a high five, leadingcolleagues and students around a corner

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Students

� Sweet 17B Y D R . M E G G R I N G W H I T L E Y

2007 Crop Walkers, a

string of walkers as far as

the eye can see

Captain CROP

mysteriously appears

among the trees

(Dan Moore, alum)

Dr. Lynne Grady is all

smiles for YHC’s CROP

Walk

President Cathy Cox and

husband Mark Dehler

keep in step with CROP

Walk 2007

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� Ben Anderson ‘99M E M O R I A L

Ben has always been such a greatfriend to us. He shared his love ofdisc golf and music with us.Whetherwe were going to panic shows,meeting him for disc golf or justhanging out, he always made us smileand laugh with his unique sense ofhumor.We loved B.A. and miss himgreatly. He was so dear to us and weare thankful to have had such a specialspirit in our lives.

LESLIE AND TONY BABCOCK ‘99

Ben Andersonwas a special andunique guy, settinghimself far apart fromanyone I have or willever know.We had amutual respect for eachother. For some reason,he actually respected my politicalviews on life, as different as they were,while I just simply respected the wayhe lived his life, period. Ben didn’thave a fake bone in his body. Youalways knew where you stood withhim, and you can’t help but respectthat. If he wanted to go take amidday nap, then that was what hedid. No questions asked.The dudewas as straight-forward as they get.And when Ben was happy, everyonewas happy, because he always knewhow to make you laugh and smile.His charisma was a gift few people

have in this world. Ben was such akind-hearted friend who deeplyrespected everyone as individuals.Buddy would give you the shirt offhis back; all you had to do was ask.Of course, it’s a huge understatementto say that he will be greatly missed,

because those who knew BenAnderson will never forget thecountless good times andmemories he shared with them.

CHRIS POSTELL ‘99

Ben has held a special place in myheart ever since I met him in thewinter of 1997. I had just startedhanging out with this Zeta Pi crowdand was invited to go on their winterretreat to Boone, North Carolina. Ididn’t know many people, and Benwas a friendly face.We were friendsever since.I have so many wonderful

memories of Ben: riding aroundYHC listening to the music of StringCheese, Jupiter Coyote andVanMorrison; talking about life on thetailgate of his red pickup truck;laughing hysterically with the rest ofthe four horsemen at 3 a.m. in suite14 after an activity; going on roadtrips to see the Allman Brothers; manycamping trips and keg parties; butmost of all, I remember his smile andhow silly he could be. Ben had a wayof viewing this world that made himspecial and a role model to me.Besides teaching me how to throw akiller drive in disc golf, Ben taughtme how to take life less seriously, toroll with the punches and enjoy thebeauty in subtle things like a songlyric or a mountain view.One of my

fondest memoriesof Ben was ourbirthdays. Ben’sbirthday and minewere only four daysapart. I alwayscalled him onMarch 7th, andthen a few dayslater, on the 11th,I’d get a call fromhim singing,“Theysay it’s yourbirthday; duh nuhnuh na nuh nuh,it’s my birthday,too, yeah.”Thatjoke never got old to me in the 10years I knew Ben. I am so sad that Iwon’t be getting that call anymore.I feel so blessed to have known Ben

and to have had the opportunity tocall him my brother in Zeta Pi andmy friend in life.

RENEE (ORR) HILLEY ‘99MISS ZETA PI 1998–1999

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Benjamin Eugene Anderson wasmy roommate our first year atbeautiful YHC!We had the most“pimp pad” (thanks to our mothers)in all of Winship.The purple feltcurtains that separated the sleepingarea from our study area was Ben’s

personal sanctuary! Heloved to slide back intoSuite 7, Room B, under theradar and take a midday nap.That’s why I gave him thenickname Snoogene!Ben and I had been friends

since his days at North HallHigh School and all the way throughhis graduation fromThe University ofGeorgia. He was one of the most avidDawg fans the world has ever seen. Ican’t tell you how many countlessconversations, games and memoriesBen and I shared through years aboutour beloved Bulldogs.Fortunately, I’ve been blessed with

many stories and memories aboutBen in my life but none stand outmore to me than the time I wasarrested and thrown in jail at YHC.Ben was pledging Zeta Pi at the timeand was out for the evening. I wasasked to accompany a group of fellowstudents on a trip to get some décorfor our suites. Inan effort to makea long story short,the

