|
Former student remembers Georgia State's
Dr. Noah Langdale
By
J.D. Caswell
Special to GwinnettForum.com
(Editor's Note: The college career of J.D. Caswell
began as the late Dr. Noah Langdale became president of what would
become Georgia State University. Here Caswell, the Norcross Realtor
and homebuilder, remembers his friend. -eeb)
Langdale |
NORCROSS, Ga., March 7, 2008---Noah Langdale died recently at age
87. He was the one person who put Georgia State College (later University)
on the map. I was lucky to have known him, beginning when I was
a student at the college, and he was its youngest president.
Dr. Langdale was a brilliant man with a vocabulary second to none.
Making a speech, the audience would find a dictionary useful to
interpret what he said. He was a graduate of the University of Alabama,
and Harvard, where he earned both a MBA and law degree. He was dedicated
to providing educational opportunities to students who attended
evening school while working full time. I was one of the 5,000-plus
night school students enrolled in 1957 at what was then called The
Atlanta Division of the University of Georgia, which under the leadership
of Dr. Langdale became Georgia State University. When he retired,
there were 22,000 students at GSU.
That same year, I met Dr. Langdale when he arrived on campus to
be the president. He was eager to meet students. From the very beginning,
it was clear that he was in charge, that he had a vision, and knew
how to build a team and take the school to new heights. For four
years, 1957 to 1961, I had the opportunity to learn from this giant
of a man.
One year when the Home Builders Association of Georgia were to hold
their annual convention at Jekyll Island, I was asked to secure
Dr. Langdale to be the featured speaker. He checked his schedule
and confirmed the date. He then brought up his transportation, as
anyone who has asked him to be a speaker would well know.
He wanted me to pick him up at his home in Buckhead and deliver
him to the Atlanta airport, then pick him up in Jacksonville for
the drive to Jekyll Island. We concluded that was not possible.
The upshot was that someone picked him up at his home and took him
to the Atlanta airport. Then I met him at Jacksonville airport for
the drive to Jekyll.
It was a pleasure to be his chauffeur. Whenever you were with him,
the conversation centered around the University and its role in
providing education for those who must work while attending Georgia
State. Having an interest in sports at the University, on that ride
to Jekyll we discussed men's basketball and the role it could play
to gain recognition nationally. It didn't take long for his reply:
"I will not prostitute the academic reputation of my school
for any, any sport."
Dr. Langdale was interested in the expansion of the University and
had classrooms around the city. When Gwinnett County was the fastest
growing county in the nation, I suggested that it might be a good
idea for Dr. Langdale to start a branch in Gwinnett. A few days
later Vice President Dr. Bill Suttles called, asking me to arrange
a meeting with the Gwinnett School System to discuss the matter.
The rest is history.
Dr. Langdale was a true friend and mighty educator. He had a positive
influence on my life and that of so many other people. I will forever
be grateful.
Voting Tuesday may have turned Democratic
race to Hillary
By
Elliott Brack
Editor and Publisher
MARCH 7, 2008 -- When you're enjoying yourself, at some point,
you might stop to realize how much fun you are having.
Brack |
Political junkies must be enervated by the results of the Democratic
primaries in Texas and Ohio, which failed to knock Hillary Clinton
out of the race for the presidential nomination. Now the show can
continue, to the delight of these junkies. Think how much less fun
and dull it would have been if the Democrats had virtually crowned
a winner Tuesday in Barack Obama. Now the days will be lively, perhaps
right up until the Democratic convention in August. That's nearly
five months away!
Even though the Obama forces like to point to their lead in the
delegate count, which didn't change much with Tuesday's voting,
the one thing the Obama forces must admit is that they have not
delivered a knock-out blow to Ms. Hillary. And the method the Democrats
use for nominating, with substantial emphasis on the so-called "super-delegates,"
the race to us seems far from over.
Up until the Tuesday primaries, we would have given the edge to
the Obama forces. But now, with Mrs. Clinton winning three states
on Tuesday, the tide may have turned. It looks to us like the experience
that she and her husband have in straight party politics, will serve
enough to win over enough superdelegates, no matter that such luminaries
as John Lewis and Christopher Dodd have publicly endorsed Mr. Obama.
It looks to us like it is going down to the wire for the Democrats.
Meanwhile, on the day when "nothing was decided" on the
Democratic side except that it put Mrs. Clinton in a better position,
the Republicans had a Red Letter Day. John McCain locked up the
Republican nomination, and the next day, President Bush was ready
to "endorse" his candidacy.'
First, congratulations to the McCain camp. What we like about his
nomination is that Mr. McCain seems like a decent, honorable man,
one who thinks for himself. On top of being a proven person in tough
military times, he will make a good nominee, in spite of his thoughts
concerning the Iraq war.
Not only that, but Mr. McCain ran a beautiful campaign, eliminating
the large field of candidates, first one Republican, then another.
