Piedmont Journal Spring 2012

journalThe PIEDMONT COLLEGE

SPrING 2012Volume 5 Number 1

You can impact our students.

Goals for this year are student-centric and include:

• Enhance student life and activities • Increase educational areas of study • Maintain high-quality student housing and dining • Improve campuswide technology access

These upgrades will assist Piedmont in providing an environment of critical thinking and will foster positive life experiences for our students.

Your support, at any amount, will help us reach these goals.

Donations are tax deductible. Use the remittance envelope in this issue, or make a secure online gift at www.piedmont.edu/gift.

Join us as we impact lives.

annual FunD 2011–2012800.868.1641

Give online at www.piedmont.edu/gift

you can impact student lives

AT P I E D M O N T C O L L E G E

in this issue

Spring 2012 the pieDmont college journal 1

PIEDMonT CollEGE

Dr. James F. MellichampInterim President

EditorDavid Price

Director of Public Relations

Art dirEctionAmber Harmon

Publications Coordinator

photogrAphyDavid Price

Director of Public Relations

Sandi SudaSpecial Projects Coordinator

Alumni informAtionBrandy Aycock

Associate Director of Institutional Advancement

Justin ScaliAssociate Director of

Institutional Advancement

Katie WrightAssociate Director of

Alumni Engagement & Annual Giving

donor rElAtionsSusan Mills

Alumni and Donor Records Coordinator

Published by the Officeof Institutional Advancement

Third class postage paid at Gainesville, Georgia

Published Semi-Annually

postmAstErSend Address Changes to:

piEdmont collEgEinstitutionAl AdvAncEmEnt

p.o. Box 6dEmorEst gA 30535

Top STorieS 2 Piedmont awards first

doctoral degrees 4 Mellichamp named interim

president 5 Students and businesses team

up to add value 6 Capstone project ends in

Smithsonian collection

colleGe life 7 Around Campus 8 ‘Well With My Soul’

conference in Athens 10 Wind Ensemble partners

with local schools 12 Alumni Weekend is

April 13-15

academic NewS 17 nursing School holds

countywide disaster drill

aTheNS 16 Athens Campus holds annual

Spring Fling

aThleTicS 18 Volleyball finishes second in

GSAC tourney 18 Cross Country women take

title, men finish second 20 Men’s soccer season ends in

semi-finals match 21 Women’s soccer win

conference crown 22 Basketball women upset in

semis of GSAC 23 Golf women claim title

by wide margin

alumNi NewS 14 Dodd named ‘Woman of

Distinction’ by Girl Scouts 15 Alumni Spotlight: Wyant

and White 24 Classnotes 28 obituaries

2

7 4 11

2 the pieDmont college journal Spring 2012

Among the 402 graduates who received degrees from Piedmont College at the December 2011 Commencement were 15 students wearing decid-

edly different academic gowns. They were the 15 students to earn the college’s first Doctor of Education degrees.

After three years of classroom study, research, completion of comprehensive exams, and writing and defending their dissertations, the first graduates of the program received their special doctoral hoods at the Dec. 10 graduation ceremonies held at the Johnny Mize Athletic Center in Demorest.

Dr. Robert Cummings II, Dean of the School of Education, said the day’s graduation was the culmina-tion of an effort that began five years ago when the college first sought the level V accreditation from the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges. Cummings said the initial review, conducted under former Dean Dr. Jane McFerrin, resulted in a “perfect” score from the accrediting agency, prior to the enrollment of the first doctoral students at both the Athens and Demorest campuses.

The first class was made up of work-ing teachers and principals, all with at least four years of teaching experience, Cummings said. “It has truly been a transformational process for the students and the college,” he said. “It has taken the faculty and the students to a higher level. It is also good for the school systems where the students work to have people who can do the research to continually improve schools.”

one of the newly minted doctors is Vijay Purugulla of Woodstock, a science teacher at Etowah High School in Cherokee County. Purugulla had earned his Education

Specialist Degree from Piedmont and said that he wanted to continue at the college to earn his doctorate. “I feel honored to be part of something so significant and histori-cal. like anything else, there were some bumps along the road being the first ever group; but thanks to good leader-ship and good input, the next groups will benefit even more from what we have learned and gone through. It was all worth it in the end,” he said.

Purugulla, who was the 2009 winner of the Piedmont Alumni Association Excellence in Education Award, wrote

his dissertation on the effectiveness of programs in middle school to prevent bullying. “Even though I teach sci-ence, bullying is an issue some of us have faced personally and have had to handle,” he said. “Unfortunately, bullying is even more common today, and I wanted to evaluate a program that a middle school in our district implemented for the first time and see if the program could help reduce bul-lying. We do not need more children suffering unnecessarily, and their hurt was my motivation for researching bullying.”

In addition to the 15 students to earn the Doctor of Education de-

grees, 121 students collected their Bachelor of Arts and Bachelor of Science degrees. The School of Education awarded diplomas to 148 graduates receiving Master of Arts and Master of Arts in Teaching degrees and 134 gradu-ates receiving Education Specialist degrees. The School of Business awarded Master of Business Administration degrees to 20 graduates.

The Commencement speaker was Piedmont Board of Trustees member Mylle Mangum of Eatonton. Mangum is

Piedmont Awards First Doctoral Degrees

“it has truly been a transformational process for the students and the college. it has taken the faculty and the students to a higher level.”

dr. robert cummings ii dean of the School of education


the Chief Executive officer and owner of IBT Holdings, a company leading in designing and building retail environments for bank branches, specialty retail, and mixed-use concepts. She earned her B.A. from Emory University and has held numerous management positions at companies such as MMS Incentives, Holiday Inn Worldwide, and General Electric.

“If you’ve got a dollar and a dream, the whole world is open to you,” Mangum told the graduates. “You’ve got to work hard to get there, but a dol-lar and a dream is really what you need. … The world is open to you. It takes effort, nobody says it is going to be handed to you, but the world is open to anyone who just rolls up their sleeves, gets busy, and is really a self starter.

“over the years I’ve had the privilege of observing some really strong lead-ers,” she said. “They’ve all managed to master the tools of leadership, but success actually starts within themselves. And you know what? The best of those are the most humble.”

Mangum said she admired the quote from G.K. Chesterton: “Angels fly because they take themselves so lightly.” “Don’t take yourself too seriously,” she said. “That’s easier said than done, by the way, because deep down we all experience fear—fear of what people might think of us. We fear failure. Studies say that fear is the most powerful force that leaders have to overcome. What makes them different is that they take action anyway. That is the first step.”

TOP: Front: Jamie Nichols, Dean Robert Cummings II, Shea Byers, Mary Bradbury-Baily, Ann Gazell, Lynn Rambo, Senior Fellow in Education Pat McCollum, Associate Dean Julie Palmour; Second row: Keith Bryant, Rita Frady, Kimberly Griffin, Barbara Maraccini, cohort coordinator Joan Jordan; Third row: Jeremy Williams, associate professor Michael Shirley, Vijay Purugulla, Ulrich Wilms, cohort coordinator Mike Moody, Andrew Felt, and Krista van Beurden. Not pictured is Ashley Hope. RIGHT: Newly minted doctor Rita Frady is ‘hooded’ by professors Julie Palmour and Michael Shirley during the graduation ceremonies. BELOW: Piedmont Trustee Mylle Mangum presented the December Commencement address.


newly named interim President Dr. James Mellichamp said Piedmont will continue to build on its recent successes with the help of all stu-

dents, faculty, staff, alumni, and trustees.“We are fortunate to have talented and dedicated indi-

viduals who study and work here,” Mellichamp said. “our work together will build on past successes and ensure that Piedmont College continues to flourish as one of the finest liberal arts colleges in our corner of the world.”

Mellichamp, who had served as Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs, was picked by the Board of Trustees to serve as interim president after the full board voted on March 6 to conclude its contract with Dr. Danny Hollingsworth. In a letter to all students, faculty and staff, Board Chairman Thomas A. “Gus” Arrendale III said the Trustees “express their gratitude to Dr. Hollingsworth for the service he has ren-dered during the past nine months and wish him well in his future career endeavors.”

The Board of Trustees did not an-nounce details of the personnel decision.

“We have great confidence in Dr. Mellichamp and hope that you will offer him your support as he guides the college into its next chapter,” Arrendale said. “With excellent academic pro-grams, a strong financial foundation, and highly dedicated staff and faculty members, Piedmont College will continue to make a tremendous impact upon its students and upon this region.”

