Cumberlite - 2015 Fall/Annual Report

W LOOP ROAD
Fall Cumberlite 2011
Annual Report
2014-2015
Rardin & Carroll Architects
architecture.planning.interior design
chattanooga, tn
BUILDING
ON OUR LEGACY

A Hymn for GCA
“O God, our help in ages past…” Before the Penny
Campaign and before the dogwoods were planted and the
buildings were completed, God was there. Before the first student
moved into a dorm room and before the first class was taught,
God was there, guiding and helping. Every day of these past fifty
years God has been “an ever-present help” (Psalm 46:1).
“…Our hope for years to come...” We look at the road ahead
with confidence because our hope is in the One who is our help
from ages past. The future is unknown, but based on the way God
continues to bless and provide, we fearlessly lay plans for the future
of this ministry.
“…Be Thou our guide while life shall last…” We don’t know
how much longer this life will last, but we work while there is
daylight, and we carefully steward the gifts God gives us. We pray
for God’s wisdom and guidance as we make plans for decades to
come, and daily pray that His kingdom will come and His will be
done on this little piece of His earth.
“…And our eternal home.” This familiar hymn ends at the
place where the mission of Georgia-Cumberland Academy begins.
This is the place we want every student, alumnus, and friend of
GCA to be when this life is over. This magnificent ministry exists
to lead people toward their eternal home.
May God’s hand of blessing continue to be on Georgia-
Cumberland Academy as we celebrate the legacy of the past fifty
years and look forward to a bright future!
(The fourth verse of O God, Our Help in Ages Past, written
by Isaac Watts in 1719, seems appropriate as we look back on our
past fifty years and forward to the future of Georgia-Cumberland
Academy.)
Nancy Gerard
Alumni and Development Director
Contents
Annual Report
2014-2015
Fall Cumberlite 2015
Cumberlite Staff
EDITOR:
Kalie Kelch
ASSISTANT EDITOR:
Nancy Gerard
LAYOUT & DESIGN:
Frank Strack College Press LLC
PHOTOGRAPHY BY:
Jennifer Fox, Greg Gerard, Nancy
Gerard, Skylar Jacobs, Kalie Kelch,
Laura Short, Grant Tuttle,
Josh Woods
Georgia-Cumberland
Academy
397 Academy Drive SW
Calhoun, GA 30701
Phone: (706) 629-4591
Fax: (706) 629-1272
Email: nagerard@gcasda.org
www.gcasda.org
The Power of One’s Legacy 1
Gifts That Result in Eternal Dividends 2-3
Your Gifts Make a Difference 4-12
Stories of Giving 4-12
GCA News 14-15
Alumni Updates 16-17

NEW WALKING
TRAIL
NEW
OVERLOOK
AREA
LAWN
SEATING
NEW
PLAZA
EXISTING RECREATION FIELD
NEW
LAWN
EXISTING GIRLS DORMITORY
NEW PAVILION
OUTDOOR CLASSROOM IMAGE
EXISTING SOFTBALL FIELD
Greg Gerard
Principal
THE POWER OF ONE’S LEGACY
ELEMENTARY
SCHOOL
EXISTING BOYS
DORMITORY
When you think about leaving a
legacy for your children or grandchildren,
what comes to mind? Do you think about
leaving them wealth and the means to
live a comfortable lifestyle? Do you think
about leaving them with the skills to be
successful? Or do you think about leaving
them with character traits that will be of
service to humanity and make this world
a better place?
In 1959 a group of individuals who
made up the Georgia-Cumberland Association purchased 600
acres off of Reeves Station Road. Why? Because they sought
to leave a legacy and impact generations of Seventh-day
Adventists by building a school where young people could
obtain a solid education from godly teachers who would
continually point them toward the Master Teacher.
After purchasing the land, months later on April 17, 1960,
the conference constituency accepted a challenge from the
conference president to sacrificially give to build the school.
Aggressive fund-raising efforts took place across the conference,
and on November 17, 1961, a ground-breaking celebration
was held and construction began on the administration
building. Over the next three and a half years, other buildings
were added to the campus and recruiting took place in an
NEW OUTDOOR
CLASSROOM/
AMPHITHEATER
effort to fill up what would soon be completed dormitory
rooms and classrooms.
On August 30, 1965, Georgia-Cumberland Academy
opened its doors to 160 students. Fifty years later, GCA
opened its doors to 251 students. By God’s grace, we are
building on the legacy of the individuals who dreamed about
constructing a school that would educate young people in
DRIVE THROUGH
WITH CANOPY
VISITOR AND DAY
STUDENT PARKING
NEW ACADEMIC EXISTING MUSIC WING
NEW CLASSROOM WING
COMMONS AND
CLASSROOM ADDITION
EXISTING
ACADEMIC
BUILDING
NEW
NEW ADMINISTRATION
WING
WING
EXISTING CHAPEL
EXISTING CLASSROOM WING
EXISTING CHURCH
a Christian environment and disciple them in the ways of
Jesus Christ.
This last fiscal year once again demonstrated God’s goodness
and providence through record giving and a number of
large gifts that will propel GCA forward as it seeks to leave a
legacy for generations to come—a legacy of fiscal responsibility,
excellent academics, visionary leadership, service to one
another, and most importantly, dedication to our heavenly
Father. It is our prayer that God will lead as we plan for the
future and that He will bless our efforts to train His children
to take their place in His church so that they, too, may leave
a godly legacy in this sinful world.
NEW GATED ENTRANCE TO CAMPUS
From the GCA Board Chairman—
Celebrating 50 years of quality
Christian education at GCA is a
notable achievement. Without question,
God has blessed this school
and shaped countless young lives
through the vision and sacrifice
of those who have gone before
us. We applaud their commitment
and sacrifice. More importantly, we
accept our role as stewards of this
treasured legacy. The unparalleled
strength of GCA positions us to step into the future with
confidence. Still dependent on God’s continued blessing,
we will continue giving to this school that we love, firmly
believing that the best days of GCA are just before us.
With you, I renew my pledge to be a part of this school’s
life-changing legacy.
NEW LOOP ROAD
GEORGIA CUMBERLAND AC
MASTER SITE PLAN
The first students to enroll at GCA pose on the steps in front of the
administration building with the faculty and staf.
-Ed Wright, President
Georgia-Cumberland Conference
1

OXIDATION POND
GIFTS THAT RESULT
IN ETERNAL DIVIDENDS
ACADEMIC COMMONS CONCEPT
EXISTING RECREATION FIELD
GCA
FINANCES
NEW WALKING
TRAIL
EXISTING SOFTBALL FIELD
Georgia-Cumberland As we take a backward Academy look
exists and reflect today on because this past individuals fiscal year
and we can churches see how united God has more been than at
fifty work. years Although ago in a there common are goal always of
raising challenges, money God to provides build the what school. we
A need memory to address that them. will For forever that we be
etched are most in grateful. the historical foundation
of GCA This is past the year Two-Million we made Penny major
Campaign. improvements to the safety and
security In an of effort our campus, to raise as funds well to as
Deborah Theus, Treasurer
construct other capital the areas. music Important building, safety/ the
Georgia-Cumberland security actions include: Conference launched a campaign in
January 1964 to collect two-million pennies by March. Church
• Retiring one of our coach busses that we have been
members, including children and Pathfinder clubs, from across
using for the past 12 years and replacing it with a
the conference collected pennies and arrived on campus March
15 to deliver
newer model
their coins.
•
More
Updating
than 3,000
our computer
people gathered
internet
under
filtering
a large
system
tent amid
the
•
construction
Installing key
equipment
card access
to pour
for all
their
buildings
pennies into a large
bin.
•
The
Installing
conference
additional
counted
outdoor
almost
cameras
3.4 million pennies. This
single
• Purchasing
effort united
and
young
installing
and old,
a lecture
layperson
capture
and
system
leader,
with
and
created
emergency
a bond between
alert capabilities
conference
for
constituents
each classroom
and GCA that
has lasted In addition for half to a century. these safety and security measures, we
continue At GCA to update we are and grateful maintain for the faculty legacy housing. the early supporters
of the Our school facilities displayed master for plan the is moving generations forward to come, with exciting one of
sacrificial recent developments giving and a in commitment the area of funding to Adventist sources. education. What
We could are be blessed categorized to partner previously with as individuals, the “envisioning churches, phase” and of
businesses who make it possible for students to attend GCA
ELEMENTARY
SCHOOL
EXISTING BOYS
DORMITORY
Gifts from generous supporters help keep Georgia-Cumberland Academy
strong.
by the contributing campus improvement to the worthy plan is student now moving fund into and the who area have of
a reality. vision Look for the for future more and news give to come toward on capital this topic. improvement
projects. Because The legacy of your they generosity, are leaving GCA for this continues generation to and be
the positioned generations as one to of come the is strongest immeasurable. academies We pray in the that North each
investment American Division in GCA of will Seventh-day result in Adventists. eternal dividends Your gifts as make lives
are it possible changed for through us to continue the power the of work the Holy that began Spirit here working 100
on years this ago campus. when Mrs. Hurlbutt moved to this property and
began GCA caring continues for children to operate in need. with She a would strong be financial surprised position.
pleased Maner by the Costerisan, way her small P.C. and beginnings General Conference have blossomed Auditing into
and
Service something have so begun wonderful field as work Georgia-Cumberland for GCA’s 2014-2015 Academy. annual
audit. A positive report is anticipated.
Giving Totals
2012-2013 2013-2014 2013-2014 2014-2015
Alumni: $ $ 60,016 60,923 $ $ 60,923 63,505
Current Parents: Parents $ $ 48,155 31,416 $ $ 31,416 36,137
Grandparents: $ $ 79,132 54,081 $ $ 54,081 92,500
Friends: $ $ 292,054 147,211 $ $ 147,211 762,382
Businesses: $ $ 29,140 28,258 $ $ 3,545,516 28,258
Religious Organizations: $1,186,605 $ 1,222,486 $1,222,486 $ 1,180,555
Foundations/SSO’s $ $ 246,239 372,109 $ 372,109 864,597
2 Annual Report Fall 2015 2014

