Highlights from the Highway

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What a whirlwind this past week and a half has been. We've literally traveled through just about every part of Florida and Georgia. It has been an adventure to say the least. I've had the opportunity to forge relationships with some incredible people and hopefully along the way refueled their love for Shorter.

A large number of Shorter graduates live in and around the Macon area, so I wasn't too surprised by our large turnout at The Back Burner. We had an array of classes represented including 1949, 1950, 1958, 1960, 1965, 1981, 1983, 1985, and 1991. I really enjoyed listening to the alums share their memories of Shorter with each other. The table I sat with included a group of women that had all been in school together. They talked about senior pranks, life living in Roberts hall, and old boyfriends. I could tell they were a great friends and we enjoyed a number of laughs. Thanks ladies!!

If Col. Shorter and all our founding fathers were still around, I am confident that they would be proud. Proud of the amazing caliber of people that are Shorter alumni. Their vision has paved the way for the success and happiness of so many.

My shoutouts for the day go to my road buddies Chip and Mallory. I realize that not everyone travels the same, so we were bound to have our share of arguments. But through it all, we kept each other accountable and had a fun time together. Thanks for putting up with me friends.

We have a couple of much deserved days off coming up. The tour will resume on Tuesday in Athens. However, I am going to miss the three events this week, as my family vacation is also this week. I hate missing out on meeting and talking to everyone, but I know things are in good hands with the other two road warriors!!

Till next time,

Rach

Macon was a bittersweet event for me. I was born and raised there and it was great to go back and see my old stomping grounds! We ate at the lovely and delicious Back Burner restaurant which is owned by Christian Losito, a close family friend. He is a genius chef and boy have I missed his cooking!!

I sat with Jeannette Gunn ('50) and Ray Tatum ('81) and they were lovely. We had great conversation. The entire table was sharing stories about Shorter and what teachers they had and which ones they really liked and which ones were terribly hard. I just sat back and listened. It was pretty entertaining!

Christian's wife and daughter stopped by especially to see me which was a great surprise! I am so glad I picked the Back Burner for the event. The food did not disappoint! And we had a big turn out of alums!

Over and out,

Mallory

Our final stop on the long part of our tour was Macon.  We had a very nice lunch at the Back Burner restaurant where Mallory had some connections with the owner.

I sat with several alumni and spouses at this event.  Barbara Duke ’49 was a joy to get to know.  I hope when my 60+ class reunion rolls around I am as sharp and agile as she is.  Also joining us were Charles and Claudia Pecor ’60.  Charles is a former faculty member and it was great hearing stories about Shorter from both the student and faculty side. Judy Peacock ’65 and her husband Wayne also joined us at lunch (Wayne was a Berry grad, but we let him attend anyway.)  Last, but not least, Elizabeth Hardin ’83 rounded out our table along with my wife Anne Marie.

We had a good crowd of diverse ages at our event and I could definitely see holding another event in the future in this area.

Show me that smile again. Don’t waste another minute on your cryin’. We're nowhere near the end. The best is ready to begin.

Chip