“décor” were road signs, and youguessed it, we were caught. Once Benreturned from his responsibilities latein the evening, he noticed that Iwasn’t in the room.This was a bit of asurprise to him, but he went to sleepthinking he’d see me in the morning.Well, morning came and I wasn’taround. Somehow, still surprising tome, Ben had an inkling to call thelocal sheriff ’s office,Towns/UnionCounty, and that’s exactly where he

found me.Around 9 a.m.that morning, a guardhanded me a folded up noteand a pack of cigarettes.The note read,“Camehome last night and youweren’t here.Waited untilmorning and decided tocall the jail to see if youwere there. Don’t worryabout anything. Smoke

these cigs, and I’ll see you lateron.” So, I did just that. I refused myphone call and trusted my goodfriend’s words. He did not let medown. Ben spent the morning andafternoon raising money to free me,his friend, from jail. I still don’t knowexactly how much Ben raised, but itwas probably around $1,000. Late intothe day, a guard came up to myholding cell and told me that I wasfree to go. It was music to my ears. Icollected my belongings and walkedoutside.About 30 of my friends werewaiting for me and cheering. Guesswho was in the middle of the packsmiling from ear to ear?…my dearfriend Ben, who greeted me with anembracing hug!What a scene! Butmost importantly, what a symbol oflove and friendship.It’s certainly hard to encompass a

man’s life in a short, conciseparagraph or eulogy. Ben was asimple man with a philanthropicheart. His contagious laugh willcontinue to lift me up throughtimes of despair. My love andpassion forThe University ofGeorgia has only grown stronger

throughthis untimely loss.The Bulldog Nation haslost a special member of itsfamily, but Ben’s passionfor the Dawgs nowbecomes the flame in thetorch that we all cancarry. My roommate,your brother and ourfriend may be gone, buthis spirit will continue to live inour hearts forever! I love you Ben,and I’ll never forget you! GODAWGS!

JASON DUKE ‘99

I feel fortunate andblessed to have knownBenjamin Anderson ‘99and for all the time we gotto share together at YHC,UGA and land surveyingtogether in northGeorgia after college.Ben had manycharacteristics that you like to seein a person. I think a lot of that camefrom his family and was why he hadso many wonderful friends. Ben had akind and soft heart, and his love forpeople made him a greatconversationalist. He enjoyed peoplefrom all walks of life and could have agreat conversation with just aboutanyone.Afterwards, he positivelyaffected them. I always enjoyed thisabout Ben, whether we were talkingabout family, sports or music. Ben willbe greatly missed, but moreimportantly, he will always beremembered.

JOHN “SMITTY” SMITH ‘99

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Participants in the 2008 YHC ClayDotson Open enjoyed a day of nearperfect weather on the BrasstownValleyResort golf course. Almost 170 golfenthusiasts turned out to help raisefunds, netting a profit ofapproximately $70,000to go directlytoward scholarships

for deserving students. Staterepresentatives Earl L. “Buddy” Carter’77, Robert “Mickey”Channell ’62, JohnW.Heard ’75, and

Charles Jenkinswere on hand as

honorary chairs to greet thegolfers prior to each shotgun alongwith President Cathy Cox and former

president Dr. Clay Dotson. Between the twoshotguns, golfers were treated to a wonderful mealprovided by J. R.’s Loghouse Restaurant.

We are grateful for the loyal support that ourstudents receive from thesededicated sponsors, playersand gift donors. Thescholarship funds that areraised during the ClayDotson Open provide muchneeded scholarship assistanceto students that mightotherwise be unable toattend college.

