呦乐园

Centennial Steering Committee named for 呦乐园 celebration

呦乐园's newly appointed Centennial Steering Committee met for the first time August 16, two days before the school's 99th birthday on August 18, kicking-off some serious planning for celebrating 呦乐园's Centennial Years---2006-2013. The Georgia General Assembly approved legislation creating what is now known as 呦乐园 on August 18, 1906, but classes did not start until 1913. The overall mission of the Centennial Steering Committee is being developed, but the group will be planning 呦乐园's celebration and outreach activities.

"You were asked to join the Centennial Steering Committee for some special reasons," said Dr. Ernestine Clark to the 23 other members of the group, which includes representatives from the student body, staff, faculty, alumni and community. Clark, retired 呦乐园 Graduate School dean, is chair of the Steering Committee and serves as the representative from the 呦乐园 Foundation, Inc. She and the other members were recently appointed by President Ronald M. Zaccari.

"We are bringing one century to a close and simultaneously launching ourselves in to the next, future one," said Zaccari, in his charge to the group. "Our thanks to each one of you for being a part of this effort."

Vice President for University Advancement Scott Sikes, also a member of the committee, told the group that in addition to celebrating, the Centennial will boost 呦乐园's integrated branding and marketing efforts. He said it will also provide an opportunity "to take the message out" and show why 呦乐园 and the region it serves are unique.

Another member of the University Advancement team serving on the Steering Committee will assist Dr. Clark. Mary Gooding was recently named to the new position of Director of Alumni, Community, and Regional Relations & Centennial Operations Manager. In addition to her duties as Centennial Operations Manager, Gooding will concentrate on 呦乐园's economic development and partnership activities.

呦乐园 Centennial Steering Committee Pictured seated left to right on front row: Joe Newton, Marsha Krotseng, Mary Gooding, Steering Committee Chair Ernestine Clark, President Ronald M. Zaccari, Kassie Kissinger, Laverne Gaskins, Scott Sikes, Mike Meacham Second row: Ann Lacey, Charles Harmon, Bobby Flowers, Keith Flemming, Russ Mast, Keith Blevins, Jerome Tucker, Sarah Bartholomew, Deborah Davis, Nancy Warren, Richard Saeger, Jim Black Not pictured: Bethanie Bass, Sherri Gravett, Steve Roberts, Rebecca Taylor (photo by Wes Sewell)

"There will be plenty of opportunities for many other volunteers to be involved in the Centennial celebration and planning," said Clark. "Specific planning subcommittees will be established and we are looking forward to a great time for all."

Additional members of the Centennial Steering Committee include Dr. Sarah Bartholomew, 呦乐园 Alumni Association Chair; Ms. Bethanie B. Bass, director of the 呦乐园 Bookstore; Mr. Jim Black, 呦乐园 interim vice president for Finance and Administration; Mr. Keith Blevins, regional/community representative and publisher of The Valdosta Daily Times; Ms. Deborah Davis, 呦乐园 Archivist; Mr. Keith Flemming, president of the 呦乐园 Student Government Association; Mr. Bobby Flowers, chair of the 呦乐园 Council on Staff Affairs; Ms. Laverne Gaskins, 呦乐园 Attorney; Dr. Sheri Gravett, assistant vice president for Academic Affairs; Mr. Charles Harmon, director of 呦乐园 University Relations; Ms. Kassie Kissinger, 呦乐园 Greek Organizations Representative; Dr. Marsha Krotseng, 呦乐园 Cabinet Representative; Ms. Ann Lacey, director of 呦乐园 Special Events; Mr. Russ Mast, 呦乐园 Dean of Students; Dr. Mike Meacham, executive secretary of the 呦乐园 Faculty Senate; Mr. Joe Newton, 呦乐园 interim chief information officer; Mr. Mark Powell, Blazer Boosters Chair; Steve Roberts, director of 呦乐园 Athletics Sports Information Office; Richard Saeger, retired 呦乐园 faculty member and neighborhood representative; Rebecca Taylor, 呦乐园 Equal Opportunity Programs; Jerome Tucker, community; and Nancy Warren, community and arts boards representative.