Jimmy Yancey (’64) is Helping CSU Look to the … · VOLUME 12 NO. 2 Jimmy Yancey (’64) is Helping CSU Look to the Future FALL 2005

VOLUME 12 NO. 2 Jimmy Yancey (’64) is Helping CSU Look to the Future FALL 2005

Where would each of us be today except for ahelping hand from someone at some point duringour lives? Perhaps it was a career boost, perhaps itwas a kind word at an appropriate moment, per-haps it was advice, given with just the right touchat the right moment.

This issue of Focus will help us express appreciation to a host ofpeople who have given CSU a helping hand over the years. You willlearn more about the people who played leadership roles in the enor-mously successful capital campaign we are finishing at CSU; you willread about this campus’ response to our fellow citizens who were victimized by vicious storms on the Gulf Coast this summer; and, closerto home, you’ll hear the story of the students at CSU who give of them-selves to help other students as they make the transition to college life.

One of our favorite stories at CSU concerns the late Alex Haley. Mr. Haley was, of course, an author and historian who is best known forhis work entitled Roots, a genealogical work focusing on his ancestorsand their journey from their native Africa to this country. Alex Haleyvisited our campus twice and, on one of those occasions, he told us thathe keeps in his office a photograph of a turtle on a fence post.

He kept the photograph there, he said, because if he ever began tohave even the slightest notion that he alone was responsible for anysuccess he had enjoyed, that photograph reminded him that the turtledid not get up on that fence post by himself!

The volunteers who work so hard on behalf of Columbus State inboth the annual fund and the capital campaigns so that CSU can continue to serve the people of this region in an extraordinary way truly give a boost to all who work and study at Columbus State.

The outpouring of sympathy and concern shown by Columbus Statestudents, faculty and staff for the victims of the hurricanes on the GulfCoast is a tremendous source of pride for us at CSU. The CSU familygave of its time, its energy, its finances, its personal possessions and itsprayers for the sole purpose of lending a helping hand to persons few of us had ever met during a time when they needed encouragement anddirect support. And the students who work on our campus to aid otherstudents in their orientation to college, thereby helping to ensure thatthose students will be more likely to persist in their work at college andcontinue on to gradation, also show the CSU volunteer spirit of whichwe are so proud.

Are we as committed to volunteerism and serving our fellow manon this campus as we should be? The answer, of course, is the same for the campus as it is for each of us individually: We are not nearlycommitted enough. But we are making great strides at CSU, and we are encouraged by the number of students, faculty and staff who give of themselves so generously in the community for the betterment of this place we call home and for the enrichment of lives touched by theservices rendered by the CSU family.

Our thanks to you for the boost you give CSU through your personalinvolvement. CSU is your university, and we can only be as effective inour service as we are inspired to be by your partnership.

Frank D. Brown

Our Success is Due to Your Involvement

Frank D. Brown

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Writers/Editors

John LesterBill Sutley

Greg MuraskiChris Russell

Magazine Design & Layout

Sally Morgan/Wendy TimmonsKis Creative, Inc.

Contributing Photographers

Philip WartenaKay Ingram

About the Cover:

Jimmy Yancey (‘64), former chairman of the board

of Synovus Financial Corp., has been instrumental in CSU’s growth and dreams

for the future.Photo by Philip Wartena.

Photo illustration by Richard Hodges.

Address Correspondence to:

FocusOffice of Public Relations

Columbus State University4225 University Ave.Columbus, GA 31907

e-mail: [email protected]

Vice President for UniversityAdvancementKayron Laska

Assistant Vice President of Alumni Relations and Advancement Services

Geri Regnier

Director of Public RelationsJohn Lester

Contents

Katrina evacuees whoenrolled at Columbus

State University are grateful for thereception they have

received at their newhigher ed home.4225 University Avenue

Columbus, Georgia 31907-5645

Vol. 12 No. 2 Fall 2005

Alumnus JimmyYancey is a big key to the success of CSU and its latest fund-raisingcampaign.

CSU has seen atremendous studentpopulation surge.Current students haveplayed a big part.

FEATURES:

Columbus StateUniversity

supporters joinedCSU archaeologist

Warren Church for a 12-day visit to

Peru in June.

2 Focus on Columbus State University Fall 2005

Cunningham Center Serves Diverse Needs

CAMPUS NEWS

Salesman and entrepreneurJohn Cunningham, who made millions despite never earning acollege degree, thought the bestuse of his money would be to helpothers learn to help themselves.With the completion of CSU’sCunningham Center, his dreamhas become reality while alsobecoming a legacy for his careerand fulfilling his desire to seeColumbus State provide profes-sional support for the efforts ofsales personnel and entrepre-neurs.

Designed to serve as a hub of excellence for developing lead-ership, salesmanship and entrepreneurship, the center is a multipurpose facility that houses a state-of-the-art confer-ence room, computer traininglabs, a large banquet room andclassrooms.

Under the direction of CarmenCavezza, the Cunningham Centerfor Leadership Development willserve businesses in Columbus andthe Chattahoochee Valley by pro-viding programs, facilities, and

educational resources. Cavezza isa former commanding general atFort Benning and was Columbus’city manager for seven years.

The center also is host to theCunningham Sales Institute, aunique learning environmentdesigned to develop motivated,ethical and successful sales personnel and managers throughdynamic and effective learningtechniques and experiences.Classes and seminars can be tai-lored to the specific requirementsof industries. The LeadershipInstitute provides value-based,leadership development programsfor anyone from supervisor to top-level management. The institutewill partner with businesses toidentify opportunities and designand deliver solutions.

Another integral part of thecenter is the InformationTechnology Innovation Center, anincubator for computer technologybusinesses, allowing those whoparticipate to lower their initialstart-up costs and begin theirbusinesses on a solid fiscal foun-

dation. Its objective is to increaseentrepreneurship and technologyin the state and to be an outreacharm for CSU and a key to econom-ic development in the region. TheITIC occupies two floors and over20,000 square feet of the newCunningham Center.

The Conference Center hasnine seminar rooms, a luxuriousexecutive board room that seats20 around the table and an addi-tional 20 around the perimeter,four computer training labs, and a 5,400-square-foot banquet hallthat can be divided into three sections and accommodate up to540 guests. All meeting facilitieshave installed audio/visual andInternet capability.

The 64,000-square footCunningham Center also includesthe Center for Quality Teachingand Learning, which will coordi-nate and customize professionallearning opportunities for CSU faculty and for P-12 educators andtechnology specialists in WestCentral Georgia.http://ccld.colstate.edu

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Fall 2005 Focus on Columbus State University 3

Passing On a Passion for Art

CSU Soccer Christens New Campus Home with a WinColumbus State christened its new soccer field

on campus with a victory, scoring a goal in the79th minute to defeat West Georgia 2-1 during thefirst day of the Express Oil Change/CougarInvitational on Labor Day weekend.

It was the school’s first on-campus homegame. Women’s soccer officially became the 10thsport in the CSU athletic program in 2003 butplayed its first year on the city’s soccer fields whilethe university converted an intramural field into anew soccer complex. The team, coached by JayEntlich, former coach of the WUSA’s CarolinaCourage, completed its first season with a 3-9-5record.

The 2005 season started with promise. BrookSnyder gave CSU a lead in the first half of the firstgame. In the second half, freshman Sarah Hawkinstook yet another defensive deflection on a cornerkick and shot it in for a 2-1 lead and, ultimately,the game-winner.

In CSU’s second game of the weekend, LincolnMemorial erupted for five goals in the second halfto break open a tight game and go on to a 7-3 winover host Columbus State in the Express OilChange/Cougar Invitational.http://cougarsports.colstate.edu/

Befriending a tenant who collected international art led to Dr. Thomas Horton’s own collection of unique originalpieces, from Japanese pottery and gilt bronze Buddhascrafted in Thailand to an African hand-carved Fulaniwoman’s head. Horton, an orthodontist in Columbus foralmost 50 years, liked Chinese and African art best and, at one point, traveled to China for a first-hand glimpse ofthe culture.

