Military Science Center serves as launchpad

Visual symmetry was abundant as the newly opened Military Science Center overlooks the Gen. William "Lipp" Livsey Drill Field, where alumni and friends of UNG gathered under a tent to celebrate both the generations who came before and those who will in the future be trained in the same spot. Retired Lt. Gen. James Terry, senior vice president and superintendent of UNG's Cadet Leadership Academy, said the opening of the building was not an end point, but rather a launching pad for purpose for future cadets.

"That creates an obligation for every one of us. We now have to use it to transform our preparation of our cadets as they move forward to shoulder the amount of leadership that they will inherit very quickly," said Terry, a 1978 UNG graduate. "Within these walls, we will connect academic learning, the military training, physical readiness, character development, and mentorship, and we'll do that more deliberately than we ever have before."

Mathews, a 1971 UNG graduate, is grateful for the role he and so many alumni were able to play in raising funds to support future cadets. Standing in front of the new building and looking out at current cadets, Mathews marveled at the transformation that will continue to unfold in America's Corps.

"From my vantage point, this building becomes the new heartbeat of the Corps of Cadets and the physical anchor between the historic General Lipp Livsey Drill Field that we're on right now and the cadet residence halls that sit on that hillside behind the building," Mathews said. "This facility will ensure that the University of North Georgia continues to produce leaders of character who are unmatched in their patriotism and their confidence."

State Sen. Steve Gooch, who was majority leader when the project's funding was approved and is a double alumnus of UNG, emphasized the importance of private contributions in making the Military Science Center a reality.

"This building behind us did not happen by accident. It all started out with the leadership of your alumni here on this campus," Gooch said. "Thank you for all of your effort, your leadership and your true vision for the University of North Georgia and the future of this country. We could not do it without you."