Mellichamp, a Toccoa native, previously served as Dean

of the School of Arts and Sciences and serves as a profes-sor of music, a post he has held since joining the college in 1982. He will continue to serve as Provost while filling the

interim position.Dr. John Misner,

Dean of the School of Business, will assist the president as Senior Financial Advisor, Mellichamp said. Prior to enter-ing academe, Misner had a long career in the areas of corpo-rate finance and in-vestment. “Another important member of our team, Vice President Rodney Dyer, has assured

me that he will continue the good work that he has been developing in the areas of student affairs and administrative services,” Mellichamp said.

Mellichamp said construction of the new art studio building and a new dormitory is continuing on schedule.

“In short, we are not going to lose any momentum,” he said.

PC will ‘continue to flourish’ says interim president Dr. James Mellichamp after Board decision

Dr. James Mellichamp, right, with Mamie, was named Piedmont’s interim president by the Board of Trustees on March 6. Dr. John Misner, left, will serve as Senior Financial Advisor during the transition.

S P E C I A L r E P O r T

“with excellent academic programs, a strong financial foundation, and highly dedicated staff and faculty members, piedmont college will continue to make a tremendous impact upon its students and upon this region.”

Thomas a. “Gus” arrendale iii, Board chairman


The Walker School of Business is helping students gain real-world experience and helping local busi-nesses with projects designed to improve their bottom line.

Piedmont College and north Georgia Technical College have teamed up to create a Business Resource Center for new or existing companies in Banks, Habersham, Rabun, Stephens, and White counties. The center will match faculty members and students from the two schools with businesses that need market research, feasibility studies, financial analysis, business plans, or help with advertising and promotion strategies.

Companies seeking assistance can contact their local Chamber of Commerce, and the schools will then put together a faculty and student team to work specifically with that business’s goals. The service is offered for free, said Dr. John Misner, Dean of Piedmont’s Walker School of Business.

The Business Resource Center is also holding a series of seminars for local businesses and entrepreneurs. The topics cover everything from leadership and market research to the use of technology.

In a related project, Piedmont students have begun work-ing with Tallulah Gorge State Park to help raise money for

a proposed observation deck. The gorge, one of the “Seven Wonders of Georgia,” currently does not have an observa-tion area accessible to visitors with disabilities.

An advertising and marketing class taught by professor Robert Perella has taken on the project to create long-range and short-range fund-raising plans for the project, which has already been engineered. Working with the Friends of Tallulah Gorge State Park, the groups hope to raise $125,000 to build the deck by october 2012 in time for the 20th anniversary of the park.

Students (from left) Ed Cook and Trey McConnell, with Dr. John Misner, meet with Johnathon Closs, Executive Vice President of Mainstreet Technologies in Cornelia, and Dalton Sirmans, Chief Executive Officer of Mainstreet Technologies, to discuss projects for the Business Resource Center.

Students, businesses team up for economic boost

The Business rescource center will match faculty members from piedmont college and North Georgia Technical college with businesses that need market research, feasibility studies, financial analysis, business plans, or help with advertising and promotion strategies.

top stories


Musicians have Carnegie Hall, but biologists know they have arrived when the Smithsonian Institute wants to archive their specimen collection.

Senior Megan Barbour of Demorest got the call from the Smithsonian recently that the national museum wanted samples of amphibians she had col-lected for her biology capstone project.

Barbour worked with Dr. Carlos Camp to iden-tify specimens of two species of salamander larvae. Along springs in Stephens County, they collected 51 specimens of black-bellied salamanders (Desmognathus guadramaculatus) and dwarf black-bellied salamanders (D. folkertsi), a species discovered in 2003 by Camp and fellow professor Dr. Rick Austin.

The adults of the two species are very similar, and Barbour’s project was to compare their larval forms to record any differences that would help researchers distinguish between the two types.

She determined that the salamander larvae were different in mean body sizes, but the principal differ-ences were in digit length, head width, head height, and tail color.

Following the research, the preserved specimens

needed a repository. Camp contacted Addison Wynn, Museum Specialist for Amphibians and Reptiles at the Smithsonian Museum of natural History. Wynn is responsible for collection manage-ment with an emphasis on salamander and tissues collections. It turned out the Smithsonian did not have a good series of black-bellied or dwarf black-be-lied salamander larvae and wanted Barbour’s samples for their collection.

The larvae were wrapped in cheese cloth soaked in alcohol and mailed off to become part of the 575,000 specimens that the Smithsonian catalogs, with Barbour’s name listed as the biologist who col-lected them.

“I decided to do a project on salamanders while I was in Philosophy and Methodology of Science my junior year,” Barbour said. “I wanted to do the proj-ect because it was different from any other work I had

done while in school or in the navy.”In April, Barbour will attend the

Association of Southeastern Biologists’ meeting at the University of Georgia,

where she will present the results of her study.

“During this process, I have learned a lot about how to

handle raw data,” Barbour said. “In the biology world, you have to

collect data and know how to run tests properly. I have really enjoyed

this experience.”

Student Capstone leads to request from Smithsonian

Megan Barbour, right, with biology professor Dr. Carlos Camp, made a study of salamander larvae that are now part of the Smithsonian Institute’s collection.

Around Campus

Spring 2012 the pieDmont college journal 7Spring 2012 the pieDmont college journal 7

Paws for a CauseThe health and wellness club hosted ‘paws for a cause’ to raise funds for the habersham humane Society’s new transport van. on feb. 18 at the arrendale amphitheater, the club raised $533 with a dog walk, obedience classes, prizes, and other activities. Twenty pet owners took advantage of the reduced-price rabies vaccines sponsored by cornelia and clarkesville Veterinary hospitals. (above left) michelle holland and Katie. (above right) front row: Kel lee cutrell, michelle holland, Jessica Blackwell, Tamara rainwater, Ty Jones; middle row: Kayla watson, Sean maguire, Brooke Terilli, Jessica wilkie, Njoki coleman, Kat hodge; and back row: rosie walk, hannah collins, Sky ross, and Zach Thomaswick

Art studios going upa modern, three-story building, designed by armentrout, matheny, and Thurmond of athens, will provide more than 26,000 square feet of instruction space for all of the college’s art classes, said chris Kelly, chair of the piedmont art department. “for the first time, piedmont will have a facility purposefully built for the instruction of art,” Kelly said. “lighting, safety and ease of instruction will be greatly improved. it will be a stellar space for art instruction.”

Third new dorm in three years now under constructionwith enrollment at record levels, piedmont has begun construction of a new residence hall for students. The three-story brick dormitory will house up to 50 students, bringing the on-campus student population to 600 when the building opens in the fall of 2012. architects for the building are Bradley and Ball, and the general contractor is carroll campus development, both of Greensboro, N.c. piedmont’s total enrollment this fall semester rose to a record 2,834 students at the demorest and athens campuses, up from a total of 2,676 last year.

Students off to GermanyThree students are bound for Germany

this summer after being selected for internships at firms in munich and Berlin. Sophomore Jamie haselhurst of demorest, a Theatre major, will be working in human resources and public relations for marriott; and sophomore patrick Steck of St. marys, an international Studies major, will be working in the marketing department for avon. Junior courtney Benson of medina, ohio, a chemistry major, will be conducting research and marketing for pfizer. The students are all currently studying German with professor monica Schulte.

The paid internships were established by the american chamber of commerce in Germany, working with Bridgehouse law, which has offices in atlanta and munich. pictured, from left, are haselhurst, Schulte, Steck, and Benson.


The connections between faith and health were the topics of Piedmont College’s fifth annual Conference on Religion and the liberal Arts. “Well With My

Soul: Faith and Health in the 21st Century” was held at the Classic Center and the col-lege’s Athens Campus.

one-hundred and fifty people attended the conference, which is the largest group to date, with more than half being first-time attendees.

An Episcopal priest since 1984, keynote speaker Barbara Brown Taylor is the Butman Professor of Religion and Philosophy at Piedmont. Taylor delivered the banquet ad-dress on the topic “What the Body Knows

About God” and hosted talk-back workshops during the conference.

Gary Gunderson, senior vice president and director of the Center of Excellence in Faith and Health at Methodist le Bonheur Healthcare in Memphis, Tenn., presented the keynote address, “leading lives that lead Toward life: For Us and the neighbors We love,” and hosted a talk-back workshop. Gunderson discussed the importance of using religious organizations to bring faith and health together. In doing so, communi-ties create social bodies that support their members.