Although Horton died in 1998, his love for Asian,African and other forms of international art lives on. Toshare that love, Horton’s wife, Dorothy Horton, recentlydonated almost 50 artifacts from her late husband’s collection to CSU. The collection, valued at $60,000, includeshand-crafted pieces from Indonesia, Japan, China, Mexico,India, Java, Peru and Ghana, among other places. The oldest piece dates to the first millennium AD (500-1000).Most are in very good or excellent condition.

“I had read about the galleries CSU is building down-town,” Dorothy Horton said. “I didn’t want to send the collection away. Living in Columbus all these years, I justwanted to do something with it here.”

Having a collection of Asian art accessible in Columbusmeans students will not have to go to Atlanta to see suchworks. Instead, they will be able to view the pieces in one of the galleries at CSU’s new Uptown art and theatre complex after its completion.http://art.colstate.edu

Fall Semester Openswith 44 New Full-TimeFaculty Members

Columbus State University opened thefall 2005 semester with 44 new, full-timefaculty members, including 14 who fill new positions.

CSU’s acting Vice President forAcademic Affairs Thomas Harrison said the fall 2005 class of new faculty is signifi-cant both in terms of quality and quantity.“Efforts by academic leaders to bring highly qualified faculty to CSU this yearhave been successful,” he said. “It isalready apparent that the new faculty are eager, well-prepared, and excited tobecome a part of the CSU family.”

Harrison also said this year’s new class of full-time professors allows the university to better serve a growing student population, which this year willend up about 7,400, up from 7,224 last fall. Four of the new faculty hold CSU bachelor’s and master’s degrees. For an entire list of new faculty, including bio information, visit the Web page http://faculty.colstate.edu/newfacfa05.htm.

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CSU women’s soccer team opened their season with awin over West Georgia at CSU’s new soccer field.


Basketball Teams Eager to Build Upon Past SuccessesFor the first time ever, Columbus State University

head women’s basketball coach Jay Sparks and headmen’s coach Herbert Greene will both participate inthe prestigious Disney Division II Tip-Off Classic tolaunch their seasons.

Both the men and women have made three previous trips to the Classic at Disney’s Wide World of Sports Complex near Orlando. This year, they’llboth be in Florida in November to begin an ambitiousslate of games for the 2005-06 season. Sparks bringsone of his best recruiting classes ever into the year,and his squad will get tested right away as it facesperennial D-II power Southern Indiana in the openinggame at Disney on Nov. 4.

The Lady Cougars will travel to Georgia College & State University on Nov. 30 to open Peach BeltConference (PBC) play and will havetheir first homegame against Armstrong Atlantic State on Dec. 3.

On the men’s side, Greene will open the Disney

Tip-Off Classic against Philadelphia on Nov. 11. The Cougars return to Columbus for their first homegame, a non-conference game with Carver BibleCollege out of Atlanta on Nov. 21 at the LumpkinCenter.

The Cougars also begin Peach Belt play on Nov. 30at Georgia College & State University and then returnhome to host Armstrong Atlantic State on Dec. 3

Homecoming this year is Feb. 25, the last homedate of the year.

Season ticket sales are under way. Reservationforms are available at the athletic department offices in the Lumpkin Center or by calling thedepartment at (706) 568-2204. Package deals for theDivision II Tip-Off Classic at Disney are also available. For complete game schedules or package information, go to the CSU sports Web site.

http://cougarsports.colstate.edu/

CSU Named AmongNation’s Top 10 Schoolsfor Cheerleading

American Cheerleader, in itsOctober issue, named Columbus StateUniversity as one of the country’s Top10 Competitive Cheer Schools. The magazine’s rankings covered all divisions of NCAA sports and includedall sizes of universities, from CSU to the likes of Louisiana State University,University of Alabama and NorthCarolina State University.

CSU was included in the list, compiled by analyzing which institu-tions have “scored high for decades,and are always raising the bar skillwise,” the magazine said.

CSU Space Science Center Gets New Director, New Look

With a new director leading thecharge, Columbus State University’sCoca-Cola Space Science Center isplanning a major upgrade to its lobbyand its Omnisphere Theater, adding anew digital planetarium system pow-ered by 16 computers to produce thehighest resolution video projectionsystem in the world.

The U.S. Air Force is the onlyother organization now using the newDigistar 3 Laser, and its system isexclusively used for pilot training.

The picture created 180 degrees around viewers onthe space center’s 50-foot screen will be more stable thanin a movie theater, more colorful and crisp than a large-format theater movie and four to eight times sharper thanthe latest high-definition television on the market today,said space center Executive Director Shawn Cruzen, a CSUastronomy professor who’s been a fixture at the centersince 1997.

Cruzen joined CSU that year from the University ofNevada, Las Vegas, where he earned both his master’sdegree and doctorate in physics. He developed the astronomy program for CSU’s College of Science into one of the university’s most popular elective programs. In addition to maintaining an active research program, hecollaborated with CSU faculty colleagues in establishingNASA-sponsored research scholarships for students. He has twice been named CSU’s Educator of the Year.www.ccssc.org

Shawn Cruzen

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CSU is creating a more visiblepresence at Fort Benning byexpanding its staff to include afull-time director and office manager for CSU’s Fort Benningoperations. Officials hope the newstaff will serve an important rolein bringing the offerings of a majorregional university closer to theresidents and staff of the FortBenning community.

“We are looking to createmuch more of a presence forColumbus State University at FortBenning in a more direct and more convenient way,” said CSUPresident Frank Brown. “Fort

Benning is such a valuable asset inour community and has been forso long. Its value and impact aregoing to grow dramatically in thecoming months, and we are doingwhat we can to prepare for thatgrowth”

With input from former FortBenning Commanding GeneralCarmen Cavezza, now on staff atCSU as director of the CunninghamCenter for LeadershipDevelopment, CSU hopes to assistthe Fort Benning Army ContinuingEducation Office with marketresearch, provide support servicesfor active duty soldiers, their fami-

lies and our veterans, expandContinuing Education offerings and use the new CunninghamCenter for LeadershipDevelopment to conduct leadershipand other training at Fort Benning.

Office staff will be able to helpwith admissions, financial aid, registration processes, and classes.In addition, director Steve Butlerwill develop and implement a marketing and strategic plan thatencompasses recruitment andassessment for academic classofferings for active-duty militaryand their dependents.http://fb.colstate.edu

Three new campus buildingswill be named in honor of a trio ofColumbus State University support-ers who have been pivotal in thegrowth and development of CSU.Two of the newly named buildings,as approved by the Board ofRegents, are downtown.

• The James D. Yancey Centerat One Arsenal Place will house faculty offices and classrooms aspart of the Uptown art and theatrecampus now under construction.Yancey, class of 1964, is a formerchairman of the board for SynovusFinancial Corp. (see related story,page 8). The building’s courtyardwill be named for former mayorand longtime CSU supporter

J. Wilbur Feighner. University officials on June 14 hosted abrief public ceremonyto dedicate the court-yard and unveil aplaque for theFeighner Courtyard.

• The Elizabeth and LovickCorn Center for the Visual Arts willhouse art department facilities inthe Uptown art and theatre com-plex now under construction. TheCorns, trustees of the Bradley-Turner Foundation, are lifelongColumbus residents and supportersof several philanthropic causeslocally and around the state. Lovick Corn is a retired vice chair-

man of W.C. Bradley Company, andElizabeth Corn has served on theColumbus Museum’s board of direc-tors and has generously supportedCSU’s Coca-Cola Space ScienceCenter.

• The Schuster Student SuccessCenter will be constructed adjacentto the Davidson Student Center asthe future home of the university’sServant Leadership and Honorsprograms. The center also willallow for much-needed expansionof many student support services.The building is named for SchusterEnterprises Chairman MarvinSchuster and the Schuster family in recognition of their support tothe CSU capital campaign and foran incredible amount of assistanceand support of the university overthe last decade. SchusterEnterprises, Inc. is one of thelargest franchisers in the BurgerKing Corp.

The supporters have played asignificant part in CSU’s Investmentin People capital campaign, whichwill wrap up this fall. The cam-paign has logged about $90 millionin gifts and pledges to date, about$12 million of which is in deferredgifts, such as wills.

http://www.colstate.edu/campaign/

Three Campus Buildings and Courtyard Named for Supporters

University to Expand Presence at Fort Benning

Feighner

The J. Wilbur Feighner Courtyard.