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OpenOpenCLAY DOTSON

$10,000 CORPORATEARAMARKUnited Community BankWolf Creek Broadcasting NetworkWACF 95.1 FM/Wolf AM

$5,000 PLATINUMBank of Hiawassee/Blairsville/Blue RidgePerkins &Will

$2,500 GOLDComcast SpotlightCoral HospitalityCork-Howard ConstructionHeritage PropaneKOR Systems/Mitel CompanyHorizon Housing Foundation

$1,000 SILVERBenefit Support Inc./CMA AgencyBrailsford & DunlaveyBKR Metcalf DavisBlue Ridge Mountain EMCBrasstownValley ResortG. Ben Turnipseed Engineers Inc.Hardin ConstructionHoward Technology SolutionsKurt Momand ‘77, YHC trusteePrime Buchholz and Associates Inc.SunTrust Endowment & FoundationServices/Trusco Capital ManagementTri-State Utility Products Inc.United Community Bank ofBlue Ridge

$500 BRONZEAll Shores FlooringCornerstone Management Inc.Custom Home PaintingShepley BulfinchPathway CommunitiesCarl Patterson Carpet,Tile &WoodWNGM 1230 AM, Hiawassee

$250 AWARDS CEREMONYAppalachian Community BankArtBytesAviagen/North AmericaCadence BankCox & Son Roofing Inc.Duplicating Products Inc.ECK SupplyFurby Tree ServiceGainesville Janitor Supply Inc.Holcomb’s Office SupplyHope-Beckham Inc.Indian Hills SpringWaterMayfield Dairy Farms Inc.Mountain Top ConstructionNantahala Bank of HayesvilleNortheast Georgia Living MagazineSouthern Highlands Mortgage CompanySunGard Higher EducationTowns County Lions Club

GIFT DONORSA&A Auto RentalsA Step Above StablesElois Anderson ‘45

Beautiful ThingsBiltmore EstateBobby S. Burch ‘57Butternut Creek Golf CourseCoral HospitalityDeb CollinsWatercolors and TheTangerine FrogElizabeth “Liz” Cornelius ‘57Kevin C. Floyd ‘88Georgia State Parks and Historic SitesGreat Smoky Mountains RailroadHarbor Club on Lake OconeeInspirationsLake Blackshear Resort and Golf ClubLake Lanier Islands ResortLovely Nails and Day Spa LLCLowes of EllijayR. Neil McCollum ‘78Montag and ColdwellNAPA Auto Parts of BlairsvilleNFL PlayersPat’s HallmarkRadio Shack of BlairsvilleRadio Shack of HiawasseeSears of BlairsvilleReverend and Mrs. Samuel A.Storey Sr. ‘63The Ridges Resort and Club Inc.SunGard Higher EducationTowns County Lions ClubTri-County Office SupplyGloria GwenWalker ‘63Wildwater LTD

2008 SPONSORS

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22 E c h o e s

People in the NewsPlease let us know what is happening in your life! Send your news and photos to:

Young Harris College News, PO Box 275,Young Harris, GA 30582 or alumni@yhc.edu

Attention Phi Chi’s!!Does anyone know where the Phi ChiCrest is that used to be in the studentcenter? Please let me know if you do.See you in July for YHC HC 08!ROB MURRAY ‘75

The March Family has moved!Welook forward to showing off our newhome to alumni and friends. Give usa call at (706) 745-2025, and we’llgive you directions! Email is the sameleem@yhc.edu or dbmarch@yhc.edu.

JOHN O. PARMELE JR. ‘62 recentlyreturned from a week in Italy wherehe had a chance to visit the Republicof San Marino,Venice,Milan (basefor a trip to Lugano, Switzerland),Genoa (base for a 4.5 hour walkalong the challenging CinqueTerre,five cities located along the cliffs ofthe Mediterranean Sea betweenGenoa and La Spezia), Nettuno (siteof the American Cemetery, Sicily-Rome campaign), and Naples. Greattrip! Great weather! Everyone shouldtry this! Contact John atjoparmele@yahoo.com.

