Director of Encouragement Lamar Lussi Makes PCA History with Future Athletic Complex Naming Honor

Lilburn, Ga. — December 3, 2012— Lamar Lussi is the Director of Encouragement at Providence Christian Academy.  It is a title he has officially held since 2005, but unofficially had for his entire career. As the Director of Facilities, he helped establish this unique, parent-sponsored Christian school in Lilburn, Ga. in the fall of 1991.

“In addition to providing for the care of facilities,” Headmaster Dr. Jim Vaught explained, “his love and respect for students led to his increasingly being engaged in supporting their athletic and extra-curricular efforts. In time, his support grew to the point that we asked him to become our full time Director of Encouragement. It was a clear case of our adjusting his job description to fit the strength of his ministry in the lives of students and their families. I believe Lamar Lussi embodies the mission and vision of Providence Christian Academy as well as anyone in our history, and there has been no greater supporter of PCA athletics since the school’s founding,” he went on to say.

 As a result, the school’s administration and Board of Directors have named the school’s much anticipated future 11-acre sports facilities enhancement, the Lamar Lussi Athletic Complex. The announcement was revealed via 50 square-foot sign as part of the induction ceremony to make Mr. Lussi the ninth member of the Athletic Department’s Hall of Stars.

The complex will be funded through the $4.5 million capital campaign, “Providence Tomorrow,” of which the school has already raised $1.5 million. Last school year, Providence initiated “Phase One” of the campaign, including the first football program and multiple technology upgrades, like iPads for all 7^th-12^th grade students. “Phase Two” will include the future athletic complex and upgrades to existing fine arts facilities.

“My cup runneth over and now the saucer is full and even the tablecloth is getting dirty,” Mr. Lussi humbly joked in response to this historical moment before attributing all of his success to his wife, Shirley, of 58 years, who he met on a blind date.

Earlier that evening, crowds of alumni, staff, and current PCA families came to shake hands with Mr. and Mrs. Lussi and sign a special guest book documenting his 200+ hat collection at a reception in his honor. The school went all out to show their love and respect for their oldest and dearest employee at 80-years-old. More than 1,000 gifts were distributed in his name that night, even a one-of-a-kind Lamar Lussi bobble head. A life-size cardboard cutout of Mr. Lussi was also on hand for memorable photo fun.

 “I remember meeting Mr. Lussi for the first time before Providence even opened,” Sixth and seventh grade teacher Gayle Franklin recounts in a video posted on the PCA Facebook page to promote the Nov. 30 event. “We were having our first athletic soccer camp and Mr. Lussi made sure he was there every day to meet these new boys that were coming to Providence in the fall. And not only did he meet the boys and make them feel welcome, but he came along side the parents and made sure we introduced ourselves and got to know each other and got to know him. And that to me was a welcome into the Providence family and it was because of Mr. Lussi,” she concluded.

 "It would be impossible to list the number of miles logged or games he has watched over his many years here thus far,”

Athletic Director Michael Woods remarked in an email. “He shows his support and encouragement to all the sport athletes and coaches both during the regular season as well as in the playoffs. I cannot think of another Providence non-athlete who is more deserving to be inducted into the Hall of Stars than Mr. Lussi. ”

His reputation of being a man of great character, integrity and infectious joy extends beyond the PCA community. “It is the pleasure of the City of Lilburn to publicly honor individuals who have substantially contributed to the well being of our city,” said City of Lilburn Mayor Johnny Crist. “Mr. Lussi fits our criteria perfectly with the sacrificial service that he has invested in the lives of students and residents of the city,” he declared. The Mayoral Office has issued an official “Proclamation” on Friday, Nov. 30, honoring Mr. Lussi, which is now framed and on display in Mr. Lussi’s Office near the City of Lawrenceville’s similar proclamation of 2010, declaring his birthday, April 4, “Lamar Lussi Day” that year. He was nominated for the honor by PCA alumnus (’95) P.K. Martin, a member of the Lawrenceville City Council since 2005.

“Anyone who has come into contact with Mr. Lussi has been blessed by his obedience to Christ and willingness to use his gifts and talents as an investment in people’s lives,” said Dr. Vaught .

“I’m grateful Jim Vaught lets me stay here. Not many people let you work at 80-years-old,” Mr. Lussi joked, but with a from-the-heart sincerity he couldn’t hide.

All kidding aside, Mr. Lussi takes his job as Director of Encouragement very seriously. Starting very early in the morning, he prays for individuals, routinely calls thousands of people on their birthday, greets families in outlandish hats and sandwich board signs while directing traffic in the carpool line, travels near and cross country to visit the sick and grieving, and still finds time to personally challenge, encourage, and mentor hundreds of young people every day.

"What amazes me most about Mr. Lussi is his relentless pursuit of bringing joy to others and exemplifying the love of Christ all the while. He doesn't quit. He doesn't expect a happy birthday call in return. He just gives like he's got nothing to loose and I've never seen anyone do it like he does," said Brian Hansen, Class of ’07 alumnus and current PCA manager of social media.

He has been the subject of college entrance essays, a chapter in “The Little Red Book of Wisdom,” named “Resident Grandpa” by the Gwinnett Daily Post. He is a beloved husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather. Mr. Lussi will now also secure his legacy in the Providence Hall of Stars and on in the first-ever on-campus naming of the future athletic complex.

Visit the school’s website for more information about Providence Christian Academy and their capital campaign, Providence Tomorrow.

Additional photos of Mr. Lussi are available and captions are can be given upon request. All photos taken by Brian Hansen, social media manager for Providence Christian Academy.

Providence Christian Academy is a K-12 independent, inter-denominational, parent-sponsored school located in Lilburn, Ga. It is the mission of Providence Christian Academy to provide excellence in Christ-centered education as an extension of the Christian home. As a result, the school is more than an academic institution. It is a community of believers, consisting of Christian parents in partnership with Christian educators to help young people develop their God-given gifts and abilities. Providence Christian Academy seeks to provide transformative experiences in faith, life, and learning.