Despite a recent nationwidetrend of declining enrollment incomputer science programs, information technology job andinternship opportunities are grow-ing for computer science majorsand new graduates — particularlythose from Columbus State.

The national media have“played up” the downturn in the IT job market, making the careerfield less attractive to potentialnewcomers, contends ProfessorWayne Summers, distinguishedchair of the TSYS Department ofComputer Science at CSU.

Ironically, while enrollment has declined, job opportunitieshave been growing, Summers said.He cites a stabilizing IT job marketin 2005 and continuous demandfor newly trained workers — particularly those skilled in emerging fields such as roboticsand information security.

Dedicated to reversing a

negative national trend, Summersis steering:

• Pursuit of National ScienceFoundation grant money to support expanded student recruiting (including initiatives targeting women and minorities)and in-service training programstargeting area high school teachers and students as a meansto generate excitement about the field.

• New-faculty recruitment prioritizing cutting-edge expertise.Summers cites three fall 2005 faculty additions and their specialty areas: YongMi Kim (bioinformatics), Rodrigo Obando(robotics, visualization and computer gaming) and AngkulKongmunvattana (micro architec-tures, embedded computing).

• Collaborative recruiting withCSU Enrollment Services;Summers recently accompaniedCSU recruiters to four high schools

to maximize the pitch for comput-er science majors.

• Expansion of CSU’s recentlyestablished Center for InformationAssurance Education that’s thebasis for a concentration option in graduate-level studies: Goalsinclude additional faculty supportand meeting National SecurityAgency standards for accreditationas a Center for AcademicExcellence in InformationAssurance Education.

• Increased internship oppor-tunities for students with local companies: “Many employers such as Aflac seek experiencednew hires,” said Summers. Amongthe eight internships and co-opopportunities available to CSU students, three internships haverecently been established at Fort Benning, and CSU is targetingTSYS for additional opportunities.http://cs.colstate.edu

On the eve of the fall 2005 semester, ColumbusState University launched a new tradition targetingits incoming freshmen.

Similar to a graduation ceremony, 160 partici-pating faculty and administrators dressed in full academic regalia to greet the newcomers. “It’s awonderful display of support,” CSU President FrankBrown said.

With Pomp and Circumstance, CSU Welcomes Freshman Class

Computer Science Cites Need for New Workers as IT Job Market Reboots

CSU’s first Opening Convocation on Aug., 21 provided this year’s freshman class with a “meaning-ful rite of passage that elevates a sense of belong-ing,” said CSU University College Dean Beverly Davis.

Opening convocations are becoming a nationaltrend. CSU is among the first University System ofGeorgia institutions to adopt it, and plans for this tobe an annual event.

“The convocation is the beginning of another in a series of traditions at CSU — traditions which,when woven together, provide a tapestry of ceremonies, events and symbolic occasions which are part of the life of a university,” Brown said.

Made possible by donors to CSU’s Investment inPeople capital campaign, the event was staged tointroduce the students to the CSU community ofscholars while they get a sense of the size, strengthand identity of their class, Davis said.

Dr. Emory Alexander, a 1974 CSU alumnus andfounder of the River City Orthopaedics and SpineCenter in Columbus, delivered a stirring convocationaddress, reminding students they are beginning apivotal chapter in their lives.http://www.colstate.edu/news/view_archive_news.asp?ItemNum=605

Dr. Emory Alexander, ‘74,is founder of the

River City Orthopaedics and Spine Center

in Columbus.

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A gift of retirement fund assets makes good tax sense.

Leaving Columbus State University a portion ofyour IRA assets makes sense. You can continueto enjoy your retirement income during your lifetime and benefit from significant tax savingsthrough this gifting strategy. This is a simple and economical way to make a real difference.

• A substantial gift can be accomplished without forfeiting the income from your IRA or other retirement assets during your lifetime.

• Assets, which may otherwise be fully taxable as income to your heirs pass to the university tax free.

• Estate tax is avoided.

• You can designate how you want the university to use your gift.

• All of this can be simply accomplished through a beneficiary designation form available through your employer or retirement plan administrator.

To learn more, please contact Debbie Bailey at (706) 568-2484, or [email protected] orRex Whiddon at (706) 568-5185, or [email protected].

Please visit the CSU Web site at www.colstate.edu.

Benefits of Making a Gift of Retirement Fund Assets at Death:

PhilanthropyS I M P L I F I E D


Jimmy Yancey was behind several fund-raising program ideas at CSU, such as the TowerSociety, a group of dedicated alumni whofund scholarships that attract students such as Blayke Gibson, a graduate student preparing for medical school.

JIMMY YANCEY

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Relationships and commitment are defined over time. For Jimmy Yancey and Columbus

State University, a mutually treas-ured relationship began in 1959,when Yancey enrolled in the firstclass of what was then ColumbusCollege.

During the next 48 years, Yanceyand Columbus State both thrived.CSU grew into a distinctive universitywith almost 7,500 students and areputation for effective communitypartnerships. Yancey became anationally respected business leader

A Rare IndividualJimmy Yancey’s capital campaign leadership is the latest example of his stellar support

By Chris Russell and John Lester

convincing Yancey to lead the cam-paign was not only pivotal for thefund-raising drive but “absolutelykey” to what has been accomplishedin the university’s history, and whatis on the horizon in the future.

“There is no substitute for lead-ership, confidence and the willing-ness to step out and take on adifficult challenge,” Brown said. “Allof those traits, and more, we see inabundance in Jimmy Yancey. Jimmystepped out when there were thoseamong us who thought our ambitionswere too high.”

wanted to move it to a level where itwould be differentiated from othersimilar institutions, not only inGeorgia, but in the southeast and,frankly, in the nation.”

Brown and Yancey said that goalis reachable because of this cam-paign, and because of the volunteerswho have supported it with their timeand their money.

The fund raising was almostentirely done by volunteers – commu-nity leaders and alumni who boughtinto CSU’s vision with so much pas-sion they not only contributed person-

while climbing to the top of the cor-porate ladder at Synovus FinancialCorp.

Fortunately for CSU, Yancey’sexpanding role in the corporateworld coincided with an increasinginvolvement with his alma mater, arelationship that has helped defineand shape CSU’s future.

The most recent example isYancey’s leadership in CSU’sInvestment in People capital cam-paign, which will wrap up this fallwith an astounding final tally ofmore than $90 million.

CSU President Frank Brown said

Yancey admits he, too, was skep-tical about the campaign’s successwhen organizers began discussing agoal of about $40 million. But whenthe drive kicked off in 2001, the list-ed goal was $67 million. As the cam-paign unfolded and dreams – such asthe Uptown art and theatre complex– transformed into blueprints, thecampaign goal grew to $85 million.

“We wanted to do a lot ofthings,” said Yancey. “But the onething for sure that was overarchingeverything was to ratchet up whatkind of institution Columbus Statewas, and what it was going to be. We

ally but they asked their friends andneighbors to contribute also.

The examples are many. Currentand retired faculty and staff pledgedalmost $2 million, double their goal.Every single university trustee con-tributed for a total of more than $20million. The Bradley-TurnerFoundation’s lead gift of $25 millionwas critical. National foundationscontributed, some to the tune of $1million. Staff members wrote the uni-versity into their wills. Local compa-nies contributed. Twenty eight donorsgave $1 million or more. Alumni con-tacted by phone, some who had not

Above left: In 1997, Jimmy Yancey was awarded Columbus State University’s first honorary doctorate. Above right: In honor of Yancey’s dedication to CSU, one of the buildings that will comprise the university’s developingUptown fine and performing arts campus will be renamed the James D. Yancey Center at One Arsenal Place.

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donated in years, pledged almost$500,000.

“I’m just amazed at the supportfrom all the constituencies ofColumbus State,” Yancey said. “Ibelieve those folks are going to beable to look at CSU five and 10 yearsfrom now and say, ‘You know, I didn’tjust give them money – I made a heckof an investment in Columbus StateUniversity.’”

Campus leaders give Yancey muchof the credit for helping to make thecase for the investments that bol-stered a campaign to a level surpass-ing any previous private fund drive inthe Columbus area.

