Awards and Recognition Program

Hall of Fame, Distinguished Alumnus, Young Alumnus

HALL OF FAME candidates should be alumni who have distinguished themselves through outstanding professional careers and/or outstanding contributions to community service. A maximum of one award is presented per year.

DISTINGUISHED ALUMNUS candidates should be alumni who have an extraordinary record of service and support to NGC or NGCSU. A maximum of two recipients per year can be chosen.

YOUNG ALUMNUS candidates should be alumni within their first 20 years of graduation from NGC or NGCSU who have distinguished themselves through outstanding professional careers and/or outstanding contributions to community service. A maximum of one award is presented per year.

Click below for Nomination Form for
Hall of Fame, Distinguished Alumnus, & Young Alumnus:

Award Nomination Form

Distinguished Professor

DISTINGUISHED PROFESSOR candidates should be employed full-time and teach a minimum of three semester hours per semester and have had two full years of service with North Georgia College and State University and be in at least their third year of employment. They should also demonstrate excellence in teaching and service to students, extracurricular participation in service to NGCSU and its' community, research, and scholarly publication.  Additional criteria is listed on the nomination form.

Click below for Nomination Form for
Distinguished Professor

Faculty/Staff Award Nomination

Student Award Nomination

Dot Strother Alumni Scholarship

Dot Strother Alumni Scholarship candidates should be a dependent of a NGCSU Alumni Association member and have demonstrated citizenship and leadership potential. They should also be pursuing an associates, bachelors, or masters degree from NGCSU and have a high school B average and 1000 SAT score (or one year of college work with 2.5 GPA. Further information is available on the nomination form.

Click below for Nomination Form for
Dot Strother Alumni Scholarship

Award Nomination Form

Mr. Julius Thomas Morgan

JULIUS THOMAS MORGAN grew up in Lithonia , Georgia . To earn money he helped in his Dads barber shop, where he shined shoes, he also delivered the Atlanta Constitution (rising at 4 a.m. ). After high school he decided he wanted to attend college. With no money available a friend helped him attain a college loan.

He chose NGCSU because of the cost and because he was fascinated by the military aspect of North Georgia . At North Georgia J.T. worked in the cafeteria (we called it the CHOW HALL) all four years. He says NGC taught him organization, tolerance, compassion, and mostly how to think things through and to prioritize. He graduated in 1950 with a Business Degree and as a. Distinguished Military Graduate receiving a commission in the U.S. Army. He became a pilot and while stationed in Korea he flew 186 combat missions.

After his military service J.T. attended Georgia State University earning a 2 year certificate in Insurance and Real Estate . He worked for Safeco Insurance Co. Holding various positions. Then he formed a real estate Corp. called Julius Burns and Associates and soon formed his own investment and developing Co. called Morgan Properties and Development Company.

J.T. has been an active member in the President's Club and in 1998 established The Morgan Charitable Remainder Trust at N.Ga.

After 50 years J.T. and Nancy Kingery's paths crossed during a NGCSU Parents - Alumni week-end. They married in 2001 (they were both in the class of 1950). J.T. says he always wanted children and now he has them. Nancy has 3 with 2 grandchildren and 2 great grands.

They live in Covington where they are active in the First United Methodisy Church . He has held many potitions on bank boards, Board of Realtors, Masonic Lodge, Newton County Chamber of Commerce, Toastmasters Club and between 1978 and 1995 was very active with the Friendship Force. J.T. enjoys playing golf and also spends time in Costa Rica where they have a condominium and other real estate interests.

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Previous Hall of Fame Award Recipients

1973
Preston C. Arkwright
Hughes L. Ash
John C. Barnes
Arthur K. Bolton
Nina M. Head
L.Elmo Holt
Mac H. Hyman
U. A. Lawson
Brooks M. Pennington
Jeptha C. Tanksley
Corbett Thigpen