TONY DANIEL ‘86 has relocated toNewnan and is working on a bookabout his wife’s fight with cancer, herdeath and how family members ofcancer patients can cope.The book istitled Cancer Coaching, and he ishoping to find a publisher soon.

WINDY PHILLIPS PAUL ‘87 isnostalgic for the magic years at YHCand would like to hear fromclassmates at windlanepaul@aol.com.

CLAIRE KELLY SMITH ‘87 is nowthe program director at theHarris/Talbot Developmental

Disability Service Center throughNew Horizons. Claire and husbandRoy live in LaGrange where she isalso involved in cat rescue. She wouldlove to hear from her YHC friends atsassybean@yahoo.com.

CAPTAIN ERIC T. GIBBS ‘92 hastaken command of Company E, 2ndBattalion, 6th Marines, 2nd MarineDivision. Eric will be making hissecond deployment with the battalionthis autumn.

CHRISTINE JOHN ‘97 has beennamed president and CEO of theLupus Foundation of America –Piedmont Chapter in Charlotte,North Carolina. Christine’s non-profit career has also includedinvolvement with the state YMCA ofGeorgia and the National MultipleSclerosis Society. She is interested inhearing from YHC alumna in theCharlotte area. She can be reached atcmj83@aol.com.

MARR IAGESSTEVE HADAWAY ‘85 to Kaye Hurston October 21, 2006 at First UnitedMethodist Church in Lawrenceville.The couple lives in Loganville andwould love to hear from classmates atwshadaway@yahoo.com or 3746PineVillage Place, Loganville, GA30052.

B I RTHSNANCY LORD BRAMLETT ‘90 andhusband Ricky announce the birth ofAmanda Suzanne on June 10, 2007.She was welcomed by big sisterSarah, age 5.The family lives inJasper.

MAXWELL GALLAND ‘97 and wifeKim announce the birth of SaraLaine on September 17, 2007. Sheweighed 7 lbs. and was 21 incheslong.The Gallands live in Athens.

CAPTAIN ERIC T. GIBBS ‘92 andwife announce the birth of JackAddison on January 23, 2007.

LEE D. HAZELIP ‘90 and wifeAmanda announce the birth ofJocilyn Mary.

MARK HODGES ‘91 and wife Allisonannounce the birth of Conner Markon September 13, 2007.The Hodgeslive in Martinez.

LIZ JOHNSON-MOSHER ‘88 andhusband Greg announce the birth ofDelaney Ann on September 18, 2007.Delaney Ann is the couple’s seconddaughter.

APRIL REESE SORROW ‘01 andhusband Bucky announce the birthof Reese Ryan Archer on September5, 2007. He weighed 8 lbs., 8 ozs. andwas 20-1/2 inches long. Reese waswelcomed by big sister AnnikaCaroline, 2.The Sorrows live at 1757Cooper Farm Road, Nicholson, GA30565.

I N MEMOR IAMTANYA M. HIGNITE LAWRENCE ‘95wife of Timothy Mark Lawrence ‘96—November 2007

MELODY VANN VAN DUSER ‘81—November 8, 2007

TARE E.VAERNIER ‘95—June 6, 2008

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Paul D. Beckham ‘63 received thePresident’s Medallion, the highesthonor given by Young HarrisCollege, at commencement in May2008. Dr. JohnW.Wells, provost, inpresenting Beckham for thisrecognition cited his service on theYHC board of trustees since 1993and his leadership as chairman of theboard since 2000. Under Beckham’sguidance,YHC has invested millionsof dollars into the college’sinfrastructure, including therenovation of five residence halls, theClegg Fine Arts Building, thepresident’s residence, the MyersStudent Center, the world-class ZellB. Miller Baseball Stadium and theE.D. Rivers Softball Stadium.Additionally, Beckham’s leadershipserved as the catalyst leading to thetransition of YHC to a baccalaureate-

granting institution, one of the mostsignificant moments in the 122-yearhistory of the college.Wells furtherstated that Beckham had donated his

considerable time, talent, vision andresources to YHC, and “all affiliatedwith the college have beenprivileged to benefit from hisefforts.”According to President Cathy

Cox, Beckham’s life has beendedicated to great pursuits, and hehas been a vibrant and staunchsupporter of YHC. He has providedwise counsel to five collegepresidents, and although Beckhampassed the chairmanship of the boardto Jerry Nix at the April boardmeeting, he will continue to serveYHC on the board and on a varietyof committees.Young Harris College is indeed

honored to count Paul Beckham asan alumnus, supporter and President’sMedallion honoree.

