Joyful applause rang out as Berry College leaders, donors, health sciences faculty and students, and guests gathered to celebrate the opening of Morgan-Bailey Hall with a ribbon-cutting ceremony and tours on Friday, Aug. 22.
The building's 36,000 square feet of state-of-the-art academic space supports the college's nursing, physician associate and kinesiology programs. An added third floor provides residential space for the general student population.
Berry President Sandeep Mazumder heralded the opening as "a milestone of accomplishment," crediting the vision of the Berry College Board of Trustees and President Emeritus Steve Briggs, along with the dedication of committees, architects, contractors and crews. He also highlighted the generosity of donors whose combined gifts to the project totaled more than $34 million, including 11 individuals, families and foundations that made gifts of $1 million or more.
Atlanta philanthropist and longtime Berry supporter Audrey B. Morgan, who made a lead gift of $6 million in January 2023, received a standing ovation after expressing her pleasure at having the building bear her name alongside that of her sister, the late Dr. Bobbie Bailey.
Reflecting on early conversations with Briggs about the building, she remarked, "I waited a few days before calling to tell him that the Bailey Foundation wanted to be a part of [the project]. I made that decision the moment he told me about it. After 25 years' experience with Berry College, I know that Berry does it the best. I know that Berry will not only graduate highly competent nurses and PAs, but they'll have the heart part too and will serve with compassionate care."
Taking part in the ribbon cutting were (from left): Kurt
Stuenkel, president, Atrium Health Floyd; Fred Tharpe (68A), chair, master
facilities planning, Berry College Board of Trustees; Steve Briggs, president
emeritus; Audrey B. Morgan, donor; President Sandeep Mazumder; Rick Gilbert
(77c), former chair, Berry College Board of Trustees; Kearston Powell (25C), physician
associate student; Mary and Larry Montgomery, donors.