In honor of Yancey’s dedication toCSU, one of the buildings that willcomprise the university’s Uptown fineand performing arts campus will berenamed the James D. Yancey Centerat One Arsenal Place.

“One Arsenal Place will be knownas the James D. Yancey Center at OneArsenal, and it will remind us, everyday, of Jimmy’s active, loyal, creativeand bold leadership on behalf of hisalma mater,” Brown said.

In renaming One Arsenal Place inhonor of Yancey, CSU offers an invita-tion for others to look into the profes-

sional career of a man driven byexcellence.

Upon completing his degree in1964, Yancey moved through theranks of Columbus Bank and TrustCo., where he had worked since 1959.In 1983, he was elected president ofCB&T and in 1990 became presidentof Synovus, the majority interestowner of TSYS, the world’s largestinternational processor of credit,debit, commercial and private-labelcards. Synovus is also the holdingcompany for Columbus Bank andTrust Co. and approximately 40 otherbanks located throughout Alabama,Florida, Georgia, South Carolina andTennessee. In 1992, Yancey was elected vice chairman of the board for Synovus.

In 1998, Yancey reassumed hisrole as president and chief operatingofficer of Synovus, and in that sameyear he was elected chairman of theboard of Columbus Bank and TrustCo. In 2003, he was elected chairmanof the board for Synovus. He retiredearlier this year.

Throughout his distinguished andmultifaceted career, Yancey has pro-vided vital leadership and directionfor CSU, helping the university moveinto a time of unprecedented growthand success. In 1987, Yancey receivedthe Thomas Y. Whitley DistinguishedAlumnus Award, the highest honorawarded by CSU’s alumni association.In 1997, he was awarded the univer-sity’s first honorary doctorate.

His input led to the creation of anorganized annual fund campaign andit was his influence that helped createthe Tower Society, a group of CSUalumni who demonstrate their com-mitment to their alma mater by givingto the university at least $1,000 eachyear. In 2004, Yancey was one ofthree first-time recipients to receivethe University System of GeorgiaBoard of Regents’ Regents Hall ofFame Award for prominent universitysystem alumni.

“The leadership and directionthat Jimmy Yancey has provided forCSU cannot be overstated,” Brownsaid. “He is one of those rare individ-uals, a leader in his profession and inhis community who, through example,calls others to excellence. As analumnus of CSU, Jimmy stronglybelieves in who and what we are andis passionate about extending theColumbus State experience to others.

CSU President Frank Brown (stand-ing) says Jimmy Yancey’s leadershipwas pivotal to the success of theInvestment in People capital cam-paign, which will end up raisingmore than $90 million.

Capital Campaign Volunteer Leadership

Jimmy YanceyCampaign Chairman

Marvin SchusterNucleus Division Chairman

Otis ScarboroughTrustee Division Chairman

Sam WellbornLeadership Division Chairman

Teddie UsseryMajor Division Co-Chair

Jack Key IIIMajor Division Co-Chair

Dr. Mario MionFaculty/Staff Division Chairman

Dr. Hugh RodgersRetired Faculty/

Staff Division Chairman

Mr. and Mrs. Art SmithAlumni – Columbus Region – Co-Chairs

Mr. and Mrs. Bill ReavesAlumni – Columbus Region – Co-Chairs

Mr. and Mrs. Otis WhiteAlumni – Atlanta Region – Co-Chairs

Emory AlexanderSpecial Division Chair

Nancy BuntinServant Leadership Division Chair

Dr. Tom HanleyFaculty Division Co-Chair

Mrs. Linda ReynoldsStaff Division Co-Chair

His commitment and vision for theuniversity are resolute and have beeninstrumental in establishing CSU as a premier regional university.

It is fitting, Brown said, that thenext major chapter of the university –the Uptown fine and performing artscampus – will be written with Yancey’sname on one of the buildings. Thecampus, which is being entirely funded through the capital campaign,will bring the departments of art and theatre arts into downtownColumbus to join the Schwob School of Music in creating a world-classUptown fine and performing arts campus unlike that found anywhereelse in the country.

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Sidney Yarbrough bought his firstpieces of pre-Colombian pottery

about 40 years ago.“And I’ve been learning about

them ever since,” he said.While he’s read books and

sought out historical information, hesays he never thought he would seewhere some of his pieces werecrafted, and learn about the region’shistory from a world-renownedexpert.

But that’s exactly what hap-pened when Yarborough and 15other Columbus State Universitysupporters joined CSU archaeologistWarren Church for a 12-day visit toPeru in June. Organized by NancyBuntin (BS ’68) for Tower Societymembers, the group visited Lima,Cuzco, Lake Titicaca, the SacredValley, and Machu Picchu.

“I never dreamt I’d get there,”Yarbrough said. “I learned a lot.Anywhere we went, we went tomuseums and I got to see a lot ofvery fine artifacts. You just can’tbelieve the artisans.”

Other trip participants had similar praise for their experiences,if for different reasons. Someenjoyed the shopping and jewelryfrom Peru. Others marveled at thelandscapes, the region’s history andthe insight they gained from ways of life that are so foreign to mostAmericans.

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Donors Travelto Peru WithCSU Expert forUniqueExperience

“We had the balance betweenthe history and archaeology from an expert and the culture from thelocals,” said Shannon Gill. “We got a feel for the culture and how thepeople live day-to-day now. Andthen Warren gave us phenomenalbackground on the Andean peopleand their history.”

Church, a CSU professor ofarchaeology and anthropology, hasbeen researching Peru for years. He received international attentionlast year with a story in NationalGeographic about his work with ateam of Peruvian scientists who are finding the ruins and telling thestory of the ancient Chachapoyapeople who lived in Peru’s north-eastern Andes mountains untilabout 800 AD.

“I never expected this (TowerSociety trip) to be as much fun as it was,” Church said. “There’s nobetter setting for a teacher than to

be right in the middle of your sub-ject matter. When you can seesomeone step into your passion for just a moment – that’s what ateacher lives for.”

Buntin said having Church travel with the group added immeasurably to the trip.

“It was such a unique experi-ence because of our connection toCSU,” she said. “It was the kind ofexperience we could not have donefor any price, even though the tripwas an incredible value.”

Tower Society members are aspecial group of CSU alumni whoare influential in their professionand community. Each has pledgedto support the university’s visionand goals through significant annualgiving of at least $1,000 or moreeach year. For more informationabout the Tower Society, contactMeri Robinson at (706) 568-5172 orat [email protected].

By John Lester


For many, it’s all about good facil-ities, good professors, the newest

technology and the necessary cours-es. But without the students, none ofthese mean a thing.

Students Helping CSU students are crucial to recruiting and indoctrinating new students to campus life

At Columbus State University,state-of-the-art facilities, excellentprofessors and the latest technologyare well in place and over the pastfive years, the campus has experi-enced exponential growth. Thisgrowth is underpinned by a commit-ment to reach out and meet the

needs of current and potential students who are considering CSUfor their university experience.

Reaching those at this decisivecrossroad continues to be a priorityfor enrollment services and recruit-ment and as a result, CSU has seena tremendous student populationsurge. Traditional recruiting


Students By Chris Russell

methods have paid huge dividends, withone key program reaching beyond tradi-tion – the CSU Student Ambassadors,formerly known as C.O.R.E (CampusOrganization Recruiting Excellence), anorganization based on the concept ofstudents recruiting students.

Founded in 1997, CSU’s StudentAmbassadors are an all-volunteer forceof current CSU students who recruitthose trying to decide which college oruniversity to attend. The mission ofCSU’s Student Ambassadors is to reachout to prospective students and to pro-

vide them with a personal, first timecontact with a CSU student.

“We’ve discovered that whenpotential CSU students, particularlythose who want to visit the campus,have the opportunity to interact withcurrent students it really helps themfeel better about CSU,” said KristinWilliams, regional recruitment coor-dinator for CSU. “At times, studentsfind it easier to communicate withother students, someone who is oneof their peers. As they interact, andtalk with Student Ambassador team

Campus tours for new students are led by current students, membersof the orientation team, to give newcomers a true flavor of campus.

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members, it helps them understandthat they are more than just anotherenrollment statistic. It lets themknow that we really do care andthat we want them to come to CSU.”

