Making an Impact

I am often asked by young people for advice about how they should maximize their time in college, and I am always delighted to tell them about the many wonderful opportunities GSU offers students to "learn beyond the classroom." One shining example that I've been privileged enough to take part in personally is GSU's Touch the Earth program, which offers adventures of all kinds at attractive prices for GSU students, faculty, staff and alumni. In this issue, you'll read about some of these experiences, organized by program director Carson Tortorige, which run the gamut from scuba diving in the Florida Keys to hiking and backpacking in Yosemite and the High Sierras, to day hikes in nearby state parks and much more.

Also in this issue, you'll get to know Ron Hunter, Georgia State's new head men's basketball coach, whose fast-paced brand of play and gusto for the game will no doubt bring new excitement to Panther basketball. But it's his work off of the court with his cause, Samaritan's Feet, that truly makes Hunter special.

Finally, you'll read about one of GSU's truest supporters - J. Mack Robinson. You'll learn about how the namesake of GSU's highly regarded College of Business began his long and successful career at age 10 as a newspaper delivery boy for the Atlanta Journal and eventually became one of the most influential business leaders in metro Atlanta. And you'll learn how Robinson's 35-year friendship with businessman Peter Blum was instrumental in securing the downtown block that will one day house facilities for GSU's law and business schools (page 34).

This issue celebrates the many wonderful people who make Georgia State thrive as we continue to rise in prominence and stature both locally and globally.

Sincerely,
Mark P. Becker
President