Commencement Ceremony Celebrates the Class of 2025 | | |
Led by the traditional stirring sounds of bagpipes and drums, Reinhardt University’s Class of 2025 processed into their commencement ceremony on Friday, May 2nd, marking the culmination of years of hard work, dedication, and community.
Approximately 260 students earned undergraduate and graduate degrees this academic year. Provost Dr. John Miles announced each name during the ceremony. Reinhardt President Dr. Mark Roberts presided over the event, celebrating both academic achievement and personal growth.
| | Honorary Doctorate Recognizes a Lifetime of Service | | |
Pictured: President Mark Roberts with Nancy Gordy Simms (RU-2025).
Reinhardt University awarded Nancy Gordy Simms (RU-2025) an Honorary Doctorate of Humane Letters during its May 2nd commencement ceremony. The prestigious honor recognized her wide-ranging contributions to Georgia—as a businesswoman, entrepreneur, civic leader, and philanthropist—and her enduring devotion to Reinhardt’s campus, students, faculty, and staff.
| | Retiring Faculty Honored for Their Years of Impact | | |
Pictured from left: Professor of English Peggy Morlier, Professor of Sociology Cheryl Brown, and Assistant Professor of Nursing Maureen Newton.
After years of dedicated service, mentorship, and scholarship, several esteemed faculty members at Reinhardt University are preparing to turn the page to a new chapter: retirement. The legacies of Dr. Margaret (“Peggy”) Morlier, Dr. Cheryl Brown, and Dr. Maureen Newton were honored during a heartfelt celebration held on April 16th. As they step into this next phase, the Reinhardt community reflected with gratitude for their countless lectures, personal connections, and lasting influence.
| | Law Day Celebration Includes Reinhardt | | |
Pictured: State Senator Brian Strickland posted a video mentioning his visit to Reinhardt on X social media.
As part of their Law Day celebrations this year, Henry County Court of Appeals Judge Trea Pipkin (RU-2001) and State Senator Brian Strickland visited Reinhardt University’s campus on April 29th. Law Day, observed nationally on May 1st, promotes a greater public understanding of the legal system and its role in ensuring justice, freedom, and equality.
Reinhardt’s new Student Government Association (SGA) executive board was honored to meet with the special guests.
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Receiving scholarships and throwing the hammer in track and field have something in common. Scholarships provide the energy and impetus for students to orbit, turn, and release—circling and exploring the rich realm of curricular, co-curricular, and extra-curricular opportunities at Reinhardt until they find their passion and release it into the world.
Senior Andrew Paolozzi (RU-2025) knows something about energy and the terms orbit, turn, and release as a champion hammer thrower and shot putter for Reinhardt’s track and field team. He has turned scholarships into pure energy in the classroom, on campus, and on the athletic field.
| | Names, Faces, and Places: What Makes Reinhardt, Reinhardt | | |
Pictured from left: Virginia Horne Tumlin, R. Stevens Tumlin, Harriet Tumlin Jobson, and Steve “Thunder” Tumlin.
Welcome back to a new blog explaining the history of named places on campus. Names of those who have supported Reinhardt University and believed in its mission capture the eye unexpectedly throughout campus — a name on a building, lecture hall, plaza, atrium, classroom, or office. Each week, learn something new about Reinhardt and those whose deep connection still inspires us.
No Greater Love: The Tumlin Family
In 1996 Ernest “Chip” Koella, IV (1969-1996) died while trying to save another man from drowning in the Little River, Rockford, Tennessee near the Rockford Manufacturing Company where he was vice president. His parents were Ernest and Harriet Koella and grandparents were Virginia Anne Horne Tumlin (1919-2007) and R. Stevens (1916-2003) Tumlin of Marietta, Georgia. R. Stevens Tumlin, Sr., was a trustee from 1979-2000 and was trustee emeritus from 2000-2003.
The Tumlins honored their grandson with a contribution to Reinhardt. In a letter dated November 12, 1996, then President Floyd Falany suggested the No Greater Love Award.
| | Men's Golf Headed to Nationals | | |
Reinhardt’s men’s golf team won the 2025 Appalachian Athletic Conference (AAC) championship tournament on April 28th and 29th. The team of Trey Schmidt (RU-2028), Pride Dyer (RU-2027), Zane May (RU-2027), MJ Hodge (RU-2027), Eli Howren (RU-2027), Tyler Frazee (RU-2027), and Robbie Macmillan (RU-2028) secured the win by five strokes. Along with the AAC Tournament title, the Eagles also won the AAC Regular Season title, which is a combined total of the fall and spring golf seasons.
Coach Evans Nichols was named the AAC Coach of the Year for the team's consistent success for the 2024-25 school year. Schmidt was named AAC Freshman of the Year. Schmidt and May were named as AAC All-Conference Golfers. The National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics (NAIA) men’s golf national championship takes place May 20-23 in Illinois.
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North Georgia Youth Wind Symphony
Sunday, May 4, 3:00 p.m.
Falany Performing Arts Center
As the premier youth ensemble in North Georgia, the program brings together talented high school musicians from across the region, offering them professional instruction and inspiring musical experiences that foster growth, creativity, and excellence.
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Dave Henritze Golf Classic
Tuesday, May 6
Capital City Club Crabapple, Milton, GA
The 37th annual tournament supports student scholarships at Reinhardt. The impactful event promises a day of spirited competition on a spectacular course.
More Information and Registration:
https://www.reinhardt.edu/give/annual-fund/henritze-golf-classic/
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Ramble Tamble:
A Creedence Clearwater Revival
Tuesday, May 6, 7:00 p.m.
Falany Performing Arts Center
Outdoor concert!
Enjoy an experience of iconic music, true to the original.
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Bluegrass Festival
Friday May 9
5:30 p.m. Charlie McKinney & Friends
6:30 p.m. Into the Fog
7:30 p.m. Nu Blu
Saturday May 10
4:30 p.m. New Apostles of Bluegrass
5:30 p.m. Rachel Baiman
6:30 p.m. Euharlee Creek Bluegrass Band
7:30 p.m. Damn Tall Building
Toe-tapping live music, food trucks, and unique vendors. Free for kids 15 and under!
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United Methodist Scholarship Golf Outing
Wednesday, May 21
Lake Arrowhead & Yacht Country Club
This 32nd annual outing provides fun and fellowship while raising vital scholarship funds. Participants enjoy a day of golf, fellowship, and giving back.
More Information and Registration:
https://www.reinhardt.edu/give/annual-fund/ministerial-golf-outing/
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The Reinhardt Eagle is a weekly e-newsletter to keep you informed about Reinhardt University.
7300 Reinhardt Circle, Waleska, GA 30183 | 770-720-5600 | www.Reinhardt.edu
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