Jackie Larson, a CSU senior andStudent Ambassador team member,said their involvement has madehuge differences in the wayprospective students respond torecruitment efforts.

“People respond differentlywhen there is personal contact. It’smuch more personal and positivethan say visiting a Web site,” Larsonsaid. “We are some of the first facesseen by those who haven’t yet made a decision to attend CSU.Many times, we are that vitallyimportant first contact, that firstimpression, for those who may benarrowing their choice. We believein CSU and want others to see whatthey can find once they get here.”

to campus looking for something, orsomeone, to affirm what they arethinking and to let them know thatCSU is where they need to be.Student Ambassador volunteers fillthis need and are excellent reflec-tions of what CSU really is.”

Once the recruits becomeenrollees, current CSU students areagain important for the transitioninto campus life. The CSUOrientation Team, also made up ofCSU student volunteers, helps newstudents become more comfortablewith the university through campustours, lively orientation sessions andinformal meetings where they intro-duce themselves and others toincoming freshmen.

“It makes a real differencewhen you actually get to meet someof the students that are alreadyattending CSU,” said 18 year-oldfreshman Anna Wallace, who came

According to Kim Padgett, direc-tor of student life at CSU and one ofthe initial developers of the StudentAmbassador team, the first impres-sion of any campus can be the onethat makes or breaks a decision toattend a university.

“Everyone who attends an offi-cial visitation day here at CSU has-n’t necessarily made up their mindsthat CSU is where they are going togo to school,” Padgett said. “Thosewho have not made a decision come

to CSU from Jefferson, Ga. “The(Student Ambassadors) and theOrientation Team really help thoseof us who are new to Columbus andCSU feel much more comfortable.They do a great job.”

Student Ambassador volunteerValerie Cunningham echoes thisidea.

“We are ‘people people’ andenthusiastic about the university,”Cunningham said, “We want to letothers know that choosing CSU will

Student members of the orientationteam help incoming freshmen learnabout Columbus State Universityand its traditions.

Orientations for incoming studentsare designed to be lively and fun, sonew students can become excitedabout college life.

(L-R) CSU seniors Jackie Larson,Valerie Cunningham and CameshaTate have served as StudentAmbassadors and phone counselorsfor the past three years.

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be one of the most rewarding experiences of their livesand the way we do that is to share with them our expe-rience. Initially we send prospective students handwrit-ten postcards with our pictures on them; when theycome to campus on visitation day, we meet them face toface. Our efforts, and our support of CSU, help bringothers to campus. We are making a difference.”

Two other groups also provide support for thosespreading the news about CSU to potential new stu-dents.

“Our student volunteer phone counselors and theCSU Alumni Association are vital to what we do, “ saidWilliams. “Student Ambassador members are trulygoodwill messengers for CSU, and their efforts can’t beoverstated, but we are very grateful for the participa-tion of the CSU Alumni Association and the untiringsupport given by our student phone counselors.”

Williams said the alumniassociation sponsors breakfastsduring visitation days and isalways there to mingle with andgreet prospective students.

“Alumni volunteers attendCSU visitation days to let prospec-tive students, and their parentswho attend, see that a connectionwith CSU is not just a four-yearrelationship, but that our alumnicontinue to be involved as life-long ambassadors for CSU,” saidGeri Regnier, Assistant Vice

President of Alumni Relations and AdvancementServices. “From alumni, our visitors learn that studentsdo graduate, become gainfully employed and feel sogood about their experiences at CSU that they continueto be involved with the university.”

The student phone counselors handle a multitude ofproblems that would not be taken care of otherwise.

“These volunteers are amazing,” Williams said.“They take upwards of 1,000 calls a week, answeringquestions that range from what immunizations areneeded to making sure SAT scores are in place.”

“I’ve talked with and counseled incoming freshmenfor more than an hour at a time,” said senior CameshaTate, who has been a phone counselor for the last threeyears. “We’re the ones who have gone through exactlywhat they are facing and we’re the ones that haveanswers to their questions.”

Williams calls the efforts of CSU’s StudentAmbassadors, the Orientation Team and the studentphone counselors an opportunity to believe.

“Really, what these students are doing is gettingothers to believe – to believe in CSU,” Williams said.“The strength of our academic programs and the unbri-dled growth CSU has seen in recent years is the resultof the multi-faceted efforts of so many different organi-zations and people, each so important to the success ofthis university. But, the students we have, who sacrificetime and work so hard to recruit other students, areunique. They provide that one point of reference thatno one else can offer: their experience, their commit-ment and their belief in CSU.”

The GoizuetaFoundation Awards$500,000 to CSU

The Atlanta-based Goizueta Foundationhas awarded $500,000 to Columbus StateUniversity to support a comprehensiveHispanic/Latino recruitment initiative at CSU.

The majority of the grant is in TheGoizueta Foundation Scholars Fund that hasalready provided need-based scholarships forseveral Hispanic and Latino students at CSU.

Additionally, the grant has paid for a bilingual adviser and recruiter who can attractHispanic and Latino students to CSU andadvise them in their own language while oncampus.

“The Hispanic/Latino population in Georgiaand in our student body is growing each year,”said CSU President Frank Brown. “We haverecognized this is an area where we need tofocus more attention, and we are delightedThe Goizueta Foundation has supported ourideas and awarded CSU this very importantgrant.”

CSU figures show an increase of more than55 percent in the number of Hispanic studentsduring the last four years, with 236 studentsenrolled in the fall 2004 semester. That num-ber will surely increase as the U.S. Census predicts people of Hispanic/Latino origin inGeorgia will increase from 2.1 percent of the1995 state population to 3.5 percent of thepopulation by 2025.

Between the 1990 and 2000 censuses,Georgia’s total population grew by 26.4 per-cent while the Hispanic/Latino population grew by 299.6 percent. During the 1990s,North Carolina was the only state with a higher rate of Hispanic/Latino populationgrowth than Georgia, according to U.S. Census Bureau figures.

University officials hope theHispanic/Latino recruitment initiative willeventually aid many more Hispanics in thestate than just those who attend CSU.Preference for scholarship recipients will begiven to students in the College of Education so qualified Hispanic/Latino teachers canimpact other students through their own classrooms in their own communities.

This is not the first grant to CSU from TheGoizueta Foundation. The Foundation helpedestablish, and later support, CSU’s Coca-ColaSpace Science Center in Uptown Columbus.

Kristin Williams


Like many Hurricane Katrina evacuees, Beverly Ball wonders

what was going through the minds of the thousands who stayed in theNew Orleans area.

“Why didn’t they leave?” the 33-year-old nursing student saysfrom her new, temporary home inColumbus. “Nothing I have is thatvaluable.”

But Ball and many of the 19other Katrina evacuees who enrolledat Columbus State University aregrateful for the reception they havereceived at their new higher edhome.

“They were just amazing,” Ballsaid of the admissions staff andDepartment of Nursing faculty whoteamed up to rescue her dream ofbecoming a registered nurse.

In all, more than 700 hurricaneevacuees from colleges and universi-ties in south Louisiana andMississippi took advantage ofGeorgia’s decision to temporarilywaive out-of-state tuition and relax

RESPONDINGHurricane Katrina Led Several Students to CSU, Where They Found a Welcoming Campus

By Bill Sutley

admission requirements at its 34institutions. Most of the 20 whoenrolled at CSU are staying with relatives, commuting from as faraway as Atlanta, but Residence Lifemanaged to find last-minute campushousing for the seven evacuees whorequested it.

Ball was in her Slidell, La., homeon Aug. 27, totally tuning out theweather forecasts while studying foran exam, when her fiancé, construc-tion worker Jimmy Huckelba, burstthrough the door and said, simply:“We’ve got to go – now.”

Within an hour, they had packeda few days’ clothing for themselvesand Ball’s two daughters, ages 7 and7 months, and headed north – justminutes ahead of thousands of otherevacuees.

With few options available, theyheaded toward the Columbus homeof Huckelba’s parents, where theyhave been living for more than amonth.