“We are so pleased to make connections to health care professionals from all over the Southeast—from Jackson, Miss., to Wake

Annual conference on religion and liberal arts looks at community wellness programs

faiTh aNd healTh iN The 21ST ceNTury

S P E C I A L E v E N T

BarBara BrowN Taylor

Gary GuNderSoN

chriSTopher GruNdy


TAyLOr NAMED IN GEOrGIA TOP 100

Religion professor Barbara Brown Taylor has been select-ed as one of the “100 Most

Influential Georgians” by Georgia Trend magazine.

Taylor, who joined Piedmont in 1998 as the first Butman Professor of Philosophy and Religion, is the au-thor of 12 books, including the new York Times bestseller, An Altar in the World. An Episcopal priest since 1984, her first memoir, Leaving Church, also met with widespread critical acclaim, winning a 2006 Author of the Year award from the Georgia Writers Association.

Taylor also was recently named one of Emory University’s 175 Historymakers as part of the univer-sity’s celebration of its 175th year. Historymakers were selected from among Emory alumni and fac-ulty who have been “inquiry-driven, ethically engaged, and committed to working collaboratively for positive transformation in the world,” said Emory President James W. Wagner. Taylor is a 1973 graduate of Emory and earned a master of divinity degree from Yale Divinity School.

Keynote speaker Barbara Brown Taylor (left) with Piedmont Chaplain Ashley Cleere.

Forest, n.C., as well as neighbors in Athens and other communities in Georgia,” said Dr. Ashley Cleere, College Chaplain. Cleere also conducted a workshop about listening to one’s inner voice to bring about the wellness that enhances work and play.

Conference musician Christopher Grundy of Eden Theological Seminary presented a workshop on the connections between music, community, wor-ship, healing, and well being. Antoinette Willsea, Piedmont College nursing professor, discussed how to create a parish nursing program and her experi-ence establishing programs for two congregations.

Frank Granger and Mary Barton from Athens First Baptist Church intro-duced attendees to the requirements, benefits, and processes of providing pastoral care through Stephen Ministry. Granger and Barton shared their story of incorporating this valuable tool at their church. Mimi Kiser, Senior Program Director Interfaith Health Program at Emory University, explored the connection of social lives to the well-being of self and others.

Carolyn Bradley, Rosemary Dodd, and Sally Curtis-Askew enjoy a break during the Athens conference.


looking for an outlet to play that saxophone, oboe, or horn? The Wind Ensemble is looking for alumni and community members to expand its sound.

The group will perform in a Spring Concert April 10 in the Chapel in a concert that will also include band members from three area high schools.

Brande ledford is an English teacher at Rabun County High School who joined the group after hearing about it from students. She performed in the inaugural concert this past fall. “The music was both challenging and entertain-ing, and I got to meet so many new people,” said ledford. “Playing with a group of such a range of abilities, from band directors to college students to ninth graders, ensures that they will have the opportunity either to help others or learn something themselves.”

Ryan Dukes, band director at Habersham Central High School, said, “This was another opportunity for my students to benefit from playing in an ensemble other than the one at the high school. The students loved it and cannot wait

to have the opportunity to participate in the future.”

The Piedmont ensemble recently partnered with bands at Habersham, White, and Rabun county high schools to expand the opportunities for student musicians. Dr. Hoyt leCroy, director of bands at Piedmont, said the partnership provides more than just an opportunity to perform with the larger en-semble. Participating schools receive grants to expand their music programs and students are eligible for scholarships should they later attend Piedmont.

Alumni who would like to participate in next years Wind Ensemble should contact leCroy at [email protected].

Wind Ensemble plans spring concert; partners with local schools and community musicians

great composers concert is april 21Dr. Wallace Hinson directs the Chamber Singers at a recent

concert. At 7:30 p.m., April 21, in the Chapel, the Chamber Singers will join with the Piedmont Chorale to present the annual Great Composers Concert, Brahms’ ‘Ein Deutsches Requiem (A German Requiem),’ one of the monumental works in classical music, along with other compositions by the 19th-century composer.

Spring 2012

South PacificThe Theatre department opened the 2011-2012 season with South Pacific. The Broadway classic won a pulitzer price for drama in 1950 and is based on James michener’s Tales of the South Pacific. Set during world war ii at a u.S. Navy base, the play explored the themes of racial discrimination and love between two couples. pictured (above) is carmen Savelli of Tifton as Bloody mary; (above center) Stephanie Bignault of lawrenceville as Nellie Bly; and (above right) Jacob mcKee of dalton and Justin doro of Grinnell, iowa.

A Christmas CarolThe charles dickens classic holiday novel, A Christmas Carol, came to life on the Swanson mainstage Theatre. directed by Bill Gabelhausen, the play transported audiences to Victorian england, where mean-spirited ebenezer Scrooge finds his christmas spirit. pictured above are peter davis as Scrooge, and from left, Justin doro, melissa rice of epworth, and Jennifer fuller of Gainesville. pictured upper right are Justin Gilleland, Jacob mcKee, peter davis, and Nolan Garrett of oxford.

A Little Night MusicThe story of a tangled web of former and current lovers in early 20th century Sweden is at the heart of A Little Night Music, performed in february in the Swanson center Blackbox Theatre. pictured are Sky ross of alpharetta with Katie robinson of cornelia; (upper right) chelsey mccleskey of adairsville with laura merritt of Buford; and (lower) carmen Savelli of Tifton.

at PIEDMONT COLLEGE


A lumni and friends are invited to three days of golf, reunions, theatre, sports, food, and fun in Demorest April 13-15.

Alumni Weekend gets under way on Friday, April 13, with the Coach Cave Memorial Golf Tournament at The orchard. on Friday night, the

Classes of 1965-67 will meet for a reunion at Thien Thai in Cornelia.Saturday is packed with events, including the annual Torch Club breakfast, Alumni

Association meeting, “P” Club Hall of Fame Induction luncheon, history tour of campus, “Sip, Dine, & Paint” event for Young Alumni, lady lions varsity softball game, and reunion gatherings. Saturday will end with the Alumni Awards & Reunion Gala in honor of this year’s recipients of the Distinguished Alumni Award, Susan S. Kyle (’95)

and Dwain A. Toney (’63); Alumni Service Award, Raymond E. Collins Sr. (’58); Excellence in Education Award, Mitchel l. Barrett (’72); and the Pacesetter Award, Cindy Williams (’04) and CT Hussion (’97, M’98).

on Sunday, April 15, alumni are invited to join students in “The Caf” for breakfast or lunch and then take in a Piedmont Theatre Department performance of The Nerd at the Swanson Center.

Pre-registration is required for most events. For a complete sched-ule of Alumni Weekend events or to RSVP, go to www.piedmont.edu/alumni, or contact Katie Wright at 1-800-868-1641 or [email protected].

Alumni to gather April 13-15

Alumni Weekend is a time for graduates from all classes to catch up with one another and recall old times at Piedmont. Pictured from an Alumni Weekend past are Aubrey Finch (’51), Rena Holt (’58), Reid Mullins (’59), Deloris Mullins (’58), Nancy Carey Peters (’53) and Kate Finch.

Blast from the PastThe CAf, NielSeN hAllGrab a lunch tray and help yourself to a heaping reminder of campus life at The Caf. Join students for breakfast, lunch, or both. All are welcome. $7.50 per person.

“The Nerd”BlACk Box TheATre, SwANSoN CeNTerCelebrate our talented student performers by watching this hilarious comedy. free for Alumni. reservations are required. reserve tickets online by visiting www.piedmont.edu/fA or call 706-778-8500 x 1355. Use code Aw2012 to reserve your tickets.

Torch BreakfastBrookSide diNiNG room, NielSeN hAllfor women of the Torch. Torch members should rSVP and pre-pay online at www.piedmont.edu/torch or email linda wofford at [email protected]. $11 per person.

Alumni Association Annual meetingSTewArT hAll AUdiToriUmfacts and figures for the year presented. recognition of those who have volunteered many hours for the Alumni Association and the college. All are welcome.

letter Club (“P” Club) luncheonBrookSide diNiNG room, NielSeN hAllrecap of the year in Piedmont athletics and a look to the future. induction of the hall of fame Class of 2012. wear your letter sweater or jacket! Bring old Piedmont uniforms and memorabilia for display during the luncheon. All are welcome. $12 per person.

Young Alumni reunion Gathering (Classes of’00—’11)NATAlie JANe’S, 1424 wAShiNGToN STreeT, ClArkeSVille, GeorGiAContact katie wright at 706.778.3000 x1172 to rSVP. Self-pay.

history TourdemoreST CAmPUSexplore the history of Piedmont College and its magnificent buildings by participating in our campus history tour. Tours will include prizes at each stop on the tour map. All are welcome. free.

