By Steve Esser
YOUNG HARRIS, Ga. — Young Harris College’s annual summer celebration of its alumni culminated with the return of a cherished landmark on campus – a fountain outside the Appleby West Resident Hall.
The fountain and the area around it in front of Appleby West had been a favorite spot for YHC students to relax between classes. Over the years, the fountain fell into disrepair and was eventually removed.
That’s where YHC’s SPAT Club, a service organization on campus, and a number of YHC alumni stepped in earlier this year.
“As we first started this project, we quickly learned that this fountain was more than just a structure, but part of a much larger story about friendships and memories for YHC students,” said Luke Grzan, SPAT chapter president.
Working with donations from YHC alum and the facilities and operations team on campus, Grzan and the SPAT Club rebuilt the fountain area. YHC President John Wells and the SPAT Club held a short ceremony to recognize its return to campus during Alumni Weekend June 5-6.
“This fountain is symbolic of everything we’re doing here at Young Harris College to move the College forward,” Wells said. “We want to build the next generation, but we can’t abandon the past. Projects like this continue to build on what makes the Young Harris College experience what it is.”
For alumnus Kenneth Boykin, Class of 2018, who was also a member of the SPAT Club when he attended Young Harris College, the fountain has special memories. Boykin is choral director at Harris County Carver Middle School. He is also a member of the YHC Trustee Advisory Council.
“I am especially thankful to current SPAT President Luke Grzan for reaching out and including me throughout every step of this journey,” Boykin said. “His leadership and the dedication of the current members made this restoration even more meaningful. It brings me both joy and relief to know that SPAT is not only continuing its traditions but is truly thriving with this current group of students. The restoration of the fountain is a beautiful reminder that while generations of students may come and go, the spirit of SPAT and its commitment to serving Young Harris College remains as strong as ever.”
Student organizations like the SPAT Club, which was formed at YHC in 1941, offer opportunities for students to be involved in college life. The term “spat,” which is not an acronym, refers to an old campus tradition of “spatting” or engaging in harmless, lighthearted pranks. However, at YHC, SPAT was repurposed to represent efforts of service for the College.
“Some of my favorite memories from Young Harris College were made through my involvement in SPAT,” Boykin added. “I enjoyed every moment I spent as a member, and the relationships and connections I built through the organization have continued to impact my life long after graduation. I am incredibly grateful to be just one chapter in the 85-year history of an organization that has shaped so many lives through service, leadership, and lifelong friendships.”
The fountain reveal was just one of many activities this past weekend, as close to 800 alumni gathered on campus. The annual Alumni Weekend is one of the College’s largest summer events, bringing together friends and classmates and strengthening intergenerational bonds between those who share YHC as their alma mater.
About Young Harris College
Young Harris College is a private baccalaureate and master’s degree-granting institution located in the beautiful mountains of Northeast 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 offers 34 majors and 24 minors housed under twelve academic departments. Approximately 1,500 students are enrolled in its residential, master’s degree, and Early College programs. The College is an active member of the NCAA Division II and remains a fierce competitor in the Conference Carolinas.