It didn’t take long after Katrina

struck on Aug. 29 for Ball to realizethat, exam or no exam, she wouldn’treturn soon to her classes at DelgadoUniversity’s nursing program, basedat New Orleans’ hard-hit CharityHospital. But the single textbook anda notebook of study materials shehad taken with her would proveinvaluable in persuading CSU’s nursing faculty that she had the academic background needed to join an upper-level class.

“The way things have pannedout, graduation has probably beenpushed back another semester,” saidBall, who hopes to get her B.S.N. inMay 2007.

Her fiancé discovered during aquick, solo return visit that floodwa-ters from nearby Lake Pontchartraindestroyed virtually everything shehad left in Slidell, including hundredsof dollars worth of expensive medicaltextbooks.

But June Goyne, chair of CSU’sDepartment of Nursing, contactedpublishers and received enough com-plimentary textbooks to replace mostof Ball’s medical library. Goyne alsocalled Famous Brands, a Columbusuniform store that outfits CSU nurs-ing students, and the store donatedtwo sets of “scrubs.” And Ball alsowas thrilled when St. FrancisHospital donated, as it does for allnew CSU student nurses, a “nurse’sgoody bag,” valued at more than$100, that includes a stethoscopeand catheter kit.

“It was like Christmas,” Ball said.For two other students displaced

by the hurricane, the CSU AlumniAssociation’s Charles Eason BookScholarship fund provided $250each. Additionally, Follett, which

Wearing a donated uniform, nursing student and Hurricane Katrina trans-plant Beverly Ball, left, displays the textbooks and “goody bag” that werealso donated, thanks to help from CSU nursing chair June Goyne.

Almost $2,700 was collected forHurricane Katrina relief throughindividual donations on campus.Staff and student volunteersmanned donation boxes outside the Davidson Student Center foreight days.

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University of New Orleans freshmenArthur Jones (left) and StevenCastay (right) join CSU StudentGovernment Association PresidentJamie Williams at the Katrina-relieftent outside the Davidson StudentCenter. Though starting the fall 2005 semester as UNO classmates,Jones (a computer engineeringmajor) and Castay (an accountingmajor), crossed paths for the firsttime at CSU where they wereamong the first students, displacedfrom Katrina-affected schools, who CSU welcomed.

manages the CSU Bookstore, agreedto sell textbooks to affected studentsat cost and allow charges until stu-dents could arrange financial aid.

Eighteen-year-old Arthur Jones,who fled New Orleans with 17 mem-bers of his extended family, says“everybody has been real nice” ashe made the adjustment from start-ing college at the University of NewOrleans to continuing at ColumbusState.

Susan Lovell, director of admis-sions at Columbus State, said Jonesfared well in his quest to transferbecause he moved quickly toresume his studies. “Arthur’s doinggreat,” she said.

“Everyone in admissions hastouched somebody” affected byHurricane Katrina, Lovell said.

For Jones, a return to NewOrleans anytime soon isn’t in thecards; an aunt returned to findemergency management workershad painted his house with symbolsindicating the presence of toxicwaste.

“But we’re a lot more fortunatethan a lot of people,” he said. Anuncle living in Columbus wasremodeling a house and had roomfor his relatives from New Orleans.Jones even managed to land a late

opening in campus housing and nowresides at Courtyard I studentapartments.

Jones expects to stick aroundColumbus at least four years – longenough to finish a computer sciencedegree.

Like Ball, Jones has a difficulttime watching the television newsreports from what used to be TheBig Easy. “Some stuff I saw there – Ijust couldn’t keep watching,” hesaid. “It’s just sad seeing so manypeople there who need so muchhelp.”

Darrel Wayne Gray II, 18, afreshman political science major,was relaxing in his dorm room atXavier University when he was toldto evacuate immediately.

“I lost everything,” he said, not-ing that floodwaters entered eventhe third floor of a Xavier dormitoryin one of New Orleans’ hardest-hitneighborhoods. “I’ve just got to startover.”

He concedes he didn’t take theevacuation warnings seriously atfirst. When he left, he grabbed justa week’s worth of clothes and twopairs of shoes. Gone are all hisother clothes, a TV, refrigerator,PlayStation II and about 50 videogames. And then there are the sen-timental losses – the stuffed animalshe had held onto since childhood.

“I’m just playing catch-up rightnow,” he said.

Steven Castay, 18, a freshmanaccounting major transplanted fromthe University of New Orleans, saidhis impromptu introduction toColumbus State University has“worked out pretty well.”

“I like the teachers and they’vebeen very understanding,” he saidafter a recent art history class. “I’vecaught up with all of my classes andnow I’m able to listen and under-stand like everyone else.”

Castay credits StudentGovernment Association PresidentJamie Williams, a junior politicalscience and business major fromColumbus, for helping him withinformal advice about classes andprofessors.

“I enjoyed getting to know him,”Williams said. “I mainly just asked

him what his interests were andshowed him around campus. Forinstance, he told me he enjoyedworking out and I showed him theFitness Center.”

Castay’s entire family evacuatedfrom their home in Harahan, a NewOrleans suburb, to live with an auntin Columbus. They were among nineevacuees from four families whogathered there. Their Louisianahome is now habitable, but personalfinance plays a role in their contin-ued Columbus stay; Castay’s fatherworked at a heavily damaged oilrefinery in St. Bernard Parish thatexpects to stay closed untilDecember.

Castay’s mother, Vickie Castay,who braved recovery efforts toreturn temporarily to her job as asurgical technologist at NewOrleans’ Ochsner Hospital, saidshe’s been thrilled with Steven’sreception at CSU.

“Everybody welcomed him withopen arms,” she said. “He’s gratefulto everybody making him feel sowelcome.”

One of her quandaries now isfinding in Columbus the ingredientsneeded for Steven’s latest request.

“He said one professor who helikes had spent a lot of time in NewOrleans and really liked gumbo,”she said. “Now he’s saying, `Mom,you’ve got to make my professorsome gumbo.’ I don’t know howwe’ll pull that off.”

Steven Castay, a former Universityof New Orleans freshman, says he’senjoying the warm reception he’sreceived at CSU.

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Columbus State Universityfund-raising efforts to help

hurricane evacuees were truly aneffort that reached across campus– and beyond.

“We had pretty much everyaspect of campus involved,”cheerleading coach Jimbo Davissaid of a Sept. 17 yard sale thatanchored the fund-raising efforts.“We came together as a unit ofone.”

Pacing an overall $11,000fund-raising effort, more than$5,400 was collected in the salethat featured 90 tables of donatedmerchandise filling the LumpkinCenter, along with a wide rangeof furniture and other largeritems. Faculty and staff broughtmost of the donated goods tocampus, and Columbus-areaalumni and other residentsdropped off items once word ofthe yard sale spread. A WarmSprings antiques store that wasgoing out of business donatedseveral valuable items, Davisnoted.

About 70 students helpedprepare items, and some of thevolunteers arrived as early as5:30 a.m. the day of the yardsale.

A sale of Hurricane Katrinacommemorative T-shirts donatedby an alumnus netted hundredsof dollars more. Early during thefund-raising planning, Davis con-

tacted Joe Young (B.B.A. ’92),owner of Columbus’ A&J ScreenPrinters, about creating, at cost,100 Hurricane Katrina T-shirtsthat could be offered for moregenerous donations.

“I told them I would do betterthan that – I would be happy todonate the shirts,” said Young,whose wife, Teresa Young, is alsoa CSU alum (M.Ed. ’91).

Immediately popular, the T-shirts were gone in two hours,and Young printed about 200more, also as a donation; remain-ing shirts were available at theyard sale.

“To me, it was a way to give asmall amount and see it magni-fied,” said Young, who spent fiveof his early childhood years inNew Orleans. “We all do what wecan.”

In addition to the sale ofdonated items, the libraries col-lected boxes of food while stu-dents faculty and staff droppednearly $2,700 into buckets out-side Davidson Student Center.

The fund-raising efforts cul-minated with a presentation ofchecks totaling about $11,000 toSharon Lyon, executive directorof the eight-county West CentralGeorgia Chapter of the Red Cross.

“It’s really been a communityeffort,” Lyon said, expressinggratitude for the unrestricteddonation to the local Red Cross,

which had helped more than1,000 evacuee families as of lateSeptember.

