Talon Awards Recognize Reinhardt's Distinguished Graduates, Supporters

Roughly 175 Reinhardt University alumni, trustees, faculty, staff and students gathered last week for the annual Talon Awards Gala.

The gala honored 16 individuals at the black-tie optional event, which was held at the Falany Performing Arts Center on Reinhardt’s campus in Waleska.

JoEllen Bell Wilson, vice president for advancement, emceed the affair, and she thanked presenting sponsor SEI Investments for their generous support.

“Their gift will allow Reinhardt to use more of the ticket proceeds toward scholarship funds for deserving students,” she said. “In addition to recognizing some very special people, enjoying musical and theatrical performances by exceptionally talented Reinhardt students and sharing a delicious meal, we also raised funds for scholarships. What a lovely evening.”

The first to be honored on this special night were the 10 Under 10 Alumni Award recipients. Each year Reinhardt recognizes a group of 10 alumni from the last 10 years (2004-2014) who are successful in business, the military, nonprofits, government and/or the arts.

A picture identifying each will hang in the Hasty Student Life Center as a reminder of what Reinhardt alumni have accomplished.

The 10 Under 10 honored this year include: Miriam (Mimi) E. Rohlfs ‘04, a resident of Acworth; Jefferson A. Holt ‘05, a resident of Acworth; Emeka O. Ngonadi ‘05, a resident of Sterling, Va.; Courtney M. Byrd ‘11, a resident of Bronx, N.Y.; Cody T. Baker ‘06, a resident of Hiram; William G. Cody ‘08, a resident of Palo Alto, Calif.; Christopher R. Williams ‘10, a resident of Loganville; Elizabeth G. Gibson ‘10, a resident of Tate; Anna E. Edenfield ‘10, a resident of Marietta; and James M. Mroczko ‘11, a resident of Canton.

Following the 10 Under 10 presentation, the John Wesley Laity and Clergy Award recipients were named: John H. Bennett and Joy Bennett, residents of Waleska, and The Rev. Dr. C.R. Hill, a resident of Canton, respectively.

The Wesley Award was established in 1991 to recognize a layperson who had made a significant contribution to United Methodist institutions of higher education and ministries. Two years later, the clergy award was added. These awards are named for John Wesley, the founder of Methodism. The Rev. Dr. Ron Flowers, president of the Reinhardt Ministerial Association, presented the awards.

Former Waleska Mayor and Cherokee County Schools Superintendent Marguerite Cline was also named Alumna of the Year.

Concluding the special event was a special presentation given by William G. “Billy” Hasty, Jr., Reinhardt board of trustees chair. Hasty recognized outgoing Reinhardt President Dr. J. Thomas Isherwood and his wife Bettye Jo Isherwood.

“Dr. Tom Isherwood came to Reinhardt in 2002,” Hasty stated. “ He has overseen much growth and positive change. He has been a leader with vision, passion, skill and confidence.”

Hasty explained that during Isherwood’s almost 13 years of service, Reinhardt has increased from 17 to 44 programs of study, increased the number of full-time faculty from 54 to 82, added 6 graduate degrees, developed online study, founded the Public Safety Institute and Police Academy, created the School of Performing Arts and launched the Convocation of Artists and Scholars.

Under Isherwood’s leadership, $45 million has been raised for students during this decade; athletic teams increased from 10 to 19, an athletic field house was constructed and lights added to the baseball and softball fields and hiking and bike trails and camp grounds were created.

“In 2010 the development of Reinhardt College lead to the establishment of Reinhardt University under his guidance,” continued Hasty. “He brought to the University a sense of commitment and integrity through his dedication to Christian values.”

Hasty’s sentiments included Isherwood’s wife, Bettye Jo stating that she has been “the President’s advisor, counselor, comforter and sometimes critic, which has allowed him to accomplish goals he set for himself. Because of her strength of purpose and love of the people they serve, she gave up a successful career to fully support and encourage him.

“Reinhardt University will continue to seek guidance from both these esteemed friends,” said Hasty. Therefore, it is my privilege to announce tonight that the Athletic Field House will become known as The J. Thomas and Bettye Jo Isherwood Field House.”

Photo 1: From left: Billy Hasty, Jr. presents Bettye Jo Isherwood and Dr. J. Thomas Isherwood with a plaque in representation of the Athletic Field House being named in their honor.
Photo 2: The Rev. Dr. C.R. Hill, John Wesley Laity Award recipient, presents the Honoree Award to Jim Jernigan.
Photo 3: Anne Cine (daughter-in-law), Dr. Joel Cline (son), Cindy Cline (daughter), Marguerite, Milly Cline (daughter-in-law), and John Cline (son).
Photo 4: clockwise from center: John and Joy Bennett join their family in attendance at the Talon Awards Gala including Angie Bennett Ulm (daughter), Brad Cox (son-in-law) and Amy Bennett Cox (daughter).
Credits: Reinhardt University