PAUL D. BECKHAM HONORED

In addition to being honored by YHC at commencement, Paul D. Beckham was honored by the State of Georgia House ofRepresentatives.The resolution enumerated many of Beckham’s contributions to YHC and ended with these words:

NOW,THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BYTHE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVESthat the members of this body commend Mr. Paul D. Beckham for his accomplishments

and thank him for his tremendous contributions toYoung Harris College as chair of the Board of Trustees from 2000 to 2008.

IN HOUSERead and AdoptedApril 04, 2008

Robert E. Rivers Jr.Clerk

A framed copy of the resolution was presented to Beckhamfollowing the April 2008 board of trustees meeting held on campus.

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Activities CalendarFOR MORE INFORMAT ION ON THESE EVENTS CAL L ( 8 0 0 ) 2 4 1 - 3 7 5 4

AUGUST

19 ACADEMIC ASSEMBLYHilda D. Glenn Auditorium 7 p.m.

S EP TEMBER

16 FALL SYMPOSIUM DAYIT’S NOT EASY BEING GREEN

18 CONSTITUTION DAY EVENTTBA TBA

23 THEATRE YOUNG HARRIS PRESENTSHANSEL AND GRETELHilda D. Glenn Auditorium 7 p.m.

24 MARK CABLE CONCERT

Susan B. Harris Chapel 7 p.m.

TBA THEATRE YOUNG HARRIS PRESENTSJACQUES BREL IS ALIVE AND WELL ANDLIVING IN PARISDobbsTheatre TBA

OCTOBER

1 STUDENT RECITALRecital Hall 4 p.m.

3 RICHARD CONTETBA TBA

13 HAMPTON-INDERGAARD PIANO DUOHilda D. Glenn Auditorium 8 p.m.

21 SELLERS LECTUREFEATURING JO ANGELA EDWINSSusan B. Harris Chapel 7 p.m.

24 STUDENT RECITALRecital Hall 4 p.m.

25 MUSIC SHOWCASEHilda D. Glenn Auditorium 8 p.m.

25–26 FAMILY WEEKEND

29 MODERN DAY SAINTS SERVICESusan B. Harris Chapel 7 p.m.

NOVEMBER

5–8 THEATRE YOUNG HARRIS PRESENTSROMEO AND JULIETDobbsTheatre 7 p.m.

13 GAINESVILLE SYMPHONY

Hilda D. Glenn Auditorium 8 p.m.

18 CONCERT BAND AND JAZZ BAND CONCERTHilda D. Glenn Auditorium 8 p.m.

19 THANKSGIVING CHAPEL SERVICESusan B. Harris Chapel 7 p.m.

20 VILLA-LOBOS GUITAR ENSEMBLESusan B. Harris Chapel 7 p.m.

DECEMBER

2 YHC CHOIR CONCERTHilda D. Glenn Auditorium 8 p.m.

3 CHRISTMAS CHAPEL/TREE LIGHTINGSusan B. Harris Chapel 8 p.m.

JANUARY

19 MLK JR. CELEBRATIONTBA 8 p.m.

27–28 WINTER REVIVALSusan B. Harris Chapel 8 p.m.

F EBRUARY

25 ASH WEDNESDAY CHAPEL SERVICESusan B. Harris Chapel 8 p.m.

26–28 THEATRE YOUNG HARRIS PRESENTSINTO THE WOODSHilda D. Glenn Auditorium 8 p.m.

Check yhc.edu for up-to-the-minute sports schedules and results.

