HR 349: Georgia Military College; 145th anniversary; recognize

House Resolution 349

By: Representative Hitchens of the 161st

A RESOLUTION

Commending Georgia Military College on its 145th anniversary; and for other purposes.

WHEREAS, established on October 14, 1879, by an act of the Georgia General Assembly, Georgia Military College (GMC) builds upon its distinguished military heritage, grounded in the core values of duty, honor, and country, to provide hope and opportunity through education while developing students across Georgia into authentic servant leaders; and

WHEREAS, GMC is a unique state authority with a steadfast commitment to providing pathways of opportunity for students across Georgia, ensuring accessibility and affordability in education, with over 97 percent of its students being Georgia residents; and

WHEREAS, GMC's Preparatory School, located in Milledgeville, serves K-12 students, preparing them for higher education by fostering academic excellence, leadership, character development, and competitive athletics and fine arts, with graduates pursuing college degrees at distinguished colleges and universities within Georgia and across the nation; and

WHEREAS, in the GMC Junior College, 80 percent of the student body consists of first-generation and/or low-income students, highlighting the institution's vital role in fostering accessibility, opportunity, and workforce development in Georgia's higher education system; and

WHEREAS, since its founding, GMC has remained an open-admissions institution, ensuring that education remains accessible to all individuals seeking to advance their opportunities; and

WHEREAS, GMC serves primarily commuter students, offers nine junior college athletic programs, and maintains its residential Corps of Cadets, making it one of only four military junior colleges in the nation that can commission officers in the United States Army within two years through its ROTC program; and

WHEREAS, GMC's Corps of Cadets offers a prestigious and highly successful United States Service Academy Prep Program, with a 95 percent success rate, preparing cadets to gain admission to one of our nation's prestigious academies, earning their foundation in Georgia at GMC; and

WHEREAS, GMC operates eight satellite locations across Georgia, significantly expanding access to higher education for students throughout the state; and

WHEREAS, GMC's Global Online Leadership College has propelled the institution into the future, providing flexible and accessible educational opportunities for working adults, active-duty military members, and their families; and

WHEREAS, the continued achievements and milestones of GMC stand as a testament to the dedication and hard work of its faculty, staff, students, and alumni.

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES that the members of this body commend Georgia Military College upon its 145th anniversary and extend best wishes for its continued contributions to Milledgeville, the State of Georgia, and the nation.

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Clerk of the House of Representatives is authorized and directed to make an appropriate copy of this resolution available for distribution to Georgia Military College.