As dean, I am frequently asked to share, “just a few words,” about our college. “Simply Amazing” is a powerful two-word response that sums up my assessment of the people, programs and spirit of the College of Family and Consumer Sciences.
In early March, we celebrated the college and seven simply amazing award winners at our 31st Annual Alumni Awards Luncheon. Our alumni award winners, Judy Bland, Dot Williams, Judy Hibbs and Cynthia Levatte, as well as, faculty Charlie Wallinga and FACS friend Jeff Whalen were recognized for their accomplishments and dedication to the college. A highlight was the induction of Marian Chesnut McCullers into the FACS Honor Hall of Recognition. Marian blazed a trail for FACS in the business world and especially for women during her career with Atlanta Gas Light. I know you will enjoy learning about our award winners as you read about their accomplishments in this issue. We set a record for attendance and for our silent auction proceeds. It was a great day and I enjoyed meeting and talking with many of you.
On March 31, we exceeded the goal set for our 100 Legacies in the Making planned giving campaign. A special thank you to Katrina Bowers, our director of development, Janet Jones Kendall, our development officer, and the campaign steering committee for their leadership as well as the 100+ FACS legacies for their generous support. While we will continue to accept planned gifts anytime, we successfully closed this campaign with 106 gifts! This is, simply amazing!
This issue of FACS Magazine highlights a host of simply amazing alumni, students, faculty and programs in the College of Family and Consumer Sciences that are touching the community, the state and the world. Faculty in the Housing and Demographics Research Center are enhancing Georgia’s economic development opportunities by working with communities throughout the state in multi-year programs to provide adequate housing. Graduate student Abby Hardgrove has contributed to our understanding of refugees’ lives through her research with families who escaped the violence in Liberia. And, fashion merchandising students are gaining hands-on experience as they learn about the sourcing of apparel products. FACS is addressing critical societal issues with amazing results.
Thank you for your support and contributions to this simply amazing college!.
Sincerely,
Laura D. Jolly, Dean