1974
Courtney H. Hodges
George M. Johnson
Garland Payton
Boone Powell
R. L. Rogers
John Word West
Katherine Vickery

1975
O. L. Amsler
Thomas B. Murphy
Eugene C. Patterson
A. Webb Roberts

1976
Walter C. Givhan
Lewis R. Slaton

1977
Clarence R. Vaughn, Jr.

1978
William J. Livsey
H. Boyd McWhorter

1979
Robert H. Scarborough
James G. Woodward

1981
Daniel B. Pattillo
James G. Minter

1983
Roy C. LeCraw

1984
Thomas D. Moreland

1985
William Roger Williams
Charles C. Gay

1986
Joe T. Laboon

1987
Burton D. Patrick

1988
Thomas H. Frier

1989
Ralph C. Colley

1990
James L. Clark

1994
Harry S. Downs

1995
Benjamin H. Purcell

1996
Claude Williams,Jr.

1997
John A. Simms, Jr.

1998
Henry T. Glisson

1999
Charles D. McDonald, Jr.

2000
Robert C. Meaders, Jr.

2001
Buford Hill

2002
Olan B. King

2003
Edison Scholes

2004
J. Lister Skinner, III

2005
The Honorable Garland F. Pinholster

2006
BG (R) David L. Grange

2007
Dr. Conrad Easley

2008
J.T. Morgan

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The Distinguished Alumni Award is presented to alumni who have an extraordinary record of service and support to North Georgia.

Mr. James Henry "Hoss" Matthews, Sr.

Nominated by a host of his peers and friends, all of whom are alumni of North Georgia , Hoss Matthews is definitely a hands down favorite to receive this award. Here are some of the comments made by those nominating him. "If he has not already been recognized, Hoss should be a Distinguished Alumni by any standard that you have. He is one of the "good guys". And another says" He has fostered fellowship among alumni with his "Friends are Forever" group. He takes and active roll in Alumni gatherings; and has inspired loyalty to North Georgia College and State University among many people.

Hoss can be counted on to be seen on campus, taking time to talk to cadets, members of the Military department both Commandant's Staff and Military Science Faculty. He takes an active interest in campus life as it exists today and takes that message to his peers and the any alumni who will listen. He is an advocate for this great institution's future; he loves the Corps of Cadets and makes a point of getting to know cadets on a personal basis.

Hoss is married to Sharon , they have four sons, James, Justin, Jeffrey and Jason additionally Hoss has two sons by a previous marriage, James Henry Jr. and Neal. Anyone who spends much time with Hoss knows he is extremely proud of each of his offspring...

Hoss graduated from North Georgia in class of 51, served on active with the U.S. Army for three years, to include a tour of duty overseas in Korea as an Infantryman; and then spent thirteen years in the Army Reserve. He is an expert marksman evidenced by his earning the Army's Distinguished Pistol Shot Badge while shooting as member of the Third Army Reserve Pistol Team.

Beginning in 1993 Hoss's efforts to form the Alumni group "Friends are Forever" brought together as members, a large number of classmates from classes that graduated in the early 1950s. This organization brings these alumni together to share friendship founded on North Georgia pride. There are now more than 150 members of "Friends are Forever". This group is responsible for three very large gifts to the Corps of Cadets; 1) several sabers donated to the Boar's Head Brigade in honor of deceased members of Friends of Forever, 2) donated 20 leather Sam Brown belts to go with the donated sabers, 3) donated more than $2000 to the Chaplain's Fund to allow continued Christian ministry in the Corps of Cadets.

Elected to the Alumni Council in 2003, Hoss spent four years promoting our great institution, the alumni council itself and being personally involved in all sorts of on campus activities, especially anything and everything to do with the Corps of Cadets. He is known on sight by most cadets because of his routine and regular presence on campus. He can be counted on to attend commissioning ceremonies, Corps parades, graduations, Frog week activities and sporting events. Hoss can be counted on to challenge every cadet he talks to, "to return to campus in 50 years and bring 150 of your friends with you."

Another accomplishment is Hoss's work with the Boy Scouts. Hoss a lifelong Scout, continued Scouting as an adult as a way to stay close with his boys. He carried North Georgia pride into his work helping numerous young men earn the prestigious Eagle Scout badge. In 2001 the troop he worked with had 6 earn this award, a large amount for any given year. Two of his sons achieved Eagle Scout badges as well.

Hoss Matthews' indomitable spirit, gregarious smile and infectious enthusiasm for North Georgia College and State University are a tremendous example to all associated with this great place. He is an outstanding choice to receive this year's Distinguished Alumni Award.

