51³Ô¹ÏÍø

The University of North Georgia (51³Ô¹ÏÍø) continued to celebrate its 150th anniversary with a Corps of Cadets review by Gov. Brian Kemp at Liberty Plaza across from the State Capitol in Atlanta on March 7. Lt. Gov. Burt Jones, University System of Georgia Chancellor Sonny Perdue and Maj. Gen. Dwayne Wilson also attended the event.

A day before 51³Ô¹ÏÍø's visit, legislative leaders approved $1.3 million in design funds for 51³Ô¹ÏÍø's Military Science Center expansion in the amended Fiscal Year 2023 budget. Senate Majority Leader Steve Gooch, a 51³Ô¹ÏÍø graduate, helped secure the funding.

51³Ô¹ÏÍø President Bonita Jacobs received a commendation from Kemp and Georgia Senate and House of Representatives resolutions in honor of the university's Sesquicentennial Celebration.

"We need more young minds like you in our society. And that is why I'm glad to know the University of North Georgia will continue to grow and thrive in its next 150 years," Kemp said. "It is a place of patriotism, and today we celebrate not only that great history, but also its exciting future."

Perdue lauded the way 51³Ô¹ÏÍø develops leaders through its Corps of Cadets.

"I'm delighted that we still have young men and women who are committed to the safety of our nation," Perdue said. "The culture of leadership development at 51³Ô¹ÏÍø is one of the best in the nation."

We need more young minds like you in our society. And that is why I'm glad to know the University of North Georgia will continue to grow and thrive in its next 150 years. It is a place of patriotism, and today we celebrate not only that great history, but also its exciting future.

Brian Kemp

Georgia governor

Wilson, a 1993 51³Ô¹ÏÍø alumnus, serves as commanding general for the Georgia Army National Guard. About 200 51³Ô¹ÏÍø cadets serve annually in the Georgia Army National Guard while in college, and 40 of them per year commission as second lieutenants when they graduate. Wilson noted that more than half of the Georgia Army National Guard's company and battalion commanders are 51³Ô¹ÏÍø alumni.

"Thank you for your willingness to serve and to lead," Wilson said. "I know you are up for the challenges ahead."

Gooch earned a Bachelor of Business Administration in management and a Master of Public Administration from 51³Ô¹ÏÍø. He has seen first-hand the university's impact in his district.

"51³Ô¹ÏÍø has made a difference in our region for generations," Gooch said.

Three alumni who are flag officers attended the review: retired Maj. Gen. Bil Johnson, '72, retired Lt. Gen. Burke Garrett, '81, and retired Gen. Stephen Townsend, '82.

In addition to Gooch, a large contingent of state legislators attended the celebration on Liberty Plaza. Among those lawmakers were Sen. Max Burns, former dean of 51³Ô¹ÏÍø's Mike Cottrell College of Business; Sen. Shelly Echols, '02; Rep. Stan Gunter, '81; and Rep. Will Wade, '01.

For more information on 51³Ô¹ÏÍø's 150th anniversary, visit the Sesquicentennial Celebration website.