By Steve Esser
YOUNG HARRIS, Ga. — Young Harris College Trustee Mary Broadrick and her husband John Moffitt received Young Harris College’s highest award, the YHC Medallion, during its 2025 Commencement ceremony on May 10.
For the daughter of George H. Broadrick, Class of 1941 and WWII veteran as well as 1996 recipient of the YHC Medallion, serving the college was never in doubt for Mary. When asked, “Why YHC?” Mary and John lovingly point to their favorite quote from her father.
“Don’t invest in brick and mortar. Invest in these kids,” George said to Mary, while driving his daughter Mary around the campus many years ago.
John and Mary became friends while working for the Charlotte Police Department in North Carolina. They got married shortly after John retired in 1999.
John held many positions in the police department, from field supervisor to polygraph examiner. Mary also found herself working for the police department in many roles, ending with human resources. Mary retired in 2003 after 28 years with the department. While her beloved father kept returning to his office until he was in his 80s, she retired relatively young because “life’s too short!”
“We love this college,” Broadrick said, at the Commencement. “It’s all about the students. We wish you God’s blessings on your journey through life.”
“We have been delighted to be able to contribute to Young Harris College,” Moffitt added. “You all have bright futures ahead and a chance to make the world yours. Congratulations!”
Their generosity to the College is overwhelming. Even though neither Mary nor John attended YHC, they love the school as if they did. They established a scholarship in 2016 that provides a student with a full ride.
That same year, former College president Cathy Cox and the Board of Trustees asked Mary to join the Board. She was hesitant but said yes because she knew it would make her father proud. She has been a Board member ever since and serves on the Development and Endowment Committees. The couple is heavily involved in YH Athletics and treasure getting to know their scholarship recipients. While they’re too humble to admit it, their generosity is all over campus.
While they reside in North Carolina, their loyalty lies with Young Harris College. They wear their YHC gear and promote the College to anyone who will listen. A YHC golf bag even traveled to Scotland three times! Mary and John bleed purple through and through.
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.