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Previous Distinguished Alumnus Award Recipients

1968
Elmo Holt

1969
BG Hughes L. Ash

1970
Bill Grindle

1971
Elmo Holt

1972
Jeptha Tanksley

1973
Lewis Slaton

1974
Brooks Pennington

1975
Colonel Felton Moore

1976
Enoch J. Hicks

1977
Dan Pattillo

1978
J.R. (Bobo) Clifton

1979
BG John Estes Rogers

1980
Ida Avery Phillips

1981
George Elliott

1982
Arthur Bolton

1983
Helen Pierce Taylor

1984
None Selected

1985
Jim Minter

1986
L. Clifford Adams, Jr.

1987
Clifford A. Davis, Sr.
George E. Coleman, Jr.

1988
John C. House

1989
Harold Kilpatrick
H. Verne Smith

1990
Joseph Kanaday, Jr.

1991
Dorothy (Dot) Strother
Richard (Sarge) McConnell

1992
Margaret Owen (Mrs. John H. Owen)
Dr. John H. Owen

1993
William (Bill) Chapman

1994
Charles (Chuck) A. McClure

1995
H. Max Thomason
Marvin Doster

1996
Wayne Dill

1997
Virgle W. McEver, Jr.

1998
Jane Reynolds Hemmer
Robert (Bob) Mathews

1999
J. Philip Collins

2000
Marion Mathews Rogers
Conrad H. Easley

2001
Tom Murphy
T. Haines Hill

2002
Jim Crupi
Janice Hawkins Van Meter

2003
Hugh M. Mills, Jr.
Tom C. Davis (posthumous)

2004
Jere H. Akin
Gerald Lord

2005
Mr. John (Jack) D. Anthony, Jr.
Mrs. Barbara DeMarco Williams

2006
Nancy T. Clark
E. Paul Stringer

2007
John E. Douglas, Sr.

2008
Hoss Matthews, Sr.

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The Young Alumni Award is presented to alumni (within 20 years of their graduation) who have distinguished themselves through outstanding professional careers and/or outstanding contributions to community service.

The Honorable Marsha Harper Moore

When I 'Googled' Marsha Moore's name, I immediately found, 'Find an Expert". That was only the beginning of the list of impressive contributions that Marsha Moore has made to the State of Georgia . Her long list of accomplishments are indicative of her commitment to giving children chances for a successful life through education. Her 25 plus years of creativity, leadership and dedication show why she was chosen as this years NGCSU Young Alumni Award Recipient.

Ms. Moore began her career following receipt of her Bachelor of Science (Sociology) degree from West Georgia College in 1981. From 1981 - 1996 she worked with the Department of Human Resources, moving from Child Protective Service Worker to Regional Director in the Office of Regulatory Services.

From 1996 - 2004, Ms. Moore became an even busier woman. Leaving DHR she accepted a position in the Office of School Readiness in Atlanta . While there she served as Executive Director, Acting Director, Director of Programs, Division Director and Consultant. During this time she received a Master of Public Administration from NGCSU in 1998, was a member of the Pi Gamma Mu and Pi Sigma Alpha Honor Societies for social and political sciences, and was elected to Who's Who Among Students in American Universities & Colleges. She also taught Public Administration as and Adjunct Professor here at NGCSU from 2001- 2002.

In 2004, Ms. Moore was sworn in by Governor Sonny Perdue as the first Commissioner of the Department of Early Care and Learning. This department, with its' annual budget of over $400 million, "Bright from the Start", puts into practice Ms. Moore's experiences in state government, program management, and early child care and education policy development to ensure that the children of Georgia are prepared for learning when they enter kindergarten.

Along with the endeavors in her career, she has numerous remarkable professional affiliations. Ms. Moore serves on: Georgia 's First Lady Mary Perdue's Children's Cabinet; the Board of Trustees of the Georgia Employee Retirement System; Georgia 's Workforce Investment Board; the Alliance of Education Agency Heads; and the Board of Directors for Georgia 's Partnership for Excellence in Education. Ms. Moore is a Fellow on the State Early Childhood Policy Leadership Forum sponsored by the ZERO TO THREE Policy Center and the National Governors Association Center for Best Practices. She also serves on The National Task Force on Early Childhood Accountability sponsored by the Pew Charitable Trusts.

In regard to being nominated for the Young Alumni Award, Ms. Moore has said she was 'a late bloomer'. However, it seems to me that the timing is impeccable. To say that the career of Marsha Moore has positively influenced countless families and children in Georgia is not an exaggeration. Her passion to empower children to succeed is clearly evident in all of her achievements and makes her an incomparable choice for NGCSU's Young Alumni Award for 2008.