He deserves the nomination.
As to the endorsement" by the President, is there anything
as hollow as endorsing a sure thing? Mr. Bush's timing on this,
and many other matters during his presidency, is sorely lacking.
Time and time again, this Bush makes us wonder how our country ever
chose him for the presidency. But with the ballots in Florida, and
the Republican-dominated Supreme Court and its decision---then we
remember how it came about.
But look at where all this had led us, to a war that most people
now realize is a mistake, to an economy that is the worst in recent
years, and a time when our policies and methods have upset more
and more people throughout the world.
Perhaps all these reasons are why Americans have relished in watching
the political campaigns, since at least it takes the focus off many
of the more difficult situations we face today.
Soon even the campaigns will end, and we'll have to get back to
reality. At least we'll eventually have a new leader to guide us,
one that both sides of the political aisle will have more trust
and faith in than we have now. We can't enjoy ourselves as much
as watching campaigning...but we'll be back to reality.
 The
public spiritedness of our sponsors allows us to bring GwinnettForum.com
to you at no cost to readers. Haven Trust Bank is an underwriter
of GwinnettForum. From a single branch in the Duluth/Sugarloaf area
of Gwinnett, to a second branch in Decatur, the bank opened a third
location in the Johns Creek-Alpharetta area in 2006. Haven Trust
Bank will open a new branch in Snellville in November, 2007. With
assets of over $400 million, Haven Trust Bank is one of the top
10 lenders in Georgia of federal government Small Business Administration
(SBA) funds. Ed Briscoe, bank president and CEO, says: "We
have the ability to identify with small businesses. Our personal
and responsive attitude toward them has elevated us as a leader
in the community. We're different and we make all our decisions
quickly and locally. That enables us to make a real difference in
the lives and businesses of our customers." Visit its web site
at www.haventrustbank.com.
Feels
retired service personnel treated unfair by Congress
Editor, the Forum:
Thank you for allowing me to write you and tell you of a story
you will probably not believe. I live in Loganville and I am a U.
S. Navy retiree, (E-6) who has served his country for exactly 20
years.
First of all, I am a paying member of the Uniformed Litigation
Support Group, (ULSG). This group consists of approximately 5,000
members who are trying to convince our Congress that the Uniformed
Services Former Spouse Protection Act is not only illegal, but it
is seriously affecting the lives of more and more active and retired
personnel. This law was enacted back in 1982 by the former Congresswoman
Patricia Schroeder of Colorado. This law, by the way was backdated
illegally in order for Congress to have it approved.
We the veterans did not get a chance to vote on this act, nor did
we know anything about it when we enlisted. We did not even sign
anything relating to this act that we were aware of it.
First, this law gives the state courts the right to be used in
a military divorce and is considered "marital property."
Secondly, our retainer is a federal entitlement, not a qualified
pension plan. This has not been considered amongst our lawyers and
judges, and it has been running rampant in our court systems in
military divorces. Just this very moment, this law is affecting
over 300,000 active and retired personnel and they are more than
angry and our Congress does not want to tackle this problem.
I can assume that they don't want to hear the former spouses call
up and complain, but I don't care, that's their problem! We have
every state in the union represented by all armed services and each
and every Senator has been sent letters and emails to them. They
have not responded to do anything about it. We encourage everyone
to call their Senator and tell them this is not right and we want
it corrected.
Please go to www.ulsg.org
for more information. It will be certainly worth your while. We
need to change this wrongdoing by our Congress.
-- Roger Smart, Loganville
Upset with governor
and legislators over water heist efforts
Editor, the Forum:
Recently the Georgia Legislature has raised a dispute of the border
between Georgia and Tennessee. Apparently the Georgia state surveyor
was drunk when he placed the initial border marker. It was placed
one degree south of where it should have been. The effect was to
remove part of a lake from Georgia's boundaries. Keep in mind Tennessee
did not make the mistake either; the mistake was made by Georgia's
own surveyor over 100 years ago.
Now with both states in a major drought, the State of Georgia under
the "leadership" of Governor Perdue, would use this to
try to reclaim "lost" water from our neighbors in Tennessee.
If Governor Perdue or any State Legislators had any decency or
integrity, they would put an end to this nonsense. There has not
even been any public debate or discussion as to how the water will
get to Georgia if the boundary were moved. Also the current residents
of Tennessee are probably not interested in paying taxes in Georgia
when there is no state income tax in Tennessee (though their sales
tax is up to 9.75 percent.)
The entire state government should be ashamed of itself if this
water heist attempt is allowed to proceed in the judicial system.
What an embarrassing waste of time, public money and energy. Have
some decency, Governor Perdue, and let this go. Did you think to
maybe talk to Tennessee and see if they can afford to lose the water
or work out some solution where we could share it? Or were you going
to act like the rest of our present day politicians as if we were
entitled to steal things that belong to others?