“Sip, dine, & Paint” for Young Alumni (Classes of’00—’11)TrAder JohN’S Grille, 1429 wAShiNGToN STreeT, ClArkeSVille, GeorGiAJoin us for an artful event of painting presented by ivy mountain Art Studio. $35/person for buffet & art. Beverages are self-pay. Prepayment required by April 1st.

Alumni SocialhoBBS AlUmNi hoUSe, demoreST CAmPUSAll are welcome. free.

honor the successes of this year’s recipients of the distinguished Alumni, Alumni Service, excellence in education, and Pacesetter awards. Special dinner seating and recognition of classes. All are welcome. $25 per person. $15 per Young Alumni (’01-’11). Prepayment required.

Brookside dining room, Nielsen hall

Coach Cave memorial Golf TournamentThe orChArd Golf & CoUNTrY ClUB, ClArkeSVille, GA

‘65, ‘66, ‘67 reunion dinnerThieN ThAi, 101 mArkeT CeNTer driVe, CorNeliA, GeorGiAContact doug Johnson at 706.776.1081 to rSVP. Self-pay.


Rosemary Wood Dodd (’69) of Gainesville says that everything she has done in her career is the result of her years as a Girl Scout. And as the Scouts celebrate their 100th year, the Girl Scouts of Historic Georgia have recognized Dodd as the 2012 Woman of Distinction.

“Girl Scouts of Historic Georgia is thrilled to honor Rosemary Dodd during the centennial Girl Scout year,” said Assistant Director laDon Shaw. “She is a true example of the Girl Scout mission: Girl Scouting builds girls of courage, confidence, and character, who make the world a better place.”

Dodd was a member of Troop 12 in Gainesville and says many of her fellow Scouts still get together regularly. While the girls in the troop did all of the usual Scout activities, including camping trips and earning merit badges, as Scouts during World War II, they were also introduced to the ideals of service and spent many hours folding bandages and selling paper poppies to raise funds for the American legion Auxillary.

“That is where I learned to be who I am,” Dodd said. “Scouting was a base for me.”

Dodd graduated from Gainesville High School in 1953 and attended Wesleyan College and UGA before taking time out to raise a family. In 1967, she returned to college at Piedmont and graduated magna cum

laude in 1969, majoring in art and English. Since then she has used both subjects as a noted Georgia artist, illustrator, and graphic designer. She worked in marketing for several Gainesville companies and for eight years was director of advancement and information services for Gainesville College.

After her tenure with Gainesville College, she turned her attention to growing the Ed Dodd/Mark Trail Foundation she established with her late husband, Ed Dodd.

During all of this time, Rosemary was also an active volunteer with numerous organizations, including the Junior Service league, Gainesville Ballet Guild, Georgia Alliance for Arts Education, and lanier orchestra league, just to name a few. Remarkably, she was also a founding member of two organizations that have left their mark on Georgia: The northeast Georgia History Center at Brenau University and the 1,500-acre Elachee nature Science Center near oakwood.

“It all got started with Girl Scouting,” Dodd said.

Girl Scouts cite Dodd’s career and volunteer work

Rosemary Wood Dodd (’69) says she owes her remarkable career to Scouting.

Rosemary Dodd (center) received the Girl Scouts of Historic Georgia‘s ‘Woman of Distinction’ award from Georgia First Lady Sandra Deal (left), GSHG assistant director LaDon Shaw, and a bevy of Brownie and Daisy scouts.

alumni news

alumni news


A fter working for a large graphic design firm, Darlene Wyant (’04) decided she wanted to create a company that was client and rela-tionship focused. A little over four years after she earned a degree in Mass Communications, she decided to form her own company

and in January 2009 founded Ziraleet.Ziraleet is a graphic-design and software development firm that creates

custom branding, websites, print materials, and software platforms for busi-nesses. Over the last three years, Wyant says the company has taken on more large-scale software and custom projects that present new challenges as well as a sense of pride.

When Wyant had the idea for Ziraleet in 2008, she contacted her best friend and fellow Piedmont alum, Rob White (’03), to help develop her idea. He was with Wyant when they compiled their ideas on a piece of scratch paper at Chili’s.

White, a Philosophy and Religion major at Piedmont, is now the lead Project Manager at Ziraleet, the liaison between clients and the design and develop-ment team. “If you’ve seen Mad Men, I am the Pete Campbell of Ziraleet, minus the snarkiness,” he said.

Ziraleet has provided graphic design and software development for many well-known companies, such as Nokia and QLogic. The company created custom software for Nokia that will hopefully be a turning point for the tele-communications giant in the next few years. For QLogic, Ziraleet created the graphic design for investor and industry presentations.

Ziraleet applies a wide variety of skills to a given project. They recently

designed a game called “Co-op Square” for GreyStone Power, which will be released later this year. They also designed the van wrap and print materials for the Georgia State Road Toll Authority (SRTA).

“Many of our clients come to us needing a combination of custom design elements as well as custom development for websites, software, and other applications,” said Wyant. “Our clients range from small local companies to large industry leaders headquartered around the world.”

Wyant and White are now form-ing their second website business, TownSquare, which will launch in May. The website allows local busi-nesses to network with one another, to make referrals for services they don’t offer, and to gain community exposure.

A small part of TownSquare is TownSquare Gifts, which is a site to help create awareness of independent and talented artists. The site show-cases six artists in Georgia, including two Piedmont alumni. Jeremy Miller (’99) showcases ceramics, sculptures, and theatre props; and Kimberly Stohlmann (’02) showcases her jewelry.

“I love the work Darlene and Rob have done with the company and look forward to seeing what else they come up with,” said Miller. “They love to support artists, and that in turn encourages more art.”

If you are interested in showcasing your handmade and original art on TownSquare Gifts, contact [email protected] for more information.

alumni spotlight

Wyant and White web businesses taking off

Darlene Wyant (’04) and Rob White (’03) are now working on a second web-based business.

athens campus


Erin Anglin paints a face.

The annual Athens campus Spring carnival was Saturday, March 24 for the families of students, faculty, and staff. This year’s “Spring Jam!” featured games and activities for all ages, including an adult obstacle course and bungee run. Kids games included a bouncy house and face painting. other activities included a free caricature artist, cake walk, beanbag toss, and much more.

Spring Jam! Volunteers included Jen Neely, Megan Skelton, Audrey Partain, Schenea Taylor, Brandie Wilson (in front), Dr. Julia Schmitz, and Erin Anglin.

Euresha Jennings with fresh funnel cakes.

Left, student Carla Jackson and Dr. Heather Fosgate at the ring toss.

school oF nursing


Student nurses turn disaster into training

The School of nursing held its annual countywide disaster drill March 30, 2011, with senior nursing students called on to react to a simulated school bus accident. The drill featured realistic injuries for some 28 “victims” thanks to the assistance of the Theatre Department and professor Henry Johnson. The victims were played by junior nursing students, while senior students were called on to triage the injured and provide first aid. The drill involved Demorest police and fire departments, as well as Habersham County emergency agencies and Habersham Medical Center. From left, Blaine Echols, Abby Bruce, and nancy Golden as they place Elyse Young in a waiting ambulance. Above: Participants in the drill include, from left: Dr. Maria Fisk, nancy Golden, Casey Jones, Denise Cocking, Katie Corley, Angelique Cobern, Krissi little, Victoria Jordan, Eva Griffith, Ann Bruce, Bethany Elrod, Jodie Smith, Tonya Ramey, Dawn Cruikshank, Erika Cooper, and Paige Dixon.

athletics news


Volleyball falls to archrival Maryville in GSAC final

The Piedmont College volleyball team could not complete its drive for back-to-back conference titles, falling to top-seeded Maryville College in the Great South Athletic Conference championship tournament final nov. 5. Playing in their home gym in front of another packed crowd, the lady lions made a push in the opening set but saw the Scots take control down the stretch to take the crown away.

The lady lions finished the 2011 season with a 22-14 overall record, their seventh straight season with at least 20 wins. In the GSAC Awards, Jennifer opper of Clearwater, Fla., was named the league’s Freshman of the Year, while Paige Eslinger of Ringgold collected her second straight libero of the Year honor. Eslinger led the conference in total digs and digs per set, despite missing six games throughout the season due to injury.