SEATING
NEW OUTDOOR
CLASSROOM/
AMPHITHEATER
NEW PAVILION
NEW
OVERLOOK
NEW
LAWN
AREA
LAWN
EXISTING GIRLS DORMITORY
YOUR GIFTS
MAKE A DIFFERENCE
Rardin & Carroll A
chatt
architecture.planning.in
OUTDOOR CLASSROOM IMAGE
NEW LOOP ROAD
DRIVE THROUGH
WITH CANOPY
VISITOR AND DAY
STUDENT PARKING
NEW ACADEMIC EXISTING MUSIC WING
NEW CLASSROOM WING
COMMONS AND
CLASSROOM ADDITION
Thank you for supporting GCA and ensuring that we
have the needed resources to continue changing the lives of
our students! Without your generous contributions, we would
not be where we are today. The following pages feature the
names of the individuals, businesses, and churches who gave
between July 1, 2014, and June 30, 2015. We are very blessed
to be surrounded by such a wonderful group of donors!
EXISTING
ACADEMIC
BUILDING
NEW
NEW ADMINISTRATION
WING
WING
EXISTING CHAPEL
EXISTING CLASSROOM WING
NEW LOOP ROAD
EXISTING CHURCH
The following efforts received the majority of your donations.
They are as follows:
• Your gifts to the Worthy Student Fund and Student Scholarship
Program totaled $1,618,412. Your contributions to
this fund mean that students can attend GCA and obtain a
quality education at a Christ-centered institution. We are
also extremely blessed to have the support of the Georgia-
Cumberland Conference through its endowment fund.
Thank you for making it possible for so many students to
call GCA home!
NEW GATED ENTRANCE TO CAMPUS
GEORGIA CUMBERLAND ACADEMY
MASTER SITE PLAN
• Gifts to the Annual Fund totaled $50,890 and provide
unrestricted funds to be used as needed for worthy students
as well as special capital needs. We appreciate your support
of this vital fund.
• The 20th Annual Golf Tournament raised $26,800 for
student scholarships and capital improvements. Thank you
to our sponsors and golfers for your support of this event.
• Mission trip donations totaled $65,249 and supported 114
students who traveled to Appalachia, Panama, and India.
These trips provided students with a unique opportunity
to share God’s love with others outside of their immediate
community and experience a different culture.
Fall 2015 Annual Report 3

EXISTING RECREATION FIELD
OXIDATION POND
ACADEMIC COMMONS CONCEPT
Giving Levels
NEW WALKING
TRAIL
EXISTING SOFTBALL FIELD
GCA Leaders
$10,000 and Up
Base King, LLC
Roy and Leona Berglund
Richard and Martha Boskind
Bowman Hills Seventh-day
Adventist Church
Madlyn Brown
Leon and Lucille Chavers
The Community Foundation
Georgia-Cumberland Academy
Seventh-day Adventist Church
Georgia-Cumberland Conference
Georgia-Tuition Assistance
Program
Marcia Hamilton
Clyde and Rena Holland
Patricia Page
Dennis and Ann Schlisner
Smyrna Towers-Georgia-
Cumberland Conference
Southern Adventist University
Joseph and Darla Toulouse
Zandra Tutt
George Whitman
GCA Partners
$2,000-$9,999
Adairsville Seventh-day
Adventist Church
Gracie Allen
C. and J. Anderson
Anonymous
Carole Arellano
Atlanta North Seventh-day
Adventist Church
Joseph and Patricia Avendano
Greg and Keila Birge
Bennie and Marvel Boggess
Richard and Martha Boskind
Norman and Joan Brought
Calhoun Seventh-day Adventist
Church
Cartersville Seventh-day
Adventist Church
Chase Farms Inc.
Chatsworth Seventh-day
Adventist Church
Cherokee Seventh-day
Adventist Church
Dalton Seventh-day Adventist
Church
Wayne and Patricia Darville
Don and Peggy Day
Brandon and Elisha Dockter
Fjarli Foundation
Scott Flemmer
Madlyn Floyd
Paul and Valerie Fuchcar
Gainesville Seventh-day
Adventist Church
Ephraim and Elizabeth
Gammada
Esther Gill
Todd and Melinda Goodman
Gordon Hospital
Greeneville Seventh-day
Adventist Church
Larayne Hall
Albert and Allison Handal
Zsakeba Henderson
Altagracia Hodge
ELEMENTARY
SCHOOL
Todd and Brooke Hold
Arnold and Sharon Hudson
Larry and Jaclynn Huse
Iglesia Adventista del Septimo
Dia Hispana
It Is Written
James and Linda Kusch
Lady Lake Seventh-day
Adventist Church
Alina Land
Yung and Carmen Lau
Corrien Ledbetter
Donald and Ruthanne Leeper
Robert and Loan Nguyen Land
W. Dean and Angela Lorenz
Marietta Seventh-day
Adventist Church
Ellsworth and Sharon McKee
J. Mark and Barbara McKinney
Charles and Phyllis Mitchell
Kenneth and Barbara Mittleider
Donald and Amy Renee Moore
Ooltewah Seventh-day
Adventist Church
J. Brian and Tina Paradis
J. Rudolph and Shirley Reinhardt
Martin Rho
Edward and Olga Rojas
Derin and Shannon Scott
Danny and Jennifer Wenzel Song
South Atlantic Conference
of Seventh-day Adventists
Southern Union Conference
Standifer Gap Seventh-day
Adventist Church
Dennis and Tami Starkey
John and Helen Stumbo
United Way of Greater Atlanta
Unum Group
Alston and Melissa West
Natalie Wolters
David Woodcock
The Academy Club
$1,000-$1,999
Adventist Christian School
of Maryville
Alpharetta Seventh-day
Adventist Church
Arete Scholars Fund Inc.
EXISTING BOYS
DORMITORY
4 Annual Report Fall 2015