-- Roger Hagen, Lilburn
Worried about attacks
on Israel by Hamas group
Editor, the Forum:
I am increasingly concerned about the violent rocket attacks against
Israel.
The Iran-backed Hamas that control Gaza has fired as many as 150
rockets at Israel in one day. Thirteen Israelis, including innocent
toddlers, have been killed by rockets from Gaza. Hundreds have been
injured. Residents of Sderot have been dealing with this for seven
years while much of the world has stood idly by! An entire town
(and region) is terrorized and traumatized by the daily onslaught
and randomness of rockets targeting their homes, schools, and businesses.
For this reason, I support Israel's right to take measured actions
to defend itself. Let us all pray for the peace of Israel.
-- Donna Gates, Lithonia
Exchange
rate for the Americas
Another great cartoon from Bill McLemore:
Snellville
plans Eggstravaganza on March 16 at Briscoe Park
On Palm Sunday, March 16, from 1:30 to 4:30 p.m., the City of Snellville
will host its annual Easter Egg Hunt at T.W. Briscoe Park. It is
free for those 1-10 years of age.
Children will be divided into different age groups and times to
hunt eggs. Be sure and bring your baskets. The schedule is as follows:
1:30-4:30 p.m. Children's Area Open
2 p.m. The Easter Bunny Arrives
2:30 p.m. Egg Hunt - Ages 2 and Under (Parent Assisted)
2:45 p.m. Egg Hunt - Ages 3-4
3 p.m. Egg Hunt - Ages 5-6
3:15 p.m. Egg Hunt - Ages 7-8
3:30 p.m. Egg Hunt - Ages 9-10
Also available will be moonwalks, crafts, pony rides and a special
visit from the Easter Bunny. Some activities will require a small
fee. There will be fun prizes for those who find the "special"
eggs. For more information, call the Snellville Parks and Recreation
Department at (770) 985-3535.
Rain garden workshop
set March 13 at GJAC
A rain garden workshop is being scheduled for Gwinnett residents
by the Gwinnett County Stormwater Management Division. This is in
conjunction with the Clean Water Campaign and Gwinnett County's
Cooperative Extension Service. The workshop will be held at the
Gwinnett County Justice and Administration Center in Lawrenceville
on Thursday, March 13, at 7 p.m.
Workshop presenter Robert Brannen, Gwinnett County's Cooperative
Extension Service Director, explains, "This workshop will cover
how to plan and build a rain garden in your landscape. Rain gardens
are attractive landscape features that require less maintenance
and fewer chemicals than lawns. Their purpose is to capture runoff
from impervious areas such as roofs and driveways and allow it to
seep slowly into the ground. Rain gardens also help to preserve
nearby streams and lakes by filtering pollutants and reducing the
amount of runoff."
Rain gardens benefit not only the designer, but also the community.
Brannen also will inform residents how to select plants for their
own rain gardens, discuss how rain gardens help reduce water bills
and help protect our waterways from non-point source pollution.
Registration is required and space is limited. Call 678-376-7126
or visit dwrswreg@gwinnettcounty.com
to register for this event.
How Georgia Gwinnett
College was built subject of meeting
A March 27 meeting of the Human Resource Management Association
will hear how Georgia Gwinnett College was begun, as the college
president, Dr. Dan Kaufman, outlined the steps along that path.
The meeting will be at 11:45 a.m. at the 1818 Club in Duluth.
Georgia Gwinnett's faculty and staff are tasked with actively engaging
students in various learning environments, serving as mentors and
advisors, and assist students through programs designed to enhance
their academic, social, and personal development.
Dr. Kaufman will discuss "Building Georgia Gwinnett College"
starting from the foundation, its faculty and staff. At this special
luncheon, Dr. Kaufman will discuss how he keeps the faculty and
staff motivated to continually challenge and enrich the students
at GGC. You can also learn about Dr. Kaufman's "best practices"
that you can apply to your own company.
The luncheon is free to Human Resource Management Association members
and $30 for non-HRMA members. Registration deadline is March.
Brand Properties brings
food, style, wine to Buford Village
Brand Properties, developers of Buford Village, has announced the
anchor tenants for Buford's first mixed-use development, bringing
several of the area's favorite dining destinations plus high style
to the Village. The announcement comes from Brand Morgan, chief
executive officer of Brand Properties.
Opening in the coming weeks at Buford Village will be:
- Bella Vita: Casual Italian dining in an inviting setting
that captures the warmth and vibrancy of a European bistro, plus
service and quality second to none. This is the newest restaurant
from Laura Attaway, creator of Aqua Terra, 37 Main, and Third
Coast Grill. Opening is set for early spring.
- Bin 33: A wine purveyor with quality vintages from the
leading regions of the world. Opening is early spring.
