Centennial Steering Committee named for VSU celebration

Valdosta State University'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 VSU's Centennial Years---2006-2013. The Georgia General Assembly approved legislation creating what is now known as Valdosta State University 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 VSU'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 VSU Graduate School dean, is chair of the Steering Committee and serves as the representative from the VSU 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 VSU's integrated branding and marketing efforts. He said it will also provide an opportunity "to take the message out" and show why VSU 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 VSU's economic development and partnership activities.

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