By Steve Esser
YOUNG HARRIS, Ga. — The Rotary Club of Union County Foundation has established a $10,000 scholarship to support a student from Union County for the next four years at Young Harris College.
“Young Harris College is such a vital part of our community, we felt as an organization that it was important we did our part to support it,” said Pat Deluca, Union County Rotary president. “This scholarship will help students in our community earn their college educations and become strong contributors to their own communities.”
The Rotary members presented a check for the first year of the scholarship to YHC President John Wells, who was invited to speak to the group during its lunchtime meeting.
“It’s great to be back at Young Harris College and return to this wonderful community here in North Georgia,” Wells said. “I remember when I accepted the position, my wife said to me ‘I can’t remember a happier time then when we were at Young Harris College.’ I have spent my entire life either in higher education or at the pulpit of the Methodist Church.”
While he is eager to return, Wells recognizes he has his work cut out for him, as some higher education institutions have faced challenges with bringing in new students.
“I am enormously optimistic about Young Harris College,” Wells said. “I believe higher education institutions who practice common sense will be successful. And that is at the cornerstone of Young Harris College. Our goal is not to teach our students WHAT to think, but HOW to think.”
As a primarily residential college, with 80% of the students living on campus, YHC will continue to focus on its liberal arts core of helping students to think critically and communicate effectively, Wells added, whether majoring in biology or public policy, or outdoor pursuits or art.
“I think it’s important that we teach them a work ethic, too. Character comes from hard work – it’s a noble thing. I really do believe that if you show up and work hard, you can be successful in life. And we teach that at Young Harris College.”
About Young Harris College
Young Harris College is a private baccalaureate and master’s degree-granting institution located in the beautiful mountains of North Georgia. Founded in 1886 and historically affiliated with The United Methodist Church, Young Harris College educates, inspires, and empowers students through an education that purposefully integrates the liberal arts and professional studies. The College has four academic divisions: Fine Arts; Humanities; Mathematics, Science, and Technology; and Professional Studies. Approximately 1,400 students are enrolled in its residential and Early College programs. The College is an active member of the NCAA Division II and remains a fierce competitor in the Conference Carolinas. For more information, visit yhc.edu.