Junior Hallye Jerkins of Buford also earned an All-Conference nod, having led Piedmont in total kills with 214. Joining opper on the All-Freshman team was Kaitlin norman of Good Hope, who posted 44 kills in the team’s last four matches, averaging close to three kills per set in that same stretch as one of the team’s most dynamic front row threats.

Piedmont also had eight players honored on the league’s All-Academic Team, including Eslinger, Jerkins, Ashley Fannon of Ball Ground, Jessica Hollis of Flowery Branch, Katheryn Knarr of Chickamauga, Danielle Maffet of Villa Rica, Ashton nash of McDonough, and Rachel Powell of Tallassee, Ala.

Paige Eslinger, right, earned her second Libero of the Year honors, while Jennifer Opper, above, was named the GSAC Freshman of the Year.

athletics news


The lady lions claimed the 2011 Great South Athletic Conference Cross Country title, while the men posted a runner-up finish at the GSAC championship meet held oct. 29 at lookout Mountain, Tenn. The crown is the first for the women’s cross country team since the 2003 season, Piedmont’s first year of full-fledged membership in nCAA Division III.

leading the way for the lady lions was 2011 GSAC Freshman of the Year and All-Conference performer Holli Abernathy of Blairsville, whose 25:30 time on the 6K course at Chickamauga Dam was good enough to put her as the top finisher amongst all freshmen.

Three more lady lions made the list of All-Conference finishers as Jasmina Szczesna of Uppsalla, Sweden, came in just eight seconds behind her teammate Abernathy with a time of 25:38. Freshman Megan Zanone of lula crossed the tape at 26:07 to come in 6th overall, while 2010 GSAC Freshman of the Year Molly Atkinson of Comer placed 11th with a time of 27:48. Rounding out the list of scoring runners was Rachel Tolliver of Grayson, who came in 19th

with her time of 29:13.Piedmont Head Coach

Charlie Patterson was named the 2011 GSAC Women’s Cross Country Coach of the Year following his team’s performance at the champi-onship meet, bringing the program its first title in nine years.

on the men’s side, helping Piedmont to a second place

finish was All-Conference per-former Chez Maxwell of lavonia, who ran the 8K course in 29:42 to finish 3rd overall, his first top five finish of the 2011 season. After Maxwell, a trio of lions came in back-to-back-to-back with All-Freshman performer Trey Martin of Homer leading the way at 30:28 to finish seventh, followed by Wesley Milton of Jefferson at 30:51 and A.J. Clendennin of Flowery Branch at 31 even. The lions’ final scoring runner was freshman Robert Williams of Conyers, who posted a 32:25 time.

The teams then traveled to Texas lutheran University nov. 11 for the nCAA South/Southeast Regional. leading the women was Szczesna, who came in 45th of the 200 runners at the event with a time of 24:51. Abernathy was next up, finishing 66th with her 25:22 time, while

CC women take first, and men take second in GSAC

another freshman, Zanone, rounded out the PC runners in the top 88 when she came across the tape in just under 26 minutes.

Piedmont’s remaining two scoring female runners in-cluded All-GSAC performer Atkinson, who put in a 27:17 race to finish at spot number 142, while Tolliver came across just over the 29 minute mark.

A trio of male runners from PC also ran in the men’s side of the race, with Martin leading the pack with his 30:57 time on the course to finish in the top 135 of 174 runners at the regional. Also running was a pair of veter-ans in juniors Milton and Maxwell, who both ran personal best times of 31:58 and 32:18 respectively.

Front row from left: Salima Greig, Jasmina Szczesna, Carsey Pilcher, Rajvee Vajani, Holli Abernathy, and Storm Cuthbert; back: Megan Zanone, Anna McClatchy, Molly Atkinson, Rachel Tolliver, Molly Mulholland, Jessica Tolliver, Ashley Prince.

Front from left: A.J. Clendenin, Trey Martin, James Harmon, Quentin Deaton, and Alec Jameson; back: Bryce Thorson, Robert Williams, James (Chez) Maxwell, Colten Sherman, Presston Triguero, Wesley Milton.

Head Coach Charlie Patterson

athletics news


The men’s soccer team fought back from a first half deficit only to see Huntingdon College tally a late goal to knock the lions out of the 2011 Great South Athletic Conference championship tournament played at laGrange College nov. 4. Piedmont’s postseason loss is just the second semifinal defeat in a 12-year affiliation with the GSAC and ended the lions’ season with a 7-9-2 overall mark.

Seniors nick Weatherby of Grayson and Brian Gaid of Marietta were each named to the Great South Athletic Conference All-Conference Team, as was forward Sidney Smith of Dallas and midfielder Justin Whitaker of lawrenceville.

Weatherby’s All-Conference nod is the fourth of his stellar career with the lions, having played four seasons under head coach Jimmy Stephens. The se-nior from Grayson sits in the top five among players from the program’s nCAA era in goals with 26, while his 71 games played in a career is the most by any player in a four-year period since 2003.

Keeper Gaid made the All-Conference list for a second straight season after

using his veteran leadership to help his team climb out of the 2-5 hole they dug over the first seven games of the season. With his play between the pipes for PC, the lions went 5-3-2 over their final 10 games, going 2-2 in conference play.

Smith led the conference in total goals with 12 and total points with 25, making him a repeat per-former on the billing. Sophomore Whitaker’s standout year included four goals and four assists to total 12 points, which is third among all his lion teammates.

Piedmont also placed a player on the All-Freshman team, with Connor lockridge of loganville earning a spot after playing in 15 of PC’s 17 games at the centerback spot of the lions back four.

PC had nine players honored on the league’s All-Academic list, including Gaid, Weatherby, Koffi Ametohoun of Atlanta, Mason Flynn of Grayson, Miles Flynn of Grayson, Cameron Parsons of Buford, Chase Rivers of lawrenceville, Bradley Thomas of Watkinsville, and Brooks Willis of Acworth.Soccer men see season end

in semifinal vs LaGrange

Senior Nick Weatherby ended his Piedmont career with 26 goals and four GSAC All-Conference Team honors.

Senior keeper Brian Gaid earned his GSAC All-Conference Team designation with outstanding plays like this one between the posts.

Sports photos by Jasper Lee

athletics news


The women’s soccer team claimed the league title with a 3-2 come-from-behind victory over host laGrange College.

Trailing 2-1 at halftime, the lady lions came out blazing in the sec-ond 45 minutes to score two quick goals and hold off the home team to earn their first GSAC title since the 2001 season.

Junior forward Macie Rooke of Sugar Hill was named the tourna-ment MVP after scoring Piedmont’s first two goals of the final.

With the GSAC title, the lady lions also claimed an automatic berth in the nCAA national Tournament, where they faced the fifth-ranked Emory Eagles nov. 12 in the first round. Piedmont fought the Eagles to a nil-nil tie through the first half, but Emory came up with three goals in the second half to take the first-round win and end the lady lions season at 17-3-1, the best mark in the nCAA era for the women’s soccer program at Piedmont.

The stellar season earned Stephen

Andrew Co-Coach of the Year honors. Six lady lions earned All-Conference honors, with three more named to the league’s All-Freshman team as well.

Making her fourth straight appear-ance on the All-Conference list is senior Justine Clay of Buford, with nine season goals. Clay was named to the All-South Team and is also an Academic All-America honoree, Clay led one of the most decorated four-year classes to come through the women’s soccer program, posting a 55-19-1 overall record during her time with the green and gold.

Joining her teammate on the All-Conference team is junior forward Dilyn Maclean of Blue Ridge, who placed second among all nCAA Division III players with 11 goals and seven assists. Sophomore laura Goodwin’s 17 total points, including a half dozen goals, helped the Snellville native follow up her Freshman of the Year campaign in 2010 with a second All-Conference selection.

Sophomore Haley Grimes of

Charlotte, n.C., earned an All-Conference spot with five goals and four assists. Defender Sarah Hill of lilburn helped hold opponents to 16 goals in 21 games to take her place on the All-Conference team.

Sophomore keeper Marjorie Hammond of lilburn also took All-Conference honors, putting up a 0.44 goals-against average. Hammond had 11 shutout performances in her second year in goal.

A trio of lady lions made the GSAC All-Freshman team, including Shayna Rogers of loganville, Taylor Hockley of McDonough, and Kelsey Schaffernoth of Snellville.

PC had 12 players honored on the league’s All-Academic Team, including Clay, Grimes, Hill, laura Goodwin of Snellville, Kristen Murri of Villa Rica, Elizabeth Farmer of Dallas, Cydney Goodwin of Canton, n.C., Meghan Heim of loganville, Morgan Hall of Canton, Rebecca Johnson of Decatur, Hayleah Waters of Villa Rica, and Dakota Free of Clarkesville.

