Randy & Peggy Kirner

I arrived on North Georgia’s campus to join the Corps of Cadets in 1964, all the way from Los Angeles, CA. I came to campus as a FROG (Freshman Recruitment Orientation Group) under the guidance of newly minted sophomore cadets. My first roommate lasted just two days. I recall how we were marched (if one could call it that) to Gooch’s Barbershop for a close cut. Oh how I wish I could have some of that hair back!

My high school sweetheart, Peggy, and I were married in Southern California after summer camp just two years later in 1966. A few weeks later, we settled in Dahlonega into a small, white bungalow just off the square. It wasn’t much, had its uniqueness like tin can lids tacked to the wall covering knot holes, but it was our first home. By the way, it’s still there. It’s undergone its own transformation and is now known as “The Historic Villa.” It even has a brass plate on the outside wall. Go figure! It’s been more than 50 years since we last spent a night there, but we had the privilege to stay there after the Scholarship Gala last March.

I recall one winter quarter when Peggy and I were concerned about upcoming tuition and out-of-state fees. We barely had two nickels to rub together. There were no scholarships available in those days. Shortly thereafter, Ms. Watson, the school’s dietitian, hired me as the Chow Hall Officer in Charge. I wasn’t sure if this was a real job, though we were very grateful. She went above and beyond, likely breaking a rule or two, by graciously allowing Peggy and I to occasionally have dinner. It’s that type of caring built into her purpose and code of conduct that made a difference for us. There were others, Big Daddy Oakes, Aunt Sarah... but we’ll save those for another day.

The mission of the Corps at UNG is unchanged from my time half a century ago to today. For sure the lexicon has changed — Cyber Security, the internet, opportunities with exchange programs, language choices, etc. The Corps has adapted well through the years, but the mission remains the same. Why is that? Because it’s more than a mission, it’s a cause. It’s a cause Peggy and I believe in, are committed to, and want to support. We have a strong desire to give back to the Corps, which has meant so much to us over our lifetime.