LAWN
SEATING
NEW
LAWN
AREA
NEW
OVERLOOK
NEW PAVILION
EXISTING GIRLS DORMITORY
Rardin & Carroll A
architecture.planning.in
chatt
OUTDOOR CLASSROOM IMAGE
NEW LOOP ROAD
DRIVE THROUGH
WITH CANOPY
VISITOR AND DAY
STUDENT PARKING
NEW OUTDOOR
CLASSROOM/
AMPHITHEATER
Atlanta First Brazilian
Seventh-day Adventist Church
Battlefield Community
Seventh-day Adventist Church
Marjorie Bennett
Steve and Olive Breece
John and Jacinda Buxton
EXISTING
ACADEMIC
BUILDING
NEW
NEW ACADEMIC EXISTING MUSIC WING
NEW CLASSROOM WING
COMMONS AND
CLASSROOM ADDITION
NEW ADMINISTRATION
WING
WING
EXISTING CHAPEL
EXISTING CLASSROOM WING
Calhoun Seventh-day Adventist
Church Boomer Class
Central Seventh-day Adventist
EXISTING CHURCH
Church
Donald and Michelle Chase
Glen Lee and Ellen Chase
Chattanooga First Seventh-day
Adventist Church
Collegedale Community
Seventh-day Adventist
Church
Edward and Laura Dancek
Edward and Sandra Dancek
Thomas and Pauline Davis
Jim and Pamela DeArk
Larry and Theresa Doran
El Cubano Inc.
Barbara Eller
Roger Elliston
Warren Flemmer
Gregory and Nancy Gerard
E. P. and Sarah Gimbel
David and Kathryn Gooch
Healing Music Inc.
Ronald and Bonnie Hernandez
Abigail Jenkins
Jonesboro South Hispanic
Seventh-day Adventist Church
Edward and Debra Klein
Daniel and Barbara Koliadko
Clyde and Yvonne Kyle
Mandarin Seventh-day
Adventist Church
C. Emanuel and Jeanice
Mitchell
Marialice Morales
Ron and Linda Morris
North Atlanta Hispanic
Seventh-day Adventist Church
John and Georgia O’Brien
Oglethorpe Seventh-day
Adventist Church
Chukwuma and Nwaozichi
Onyeije
Kenneth and Janine Palm
Tammie Peltier
Performance Food Service
Pinnacle Career Center
of Winchester
Mark and Brenda Richardson
John Shull
Fred and Jane Tolhurst
Tullahoma Seventh-day
Adventist Church
Vassar Seventh-day Adventist
Church
Stanford and Rosanie Voegele
Dean and Jody Waterman
West Georgia Endodontics, PC
Rick and Debi Williams
Marvin and Carrie Wilson
Jonathan and Leslie Wurl
NEW GATED ENTRANCE TO CAMPUS
NEW LOOP ROAD
The Cumberlite Club
$500-$999
Charles and Kay Allen
Apison Seventh-day Adventist
Church
Matthew and Michelle Arant
George Aristide
Augusta First Seventh-day
Adventist Church
Pablo and Merlyn Balboa
David and Carla Bishop
Ron Blush
Bruce and Dori Boggess
Brevard Home Buyers Inc.
Buford Family Church of
Seventh-day Adventists
Edward Hale Burnside
Dewey Campbell
Donald and Deborah Cardwell
E. Sandy Carman
Richard and Betty Chase
Classic Vision Care
Collegedale Spanish-American
Seventh-day Adventist Church
GEORGIA CUMBERLAND ACADEMY
MASTER SITE PLAN
Alan and Diane Connelly
Douglas and Victoria Coulter
Victor and Rene Czerkasij
Dalton Hispanic Seventh-day
Adventist Church
Robert and Ruth DeForest
Douglasville Seventh-day
Adventist Church
Ted and Mary Jo Dubs
Curtis and Doris Fleener
Fox Systems Inc.
Leilani Gammada
Georgia Bank & Trust
Brent and Synnova Goodge
Orvin Granados
Greater Community Bank
Mary Hagen
W. Daniel Harris
Gerald M. and Vivian Hazekamp
Barry and Janice Hegamyer
Ronald and Bonnie Hernandez
Robby and Meredith Herr
Ronald and Christine Herr
Hiram Seventh-day Adventist
Church
Troy and Lynnette Hollenbeck
George and Nancy Humphrey
Patricia Hurd
Michael and Tami Joiner
Robert and Charlotte Kyle
La Grange Seventh-day
Adventist Church
Daniel Lee
Luso-Brazilian Seventh-day
Adventist Church
Gilberto and Angeles Mercado
Marjorie Miller
Lisa Mills
Sam and Mary Lou Minten
Wanda Mix
Claudius Moore
Jack and Ann Nail
Michael and Catherine Pethel
Pinnacle Internal Medicine
Donald and Christine Sager
Ricky and Susan Shull
Anthony and Karina Stahl
Don and Doris Starkey
USB Freight Inc.
West Atlanta Endodontics
Todd and Marsharee Wilkens
Don and Elizabeth Wilson
The Fountain Club
$100 - $500
Renata Aguilera
Albemarle Seventh-day
Adventist Church
Helmut and Judith Albrecht
Darlene Anderson-Leflore
Ankar Realty Corporation
Maryzeline Artress
Avon Park Seventh-day
Adventist Church
Richard and Laura Barnhart
Barbara Bennett
Better Label & Products Inc.
Big Cove Christian Academy
Brad and Nancy Billington
James and Caroline Bishop
Stephen and Kerri Boone
Ken and Carolyn Brandon
Roger and Marian Brazzell
Gregory Brewer
Jeanette Brown
Joy Brown
John and Jacqueline Brown
Lonnie and Patricia Brown
Fall 2015 Annual Report 5

NEW WALKING
TRAIL
EXISTING RECREATION FIELD
OXIDATION POND
ACADEMIC COMMONS CONCEPT
EXISTING SOFTBALL FIELD
Calhoun OB-GYN Associates
Larry Calloway
Randy and Joann Canclini
The Capital Group Companies Inc.
Jay Carbajal
Doug and Julie Center
Pam Center
Central States Consulting Inc.
Michael and Karen Chadwick
Sara Chase
Bryan and Becky Cheever
Daryl Chesney
Vernon and Angela Chin
Eva Christian
Christian and Jake’s Bistro Inc.
Sung and Sunny Chung
James and Ellen Clizbe
Hal and Jennifer Coble
Community Foundation
of Northwest Georgia
Julie Cook
Kenneth and Lisa Crawford
William and Phyllis Crawford
Richard and Judith Cusick
Michelle Dale
Clint and Jonna Davis
Woody and Donna Davis
Kim and Renee Day
Decherd Seventh-day Adventist
Church
Daniel Delgado
Steven and Carol Devine
Richard and Melanie DiBiase
Mark and Linda Dingman
Herby and Wendy Dixon
Keith and Helene Elliott
Susan Ermer
Steven R. Fehlenberg &
Company, PC
Felicito and Lynette Fernando
Larkin Fessenden
Norman and Frances Fickling
Financial Partners of TN, LLC
Mark and Deborah Fink
Joseph and Velda Formato
Heroline Frazer
Jorge and Aura Garcia
Serge and LeAnn Gariepy
Georgia Emergency Care, PC
Johanny Gonzalez
Kathleen Goyne
Grace Fellowship Seventh-day
Adventist Church
George and Melanie Graves
Greenbriar Cove Residential
Home Owners Association
William and Carrol Greer
Grover Lunsford State Farm
Insurance
Dan and Susan Hall
Roger Hall
Bill and Juli Hamilton
Bart and Brenna Harrington
Richard and Lizanna Harris
Judith Harris
Gene and Bobby Jean Harrison
Sherry Harrison
A. Audley and Sheila Hendricks
Hector and Ilsy Hernandez
Jacquelyn Herron
Barry and Beverly Robin Hewitt
James and Desiree Hissong
Todd Hollenbeck
Jeff and Jeri Holweger
Margaret Horninouchi
Sabitha Hudek
Stanley and Cynthia Hudson
Robert and Priscilla Huse
Tetsuya and Debra Ito
Joe and Garla Johnson
Stephen and Jennifer Johnson
Mayda Jorge
M. and Shamsun Kabir
Gerry and Verna Karst
Howard and Mona Karst
Mark and Lori Kelley
Shirley Kelly
Jeffrey and Alicia King
Gerald and Sandra Kovalski
ELEMENTARY
SCHOOL
Robert and Mary E. Kurzynske
Milton and Gertrude Lacy
Christopher and Rebecca Lau
Ken and Faith Laughlin
Learning Labs
Susan Lee
Kaleb and Heather Leeper
Kayne Leeper
Richard and Barbara Leonard
John and Nicole Levoy
Mary Lewis
Louis and Stacy Licht
Terry and Brenda Lowder
Saul Macedo-Antunez
Lynnaea Marshall
Brian Martin
R. Scot and Krista Martin
Luis and Natividad Matos
Jerry and Sandra McDaniel
Maurice and Michelle McGlone
Rolland and Virginia McKibbin
Michigan Conference of
Seventh-day Adventists
Jeffrey and Lynda Milligan
Warren and Joanne Minder
David and Melinda Monos
Darla Morgan
Jeff Morris
Mount Olivet Seventh-day
Adventist Church
Lamar and Kristie Mullins
Lloyd and Louise (Micki) Nesbitt
North Georgia Eye Care
North Georgia National Bank
Sammy and Sandra Oldham
A. J. and Karen Orquia
Andrew and Ruchelle
Paderanga
EXISTING BOYS
DORMITORY
Holly Pascual
Kamlesh and Anandi Patel
Timothy Peltier
Elizabeth Perry
Pokey’s and Sports
Ruben and Danei Prado
Progressive Medical Concepts
Dirk and Alison Prusia
Larry and Vicki Rahn
Donald and Donna Rapp
Kevin and Angela Reid
Jenny Reynolds
David and Tami Richardson
Dorie Roa
Matthew and Betsy Roberts
Sandy and Marjorie Robinson
Jose and Teresa Samaniego
The Sample Barn Inc.
Duane and Diane Schlapa
Charles and Karen Schmidt
Frank and Sylvia Schrader
Jeffrey and Darla Schultz
Buz and Marge Schwitzgoebel
Reginald Sherrill
Shiloh Seventh-day Adventist
Church
Michael and Darlene Showalter
SouthernCare Family Medicine
Steve and Marilyn Sowder
J. Ron and Stephanie Stegall
Daniel Steiner
6 Annual Report Fall 2015