Women hold off LaGrange to take GSAC crown

Dilyn MacLean, left, received an All-Conference nod after notching 11 goals, second best among all NCAA D-III players. Senior Justine Clay, middle, scored nine goals and was named to the GSAC All-Conference Team for the fourth time. Co-Coach of the Year Stephen Andrew, right.

athletics news


The lady lions fought hard but came up empty, drop-ping a 79-71 game to laGrange in the semifinals of the Great South Athletic Conference Tournament. Piedmont had lost just four times all year, including once to the lady Panthers earlier in the season, but the home team and host team of the tournament came up big when it mattered most at the Feb. 24-25 tourney in laGrange.

Piedmont found itself down four at the half despite lead-ing most of the way, then had a seven-point lead with less than eight to go but couldn’t hold on. Maryville went on to beat laGrange 69-56 in the title match and headed for the nCAA D-III tourney in Crestview Hills, Ky. PC coach Jamie Purdy’s team finished the season at 21-5 on the sea-son and 13-3 in the conference.

Gainesville senior Sada Wheeler’s impact this season was undeniable, and she was recognized for her efforts by being named the Great South Athletic Conference Player of the Year. Wheeler ranks among the nation’s best in shooting percentage (.591), rebounding (12.3) and blocked shots (118), as well as double-double outputs. She won six Player

of the Week awards from the conference this season and av-eraged 16.6 points per game in the process. Wheeler scored her 1,023rd career point in the last regular season game, and holds the Piedmont records for rebounds in a single game and single season.

Joining Wheeler on the All-Conference team was fellow senior Amber Satterfield of McCaysville, who made her name from beyond the arc. She tallied 11.4 points per con-test this season and made 78 3-pointers at a 40-percent clip.

named to the All-Academic Team were junior lauren Anderson of Cornelia, sophomore lauren Hamel of Winder, and seniors Satterfield and Shanice Wheeler of Kennesaw. Caroline Hicks of Commerce, a freshman post player, took home the Sportsmanship Award from the Conference, which is given to one player on each team in GSAC.

Lady Lions stunned by LaGrange in GSAC semis

Amber Satterfield, above, and Sada Wheeler, right, were named to the GSAC All-Conference Team.

athletics news


Maryville College sent the Piedmont men’s basketball team home from the Great South Athletic Conference Tournament, held Feb. 24-25 in laGrange.

Maryville jumped out to a 10-point lead at the half and never really looked back, besting the lions by a final score of 94-70. The Scots went on to beat laGrange 75-73 in the tourna-ment final and earned a chance to represent the GSAC in the nCAA D-III national Tournament. Piedmont finished the season at 7-19 and 3-5 in the conference, with head coach lee Glenn just one game shy of passing the career 100 wins mark.

PC senior guard Josh Haymore of Gainesville was named to the GSAC All-Conference team after a season that saw him eclipse 1,000 career points. Haymore averaged 12.2 points per game this year, and his 58 assists were second best on the team.

Jessie Jenkins of McDonough was placed on the All-Freshman Team

after averaging 13.6 ppg, totaling 300 points and averaging 55 percent from the field, including 11 of 22 from beyond the 3-point arc. He was also the team’s top rebounder with 8.1 per game, finishing with seven double-doubles.

The lions placed four members on the All-Academic Team, which featured Haymore, fellow senior Tracey Gardner of Gainesville, junior Michael Ross of Blairsville, and sopho-more Aaron Thrams of Stanley, n.C. The Sportsmanship Award, presented to one player per GSAC-member team, was given to senior Josh Chapman of Gainesville. The forward played in 18 games, starting three times, and shoot-ing 43-percent from the floor.

Lions close out season against Maryville

Jessie Jenkins, above, was named to the GSAC All-Freshman Team after averaging 13.6 points per game,

while Josh Haymore, right, was selected to the All-Conference Team and topped 1,000 career points.

The Sixth Man on the floor for the Lions and Lady Lions this year was undoubtedly the Cave Crazies, who made themselves heard in the student section.


class notes

The Alumni Board of DirectorsFront from left: linda Boling Purcell (’65), Heather Malick (’03), Kristen Hart lewis (’99, M’01), Kara Keel Moody (’94),

linda Wofford (’99, M’01), Deloris newberry Mullins (’58); back: John Flowers (’66), Doug Johnson (’66), Dave Abbot (’67), Vann Brown (’90), Gerald Dunn (’65), Robin Coile (’82), Mike Barden (’77), Dock Sisk (’72), David Foster (’88), Mark Rheault (’02, M’06, EdS ’08), nwick Kastner (’03), and Mike Santowski (’06). not pictured are Delores Anderson (’72), loretta Westbrook Dalton (’86), Patrick lama (’91), JoAnn Seagraves Manley (’49), Cole Spedale (’08), and Jo Stauffer (’94).

jane alexanDer (’43) was re-cently honored by the Gwinnett County Beta Rho chaper of Delta Kappa Gamma, the international honor society for active and veteran female educators. Jane, 91, taught language arts at South Gwinnett High School for 19 years and volunteers at Eastside Medical Clinic.

Bill p. KenDall (’60) has been named to the Georgia Rural Development Council by Gov. nathan Deal. The coun-cil advocates for rural Georgia, focusing on new development opportunities and partnering with public and private initia-tives. The sole commissioner of Towns County, Bill previously served as a teacher, coach and school superintendent.

jim parham (’67) has joined Transport Capital Partners (TCP), a na-tional leader in transportation advisory services, as a managing partner.

john Foster (’69) was named to the Education Commission of the States

(ECS) in September by Gov. nathan Deal. Foster served as state senator for 25 years, and during his tenure chaired the Senate Education Committee. He served as com-missioner on the Education Commission of the States from 1982 to 1993.

eric williams (’96) coaches the junior varsity girls and boys basketball teams at Morris Innovative High School in Dalton.

BoBBy jeFFerson jolley, jr. (’98) was recently promoted to Auto Claim Representative at State Farm Insurance in Bloomington, Ill.

Brian ricKman (’98) was ap-pointed to the Georgia Board of Public Safety by Gov. nathan Deal on Dec. 21. The board sets policy for the Georgia Department of Public Safety and appoints the Commissioner of Public Safety. Brian is currently the district attorney for the Mountain Judicial Circuit.

anDrew Buice (’99) married Tonya David on March 19, 2011. The couple met in 1998, while he was playing baseball for Piedmont College. After going separate ways and 13 years apart, they were reunited in 2010. Andrew now has three stepchil-dren: Bayleigh, Mason and lukas. Andrew is currently employed with Sunbelt Rentals in the Pump and Power Division.

class notes


Benjamin price (’99) and Kimberly Anne Bray were married May 29, 2011, at St. Simon’s Island. Benjamin graduated in May from Georgia State College of law . Kimberly is currently en-rolled at the University of Georgia School of law.

april reeD (M’01) was named the David D. Stovall Rotarian of the year by the Rotary Club of Habersham County. Reed has been a member of the Habersham Rotary Club for the past ten years and served as the 2007-2008 club president. She also was honored with the Habersham Rotary Club’s 2010 W. lee Arrendale Award for Vocational Excellence. She is the vice president of development and public relations and di-rector of volunteer services for Habersham Medical Center in Demorest.

Katie Deal wright (’02) has joined the Development office at Piedmont as Associate Director of Alumni Engagement and Annual Giving. Since graduating with a theatre degree, Katie has

Following his performance as Tevye in ‘Fiddler on the Roof’ at the Classic Center in Athens March 24, John Preece (’71), center, met up with classmates, from left, Evelyn Smith (’70) of Atlanta, Judy Lerch (’71) of Loganville, Rosemary Wood Dodd (’69), and Glenn Lerch (’71) of Atlanta.

This ‘Fiddler’ has PC connections For john preece (’71), starring as Tevya in ‘Fiddler of the Roof!” has become something of its own “Tradition!”

now in his 10th national tour of “Fiddler,” Preece wowed them at the Classic Center in Athens March 24 as part of a 60-city tour from Alaska to Florida.

Preece was a theater major at Piedmont, graduating in 1971, and has been involved in theatre for the past 40 years, including roles as Ben Franklin in “1776” and The Devil in “Damn Yankees.” He just completed a suc-cessful run as Don Quixote in “The Man of la Mancha” at the Candlelight Theatre in Wilmington, Del., and has also been involved in producing and directing more 35 produc-tions ranging from the classics to musical theatre. He has produced such shows as “Jesus Christ Superstar,” “The Sound of Music,” and “42nd Street.”

