GMC News

The Georgia Military College Foundation is pleased to announce a major donation for Georgia Military College’s new health and wellness center. The gift, originally made anonymously, comes from E. Culver “Rusty” Kidd, whose family’s long-time support for the school spans several generations. “We are deeply appreciative of Rusty Kidd’s generous gift, which will help ensure the success of this important center well into the future,” said Major General Peter J. Boylan, GMC President Emeritus. “The family’s unwavering loyalty and commitment to GMC over the years make this donation particularly special. In recognition of the Kidd family, we plan to name our new facility ‘The Kidd Center.’” With construction of the center now well underway, the donor recently agreed to make the news of his gift public. Family members being honored by the donation are: E. Culver “Rusty” Kidd’s children, Katherine and Culver Kidd IV; living sisters Kathy Kidd Marbutt and Candy Kidd; his father, the late Senator Culver Kidd; and his grandmother, the late Tillie S. Kidd. “My gift is intended to help GMC expand the fine programs and services that contribute so significantly to the students’ quality of life,” said Rusty Kidd, a native of Milledgeville who attended GMC grammar school and now serves as a member of the Georgia House of Representatives. Paralyzed from the breast down in a motorcycle accident in 1999, Kidd remains a strong proponent of physical fitness. “No matter what our age, weight or health, exercise is the key to our physical and mental wellbeing. Hence, my agreement with General Boylan and the GMC Board to construct a health and wellness center for GMC cadets, students and faculty,” he said. “I truly believe that a healthy body contributes greatly to a healthy mind. And healthy bodies and minds are what the new Kidd Center will provide to GMC students.” Kidd says the donation was particularly inspired by his faith in the leadership of General Boylan, who also shares the Kidd family’s commitment to family, country—and GMC. “We can’t all win the lottery, but attending GMC, getting a quality education and having access to the Kidd Center is like winning the lottery. By taking advantage of all GMC has to offer, students are set for life. For me, being able to make this donation to GMC on behalf of my family feels like winning the lottery.”
### About the Health and Wellness Campaign Support continues to come from a broad constituency. There are a number of giving opportunities still available, as well as multiple equipment sponsorships. Further, those who make a total campaign contribution of $5,000 or more (either outright or as a three- to five-year pledge) will be recognized on a large donor wall in the new facility, and will be eligible for annual President’s Circle membership. For more information about the Kidd Center or to make a donation, go to www.healthandwellnesscampaign.com or call 478.445.0208. About the Kidd Center Scheduled to open in March 2014, the new center will feature three modern, sunlit levels and 56,250 square feet of new fitness space, plus a complete repurposing of the existing Cordell Events Center. In addition to 9,000-square-feet of weight and cardio training spaces, the center will also include an elevated walking/running track, locker rooms to support all prep school students, and exercise rooms for a wide range of fitness classes and strength training, as well as wellness instruction. A state-of-the-art athletic healthcare and training lab will provide physical rehabilitation services to help injured students regain their previous capacity and return to athletics. Phase two, a future project, will include the addition of an 18,000-square-foot convocation center, as well as additional instruction spaces, physical training spaces and offices to support instruction. The new health and wellness center, which is part of GMC’s Master Facilities Plan, is a pressing need for both prep school and junior college students, who are currently using the existing Cordell Center, built in 1964 to serve fewer than 500 male students. Today, nearly 2,000 co-ed students, in grades 6 through 12 and the junior college, use the 50-year-old Cordell Center, which can’t adequately provide PE classes, indoor sports, exercise equipment or locker facilities. Funds to build the new health and wellness center are coming from $17 million in a combination of state allocations, institutional funds and private philanthropy. ###