LAWN
SEATING
NEW
LAWN
AREA
NEW
OVERLOOK
NEW PAVILION
EXISTING GIRLS DORMITORY
Rardin & Carroll A
architecture.planning.in
chatt
OUTDOOR CLASSROOM IMAGE
NEW LOOP ROAD
DRIVE THROUGH
WITH CANOPY
VISITOR AND DAY
STUDENT PARKING
NEW OUTDOOR
CLASSROOM/
AMPHITHEATER
Jonathon and Rebecca Sumner
Osman and Esther Tablang
TAG Manufacturing Inc.
Daniel and Maricela Tamay
Target (Take Charge of Education)
Don and Charlotte Taylor
Jennifer Taylor
Deborah Theus
EXISTING
ACADEMIC
BUILDING
NEW
NEW ACADEMIC EXISTING MUSIC WING
NEW CLASSROOM WING
COMMONS AND
CLASSROOM ADDITION
NEW ADMINISTRATION
WING
WING
EXISTING CHAPEL
EXISTING CLASSROOM WING
Patrick and Maureen Thomas
William and Rhondda Thomas
EXISTING CHURCH
Wayne and Ramona Thompson
David Tyson
Dorsey and Mary Ellen Van Horn
Keith Wahlbon
Jason and Jessica Warren
Jim and Carolyn West
West End Seventh-day
Adventist Church
Darryl and Laura Wilkens
Greg and Deirdre Wilkens
Albert and Isabelle Williams
Williams Construction, LLC
Wendy Dixon Realty Inc.
Joshua and Brittany Woods
Loel and Marjorie Wurl
Charles and Joyce Young
Charles and Jeri Zacharias
Daniel and Jennifer Zinke
Ernest Zinke
Naum Zuniga
Friends of GCA
$1-$99
Daniel and Susan Ahn
Matthew and Elisabeth
Anderson
Kim Appel
Cherish Attle
Karen Barnes
James and Barbara Bearden
Harry and Marilyn Bennett
Brad and Nancy Billington
BMI Benefits, LLC
Timothy and Ngozi Bolton
James Bowden
Brian and Terrie Breetzke
Beth Brinson
Jeffery Brought
Greg Bryant
Janet Burgess
Tony and Angela Cargle
Danny and Delores Chacko
Denise Cheshire
McKinley Cheshire
Justin and Sonia Childers
Zachary Coble
Nancy Cole
Robert and Nicola Connor
David and Kristen Cook
Don and Melissa Crownover
Ben Dale
Nellie Davis
Steven and Janice Davis
Scott and Melissa DeArk
John and Pauline Dee
Russell and Michelle Dick
Randy and Sharon
Dobrowsky
Christopher and Heidi
Donavan
Helen Dooley
NEW GATED ENTRANCE TO CAMPUS
NEW LOOP ROAD
Darwin and Rochelle
Dowdie
John and Marian Eaton
Paul and Louise Eirich
Edward and Tracy Eller
James and Luann Eller
Robin and Budehia Erwin
David and Regina Escalante
Philip and Phyllis Essex
David and Elizabeth Evans
Marilyn Felan
Jason and Melissa Felker
Castwell Fider
Robert Field
Luther and Claire Findley
Darren and Jennifer Fowler
Wally and Mary Ellen Fox
Curland and Glenda Francis
Shellie Fuller-Bailey
James and Kara Furness
Emil Jose Garcia
George Gray
GEORGIA CUMBERLAND ACADEMY
MASTER SITE PLAN
Charles and Janice Hackett
Gerald and Pam Hamman
Greg and Allison Harper
Ronald and Glee Hartman
Samuel and Deborah
Hebert
B. and R. Hendrix
James and Janita Herod
Jack and Lynn Higdon
Clinton and Shannon
Higginbotham
Jason and Jenny Hobbs
Robert Hoff
Michael and Sandra Holmes
Kyle and Allyson Humphrey
J. Todd and Kim Hunt
Ramona Hunt
Chad and Kimberly
Hutchinson
Jose and Cristina Illingworth
J 9 Dilworth Incorporated
Robert and Judith Jablonski
J. Larry and Valerie Jackson
Jerry and Clara Johns
Paul Keener
Randy and Kalie Kelch
Keith King
Bruce and Irene Kuist
Shirlyn Lane
Warren Langston
Garey Leavens
Ji Sun (Sandy) Lee
Jin Hee and Jin Young Lee
Linda and Ray Lee
Donald and Janet Lewellen
Stuart and Christina
Lewellen
Dawn Light
Leonard and Karen Loftus
Rodney and Helen Mahn
Charles and Carol Martinez
Eric Masterson
Claire Mattson
Junior McCartney
McDonald Road Seventh-Day
Adventist Church
Caleb McKinney
Kimberly McKinney
Fall 2015 Annual Report 7

NEW WALKING
TRAIL
EXISTING RECREATION FIELD
OXIDATION POND
ACADEMIC COMMONS CONCEPT
EXISTING SOFTBALL FIELD
Max and Edna McKinney
Allison Melton
Miller Building Co. Inc.
William and Kimberly
Mitchell
Alfred Miyagi
Emil and Ruth Moldrik
Jonathan and Alana Montes
Derek and Bodil Morris
Patricia Muriel
Mateus and Yoshie Nanbu
Chad and Kimberly Nash
Randy and Janet Naus
William and Wendy
Nickoley
Anthony and Marlene Nioso
Bob and Jeanette Oblander
Clyde and Lettie Ondrizek
Terrance and Jennifer
O’Neal
Max Park
John and Diane Parker
Erika Pean
Robert and Darlene
Peterson
S. Jill Pic
Jonathan Post
Cindy Prescott
Scott Pritchett
Pro Health
Nicole Ragland
Ronald and Bridgette Raitz
Charles and Karla Reel
Bobby and Joy Reeves
Demilson Reis
Wilbur Roe
Mirlene Saint-aime
Nilda Santiago
Walter and Jemima
Schwersinske
James and Stassey
Schwitzgoebel
Ty and Alice Schwitzgoebel
Kathy Seeley
Christopher and Sarah
Shaver
Ed Skoretz
J. and Ruth Smith
William and Bonnie Smith
William Spencer Smith
Tim Snow
Ernest and Carrie Staats
Deloris Stanford
Darrel and Connie Starkey
Robert and Rayanna Starr
Tom and Joan Sterndale
Ray and Kimberly Storey
Chris and Tish Summers
Sunny Shores AFC Home
Michael and Soraya Susi
John Swafford
ELEMENTARY
SCHOOL
EXISTING BOYS
DORMITORY
Linda Swart
Sweetwater Seventh-day
Adventist Church
Dave Thomas
Mark and Kaitlyn Torsney
Holly Wapner
Michael and Charlotte
Westmoreland
William and Melinda
Widdicombe
Charles and Bonnie Wilkens
Marjorie Yarnell
Julia Yokum
John Yost
This list recognizes gifts received between 7/1/14 and 6/30/15
Thank you to those who donated to a Georgia Student Scholarship
Organization (SSO) on behalf of GCA
Daniel and Susan Ahn
Matthew and Loretta Beasley
Gregory and Kelia Birge
Ryan and Michelle Bradshaw
David and Cheryl Brannon
Vivian Carlson
Donald and Michelle Chase
Linda Clough
Randy and Lynn Coble
Wayne and Patricia Darville
Richard and Melanie DiBiase
Gary and Janice Edgemon
Steve and Judy Fehlenberg
Gregory and Nancy Gerard
Brent and Synnova Goodge
Albert and Darleen Handal
Scott and Rachel Hansen
Jennifer Hasselbrack
Lyle and Karla Helm
Robby and Meredith Herr
Todd and Emily Hold
Larry and Valerie Jackson
Joel and Carmen Joa
Robert and Alyssa Keehn
Laverne and Lishcia Keizer
Jeffrey and Alicia King
Jark and Judith Lau
David and Trissa Lovell
Vincent and Lizanette
Mulkowsky
Doug and Candace Nesmith
Frank Patterson
Joseph and Debra Paulson
Larry and Caryn Payne
Cory and Amanda Reeves
Reynaldo Regalado
David and Tamra Richardson
Kenneth and Cheryl Rogers
Charles and Karen Schmidt
David and Cheryl Smith
Dennis and Tamara Starkey
Deborah Theus
James and Teresa Turner
Janet Underwood
Kent and Joan VanArsdell
8 Annual Report Fall 2015

