NGCSU Alumni Association debuts new book
From AccessNorthGa.com
Published on: March 21, 2009
North Georgia College & State University began as a small school in the Blue Ridge Mountains, but has evolved into one of the South's premier - and most progressive - institutions. Now, the university's Alumni Association has documented the school's transformation and history in Come Home to North Georgia, a coffee table-style book featuring photographs and personal narratives that celebrate more than 135 years of institutional history.
"We wanted the book to be something alumni could relate to and to make it personal for them," Mark Howarth, director of alumni affairs, said. "We all have personal experiences from our time as students but there are also shared experiences that have made North Georgia a 'home away from home' for many students and soldiers."
Founded thanks to the efforts of Congressman William P. Pierce, the North Georgia Agricultural College opened in 1873 as the agricultural extension of the University of Georgia. While its initial focus was on agriculture, in 1877, NGAC established the first school in the state dedicated to the education of teachers. The college flourished, and by 1929, the agricultural program was dropped in favor of arts and sciences, and NGAC was renamed North Georgia College. The name was changed again - to North Georgia College & State University - in 1996, when the school was designated a state university.
Because North Georgia was built on land acquired by the Morrill Act land-grant, military instruction was a required part of the curriculum. One of the school's first alumni and former editor of The Atlanta Constitution, W.T. Crusselle, once remarked, "Of all the studies that we had there was nothing more valuable as an educative force than the military..I found this one thing of more value to me in a practical way than any other single lesson."
With 160 pages of history and current narrative, Come Home to North Georgia covers the full spectrum of North Georgia culture. From the daily reveille ceremony and the sanctity of the Drill Field to the numerous monuments that dot the campus, both military and civilian students share in the traditions and the patriotism that define the North Georgia as the Military College of Georgia.
The book also includes stories about the first admittance of women to the North Georgia ROTC program and its Corps of Cadets in 1973, helping set the stage for other ROTC programs to open training to women. Even in the institution's earliest years, hundreds of women graduated from NGAC before other public colleges in Georgia even allowed female students.
The commemorative book uses stunning photographs that depict the scenic view of campus from Crown Mountain, the natural beauty of Lumpkin County and many of the school's most cherished ceremonies. The stories behind the school's landmarks are also revealed, including the golden history of Price Memorial, the construction of the Arch, and the unveiling of the
"Freedom's Vigil" monument at the Memorial Wall.
The book is available by visiting www.northgeorgiabook.com, which includes a free preview, or by calling (800) 358-0560.
From www.accessnorthga.com/detail.php?n=218858&c=10