MARCH

4 STUDENT RECITALRecital Hall 4 p.m.

23 FALL GUITAR TRIO CONCERTAND MASTER CLASSSusan B. Harris Chapel TBA

27–28 YHC CHOIR SPRING CONCERTHilda D. Glenn Auditorium 8 p.m.

APR I L

2 HOAG CONCERTFEATURING DEKALB SYMPHONYHilda D. Glenn Auditorium 8 p.m.

7 YHC CONCERT BAND/JAZZ BANDHilda D. Glenn Auditorium TBA

8 HOLY WEEK CHAPELSusan B. Harris Chapel 7 p.m.

9 COLLEGE BOWLSusan B. Harris Chapel 7 p.m.

14 GUITAR ENSEMBLE CONCERTSusan B. Harris Chapel 7 p.m.

15 EASTER CHAPEL SERVICESusan B. Harris Chapel 7 p.m.

16 SPRING SYMPOSIUM

GLOBAL EXPRESSIONS OF A COMMON HUMANITYTBA TBA

16 REECE LECTUREFEATURING MICHAEL HOFMANN

TBA TBA

20 HONORS NIGHT

Hilda D. Glenn Auditorium 7 p.m.

23–25 THEATRE YOUNG HARRIS PRESENTATIONDobbsTheatre 8 p.m.

MAY

8 VESPERS SERVICE/GRADUATION PICNICBrasstown Bald 6 p.m.

9 GRADUATION CEREMONYHilda D. Glenn Auditorium 6 p.m.

11 YHC 2009 CLAY DOTSON OPENBrasstownValley Resort

ROLLINS PLANETARIUMG E T S A N U P G R A D EThe Rollins Planetarium is closed for renovations.

With the help of a grant from the Rollins Foundation,the 40-foot dome theater, one of the largest in Georgia,will be upgraded over the summer with new digitalvideo projectors to supplement the existing Chronosstar projector.“We’re very excited about what this new technology

will mean to our students and visitors,” said SteveMorgan, planetarium director and astronomy professor.“This will replacethe old, obsolete slideprojectors currentlyin use and will giveus a much greaterability to present thelatest astronomicaldiscoveries withdramatic realism andbreathtaking imagery.Once installation iscomplete, we'll beable to offer a wider variety of exciting planetariumpresentations. In combination with the Chronos, itreally gives us the best of both worlds.The teachingcapabilities will be tremendous.” Morgan says the

planetarium will re-open later thissummer, hopefullyresuming programssometime in August.“We are so grateful

to the RollinsFoundation formaking this leap intechnology possible,"said Morgan.TheRollins Foundation

was established by O.Wayne Rollins, head of the pestcontrol company Orkin Inc., who served as a YHCtrustee for 21 years.The Rollins family has been agenerous benefactor of the college for many years.Originally opened in 1979, the planetarium is oneexample of that generosity, and was named for Mr.Rollins and his wife Grace C. Rollins.

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26 E c h o e s

College life is aboutgrowing, learning andmaturing into adulthood.Wemake friends, memories andeven learn something in theclassroom.And along theway we come into contactwith many people who willshape our lives. Often wedon’t realize just how greatan impact those people havehad on us until many yearshave passed—until thatparticular person is nolonger with us—a timewhen we reminisce aboutclasses, professors, curfews,roommates, the dining halland dorm life. In thinkingabout all of those people,Gladys Shaw comes quicklyto mind for those of us whoattended YHC from the 1970sthrough the early 1990s. Mama Shawhelped shape the character of manyyoung women who resided inApplebyWest. Ruth Page, who manywill remember as the campus nurseand wife of the late Reverend Cecil

“Rabbi” Page, said in the eulogy ofher friend Gladys,“As I look at facesin this congregation, I see thesummation of Gladys’ life.”Thatstatement is never more visible thanat homecoming each year.Those of us who knew Gladys

Shaw as a dorm mother might besurprised to learn just how much shevalued such things as church,community and young people. Shewas an active member of the First