As Lyon spoke during herSept. 22 visit to Davidson StudentCenter, workers from Red CrossBlood Services kept busy in theColumbus Room with a steadystream of faculty, staff and stu-dent donors participating in afive-hour blood drive billed asanother way to assist in the post-Katrina relief effort. The 63-unittotal surpassed recent campusblood drives, a spokeswomansaid.

One of the larger amountscollected during CSU events tobenefit evacuees was about $500from a Sept. 25 concert by theCSU Wind Symphony and theTara Winds of Atlanta. Donationswere accepted before and afterthe performances in theRiverCenter’s Heard Theatre.

Audience-goers respondedgenerously, said RobertRumbelow, associate professor ofmusic, especially after he turnedthe baton over to visiting conduc-tor Thomas Fraschillo, director ofbands at the University ofSouthern Mississippi inHattiesburg, Miss., where manystudents were directly affected byKatrina’s destruction.

“Just before he started con-ducting a performance of `Starsand Stripes Forever,’ we askedthe audience to consider givingon their way out,” Rumbelowsaid. “Hopefully, this helps out theoverall effort.”

CSUMobilized toAid KatrinaRelief EffortsBy Bill Sutley

Sept. 17th yard sale to benefit Red Cross fills Lumpkin Center with

donated goods.


1970Charlie Welsch is senior accountant atOctagon Risk Services in Oakland, Calif.

1971Dr. Cheryl Mixon Smith received an Ed.D.degree in May 2005 and is now an assistantprofessor of nursing at Auburn University,where she teaches pediatrics.

1972Martha Bonner, director of patient/employee relations at Hughston OrthopedicHospital, was named the hospital’s G.R.E.A.T.Ambassador. Created by the GeorgiaHospital Association, the award is given tocaring hospital employees in their job,community, and the Georgia health careindustry.

1974John Dunn was named an honorary alumnusby the Georgia Tech Alumni Associationduring the Gold and White Honors programin May 2005. Dunn began his professionalcareer as a reporter for The ColumbusEnquirer. This fall, he is celebrating his 25thanniversary as director and editor of GeorgiaTech Alumni Publications.

James L. Hall Jr., together with his wife,Helen, and son, Jonathan 14, is an activevolunteer member of the Pine MountainTrail Association (PMTA), which promotesthe trail located within FDR State Park. He isalso serving for the fourth year as presidentof the board for the PMTA.

Dell McMullen was named one of the firsttwo inductees into the CSU College ofEducation Hall of Fame in April, signifying“extraordinary contributions to theprofession.” She is superintendent ofDepartment of Defense Schools at FortBenning.

1976Edward L. Shaw is a professor of elementaryscience education in the Department ofLeadership and Teacher Education, Collegeof Education, University of South Alabamain Mobile.

1977Terrie Kelly is the vice president forinstitutional advancement at Tri-CountyCommunity College is Murphy, N.C. InMarch 2005 she completed an Ed.D. degreefrom Nova Southeastern University.

Shiann Williamson has been appointedassistant principal at Waddell Elementary inColumbus.

1978Beth Thomas won the Nightingale Award atGulf Coast Medical Center in Panama City,Fla. during Hospital Week in May 2005. Sheis a charge nurse in the Women’s Center.

1979Russell A. Curry was appointed director oftransportation for the Muscogee CountySchool District in August.

Michael D. Harris was promoted in May 2005to chief master sergeant in the U.S Air Force.He is the deputy inspector general, 480thIntelligence Wing at Langley Air Force Base,Va.

Raymechia M. Smith was named one of thefirst two inductees into the CSU College ofEducation Hall of Fame in April, signifying“extraordinary contributions to theprofession.” She is an early adolescent andmathematics teacher at Blackmon RoadMiddle School.

1980Tommy C. Beeson, M.D., is a family practicephysician in Bowman, Ga.

1988Ron McLendon is corporate training anddevelopment manager for Boral IndustriesInc. in Augusta, Ga.

Ellen H. Reames was appointed coordinatorof student services for the Muscogee CountySchool District in August.

1989John Milam is senior pastor of the OpenDoor Church of God in Madison, Ga. He andhis wife Lori celebrated the birth of theirthird child, Elijah Seth, on April 8, 2005.

Christopher A. Miller was named partner atRobinson, Grimes and Company, P.C. inColumbus.

1990Neill Hatcher won the Purple and Gold GolfTournament held this past summer at FortBenning.

Woodrow Lowe Sr., former University ofAlabama and San Diego Chargers standout,is the new football coach at Smiths StationHigh School.

Charles Mallory is director of clinicaloperations for VerveHealth, LLC in Chicago,Ill.

Annette Gibney was promoted by theColumbus Consolidated Government torecreation program supervisor for theColumbus Parks and Recreation Department.

1991Brent Johnson is supply chain manager forCott Beverages, USA.

Pamela B. Preer was promoted by ColumbusBank and Trust to assistant vice president.Preer is a revolving credit conversion analystwho joined the bank in 2002.

Keith M. Seifert was appointed director ofsecondary education for the MuscogeeCounty School District in August.

1992Elmer Bechdoldt is a juvenile correctionsofficer for the Georgia Department ofJuvenile Justice.

Matthew C. Bell, former assistant principalof Hardaway High School, was named thenew principal at Hardaway in August 2005.

Brian Scott McGlaun has been promoted bySynovus to chief information officer.

1993Samantha L. Boroughs and Yanick Marchandwere married on May 14, 2005. They live inSt. Simons Island, Ga., and Samantha is aphysician with Summit Internal Medicine inBrunswick, Ga.

Shane B. Darrah, M.D., established hispractice, Southeastern Cardiology Associates,P.C., in August.

1994Christina Rauber Meredith, registered dentalhygienist, was certified by the NationalHealth Department of Switzerland tooperate a private practice. She opened her

Class Notes


own private practice in July in Wettingen,Switzerland near her home in Windisch.

David Singley is information technologymanager for Gwinnett County governmentin Lawrenceville, Ga.

1995Monique Henderson is a senior projectmanager for McKesson Corporation.

1996John Chappell is a lieutenant for theColumbus Fire Department.

Brian McKeen has been promoted tosecond vice president, and privacy officerCompliance at Aflac.

1997Dr. Phillip S. Tully III is a partner with Dr.Allen D. Binns in Drs. Binns and Tully Family& Cosmetic Dentistry in Columbus. He is agraduate of the Medical College of Georgia

School of Dentistry and has organized andled several dental mission trips to SouthAfrica.

1998Martin R. Richburg Jr. has been appointedassistant principal at Hardaway High Schoolin Columbus.

1999Roy Durham, registered nurse in theintensive care unit at The Medical Center,was awarded the Chairman’s Award ofExcellence for 2005 by the ColumbusRegional Healthcare System.

Melissa K. McMickle Johnson waspromoted to director of St. FrancisHospital’s Rosemont Health Center inColumbus.

2000Kyle Thomas is an instructor of business forBainbridge College in Colquitt, Ga.

2001Danny C. Flores was named Nurse of theYear at St. Francis Hospital in Columbus.

2003Jill R. Hiers was promoted to director ofoperations improvement at St. FrancisHospital in Columbus.

Paige Jones Moore is the author ofBecoming a Leader: Servant-Leadership forChildren, a hands-on teaching curriculumspecifically geared to children ages 9-11.

2004Lane Johnston Tyus was named MostOutstanding First-Year Teacher for 2004-2005 by the Muscogee County SchoolDistrict. The selection criteria includedclassroom performance, contributions tothe school and community, and innovativeideas and approaches to teaching,initiative, and motivation.

Our CSU alumni and friends have another way to show theirCougar pride! Columbus State University return address labelsare now available and can be ordered on the CSU Web site atwww.colstate.edu. Click on Alumni & Donors, Alumni Home,and Services/Products. Three designs, including the ClockTower and the Cougar, are available for a very reasonablecharge.

A new initiative, a CSU Young Alumni group, is now beingformed. A focus group has met to discuss goals and objectivesas well as activities for young CSU alumni. Watch your mailboxor e-mail for more news. If you do not receive young alumniinformation and would like to be included in this group, pleasee-mail [email protected].