But Preece is best known for his perfor-mances in “Fiddler,” across the U.S. and Canada and has performed the show some 3,400 times, with more than 1,780 of those performances as Tevye. His deeply moving portrayal of the beleaguered Tevya, a poor milkman and father to five daughters, has drawn rave reviews around the country.

Scot Zacher of Chicago Theater Beat said Preece is the “perfectly, personable Tevye! Whether he is talking to God or lovingly teasing his daughters, Preece engages. He commands the stage with a vulnerability that feels organic. He adds a little extra humorous oomph with a mocking voice or side gesture. He is hysterical! In addition, his soulful singing commands the stage with a ‘ya ha deedle deedle, bubba bubba deedle deedle dum.’”

Continued on next page


traveled the country as a professional actor. In 2006, she met and married fellow per-former, Chris Wright of Columbus. After their third collective national tour, they have decided to unpack their bags and stay a while. Katie and Chris have relocated to Habersham County with their dog, Colby Jack. Stop by the Hobb’s Alumni House on the Piedmont Demorest campus and say hello!

After earning her Master of Arts degree from Piedmont, reBecca ann Deurlein (’02) attended The University of Phoenix to complete a doc-torate in educational leadership. She was honored with the title of Student of the Year and addressed the graduates at the Atlanta commencement ceremony. She has since moved to the Chicago area, where she is a teacher. Rebecca has writ-ten a novel, The Beach Years, which can be found on Amazon as an e-book under her maiden name, Rebecca Becker.

natalie crawForD (’06) has been named Director of Student Activities and Campus Events at Piedmont College. Her responsibilities are to direct the

development and organization of the col-lege’s extra-curricular programs, set up so-cial events, and have a participatory role in the student government and student-run clubs.

julius hooper (’06) is currently in his sixth year at Apalachee High School as the In-School Suspension Coordinator, varsity football coach, and track and field coach.

justin poole (’07) is a photogra-pher for lifetouch national School Studio in Snellville.

wally smith (’07) successfully defended his PhD dissertation at the University of Alabama. His study deals with the effects of fire on reptiles and am-phibians in the endangered long-leaf pine ecosystems.

rachel Viers (’07) and Brad Dailey were married in Charlotte, n.C., on June 11, 2011. Her wedding party included four Piedmont alumnae: taryn gaDBois (’07), sarah miller Kroll (’07, M’10), linDsey rhoDes (’07, M’10, EdS’11), and honorary bridesmaid melissa crain (’10).

class notes

cheroKee county John A. Murnan III (EdS’07)

etowah high School and cherokee county Teacher of the year.

gwinnett county Brittany Palazzo (M’11)

mulberry elementary School

stephens county Debra Masten (EdS ’10)

eastanollee elementary School and Stephens county Teacher of the year

Christi Ford (M’08, EdS ’10) Toccoa elementary School

Shannon H. Williams (’98) Stephens county middle School

white county Kechara Partin (’07)

white county middle School

Lara Rogers (’90) Jack p. Nix primary School

Amy Swing (Ed.S’08) mossy creek elementary School

Patsy Lewis (M’98) white county Ninth Grade academy

haBersham county Nora Dukes (M’10, EdS ’11) fairview elementary School

and habersham county Teacher of the year

haralson county Denice F. Steed (EdS ’10)

Bremen middle School

raBun county Mark Perdue (’98)

rabun county high School

jacKson county Robert Andrews (Ed.S’11)

Kings Bridge middle School

Tammy Standridge (M’02) east Jackson elementary School

2011-12 Teachers of the Year

timothy suDa (‘09) and justin poole (‘10) were among 12 people who shaved their heads on March 17 to show their support for child-hood cancer research. The event was for St. Baldricks, a foundation that raises money for childhood cancer research. Suda was the event coordinator for Team Habersham which took place at The Grill on Georgia Street on the Demorest Campus. The team raised more than $1200.

St. Baldricks started in 2000 with a goal of raising $17,000 and 20 shavees, but the group raised more than $100,000. Today the St. Baldrick’s Foundation funds more in childhood cancer research grants than any organization except the U.S. government. The foundation has already raised over $18 million this year.

class notes


jenniFer pilgrim cox (’08, M’09) of Colorado Springs, Colo., is a do-nor appreciation representative for Focus on The Family in the public affairs de-partment. She builds relationships with 600 key ministry donors and offers prayer support and resources through different communication methods.

leah Della torre (’08, M’10) and Bj hampton (’08, M’10) were married May 29, 2011, at the Thompson House and Gardens in Bogart. Both are currently working at Eastern nazarene College in Quincy, Mass.

thomas DunBar (’08) and luna Dunnett (’10) were mar-ried on Dec. 10, 2011, at the Athens Botanical Gardens in the Day Chapel. luna is working on her Master of Art in Teaching in music education at Piedmont and is a graduate assistant for the Department of Music.

ian mcclary (’08, M’10) and Jessica Jean Cull were married Aug. 27, 2011, at the Hyatt Regency Pier 66 in Fort lauderdale, Fla.

niKKi soseBee (’08, M’10) and Trey Mimbs were married Sept. 8, 2011, in Japan, where Trey is stationed with the United States Air Force. The couple will be living in Japan until 2013.

heather BarDinelli (’09) of Atlanta is a senior web content publisher for WebMD. She is responsible for quality of video and metadata for WebMD.com, organizing stock video, editing video, and more. Prior to this position, Heather was a video editor for The Weather Channel.

aimee garner (’10) and Zach seymour (’11) were married July 9, 2011, at Crossroads Community Church in Athens. Aimee works at St. Mary’s Hospital in the ER and in the Intermediate Care Unit. Zach is working on his Master of natural Resources degree from the University of Georgia.

jaKe Krieger (’10) is working on a master’s degree in biology at Georgia Southern University and working with the herpetology collection at the university.

Katie sawhill (’10) is a middle grades Musical Theatre Instructor at the Cape Fear Center for Inquiry in Wilmington, n.C. She teaches two periods of music theatre in which students create narratives for musicals and sing songs from current musicals. In December, Katie per-formed Maria from The Sound of Music for The Thalian Association. She recently fin-ished filming for two days for The Confession, based on the book by Beverly lewis. The film will air on the Hallmark Channel.

marlee BarBour (’11) is a Financial Aid Advisor at Piedmont College. Previously, she worked at north Georgia College and State University in the Financial Aid Department.

patricK (’11) and heather thomas rose (’10) recently moved to lawrenceville, where Heather is the Box office Assistant at Aurora Theater. She recently worked as an extra in the movie “Wanderlust” that was filmed in Clarkesville and was on set for a month and half 4-5 times per week. Patrick will be working at the Aurora Theater on the crew for Clyde ’n Bonnie: A Folktale.

mary Beth williams (’10) and anthony saputo (’10) were mar-ried oct. 8, 2011, at the First United Methodist Church of Marietta. Anthony is working as a support teacher at The Howard School, where he works with stu-dents with learning and language difficul-ties. Mary Beth is a marketing coordinator for ERB Industries, which specializes in the production of safety products.

joy ugi (’10) is a communications co-ordinator at Point University in Atlanta in the office of Institutional Advancement. Her responsibilities include researching, writing, and disseminating press releases in addition to handling general communi-cations for the university.

KimBerly allen (’11) and timothy huDson (’10) were mar-ried Dec. 28, 2011, at Temple Beth David in Snellville. The couple is now living in Mt. Airy. Kim is a graduate as-sistant for the Department of Math and Physics at Piedmont and is working on her Master of Arts in Teaching in Secondary Mathematics Education.

matt collins (’11) signed with the Schaumburg Boomers Baseball Team. He was the first pitcher signed by the Boomers for their inaugural season in the Frontier league, beginning in May 2012.

caitlin hurD (’11) is enrolled in the physician assistant program at South University in Savannah.