United Methodist Church ofHiawassee for more than 37 years,and held many positions within thechurch. She fulfilled her promise tosupport the church through herpresence, prayers, gifts and service andwas always ready to do anything

needed. As dorm mother, she wasresponsible for 45-50 young womeneach quarter, a task that she carriedout graciously and, yes, motherly. Shealso worked to support ChatugeRegional Hospital, serving as amember of the Hospital Auxiliary formany years. Her sense of humor, herlaughter and her concern for otherswill not be forgotten by those whoworked in the auxiliary with her.Ruth Page has worked to establisha scholarship fund in memory ofGladys Shaw so that her life’s workof shaping young girls into youngwomen of character may continue.If you would like to assist inmemorializing this wonderfulwoman who meant so much to somany of the women who havepassed through the doors ofApplebyWest, please contact theOffice of InstitutionalAdvancement.

Mama ShawR E M E M B E R I N G

Gladys Shaw Scholarship EstablishedB Y J E N N I F E R A . M A R S H A L L ‘ 7 9

Left: Mrs. Shaw and Mrs. Alice Day,dorm mother of Mrs. Shaw

Below: Mrs. Shaw’s dog Pierro

News&Eve

nts

�

Dear YHC Family and Friends:

hey say,“Time flies when you’re having fun!”And that has certainly been the case for me over the past year.Getting to know the YHC campus and community, and working toward our four-year status has been rewarding,

challenging, creative, all-consuming and, yes, lots of fun!It seems almost impossible that the trustees voted only a year ago to transform the college into a four-year model.

Since then, virtually everyone on campus has been involved in rewriting our mission statement and crafting newstatements of our values and our vision for the future. Our Planning and Assessment Council (PAC), led byVicePresident Rosemary Royston, worked for months to get campus input in developing a five-year strategic plan to guideour coming growth.Both Rosemary Royston and Dr. Ron Roach, associate academic dean, have spearheaded the application process for

our “substantive change”—the process by which we will seek accreditation to offer baccalaureate degrees beginning in thefall of 2009—barely a year from now. Our application to the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools (SACS)was submitted this month and will be voted on by SACS in December.We are seeking approval of four bachelor degreeprograms in English, Music, Biology and Business and Public Policy and anticipate applying for additional majorsevery year for the foreseeable future.Provost JohnWells has serious interview fatigue, as he has led the marathon to hire new faculty, and we anticipate

having 12-13 new faculty members on board by August.We also plan to hire another dozen professors by summer2009 so that we’re fully staffed to offer upper-level classes to our new junior and senior classes, while keeping ourclasses small.This will be a 50 percent increase in our faculty within two years, a move made possible by the wisestewardship of our endowment reserve funds by our trustees.The campus will also be growing to accommodate these changes.We will break ground at homecoming on a new 200

bed residence hall—a building that can’t come a moment too soon as we will have to move trailers onto campus thissummer to accommodate our explosive enrollment for this fall.We’ve spent much of this year working with anoutstanding master planning firm to evaluate and plan for our building needs over the next decade and beyond. In thenear future, you can expect to see construction of a new student recreation center, a campus center which will include alibrary, student center and a larger dining facility, and we’ll also be building a state-of-the-art performing arts center forour outstanding theatre performances. Other buildings on the “wish list/needs list” will include aWelcomeCenter/Alumni Center/Admissions Office right at the campus entrance.So, wouldn’t you agree this has been a fun year? We’ve made great strides and put together bold plans—all designed

to make the next 122 years at YHC as strong as the past century-plus.We are focused on keeping the campus smalland compact so students can walk everywhere, and we want our classes to remain small so students will know theirprofessors personally and benefit from personal attention.I’ve come to appreciate the special nature of a YHC education and am grateful to have the chance to lead a great

team in this transition. And when my head’s not spinning from the whirlwind of activity, I realize I am having anawful lot of fun!See you at Homecoming 2008!

Cathy CoxPresident

T

F R O M T H E P R E S I D E N T

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Office of Alumni RelationsPO Box 275Young Harris, GA 30582