NEW PAVILION
NEW
OVERLOOK
NEW
LAWN
AREA
LAWN
SEATING
EXISTING GIRLS DORMITORY
OUTDOOR CLASSROOM IMAGE
Rardin & Carroll Ar
architecture.planning.int
chatta
Alumni and Former Students Who Gave
NEW LOOP ROAD
DRIVE THROUGH
WITH CANOPY
VISITOR AND DAY
STUDENT PARKING
Class of 1966
Marilyn (Maples) Felan
George Tolhurst
Jane (Travis) Tolhurst
Class of 1968
Mary (Martin) Hagen
Carolyn (Roach) West
George Whitman
Class of 1969
Carole Arellano
Norman Fickling
Caryn (Carman) Payne
Don Wilson
Class of 1970
Barbara (Lee) Bearden
Kathryn (Preston) Gooch
Larry Rahn
Vicki (Byrd) Rahn
Class of 1971
Marialice (Carey) Morales
Cheryl (McGhee) Rogers
Class of 1972
Edward Hale Burnside
Larkin Fessenden
Jacquelyn (Maddox) Herron
Linda (Lowe) Morris
Class of 1973
Theresa (Klein) Doran
Ron Morris
Class of 1974
Hal Coble
Jeff Holweger
Edward Klein
Ronald Raitz
Mark Richardson
NEW OUTDOOR
CLASSROOM/
AMPHITHEATER
NEW ACADEMIC EXISTING MUSIC WING
NEW CLASSROOM WING
COMMONS AND
CLASSROOM ADDITION
EXISTING
ACADEMIC
BUILDING
NEW
NEW ADMINISTRATION
WING
WING
EXISTING CHAPEL
EXISTING CLASSROOM WING
EXISTING CHURCH
Class of 1975
Nancy (Graves) Billington
E. Sandy Carman
Helene (Harris) Elliott
Roger Elliston
W. Daniel Harris
Cynthia (Owens) Hudson
Brian Martin
David Richardson
Class of 1976
Paul Fuchcar
Sherry Harrison
Jeffrey King
Brenda (Brown)
Richardson
Tami (Baker) Richardson
Class of 1977
Randy Coble
Judy (McGhee) Fehlenberg
Class of 1978
Richard Harris
Angela (Addison) Lorenz
David Lovell
Rhondda (Robinson)
Thomas
Marvin Wilson
Class of 1979
David Bishop
Melanie (Wurl) DiBiase
Brenna (Artress) Harrington
Class of 1980
Beverly Robin (Lee) Hewitt
Carmen (Wilson) Lau
Yung Lau
Alison (Wurl) Prusia
Connie (Coble) Starkey
NEW GATED ENTRANCE TO CAMPUS
Class of 1981
Susan Ermer
Melissa (Holland) West
Class of 1982
Caroline (Maretich) Bishop
Jonathan Wurl
Class of 1983
James Bishop
Pam Center
Georgia (Butterfield) O’Brien
Karen (Artress) Orquia
Leslie (Johnson) Wurl
John Yost
Class of 1984
Dewey Campbell
Jonathan Post
Frank Schrader
NEW LOOP ROAD
GEORGIA CUMBERLAND ACADEMY
MASTER SITE PLAN
Class of 1985
Doug Center
J. Todd Hunt
Stephen Johnson
Karla (Peck) Reel
David Woodcock
Class of 1986
Krista (Kent) Martin
R. Scot Martin
William (Spencer) Smith
Class of 1987
Todd Hold
Class of 1988
Alan Connelly
Diane (Artress) Connelly
Danny Song
Class of 1989
Anonymous
Beth (Becker) Brinson
Class of 1990
Jeffery Brought
Susan Lee
Scott Pritchett
Chris Summers
Keith Wahlbon
Class of 1991
David Cook
Class of 1993
Synnova (Hill) Goodge
Class of 1995
Scott DeArk
Russell Dick
Darlene (Steele) Peterson
Joy (Mashak) Reeves
Class of 1996
Julie Cook
Daniel Lee
Stacy (Bruce) Licht
Class of 1997
Shannon (Courey)
Higginbotham
Class of 1998
Ryan Bradshaw
Ji Sun (Sandy) Lee
Class of 1999
Clinton Higginbotham
Louis Licht
Class of 2001
Sara Chase
Class of 2002
Jessica (Tunnell) Warren
Class of 2003
Joshua Woods
Class of 2006
Matthew Anderson
Zachary Coble
Darren Fowler
Jennifer Fowler
Class of 2007
Daniel Delgado
Allison (Gerard) Handal
Christopher Lau
Rebecca (Riggs) Lau
Class of 2008
Allyson Humphrey
Kyle Humphrey
Heather (Thames) Leeper
Kaleb Leeper
Class of 2009
Keith King
Class of 2010
Kayne Leeper
Class of 2014
Caleb McKinney
Max Park
Class of 2015
Emil Jose Garcia
Allison Melton
Fall 2015 Annual Report 9

EXISTING RECREATION FIELD
OXIDATION POND
STORIES OF GIVING
ACADEMIC COMMONS CONCEPT
NEW WALKING
TRAIL
EXISTING SOFTBALL FIELD
GCA is blessed to partner with alumni who are committed to giving back to the school, thus ensuring that future generations
of students will experience the GCA difference. These are just a few of the hundreds of alumni and non-alumni donors
who selflessly give of their resources to make GCA the institution it is today. With each dollar that is given, they are building
ELEMENTARY
SCHOOL
on the legacy of generosity and commitment to Adventist education that this school was founded on.
EXISTING BOYS
DORMITORY
Who was your favorite instructor and why?
My favorite instructor was Dr. Harper. It was less about his instruction and more about who
he was. Don’t get me wrong, I enjoyed his class, but I knew he had a connection with God and
that was always apparent. I appreciated that in a teacher.
Why do you financially support GCA?
GCA changed the trajectory of my life. It’s where I wanted to become a leader for Christ. It’s
where a few staff believed in me, invested in me, and discipled me. I hope that my ministry and my
financial support can foster that growth and development in our students today and in the future.
What do you wish other people knew about GCA?
I wish people understood that the sacrifice to send their kids here is totally worth it. Seeing your kids grow up in a healthy
spiritual environment is so rewarding.
What legacy do you hope to leave with the kids at GCA?
I want the kids to know that the most important thing is Jesus. In a world that says that you should be in charge of your
life, true happiness and peace comes through allowing Jesus to reign in your life.
Josh Woods, Class of 2003
Who was your favorite instructor and why?
Ora Mae Kirk was my favorite instructor. She created an honors English for some of my class. We
read eight assigned classics. We had no daily classwork, but we met at her home one night a week to
discuss the assigned book. She planned a final for the class in which each of us gave an in-depth oral
report on a selected book. We invited our parents and created an elaborate meal for the event. She
suggested I use the term “maturation” in my report, which was a stretch for my vocabulary.
Why do you financially support GCA?
I believe the academy experience offers special value for young people today. For boarding students,
they have the opportunity to solve problems, organize themselves, and work without parents
helicoptering nearby. They have the opportunity to become self-starters and develop independence.
What do you wish other people knew about GCA?
GCA provides a realistic experience for people regarding the concepts of law, grace, mistakes, consequences, and love.
What legacy do you hope to leave with the kids at GCA?
The legacy I would hope GCA kids would cherish is the notion that God wants them to be thinkers and not reflectors
of another person’s opinion. God is bigger and better than many people make Him out to be. He wants us to not be robotic
servants, but His thinking, creative friends.
Carmen Lau, Class of 1980
10 Annual Report Fall 2015

LAWN
SEATING
NEW OUTDOOR
CLASSROOM/
AMPHITHEATER
NEW
LAWN
AREA
NEW
OVERLOOK
NEW PAVILION
EXISTING GIRLS DORMITORY
Rardin & Carroll A
architecture.planning.in
chatt
OUTDOOR CLASSROOM IMAGE
NEW LOOP ROAD
DRIVE THROUGH
WITH CANOPY
VISITOR AND DAY
STUDENT PARKING
NEW ACADEMIC EXISTING MUSIC WING
NEW CLASSROOM WING
COMMONS AND
CLASSROOM ADDITION
EXISTING
ACADEMIC
BUILDING
NEW
NEW ADMINISTRATION
WING
WING
EXISTING CHAPEL
What is one of your best memories of GCA?
When I remember my time at GCA, by far the best memory is the day-to-day friendship with classmates
and staff: evenings in the dorm playing Spades with Tommy Wilson, Alan Artress, and James Hall; spending time
with Russell Eberhard and Brian Martin; making fast food runs with David Richardson; listening to great piano
and organ music from Darrell Alexander and Don Stilwell, guitar music from Doug Ellis, Randy Haugen, and
EXISTING CLASSROOM WING
Ted Reynolds, and singing from Janet Cooper and Cynthia Anderson; going on “dates”; and laughing. If you
had a spiritual question, John McVay and Mark Bresee were good friends always willing to talk about it.
Who was your favorite instructor and why?
Without question, Jan Haluska. There are some fundamental characteristics that appear common to a successful teacher.
EXISTING CHURCH
First is subject matter expertise. Students can tell if teachers aren’t well versed in the subject being taught. Second is spirituality.
Students may or may not recognize their own need for a religious connection, but they want their teachers to be spiritual
models. Third is mentoring. Students look for positive behaviors to model. For great teachers, this happens almost without
notice. Mentoring is as natural to them as breathing. Last is humor. Even though students come to GCA for an education, some
of us also came with pain, lack of initiative, or even apathy. Humor can counteract these challenges. If we are lucky, there may
be one or two teachers in our lives who we can point to and say they had all these elements. Even more rare is the person that
masters each of these. Jan was that person to me. He created an environment that created some motivation to learn. He was
funny. It wasn’t until I went to college that I realized how much I had learned from him.
Why do you financially support GCA?
I trust GCA to spend my donations wisely.
NEW GATED ENTRANCE TO CAMPUS
NEW LOOP ROAD
GEORGIA CUMBERLAND ACADEMY
MASTER SITE PLAN
Paul Fuchcar, Class of 1976
Who was your favorite instructor and why?
I liked most all of my teachers. But I especially enjoyed Wuttke, the choir director, and Bennett, the
band director. We had our love of music in common, and I loved playing in the band and singing in the
choir. I especially enjoyed Friday night vespers (the way the principal ran the vespers was very spiritual).
Why do you financially support GCA?
I financially support the school because Christian education is more important than most people realize.
Let’s face it, when you send a kid to public school and they don’t get taught the biblical whys behind
moral behavior, they lose out down the road. I think people have a better perspective if they learn biblical
concepts behind what they do morally. The “why” is so important—you get that in a Christian school, not in public school.
What do you wish other people knew about GCA?
A boarding school provides a tremendously great experience for kids. Getting kids in a dorm puts them around good kids
(for the most part), and their educational experience is more well-rounded, considering the work program. They learn to be
independent and exercise independence, especially when it comes to work.
What legacy do you hope to leave with the kids at GCA?
A lot of kids would benefit greatly from a boarding school experience. GCA offered a high quality boarding experience
when I was a student, and I believe it still is doing that important work of training kids for life both here and in heaven.
Grant Tuttle, Class of 1966
Fall 2015 Annual Report 11