BrooKe newell lowe (M’11) and her husband, Danny, welcomed their daughter, Kennedy Beth lowe, into the world on Feb. 1, 2012, weighing 8 lbs., 6 oz.

oBituaries


1940sKatie Batson chamBers

(’42) of Cypress, Calif., died January 20, 2010. She was 89.

eVelyn mcDuFFie cronic (attended 1946-47) of lula died oct. 9, 2011. She was 85. Mrs. Cronic was a school teacher at both lula and Banks county high schools. Her husband, Guin “lefty” Cronic (’48) died in 2011. Survivors include her son Philip Cronic (’91).

sue henson herron (at-tended in 1940s) of Toccoa died oct. 1, 2011. Mrs. Herron taught school for several years in Franklin County. Survivors include her son and daughter-in-law, Weldon and Vicki Herron, grandson Tim Herron, and granddaughter and her husband, Carla (’04, M’10) and C.J. Edenfield (’07, M’11).

james h. King (’47) of Decatur died oct. 17, 2011. He was 90. He was a U.S. Army Air Corps veteran, having served in the South Pacific during WW II. Mr. King began his working career as a teacher and prin-cipal in Rabun County and retired in 1972 as Director of Purchasing for the Georgia Department of labor. He was then employed by the IRS, retir-ing again in 1983

sarah cisson “cissy” louDermilK (’48) of Sautee-nacoochee died Dec. 2, 2011.

She was 86. During WWII Ms. loudermilk lived in Warner Robins and worked on military radios. Her career in education included 20 years as a classroom teacher, 18 of those in the White County School System. She then served 13 years as guidance counselor at White County High School until her retirement. Ms. loudermilk was an accomplished golfer and tennis player. While at Piedmont she was an outstanding bas-ketball player and was inducted into the “P” Club Hall of Fame in 1981. Her brother, John Cisson (’60), died nov. 30, 2011. Survivors include her daughter, Susan Brittain (’05), and her granddaughter, Mandy Brittain (’05, M’07).

eliZaBeth Free mcmanaway (’49) of lawrenceville died Jan. 16, 2012. She was 84. Mrs. McManaway was a real estate broker from 1971 until 2008. While at Piedmont, she played basket-ball and was a champion ping-pong player. Survivors include her brother, Fred Free (’50).

milDreD neal parKs (’44) of Ellijay died Dec. 4, 2011. She was 96. Mrs. Parks’ teaching career spanned 33 years in the Fannin County and Gilmer County school systems.

william h. sharpe (’41) of Charleston, S.C., died Feb. 24, 2012. He was 93. A WW II Army veteran, Mr. Sharpe served in the Burma-India Theater, working in a field hospital in Burma. With the assistance of the Chinese soldiers guarding the hospital, he taught himself to speak Chinese fluently and then served as a Chinese interpreter at the hospital. His first career was as an educator and coach. He left the teaching pro-fession for a successful career selling educational materials with a division of IBM. An avid tennis player, Mr.

DaViD olan reynolDs (’06) of oakwood died Jan. 4, 2012, after a long battle with cancer. He was 29. Born in Cleburne, Texas, David grew up in Duncan, okla., and graduated cum laude from Piedmont with a Bachelor of Arts degree in theatre. He returned to Piedmont and was working on a master’s degree in theatre education. During his time at Piedmont, David was active in all aspects of theatre, first appear-ing in Arthur Miller’s All My Sons his freshman year and appearing as Boo Radley and attorney Horace Gilmer in the 2011 production of To Kill A Mockingbird. He was a mem-ber of level Grove Baptist Church. Survivors include his parents, Michael and nancy Reynolds, and a sister, Hannah. Memorial donations can be made to The Brain Tumor Foundation for Children in Atlanta.

David Reynolds as attorney Horace Gilmer in the PCT production of To Kill a Mockingbird.

Sharpe was a teaching pro during his retirement and actively played tennis into his late ’80s. He and his wife, Kathryn Moye Sharpe (’42), who died in 2009, were married in Charleston’s Circular Congregational Church, where they remained active church members.

1950sgeorge s. “sammy”

cunningham (’59) of Alto died Jan. 18, 2012. He was 75. Mr. Cunningham was a U.S. Army Reserve veteran. In 1959, Coach Cunningham began his 33-year career as teacher and basketball and football coach in the Habersham County Schools. Retiring in 1993, he came out of retirement in 2011 to coach his last winning football season for South Habersham Middle School. In 2001, he was inducted into the Habersham County Football Ring of Honor. Survivors include his son, Stuart Cunningham (’88).

jimmie lou yearwooD parDue (’51) of Athens died Jan. 1, 2012. She was 80. She was retired from First Commerce Bank. Mrs. Pardue was a member of The Torch of Piedmont.

1960sjohn g. cisson (’60) of

Homer, died nov. 30, 2011. He was 79. Mr. Cisson was a veteran of the U.S. Air Force and served in the Korean Conflict. He began his career as a chemist with the Centers for Disease Control in Atlanta, where his work was honored with a Certificate of Achievement from the Secretary of Health, Education and Welfare.

roBert h. VicKers, jr. (’60) of Ellijay, died March 18, 2012. He was 78. Mr. Vickers was a U.S. Army veteran. Survivors include his wife Edna Mooney vickers (’60).

oBituaries


william g. “Bill” harris (’69) of Birmingham, Ala., died Aug. 2, 2011. He was 63. He was retired from BE&K Construction after more than 35 years of service.

1980s

scott cleVelanD (’84) of Cleveland died Dec. 27, 2011. He was 49. Mr. Cleveland was a master car-penter by trade and was very involved

in the Boy Scouts. He served for many years on the White County Parks and Recreation Board. Mr. Cleveland was an outstanding baseball player and achieved Piedmont baseball’s highest career batting average. In 2003 he was inducted into twhe “P” Club Hall of Fame. Survivors include his wife, Jane Timms Cleveland (’83), and brother-in-law, Patrick Timms.

2000schaDwicK w. “chaD”

paxson (’06) of Statham died nov. 4, 2011. He was 36. Mr. Paxson taught at Social Circle Middle School for two years and had been a teacher for six years at Hilsman Middle School. He coached various sports at both schools, was active in youth sports, and was a member of the northeast Georgia officials Association.

The Complete works of williAm ShAkeSPeAre

may 24—June 3June 7—17

June 21—July 1

marriage, Chastity, revenge!

you’ll never forget.A season of

North Georgia Theatre at PIEDMonT CollEGE

For summer showtimes & ticKets www.piedmont.edu/Fa

upcomiNG eVeNTS in the Fine artsapril5:00pm tuesday, april 3, 2012

cantabile, The SeasonsCantabile performs a wide variety of works, including early music, jazz, and pop arrangements, celebrating the seasons. BrooKs hAll

6:00pm wednesday, april 4, 2012

juried student showRECEPTIONExhibition on view April 4–April 15.

7:30pm tuesday, april 10, 2012

wind ensemble spring concert

5:00pm thursday, april 12, 2012

opera workshop presentsBrooKs hAll

april 12–15, 2012

the nerdThursday, Friday & Saturday at 7:30pmSunday at 2:00pmAn aspiring architect, Willum Cubbert has often told his friends about the debt he owes to Rick Steadman, a fellow ex-GI whom he has never met but who saved his life in war. Willum is delighted when Rick shows up unexpectedly on the night of his 34th birthday party. But his delight soon fades as it becomes apparent that Rick is a hopeless “nerd”—a bumbling oaf with no social sense, little intelligence and less tact. After just one week, Rick has almost single-handedly destroyed Willum’s career, his life and his sanity. Incident piles upon uproarious incident, until the normally placid Willum finds himself contemplating violence—a dire development which, happily, is staved off by a surprise ending. BlacKBox theater $$.

7:30pm saturday, april 14, 2012

Kyle Bellamy, tenorSeNior reciTal

6:00pm thursday, april 19, 2012

art capstone a collection of works by graduating seniorsRECEPTIONExhibition on view April 19–April 30.

7:30pm saturday, april 21, 2012

piedmoNT lyceum $5 & $10piedmont chorale, chamber singers, and orchestraGREAT COmPOSERS CONCERT SERIES The music of Johannes Brahms: Tragic Overture and Ein Deutsches Requiem

4:00pm sunday, april 29, 2012

james F. mellichamp, organfaculTy reciTal

summer

i Do! i Do! may 24—june 3

the complete works of william shakespeare (abridged) june 7—17

nunsense june 21—july 1Thursday, Friday & Saturday shows at 7:30pmSunday shows at 2:00pmPresented by North Georgia Theatre, a professional repertory theatre company in residence at Piedmont College. mainstage theater $$.

Visual arts

music

theatre all music productions are performed at the piedmont college chapel unless otherwise noted.

all theatre productions are performed in the Swanson center.all Visual arts shows are in the mason-Scharfenstein museum of art.

piedmont college faculty, staff, and students are admitted free to all events.www.piedmont.edu/Fa

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Documents

Piedmont Journal Spring 2012