Gordon State College Welcomes Over 150 Military Alumni for its Annual Alumni Weekend Celebration
By Karolina Philmon, GSC marketing manager
Gordon State College hosted its Military Alumni Weekend that welcomed over 150 Gordon alumni at the Barnesville campus over the weekend of April 19-21. These alumni represented the era when the institution was known as Gordon Military High School and Gordon Military College, spanning from the early 1930s to 1972.
The three-day event included gatherings at the GSC Alumni House, campus tours, presentation on the historical archives at the Dorothy W. Hightower Library, a conversation hour with GSC President Dr. Donald J. Green, rounded out with dinner and an evening reception.
In addition, the High School Class of 1969 hosted a separate dinner reception for the class and their guests on the first day. On the second day, all alumni gathered for a military memorial roll call known as Gold Star Heroes, honoring those who served in the military.
Green said that to truly understand who Gordon is today, one must first appreciate its rich history.
“As I familiarized myself with some of our alumni and deepened my connections with others, I gained a greater respect for Gordon's essence and its core values,” Green said.
The Gordon Military Alumni Weekend marked Green’s inaugural experience.
“It was a joy to meet so many of our Military College alums! Hearing their stories of how Gordon was an integral part of their lives was touching and inspirational,” Green said. “It also reminded me that history doesn’t repeat itself, it rhymes. I say that because our students today have the same need for guidance and the same desire for success. Gordon played that role yesterday and does so today.”
Don Neuner, GSC Foundation Trustee and High School Class of 1970 alumnus said he had a great time “as always” catching up with old friends and classmates at the annual reunion. He was glad to see Green with his wife taking the time to make connections with alumni.
“President Don Green and his wife, Cathy, were everywhere, attending all the major events. He personally made the effort to connect with most alumni individually. His presence was noticeable throughout,” Neuner said.
Cecil McDaniel, GSC Foundation board member and another alumnus of the class of 1970 said the Gordon Military Alumni Weekend is one of his favorite events of the year, noting that he cherished the opportunity to reconnect with his classmates and reminisce the about the “glory days.”
“The weekend was full of wonderful conversation and alumni sharing their memories of the former Gordon Military College,” said Natalie Rischbieter, GSC executive director of advancement. “It has been a pleasure to meet our alumni and celebrate the rich history of Gordon that means so much to so many. We look forward to having more alumni on campus in the fall of 2024.”