We Want Your E-mail Address!Plans are in the works to develop a CSU e-mail newsletter so that we can keep you better informed of CSU's events and

accomplishments. If you would like to receive it, please send your e-mail address to [email protected].

Mark your calendars now for thecoming CSU alumni events,

and watch your mailbox for moreinformation:

Art AuctionFriday, January 27, 2006,

Cunningham Center

HomecomingFebruary 20-25, 2006

Silver C Induction (Class of 1981)Saturday, February 25

Old Timers Basketball GameSaturday, February 25

Alumni News Briefs

Calendar of EventsDecember

1-4 Department of Theatre. “Seagulls in a Cherry Tree.” Adaptation of winningentry from CSU International PlaywritingCompetition. 7:30 p.m. Thursday-Saturday,2 p.m. Sunday. Fine Arts Hall Auditorium.

3 Cougar Basketball. Armstrong AtlanticState. 1 p.m. Women, 3 p.m. Men. LumpkinCenter.

3 Schwob School of Music. Percussion Day.All Day. Studio Theatre. Free.

3 Coca-Cola Space Science Center.Astronomy Night. 6 p.m. FDR State Park, Pine Mountain. Free.

5 Center for International Education.International Film Festival: “Sheen.”7 p.m. International House. Free.

5 Schwob School of Music. Guitar StudioRecital. 7:30 p.m. Legacy Hall. $5.

6 Schwob School of Music. PhilharmonicOrchestra. 7:30 p.m. Legacy Hall. $5.

8 Schwob School of Music. Faculty Recital:Kristen Hansen, French Horn. 7:30 p.m.Legacy Hall. $10.

10 Cougar Basketball. West Georgia. 2p.m. Women Only. Lumpkin Center.

11 Oxbow Meadows. Second Sunday Series:Natural Holiday Decorations. 2 p.m.Oxbow Meadows Environmental LearningCenter. $1 per person, kids under 4 free.

13 Enrollment Services. Online “ChatNight” For Prospective Students. 5-8 p.m.Participants log on to http://csuchat.colstate.edu

18 Columbus State University. FallCommencement. 3 p.m. Lumpkin Center.

29-30 Cougar Basketball. CSU HolidayClassic. Men’s and Women’s action.Lumpkin Center. Visit http://cougarsports.colstate.edu for schedule.

January

4 Cougar Basketball. USC Aiken. 5:30 p.m.Women, 7:30 p.m. Men. Lumpkin Center.

4 Columbus State University. New StudentOrientation 8 a.m. Check in.

7 Cougar Basketball. Augusta State. 2 p.m.Women, 4 p.m. Men. Lumpkin Center.

8 Oxbow Meadows. Second Sunday Series.2 p.m. Call (706) 687-4090.

9 Center for International Education.International Film Festival. Title TBA. 7p.m. International House. Free.

9 Columbus State University. Springsemester begins.

14 Cougar Basketball. Francis Marion. 2p.m. Women, 4 p.m. Men. Lumpkin Center.

19-22 Department of Theatre. “Rikki Tikki Tavi.” Production for all ages,. Tour of local schools to follow CSU stage run. 7:30 p.m. Thursday-Friday; 2 p.m. Saturday-Sunday. Fine Arts Hall Auditorium.

20 Schwob School of Music. Jazz Band.7:30 p.m. Studio Theatre. $5.

23 Schwob School of Music. WindSymphony. 7:30 p.m. Legacy Hall. $5.

25 Cougar Basketball. Georgia College &State. 5:30 p.m. Women, 7:30 p.m. Men.Lumpkin Center.

26 Schwob School of Music. PremierSeries: John Kimura Parker and His NewFriends. 7:30 p.m. Legacy Hall. $30.

27 Alumni Affairs. Gala Art Exhibit andAuction. Proceeds benefit Alumni scholar-ship fund. 7 p.m. preview. 8 p.m. auction.Cunnigham Center. Call (706) 568-2280.

30-March 9 Department of Art.Exhibition: Works by Alabama folk artistButch Anthony. 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Mondays-Fridays. Fine Arts Hall Gallery. Free viewing.

31 Enrollment Services. Online “ChatNight” For Prospective Students. 5-8 p.m.Participants log on to http://csuchat.col-state.edu

February

1 Cougar Basketball. USC Upstate. 5:30p.m. Women, 7:30 p.m. Men. LumpkinCenter.

4 Center for International Education.International Film Festival. Title TBA. 7p.m. International House. Free.

6 Cougar Basketball. Clayton State. 5:30p.m. Women, 7:30 p.m. Men. LumpkinCenter.

7 Schwob School of Music. Wind Symphony,Guest Artist Joe Alessi. 7:30 p.m. LegacyHall. $10.

8-9 Columbus State University. ColumbusRegional Science and Engineering Fair.Projects on public display Feb. 8; awards

assembly, 7 p.m. Feb. 9. Elizabeth BradleyTurner Center.

11 Schwob School of Music. Brass Day. AllDay. Legacy Hall. Free.

11 Cougar Baseball. Anderson College 1p.m./4 p.m. Ragsdale Field.

12 Cougar Baseball. Anderson College 1p.m. Ragsdale Field.

12 Oxbow Meadows. Second Sunday Series.2 p.m.

12 Schwob School of Music. Horn Recital. 3p.m. Studio Theatre. $5.

13 Cougar Basketball. Lander. 5:30 p.m.Women, 7:30 p.m. Men. Lumpkin Center.

14 Cougar Baseball. GeorgiaSouthwestern. 4 p.m. Ragsdale Field.

15 Cougar Basketball. North Georgia. 5:30p.m. Women, 7:30 p.m. Men. LumpkinCenter.

16 Schwob School of Music. UniversitySingers. 7:30 p.m. Legacy Hall. $5.

18 College of Science. Science Olympiad.7:30 a.m. Registration; 6 p.m. AwardsCeremony.

18-19 Schwob School of Music. GuitarSymposium. All Day. Various.

18 Schwob School of Music. Guitar Concert.8 p.m. Legacy Hall. $10.

19 Schwob School of Music. Guitar Concert.7:30 p.m. Legacy Hall. $10.

21 Schwob School of Music. WindSymphony. 7:30 p.m. Legacy Hall. $5.

22 Schwob School of Music. PhilharmonicOrchestra. 7:30 p.m. Legacy Hall. $5.

21-22 Cougar Baseball. Delta State. 4 p.m.(both days) Ragsdale Field.

24 Columbus State University.Homecoming: Bonfire and Pep Rally. 7p.m. Outside the Lumpkin Center.

25 Cougar Basketball. Homecoming: N.C.Pembroke. 1 p.m. Women, 3 p.m. Men.Lumpkin Center.

26 Schwob School of Music. TromboneChoir. 3 p.m. Legacy Hall. $5.

26 Schwob School of Music. TromboneChoir. 3 p.m. Legacy Hall. $5.

27 Schwob School of Music. Faculty Recital:Joseph Golden, Organ. 7:30 p.m. LegacyHall. $10.

4225 University AvenueColumbus, Georgia

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Parents: If this issue is addressed to a son or daughter who nolonger lives at home, please sendthe correct address to the AlumniOffice at the address above.Thank you.

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“Inside Out” by Larry Brown of New York City is part of an exhibition called “Conduit: Mapping the Connections Between Art and Science” thatColumbus State University’s Department of Art isstaging in the Fine Arts Hall Gallery through Dec. 8.

The exhibition of paintings, prints, photographs,ceramics and sculpture explores the relationshipsbetween investigative processes including biology,astronomy, physics and anthropology, said CSU art Professor Erika Adams, exhibition curator. “The artists, in this exhibition, investigate theserelationships but in an aesthetic and conceptualway.”

Featured artists, from throughout the UnitedStates, include Larry Brown, Jenna Spevack, LariGibbons, Julie Anand, Alison Carey and ElizabethHunt.

Viewing is from 9 a.m.-5 p.m. weekdays in thegallery on campus. For more information, contactthe art department at (706) 568-2047.

Mapping Art and Science Connections

Documents

Jimmy Yancey (’64) is Helping CSU Look to the … · VOLUME 12 NO. 2 Jimmy Yancey (’64) is Helping CSU Look to the Future FALL 2005