GMC News
Join us for GMC’s 135th Anniversary Celebration TODAY!
Georgia Military College to Celebrate its 135th Anniversary
Georgia Military College (GMC) will celebrate its 135th Anniversary TODAY, Wednesday, October 15, 11:45 a.m. – 12:15 p.m. on Grant Parade. The community is invited to join in the festivities commemorating more than a century of excellence in education.
GMC was established in 1879 by act of the Georgia General Assembly (GGA) and was originally called Middle Georgia Military and Agricultural College. In 1900, the name of the school was changed to Georgia Military College.
The Old Capitol Building, then as now, is the main college facility and sits on the highest point within the Milledgeville city limits. In 1880, the school’s first session opened with 219 male and female students. Doctor W. S. Dudley, the school’s first president, guided this class.
In 1950, the War Department designated GMC a "Military Junior College." Today, GMC is one of only five United States Military Junior Colleges and has been designated by the Georgia General Assembly as ‘The Military Junior College of Georgia.’
GMC is the alma mater to many distinguished graduates including: actor, Oliver Hardy; aviation pioneer, Bert Atkinson; pioneering pediatric surgeon, Dr. Alfred Blalock; U.S. Secretary of Labor, W.J. Usery, Jr.; football coach, Bill R. Yoast; and Georgia Governor, George Busbee.
For over a century, graduates have fought in world conflicts including the Spanish-American War, World War I and II, the Korean War, the Vietnam War, the Persian Gulf War, the Iraqi War and the Afghanistan Conflict. Many alumni have given the ultimate sacrifice for their country.
Today, in keeping with its founding principles, GMC-a liberal arts junior college-strives to reduce barriers to higher education. The school strives to make it easier for students with modest means to earn a college degree, and to evolve a curriculum to meet an array of personal, economic, and societal needs.
For 135 years, students have come to GMC to invest in an education that inspires, challenges, and provides opportunities for their future. GMC President, Lieutenant General William B. Caldwell, IV, believes the school is unique in that it not only offers a challenging education but also strong character development, as well.
LtGen Caldwell says, “While here, students receive instruction designed to sharpen their intellect and elevate their character. While here, they’re inspired to ask questions, then challenged to explore solutions and hone their critical thinking skills. And from here, they’re prepared to explore a world of opportunities.”
In 1879, a hand full of students enrolled in GMC, most to pursue either a military path or agricultural studies. Today, more than 12,000 students attend GMC either online or at one of the nine campus locations throughout Georgia to pursue limitless career options. Caldwell adds, “Here, they’ve discovered an affordable education that sharpens their minds, broadens their perspectives and strengthens their character. To borrow an inspiring phrase from the students themselves, they know that from ‘GMC, you’re ready to go anywhere.’”
135th Anniversary Schedule of Events – October 15, 11:45 a.m. – 12:15 p.m., Grant Parade
• Welcome – Colonel Ralph Kauzlarich, Executive Director of the Milledgeville Campus
• Remarks – LtGen William B. Caldwell, IV, President of Georgia Military College
• Remarks – Mayor Richard Bentley, GMC alumnus
• Remarks – COL Charles Ennis, one of GMC’s oldest alumni
• Remarks – Caleb Gray, one of GMC’s youngest future alumni
• Cake cutting and balloon release