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Previous Distinguished Young Alumnus Award Recipients

Initiated in 1998 by the NGCSU Alumni Council

1998
Lindsey Cook
John Meredith

1999
William D. Hood

2000
Charles N. Davis

2001
Samantha Butler Benson
Shawn Mullins

2002
Butch Miller

2003
Alison West Brewer

2004
Tracy Sayers

2005
Dr. Marc Cutright

2006
Dr. Timothy J. Garrett

2007
MAJ Eric W. Norris

2008
Marsha Harper Moore

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1991
Joe Blasingame
Phil Collins
Conrad Easley

1992
Jo Petteway
Grace Parks

1993
Tracy Sayers
Marvin Doster

1994
Newton & Ella Ray Oakes
Donald Hulme

1995
Ola Moore

1996
Dr. William Roberts

1997
Harold Terrell

1998
John H. Owen
Mac Callaham
James Crupi
Robert Stein

1999
Guy Middleton
Reba Fortner

2000
Guy Oliver
Chris Kitchens
Margaret Owen (Mrs. John H. Owen)

2001
H. Michael Hyams
William F. Gershpacher
Jack Anthony
Mark A. Howarth
Andy O. Smith

2002
Dr. Sherman Day
Cliff Adams
Frank Thomas
Ed Nix
George Coleman

2003
William Walker
Kathy Sisk
Jere H. Akin
Art Murphy

2004
NGCSU Parent's Association
Phil Buckhiester
Becky Buckhiester

2007
Wayne Dill
Kathy Bunner
LT General David Bryan Poythress

2008
MG Alan "Bud" Thrasher
Mrs. Ann Thrasher
Mr. Enrique"Henry" Navarro

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1971
Dr. Mac Callaham

1972
Mr. Guy Lail

1973
Dr. Guy Oliver

1974
Dr. John Pearce

1975
Dr. Al Grauer

1976
Dr. Cecil Jackson

1977
Dr. Frank Smith

1978
Mr. John Csomor

1979
Dr. Larry Dennis

1980
Dr. Larry Sorohan

1981
Ms. Elsa Ann Gaines

1982
Dr. Mac Callaham

1983
Dr. Thomas Richardson

1984
Dr. Philip Buckhiester

1985
Dr. Thomas Fox

1986
Dr. Sidney Benton

1987
Ms. Sara Steele

1988
Dr. Al Ellingotn

1989
Dr. Dorothy Brock

1990
Dr. Bryan Murphy

1991
Dr. Gay Tennis

1992
Dr. Sally Allen

1993
Dr. Judith Long

1994
Dr. Terry McLeod

1995
Dr. Donna Waddell

1996
Dr. Robert Saba

1997
Dr. Barry Friedman

1998
Dr. Susan Gannaway

1999
Dr. Mark Davis

2000
Dr. Ray Rensi

2001
Dr. Kathy Sisk

2002
Dr. Barry Friedman

2003
Dr. Frank Fearon

2004
Dr. Donna Gessell

2005
Dr. Mark Spraker

2006
Dr. Thomas Austenfeld

2007
Dr. Kelly Cate

2008
Dr. Robb Sinn

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1989
Joseph G. Raines, Jr.
Leigh Barclay

1990
Margurite D. Koch

1991
Leigh Barclay

1992
Bobbi P. Smith
Shannon Leigh Owensby

1993
Susan Lynn Harkins
Jennifer Lynn Lovell

1994
Amanda Brooke Duvall
Shannon Leigh Owensby

1995
Eric McNair
Amanda Brooke Duvall

1996
Jennifer L. Goss
Eric Steed McNair
Beth Compton

1997
Eric Steed McNair
Kris Rodgers
Beth Compton
Matthew Porcelli

1998
Kelly Leigh Becker
Alvin Johnson
Beth Compton
Kris Rodgers

1999
Kris Rodgers
Kelly Leigh Becker

2000
Sandra Jane Lockaby

2001
Sandra Jane Lockaby

2002
Callie Wingo

2003
Sandra Jane Lockaby

2004
Julianne Terry

2005
Julianne Terry

2006
Samantha Buice

2007
Heather Howarth

2008
Stacey Noel Oskam

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