EXISTING RECREATION FIELD
OXIDATION POND
GCA News
NEW WALKING
TRAIL
ACADEMIC COMMONS CONCEPT
EXISTING SOFTBALL FIELD
GCA welcomed two task force
workers and four new staff members to
its ranks this fall. In addition, it said goodbye
to a staff member who dedicated her
retirement years to working at the school.
Ruth Bonet,
task force assistant
chaplain, was born
and raised in Florida
in a big Puerto Rican
family, but most
recently she called
Southern Adventist
University home, graduating on May 4,
2014, with a bachelor’s degree in theology.
On December 21, 2014, Ruth married
Daniel, who is finishing his nursing
degree at Southern while working as a
nurse tech at Parkridge Valley Hospital
in Chattanooga.
Ruth works with Josh Woods, associate
pastor and chaplain of GCA, to
plan programs and outreach activities
that will help disciple students. She also
works closely with the ASSIST grant
program, where students work in area
nursing homes to build relationships
with residents.
“My personal mission is to help
students live out a practical and intentional
faith. I love the Lord and want the
students to have a passionate relationship
with Him. Jesus is the most amazing Person
anyone will ever meet, and I hope
people see that in me,” Ruth said.
Albert Hernandez,
task force
assistant boys’ dean,
is finishing a master’s
degree in global
community development
from Southern
Adventist University.
He is responsible for providing supervision
in the dorm and managing the
dorm workers while on duty. Albert
GCA Welcomes New Staff
holds a bachelor’s degree in intercultural
communication and international
studies with an emphasis in Italian from
Southern.
“I enjoy working with the kids at
GCA. I especially like playing sports with
them and having deep conversations with
them,” Albert said. “I hope to make an
impact by helping kids learn from the
GCA motto so that when they leave the
school they will know of God, love God,
and serve God.”
Joely Hudson and Heidi Sigler,
school nurses, are job sharing in an effort
to meet the medical needs of the student
body. They assist students who aren’t
feeling well, distribute medications, keep
up with the students’ medical records,
and schedule doctors’ appointments as
needed.
Joely has spent
the past six years
working at Floyd
Medical Center in
the mother/baby
unit. She continues
to work at Floyd one
day a week when she
is not on duty at the school. Joely holds a
bachelor’s degree in nursing from Southern
Adventist University. She is married
to Greg Hudson, the GCA Church
senior pastor. “I feel blessed to have the
opportunity to work with the students
here at GCA. I am enjoying getting to
know each of them,” Joely said.
Heidi moved to
Calhoun a little over
a year ago when her
husband, Nick, accepted
an English
teacher position
at the school. She
soon found a job
in Rome working
at Floyd Medical Center in their labor
EXISTING BOYS
DORMITORY
and delivery unit. She continues to work
a few shifts at Floyd. Heidi graduated
from Union College with a bachelor’s
degree in nursing. “I enjoy providing
nursing care for the students at GCA and
look forward to getting to know each of
them,” Heidi said.
Kalie Kelch, alumni and development
assistant, moved to Calhoun with
her family in 2012 and quickly become
involved in the life of the school as a
volunteer. Her husband, Randy, joined
the staff last fall as IT director. Most
recently, Kalie worked as a book editor
for TEACH Services, Inc., but her degree
and early career experience are in
the field of public relations, especially in
higher education.
“I am excited to be a part of the
awesome staff at GCA,” Kalie said. “This
school is passionate about leadership and
developing students into fully devoted
disciples of Jesus—and that’s a cause I can
get behind! I look forward to connecting
with alumni and former students who
called GCA home and supporting Nancy
in raising money to help the school accomplish
its goal of educating students
for eternity.”
ELEMENTARY
SCHOOL
Kalie was hired to assist Nancy Gerard,
alumni and development director,
with special event planning and alumni
and donor communication in an effort
to allow Nancy more time to meet with
donors and prospective donors. “Kalie is
a very capable and talented new hire and
12 Annual Report Fall 2015

LAWN
SEATING
NEW OUTDOOR
CLASSROOM/
AMPHITHEATER
NEW
LAWN
AREA
NEW
OVERLOOK
NEW PAVILION
EXISTING GIRLS DORMITORY
Rardin & Carroll A
architecture.planning.in
chatt
OUTDOOR CLASSROOM IMAGE
NEW LOOP ROAD
DRIVE THROUGH
WITH CANOPY
VISITOR AND DAY
STUDENT PARKING
is already a great asset to the alumni and
development office. She worked for several
years in advancement at the college
level and knows how a great advancement
office should look. The nature of
my work is changing as we enter a new,
EXISTING
ACADEMIC
BUILDING
NEW
NEW ACADEMIC EXISTING MUSIC WING
NEW CLASSROOM WING
COMMONS AND
CLASSROOM ADDITION
NEW ADMINISTRATION
WING
WING
EXISTING CHAPEL
EXISTING CLASSROOM WING
major funding initiative, and Kalie’s ability
to take over publications and organize
events will be a huge blessing to me and
to GCA.”
EXISTING CHURCH
Jeanette
Oblander, assistant
to the
development
director, retired
in August
after working
at GCA for
twelve years.
A diligent and
dedicated worker, Jeanette accepted the
position at the age of sixty-eight, coming
out of retirement to assist Nancy Gerard
NEW GATED ENTRANCE TO CAMPUS
on a part-time basis with keeping the
alumni and donor database up to date and
mailing receipts and thank you letters for
donations to the school.
“Jeanette joined our staff when I really
needed help to get the alumni and
development program at GCA up and
running. She has been such a blessing
to me through the years, doing anything
that needed to be done and doing it
with care and with a smile on her face.
Jeanette has made my work much more
manageable, and it has been a privilege
to work together. She deserves to enjoy
retirement, and we certainly hope she
has many more wonderful years ahead
to do just that!”
Marty Sutton, assistant principal,
is interning at GCA thanks to a grant
through the Bainum Family Foundation
(previously known as the Commonweal
Foundation). The program seeks to
mentor individuals who are interested
in becoming a principal.
Marty is not
new to GCA. He has
coached the boys’
basketball team since
2012.
Before accepting
this internship,
Marty worked as the IT director, athletic
coordinator, and computer teacher at St.
Mary’s Catholic School in Rome, Georgia.
Marty completed his master’s degree
in education from Southern Adventist
University and is working toward his
doctorate in education leadership and
management from Capella University.
His dissertation is on technology integration
in the classroom.
“I hope to make a positive impact for
Jesus Christ in everything I do,” Marty
said. “I’m enjoying working with the
students at GCA.”
Teachers Celebrate Completion of Master’s Degrees
While students enjoy the lazy
months of summer, many faculty members
are busy studying and furthering
their education in pursuit of master’s or
doctoral degrees. This summer four GCA
faculty finished the last classes to receive
their master’s degrees from Southern
Adventist University, which is a cause
for celebration.
Bruce Boggess completed a master’s
degree in instructional leadership with a
history emphasis. This is Bruce’s ninth
year at GCA. He currently teaches world
history, U.S. history, and government. He
also coaches gymnastics. “The highlights
of my degree were the graduate history
classes that expanded my knowledge base
for teaching. For example, my class in
ancient warfare gave me new insights
for a lesson I just taught on the Battle of
NEW LOOP ROAD
GEORGIA CUMBERLAND ACADEMY
MASTER SITE PLAN
Marathon,” Bruce said. “The best part of
teaching at GCA is building relationships
with the students. Being in the classroom
is fun, and I’m passionate about my subject
area, but playing intramurals or staying up
late with the seniors on trips is what makes
the job rewarding.”
Dori Boggess has been working at
GCA for eight years as director of learning
resources. She also teaches Applied
English. The Learning Lab is designed to
help students develop better study skills
and understand their personal learning
style so that they can be successful in
their academic career. Dori completed
a master’s degree in literacy education.
“Through my education I’ve learned
strategies and techniques on how to
motivate students to engage in reading
and writing. I want them to think of
themselves as readers and writers with
voices to be shared. Reading and writing
are the major cornerstones in academic
success,” Dori said. “I love developing
relationships and interacting with the
students. GCA is like family.”
Melanie DiBiase received a master’s
degree in literacy education. “What
the students of today need from their
teachers are the tools to know how to
locate, comprehend, and critically analyze
all of the information that is available
to them. The students of today also
need to know how to clearly communicate
their ideas and share information
with others in spoken and written word.
Over the past two years (while getting
my master’s), I have added new activities
in all of my classes that allow students to
practice these important literacy skills. I
Fall 2015 Annual Report 13

