"We have it in us to be splendid." With those words, Dean of Students Debbie Heida helped the class of 2010 begin what promises to be a very exciting chapter in their lives. Approximately 500 first-year students took part in orientation activities Aug. 16-18. They represent no fewer than 21 different states and 11 countries, but if their academic credentials and prior experiences are any indication, they have found the perfect home at Berry. This year's freshman class is headed by an amazing 18 valedictorians and eight salutatorians. Just as impressive, 70 percent of all first-year students graduated in the top 25 percent of their high school classes (35 percent in the top 10). Dig a little deeper and you'll find that 59 percent have been recognized for outstanding academic experiences, 66 percent have had at least one leadership experience (including 18 Eagle Scouts or Girl Scout Silver/Gold Award recipients) and 74 percent were involved in community service during high school. As those statistics illustrate, the first-year students already have a keen understanding of Martha Berry's motto, "Not to be ministered unto, but to minister." On Aug. 26, they got their first opportunity to bring those words to life as Berry students through the annual tradition known as First-Year Service Day. More on this event can be found at http://209.41.184.21/partners/680/public/news742
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First steps
Another step closer to the goal Groundbreaking for the newest addition to the Berry campus is scheduled for 11 a.m. Thursday, Sept. 14. Special guests will include Steve Cage (74C), the Indianapolis entrepreneur whose transformational gift in January 2005 served as the launching pad for the "Campaign for The Cage." Site preparation for the 131,000-square-foot facility has been ongoing throughout the summer, and occupation is expected sometime in early 2008. More on the Cage Center project can be found at www.berry.edu/campaign. Watch www.berry.edu for news about the groundbreaking.
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"We are very proud of the educational opportunities available at Berry," said Dr. Stephen R. Briggs, college president. "Our three-fold mission of educating the head, heart and hands is meant to prepare students for success and fulfillment in all aspects of their lives. This ranking affirms that Berry's unique approach results in an educational experience of the highest quality." In addition to the above accolades, Berry is also listed among the nation's 369 "Most Interesting Schools" in the latest edition of Newsweek-Kaplan's College Guide.
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Gold standard
The Rome Braves failed to record a hit against the Augusta GreenJackets on Aug. 10, but neither goose eggs on the scoreboard nor raindrops in the sky could dampen the spirits of those in attendance to see President Stephen R. Briggs throw out the ceremonial first pitch. His lone offering was high, but that didn't prevent him from "hitting one out of the park" during the pre-game meet-and-greet. More than 100 members of the Berry community came out to meet the college's eighth president, and he still could be seen shaking hands and making connections even after the game was over. The scouting report: Dr. Briggs' pitching career may be on hold, but as a president, he's got the makings of an all-star.
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Bringin' the heat!
Don't look now, but Mountain Day 2006 is almost upon us. If you haven't made plans to be on hand for the Mountain Day Golf Scramble, 5K and other exciting events (including special reunions for psychology alums, KCAB, SGA, College Bowl and the golf team, as well as the the college classes of 1996 and 2001), it's not too late to climb on board. For more about this year's festivities, scheduled for Oct. 6-8, click the brochure cover or go to www.berry.edu/alumni/documents/41MounatainDay_proof7.pdf.
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If the pen is indeed mightier than the sword, then literary dragons would be well advised to steer clear of budding writer Jamie Poissant (01C). Pictured with wife Marla Ray Poissant (01C), Jamie already has claimed a pair of national honors in 2006 — the George Garrett Fiction Award and second prize for fiction in the Atlantic Monthly’s Student Writing Contest. He also had the opportunity to attend the prestigious Sewanee Writers' Conference in Tennessee this summer as a Georges and Anne Borchardt Scholar. Currently a graduate student in the Master of Fine Arts creative writing program at the University of Arizona, Jamie's short stories have been published in Willow Springs, The Chattahoochee Review and Orchid: A Literary Review in recent months. One, titled "How to Continue," has been nominated for inclusion in the 2008 Best New American Voices series (Harcourt). This fall, he is teaching creative writing at Arizona and serving as co-editor of Sonora Review, America’s oldest student-run national literary magazine.
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A writer without peer Make your voices heard No, we're not talking about November's midterm election (though that is important too). Right now, a more immediate concern for the Berry Alumni Association is the Oct. 15 nomination deadline for the 2007 alumni awards. If you know of a fellow alum who deserves consideration for one of the four annual awards (Distinguished Achievement, Distinguished Service, Outstanding Young Alumnus and Entrepreneurial Spirit), please take a few minutes to complete the online nomination form located at www.berry.edu/alumni/alumniawardform.asp. It's quick, it's easy and we promise your vote will count!
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Family fun will be the order of the day at the 2006 Berry College Ford Festival, scheduled for Saturday, Sept. 16 on the grounds of Oak Hill and The Martha Berry Museum. This annual celebration of the ongoing relationship between Berry and Ford Motor Co. will feature an antique car display, tours of Oak Hill, music, concessions, vendors, children's activities and more. Gates open at 10 a.m., and admission is $3 (children 10 and under get in free). Parking is located at nearby State Mutual Stadium, home of the Rome Braves, and shuttle service to the festival is available. For more information about this year's event, click the logo or go to www.berry.edu/
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Build it, and they will A host of former baseball players who helped return "America's Pastime" to Berry in the late 1980s and early 1990s are planning to be back on campus Sept. 8-9 for a reunion/alumni game organized by Todd Brophy (91C). If you played baseball at Berry from 1987-91 and are interested in reconnecting with former teammates such as 1990 graduate Gene Owenby (pictured at right) just call 937-416-5607 or e-mail tbrophy@woh.rr.com.
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The 2006 vacation season is drawing to a close, but it's never too early to start planning for 2007. Next year, instead of loading up the "Family Truckster" and driving eight hours to the beach, why not take a look at what the Alumni Travel Program has to offer instead? We promise you won't be disappointed: Feb. 16-27, 2007 May 16-25, 2007 Sept. 6-14, 2007 For more on these exciting travel opportunities, contact Faye Fron (92c) at 800-782-0130 or ffron@berry.edu.
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What a view! Alumni calendar set for fall Does all of this back-to-school news have you harking back to the carefree days of college? If so, we've got just the tonic — a few hours of fun and fellowship with your friends from the Berry Alumni Association. A full slate of fall events can be found below. For more information, call 800-782-0130 or 706-236-2256 or send an e-mail to alumni@berry.edu. Rome Alumni, Parents and Friends Reception with Dr. Briggs Rome Young Alumni Get-Together Carpet Capital Chapter Meeting and Dinner East Tennessee Chapter Meeting and Potluck Luncheon Washington, D.C. Chapter Meeting and Lunch Macon Chapter Fall Meeting and Dinner Alumni Chapter Community Service Day
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Got news? Maybe a new job or a new baby? Recently married? Share the good news with your friends through class notes in Berry magazine. E-mail your news, including your year of graduation, to alumni@berry.edu. If you would like to subscribe to or unsubscribe from this list, send an e-mail message to Justin Karch, gifts and records specialist, at jkarch@berry.edu. Please include your full name and e-mail address. You also can reach us at 800-782-0130.
If you have
questions, comments or suggestions for our e-newsletter, e-mail Faye Fron at ffron@berry.edu.