- Three Dollar Café: An Atlanta landmark since 1983,
Three Dollar Café will celebrate its 25th anniversary with
the opening of its newest restaurant in Buford Village, introducing
new décor and a new menu. Opening will be in late spring.
- Flying Biscuit Café: Nothing satisfies like a
warm biscuit…or any other offering from this hometown favorite.
Breakfast is served non-stop, plus lunch, dinner and dessert.
Its opening is late spring.
- Seven & Co.: The newest member of the Aveda family,
Seven & Co. offers techniques and trends seen on the runways
of New York. Services include hair extensions, facial treatments,
dimensional color, innovative hair designs, and much more, all
delivered with the highest level of comfort and satisfaction.
Opening in March.
Buford Village is Buford's first self-contained, master-planned
mixed-use development, located at the intersection of Buford Highway
and Hamilton Mill Road, across from the new city hall.
Designed in historical Southern style and situated on 10 acres,
the project offers 55,000 square feet of neighborhood retail, 30,000
square feet of office space, and 23 luxury townhomes. Buford Village
also includes two out parcels, one of which houses the new branch
of The Brand Banking Company.
For leasing information, contact Adrienne King (retail), Rick Collins
(commercial), or Trish Scott (residential) at 678-226-7888.
Time to Write, by
Kelly L. Stone
Gwinnett author Kelly L. Stone reminds people in her new book,
Time to Write, that anyone can carve out time to write a
book---"If they really, really want to do so." Her practical
guide of how to fit writing into a busy life comes with tips from
more than 100 professional writers. Bottom line: More than likely
if you really want to write, you instinctively know what you need
to do to develop your manuscript---you need to write instead of
making excuses. "The secret to becoming a successful writer
is this," Ms. Stone writes, "There is no secret."
She stresses that anyone who has a "burning desire to write"
needs to make the time and commitment to just do it, even if it's
only 15 minutes a day. By being able to see how other successful
writers are able to hold down jobs, raise families and write books,
this book is an inspirational must-have for anyone who needs a little
extra push to get the job done."
-- Andy Brack, Charleston, S.C.
- An invitation: What
Web sites, books or restaurants have you enjoyed? Send us your
best recent visit to a restaurant or most recent book you have
read along with a short paragraph as to why you liked it, plus
what book you plan to read next. --eeb
Irish-born
Charles Cluskey was pioneering architect in Georgia
Charles
Cluskey was an antebellum architect and a prominent designer
of Greek revival-style houses and public buildings in Augusta, Milledgeville,
and Savannah. His period of principal activity was from 1830 to
1847.
Born in Ireland about 1808, Charles Blaney Cluskey arrived in 1827
in New York City, where he probably received training in the architectural
firm of Town and Davis. He moved in 1829 to Savannah, where he is
credited with the design of the Hermitage Plantation house (1830).
Medical College |
In his first major building, the Medical College in Augusta (1834-37),
Cluskey demonstrated his mastery of the Greek revival idiom. The
monumental building is dominated by a Doric portico across the front
and a central rotunda, which he repeated in later commissions. He
designed the main building of Oglethorpe University (1837-40), which
was then located in Baldwin County near Milledgeville, and the Governor's
Mansion (1837-39) in Milledgeville, the antebellum state capital.
The Governor's Mansion may be considered his masterpiece. Correct
in its Greek proportions and details, the seventy-nine-foot (seven-bay
front) by sixty-one-foot (five-bay sides) mansion features an Ionic
portico and a two-story central rotunda with a coffered dome concealed
within the roof.
In the 1840s and 1850s, Cluskey designed large Greek revival-style
houses for Savannah's wealthy elite, including the Champion-McAlpin-Fowlkes
House (1844), the Sorrel-Weed House (1853), and the Philbrick-Eastman
House (1853). He was appointed city surveyor of Savannah in 1845,
and in 1847 he moved to Washington, D.C., where he submitted plans
to renovate the Capitol, the White House, and the Patent Building,
though few of his ideas were carried out.
Cluskey returned to Georgia in 1869 to rebuild the St. Simons Island
lighthouse and keeper's residence, which had been damaged during
the Civil War (1861-65). He contracted malaria and died in 1871,
before the work was completed.
Well, most certainly,
that war will never happen!
" History is littered with wars which everybody knew would
never happen."
-- Enoch Powell (1912-1998) classical scholar, poet, brigadier
and politician, via Marshall Miller, Lilburn.
Send your thoughts, 55-word short stories, pet peeves
or comments on any issue to Gwinnett
Forum for future publication.
===========================================
MORE: Contact Gwinnett Forum at: elliott@gwinnettforum.com
© 2008, Gwinnett Forum.com. Gwinnett Forum
is an online community commentary for exploring pragmatic and sensible
social, political and economic approaches to improve life in Gwinnett
County, Ga. USA.
|
