Fresh faces at Georgia College

Some members of the largest freshman class in years become part of a portrait gallery set to be on display until Summer 2013

When first coming to college, it is hard for freshmen to think they can make a statement on a large campus like Georgia College just by being themselves. But now the Class of 2016 can do just that. This year 10 well-rounded and diverse students have the opportunity to be selected to be the face of the largest freshmen class.

Shannon Morris, Curator of the GC Museum, came together with Mackenzie Burgess, senior mass communication major and photographer for The Colonnade, to find a way to represent the newest class on campus through the project “Portrait of Georgia College 2016.”

After seeing Burgess’ work, Morris knew she wanted to put Burgess’ talent to good use while also using the improved Patience Peterson Museum Education Room in the GC Library.

“This summer we received some funding to give the Patience Peterson Museum Education Room a facelift,” Morris stated. “We have new furnishings, new carpeting, fresh paint and spotlights for showcasing art.”

Since the Education Room is where prospective students and parents are first introduced to the college, Morris thought it would be a great idea for the portrait installation to focus on freshman while also being able to show what GC’s campus has to offer with diversity.

“We hope that the portraits will look like the freshman class. I hope we can best feature all of the many different faces that make Georgia College,” Morris said. “All of the students will be freshman and their portraits will be reinstalled when they graduate.”

Morris is looking for students who not only are interesting, but also students who plan to complete their four-year degrees here and also who maintain a good academic standing.

“I think it is a good idea for people that plan on staying for four years,” Kristen Kost, freshman biology major said. “It is a good representation of the changes Georgia College experiences in each freshman class.”

Although this exhibit does not feature upperclassmen students, even they are excited about what the exhibit has to offer and hope that it becomes a tradition.

“I find it really interesting that they are doing this,” Taylor Jones, junior early childhood education major, said. “It would be cool for it to become a yearly exhibit for new freshman.”

On Sep. 12 from 6-8 p.m., the GC Museum Staff will interview freshman students wanting to be a part of the exhibition. Following the interview, 10 students will be selected, and their portraits will be on display through Summer 2013 in the Patience Russell Peterson Museum Education Room.

“This whole exhibit is a really great idea, and I am excited to see the final product,” Jordan Orlandini, freshman math major said. “I also hope me and my picture can be chosen to be a part of the exhibit.”

Posted by Marilyn Ferrell on Sep 6 2012. Filed under A&E. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0. You can skip to the end and leave a response. Pinging is currently not allowed.