NEW WALKING
TRAIL
EXISTING RECREATION FIELD
OXIDATION POND
GCA News
ACADEMIC COMMONS CONCEPT
EXISTING SOFTBALL FIELD
have found that the addition of literacy
skill activities has made my classroom
more interactive and a classroom where
all students are talking about the science
topic we are studying instead of just a
few,” Melanie said. She teaches biology,
physical science, and anatomy and
physiology. She graduated from GCA
in 1979, and she began teaching at the
school eight years ago.
Mark Torsney has been working
at GCA for eight years as the instrumental
and worship music instructor.
He directs the concert band and Sinfonietta,
along with teaching the praise
and worship class and coordinating the
worship music portion of the weekly
services on campus. Mark completed
a master’s degree in leadership/music.
During the course of his studies, Mark
ELEMENTARY
SCHOOL
EXISTING BOYS
DORMITORY
learned new ways to infuse the teachings
of Jesus into his music curriculum,
thus deepening students’ understanding
of the musical talents that God has
given them and encouraging them to
use those gifts to serve God and lead
other people to Jesus. Mark’s favorite
thing about teaching at GCA is “seeing
students give their hearts to Christ.”
Memorial Fund Established for Former Teacher
Jan Charles Haluska lost his battle
with cancer on Friday, September 25,
2015. His wife, Marcia, also a former staff
member at GCA, has requested that gifts
be given to GCA or Southern Adventist
University in his honor.
Dr. Haluska joined the faculty at
GCA in 1974 as an English teacher and
flight instructor. During his tenure at
the school, he instilled a love of learning
in his students and challenged them to
explore the world around them through
the written word, especially the Word of
God. He was also an instructor in the
aviation program. One of his former
students, Stanley Moye, a GCA alumnus
from the class of 1975, surprised Dr.
Haluska with a private airshow on July
9, 2015, at the Collegedale Airport. Born
in San Francisco, California, on December
17, 1941, Jan was the
only child of Charles and
Lois Haluska. He grew
up in a Christian home,
but he didn’t encounter
God until he was on the
brink of suicide. Back in
the States after serving
a three-year stint in the
United States Army in
Germany, Jan questioned
if there was anything to
live for. It was in that
moment of desperation
that he decided to turn
over the reins to God and let Him lead.
Shortly thereafter doors opened for Jan
to enroll at Pacific Union College (PUC)
as an aviation major. Although he had
no plans of becoming a Seventh-day
Adventist, countless students
and faculty left a lasting impact
on his life, and his study of the
Bible led him to the truth. A
few weeks after graduating
from PUC, he was baptized
and enrolled in the English
master’s program at Andrews
University, where he later met
and married Marcia (Opstad).
Upon graduating with
his master’s degree, the couple
A number of GCA staff and alumni attended the funeral and
paid their respects to the Haluska family.
moved to Calhoun and joined the staff
at GCA. Seven years later he accepted
a position at Southern College (now
Southern Adventist University) and began
working on completing a doctoral
degree in English at the University of
Tennessee Knoxville. He taught at Southern
for thirty-three years, retiring in 2014
as department chair.
For those interested in giving a gift
in his honor to benefit worthy students
at GCA, please mail a check to 397
Academy Drive SW, Calhoun, GA 30701,
and mark in the memo line “Jan Haluska
Memorial Fund” or give online at www.
gcasda.org/give/donate.
14 Annual Report Fall 2015

LAWN
SEATING
NEW
LAWN
AREA
NEW
OVERLOOK
NEW PAVILION
EXISTING GIRLS DORMITORY
Rardin & Carroll Ar
architecture.planning.int
chatta
OUTDOOR CLASSROOM IMAGE
NEW LOOP ROAD
DRIVE THROUGH
WITH CANOPY
VISITOR AND DAY
STUDENT PARKING
EXISTING
ACADEMIC
BUILDING
NEW OUTDOOR
CLASSROOM/
AMPHITHEATER
Whitman Scholarships Bless Students at GCA
Warm, funny, generous, caring—you
could describe George Whitman in many
ways, but these words certainly come to
mind. George has a heart to help. Four
years ago he approached Nancy Gerard,
NEW
NEW ACADEMIC EXISTING MUSIC WING
NEW CLASSROOM WING
COMMONS AND
CLASSROOM ADDITION
NEW ADMINISTRATION
WING
WING
EXISTING CHAPEL
EXISTING CLASSROOM WING
EXISTING CHURCH
George Whitman smiles as he sits with the grateful
student recipients of the Whitman scholarships.
NEW GATED ENTRANCE TO CAMPUS
director of development, with an idea
to make a more significant difference at
GCA. His idea was to establish a scholarship
in his family name that would award
ten $1,000 scholarships to GCA students
each year. Of course, his suggestion
NEW LOOP ROAD
was accepted enthusiastically and
gratefully!
Since 2012, forty young people
have benefitted from Mr. Whitman’s
generosity. Most years he comes to
campus to present the scholarships
to the unsuspecting recipients during
a chapel in late spring. This past
year he was there on May 3 to meet
the young people who received
Whitman Scholarships, to enjoy
refreshments with the students after
chapel, and to spend a little time
getting to know each one.
GEORGIA CUMBERLAND ACADEMY
MASTER SITE PLAN
“My years at GCA were some of the
best years of my life,” George said. “I want
to help students be able to experience
that same feeling. I have been blessed,
and I want to pass along the blessings
to others.”
Greg Gerard, GCA principal, is
grateful for George’s generosity and
the example he is setting for the next
generation of graduates. “When people
like George come to campus and share a
little bit about their GCA experience and
what they did after school, our students
get a bigger picture of what is possible,
of people who are successful and who
give back to their school. Alumni become
important role models for our students
in regards to giving. We appreciate very
much the generosity of George Whitman
and many others.”
GCA’s First Third Generation Student Arrives
We’ve been waiting. We’ve been
watching. And it finally happened! Our
first third generation student arrived at
GCA! Noelle Lucas enrolled this year
and has settled in as a member of the
class of 2019. Noelle’s mom, Jennifer
Fuller Honish (class of 1999, attended),
and her grandfather, Ken Fuller (class
of 1975, attended), both called GCA
home for a number of years. In addition,
her grandfather taught science at GCA
during the late 90s until 2002.
This marks a new era for GCA.
We’ve enjoyed having second generation
students here since Phil Stover (’66)
sent his son, Mark (’89), to GCA. We
thank those of you who have entrusted
your teens to us over the years, and we
look forward to this next generation of
students in the years to come!
Noelle Lucas poses with her mother and grandfather in the courtyard.
Fall 2015 Annual Report 15

EXISTING RECREATION FIELD
OXIDATION POND
Alumni Updates
NEW WALKING
TRAIL
ACADEMIC COMMONS CONCEPT
EXISTING SOFTBALL FIELD
We love hearing from you! Please
send us updates about educational
accomplishments, new career
opportunities, professional recognition,
additions to your family, whether through
marriage or birth, or any other news
you’d like to share. Just e-mail Kalie
Kelch at kkelch@gcasda.org.
Amanda Hamby Culver, former staff, married
Andrew Culver on September 20, 2015. The
couple live and work in the greater Portland,
Oregon, area.
Jan Haluska, former staff, passed away on
September 25, 2015, following a long battle
with cancer. Jan taught English and was a flight
instructor at GCA from the mid ’70s to the early
’80s. He is survived by his wife, Marcia, (also
a former staff member) and their two sons and
their families.
Bill Spano, former staff, passed away on
August 8, 2015, from complications due to
pneumonia and Steven Johnson syndrome.
Bill and his wife, Joan, were on the staff of
GCA when the school opened in 1965. Bill
served as maintenance and grounds director
and Joan was the girls’ dean. Most recently,
the Spanos were enjoying retirement in
northern California.
Wayne Laue, ’69, is married and living in
Spring Branch, Texas, where he operates
his own business. Wayne is looking forward
to spending his soon-to-come retirement
restoring cars.
Tony Shadix, ’78, and wife, Bonnie (Shelton),
’80 (attended), recently moved back to the
southeast after spending several years in Hawaii.
Bonnie has accepted a position as director of
physician relations at Hamilton Medical Center
in Dalton, Georgia. Tony is continuing in his
position as vice president for operations with
Adventist Health Systems/West.
David Kim,’88, and wife, Esther, are the proud
parents of Seth Joon-Hyun Kim, born on July 25,
2015. Baby Seth weighed 6 lbs. 13 oz. at birth
and is bringing great delight to his parents.
Peter Hwang, ’93, and wife, Angelina,
welcomed Tyler Jordan Hwang to their family on
September 12, 2015. Weighing in at 6 lbs. 9 oz.,
Tyler is the third son born to the Hwang family.
Nick Payne, ’00 (attended) and wife, Holly
(Witt), ’96, are pleased to announce the birth
of Alyssa Kaitlyn on July 21, 2015. Alyssa came
into the world at 7 lbs. 4 oz. and is the little sister
to 2-year-old Nathan.
Greg Payne, ’99, and wife, Jackie, are the
proud parents of Olivia Grace who joined
their family on September 17, 2015. Olivia
weighed 7 lbs. 2 oz. and is the little sister to
5-year-old Lucas.
Carrie (Winland) Bradbury, ’01, is married
to Robert and lives in Cleburne, Texas, where
they are the parents of Robert William (14) and
Amelia Joy, born on December 6, 2014.
Tria (Penrose) Shurtliff, ’02, and husband,
Ben, celebrated the birth of Hope Amaris
Shurtliff on September 12, 2015. Baby Hope,
who weighed 7 lbs. 1 oz., was also welcomed by
soon-to-be-adopted older brother Gage (2 ½).
Laura (Bowen) Knutson, ’03, and husband,
Michael, are delighted to announce the birth of
their second child. Natalie Grace was born on
September 17, 2015, weighing 7 lbs. 6 oz.
ELEMENTARY
SCHOOL
EXISTING BOYS
DORMITORY
GCA Travels to Texas
GCA alumni and friends gathered
recently for our first-ever alumni event
in Texas. On September 19, a group of
about twenty-five met for a delicious
meal and spent the evening visiting,
reconnecting with friends, and hearing
news from GCA.
Wayne Laue, ’69, drove nearly four
hours to attend the event, which was held
in Burleson, Texas. “Debbie and I had a
great Saturday night at the Texas/GCA
event. I think being able to reconnect
with classmates when distance is a factor
make these regional events very attractive
to alumni. I was very impressed with the
new plans for our campus and the current
enrollment figures. The Lord is blessing
His ministry at GCA!”
Ashleigh Walton, ’09, traveled from
Galveston for the event and was glad
she made the effort to attend. “I was
pleasantly surprised to see people I knew;
some I didn’t even know were in Texas.
It was great to reconnect! As a designer
and aspiring architect, I was extremely
interested in the direction the school is
heading in terms of buildings and infrastructure.
It was great having discussions
with Dr. Gerard and others about the
continued development and expansion
of campus facilities.”
These regional alumni events help
keep our alumni connected to their
school. Thank you to all our Texas alumni
and friends who joined us to reconnect
with this school we love! We hope you
will join us this year if we host an alumni
event in your area!
Alumni and friends of GCA spend the evening reconnecting and enjoying each other’s company.
16 Annual Report Fall 2015

LAWN
SEATING
NEW
LAWN
AREA
NEW
OVERLOOK
NEW PAVILION
EXISTING GIRLS DORMITORY
Rardin & Carroll A
architecture.planning.in
chatt
OUTDOOR CLASSROOM IMAGE
NEW LOOP ROAD
DRIVE THROUGH
WITH CANOPY
VISITOR AND DAY
STUDENT PARKING
NEW OUTDOOR
CLASSROOM/
AMPHITHEATER
Heather Tucker,’03, is a graphic designer living
and working in the Grand Rapids, Michigan,
area.
Nate Dubs, ’04, graduated from the Adventist
Theological Seminary at Andrews University on
August 2, 2015, and accepted a position in the
Georgia-Cumberland Conference as the pastor
of the Statesboro/Dublin/Vidalia district. His
NEW ACADEMIC EXISTING MUSIC WING
NEW CLASSROOM WING
COMMONS AND
CLASSROOM ADDITION
EXISTING
ACADEMIC
BUILDING
NEW
NEW ADMINISTRATION
WING
WING
EXISTING CHAPEL
EXISTING CLASSROOM WING
wife, Kristina, works as a nurse and assists Nate
in ministry.
Denise (Roberts) Flores, ’04, is a nurse
manager at multiple pulmonary clinics for
the University of California San Diego. She is
married to Christian Flores, a musician with the
Marine Corps.
Jennifer (Henderson) Smith, ’05, is teaching
math at Keene High School in Texas. In 2014
Jennifer married Jonathan Smith, a Dallas
firefighter.
Scott Young, ’06, graduated from Andrews
University in May 2015 with a master’s degree
in clinical and mental health counseling. Scott
is currently working in a school (Innovations) for
young people with behavioral and mental health
challenges.
Jacob Arellano, ’08, and Nicole (Humphrey),
’08, were married on September 6 in Ringgold,
Georgia. Nicole graduated from Southern
Adventist University in May 2015 with a
master’s degree in social work and is working
as a substance abuse counselor in Lafayette,
Georgia. Jacob is working as a computer
programmer in Chattanooga.
Kristofer Henderson, ’08, graduated
from Southwestern Adventist University
with a bachelor of business administration
degree in marketing in 2011 and married
his wife, Lauren, in 2013. Kris works in
cardiovascular pharmaceutical sales and Lauren
is a second grade teacher at Keen Adventist
Elementary School.
Jessica (Hunt) McCabe, ’08, married Cody
McCabe on July 26, 2015, in Chattanooga,
Tennessee. Jessica and Cody are living and
working in the Chattanooga area.
Anthony White, ’08, married Carrie Cloke
on September 6, 2015. The couple is living in
Vancouver, Washington, where Anthony works
for the North Pacific Union Conference as
EXISTING CHURCH
NEW GATED ENTRANCE TO CAMPUS
their digital media coordinator. The Society of
Adventist Communicators recently recognized
Anthony’s GC session coverage work for the
conference by presenting him with the “Best
Use of Social Media” award.
Jennifer (Vanucchi) Ludi, ’09, graduated
with a nursing degree from Southern Adventist
University in December of 2012. She married
Nicholas Ludi in July of 2014 and the couple
now live in Memphis, Tennessee, where Nicholas
is in medical school and Jennifer is working as
a nurse.
NEW LOOP ROAD
Kelsi (Williams) Farnsworth, ’10, married
Joshua Farnsworth on August 2, 2015, in
an outdoor wedding near Lookout Mountain,
Tennessee. The couple live in Athens, Georgia,
where Kelsi is finishing a degree in vocal
performance at the University of Georgia and
Joshua is working as a nurse. The couple
will be moving after this year to Loma Linda,
California, where Joshua will be entering
medical school.
Adam Johnson, ’10, graduated from Southern
Adventist University and moved to Hachinohe
City on the northern tip of Japan’s main island,
Honshu. Adam is part of the JET Programme,
hired by the Japanese government to teach
English to junior high and elementary students.
His position has attracted the attention of local
newspapers, and Adam has been featured
in newspaper articles, online blogs, and other
interviews.
Logan Foll, ’10, accepted a new job with the
Chattanooga Convention and Visitor’s Bureau as
a public relations specialist.
GEORGIA CUMBERLAND ACADEMY
MASTER SITE PLAN
Julie Kretschmar, ’10, is volunteering as
a nurse in the bush of Papua, New Guinea,
working at a clinic and helping with medical
evacuations by plane, as well as helping out
in the local churches. Julie is chronicling her
experiences at juliebethkretschmar.blogspot.
com.
Chelsea Land, ’10, graduated from
Southwestern Adventist University with a
bachelor’s degree in accounting in the spring of
2015 and is living in Keene, Texas.
Kenyon Findley, ’11, is serving as a taskforce
worker at Upper Columbia Academy. She is an
assistant dean at the school.
Ariella Monroe, ’11, is living in Texas where
she works as a lead teacher in early childhood
education.
Katelyn Birge, ’12, will be serving as a student
missionary in South America beginning in
January.
Shelly Payne, ’12, is taking a year off to be a
student missionary in Pohnpei. She is working
as a high school Bible teacher.
Eric Claus, ’14, is serving as a student
missionary on Guam at the Micronesia Mission,
where he is assisting with the information
technology needs of the mission.
Courtney Day, ’14, is working as a student
missionary in an orphanage in Bolivia. While
traveling to her post, Courtney discovered
her pilot was Steven Wilson, ’03, who is a
missionary pilot working at Gospel Ministry
International and Adventist Medical Aviation
Bolivia.
Fall 2015 Annual Report 17

NEW
OVERLOOK
AREA
EXISTIN
Georgia-Cumberland Academy
Alumni & Development
397 Academy Dr. SW
Calhoun, GA 30701
PRSRT STD
U.S. POSTAGE
PAID
CHATTANOOGA, TN
PERMIT NO. 1114
PRESORTED
FIRST-CLASS MAIL
U.S. POSTAGE
PAID
CHATTANOOGA, TN
PERMIT NO. 1114
STUDENT COMMONS CONCEPT
EXISTNG PRACTICE FIELD
NEW WALKING TRAIL
EXISTING SOCCER FIELD
EXISTING
MAINTENANCE
BUILDING
You are invited to the 50th anniversary alumni celebration!
NEW WALKING TRAIL
NEW LOOP ROAD
TENNIS
COURTS
NEW GYM ADDITION
NEW PARKING LOT
EXISTING GYM
NEW WALKING TRAIL
VOLLEYBALL
NEW
PLAZA
EXISTING RECREATION FIELD
NEW
LAWN
EXISTING GIRLS DORMITORY
EXISTING SOFTBALL FIELD
Honor classes:
1966, 1971,
1976, 1981,
1986, 1991,
ELEMENTARY
SCHOOL
1996, 2001,
2006, 2011
NEW WALKING
TRAIL
EXISTING BOYS
DORMITORY
DRIVE THROUGH
WITH CANOPY
NEW PAVILION
Don’t miss this exciting celebration!
VISITOR AND DAY
STUDENT PARKING
EXISTING
ACADEMIC
BUILDING
NEW
NEW ADMINISTRATION
WING
WING
LAWN
SEATING
EXISTING CHAPEL
NEW OUTDOOR
CLASSROOM/
AMPHITHEATER
NEW ACADEMIC EXISTING MUSIC WING
NEW CLASSROOM WING
COMMONS AND
CLASSROOM ADDITION
EXISTING CLASSROOM WING
OUTDOOR CLASSROOM IMAGE
Watch for more details in upcoming issues.
Save the Date
April 1-3, 2016
NE
NEW LOOP ROAD