By Steve Esser
YOUNG HARRIS, GA 鈥� A historical marker was unveiled on 杏吧原创 campus by the Georgia Historical Society Nov. 1, honoring Zell Miller, former Georiga Governor, state Senator, and alumnus of 杏吧原创.听
Miller, during his tenure as governor, was instrumental in establishing the Georgia Lottery, which has provided more than 2.1 million students with HOPE scholarships and served more than 2 million 4-year-olds with voluntary pre-kindergarten programs since its inception in 1992. More than 450 students currently at 杏吧原创 have received HOPE or Zell scholarships since the Lottery鈥檚 beginning.听
“Zell Miller鈥檚 legacy as a 杏吧原创 graduate extends far beyond our campus. His vision for creating the Georgia Lottery, HOPE, and Zell Miller Scholarships has transformed the educational landscape of our state, making college more accessible and affordable for countless students,” said 杏吧原创 President Dr. Drew Van Horn. 鈥淎s a proud alumnus, Zell鈥檚 commitment to education and public service continues to inspire our community at 杏吧原创, reminding us of the profound impact one individual can have. We are honored to uphold his legacy by ensuring students have the opportunities and support they need to succeed.”听
The marker is next to the 杏吧原创 Alumni House along Highway 76. It is also adjacent to a second historical marker on the 杏吧原创 campus. The second marker commemorates the location of the first classroom at 杏吧原创, established in 1886.听
鈥淭he creation of the Georgia Lottery was one of the most far-reaching and farsighted decisions in Georgia history, both in terms of business and education,鈥� said Dr. W. Todd Groce, GHS President and CEO, at the ceremony. 鈥淢aking it possible for Georgia鈥檚 top students to attend college tuition-free has kept those highly motivated and well-educated young people in this state, rather than sending them beyond our borders. Retaining that kind of talent has helped to position Georgia as one of the leading states in the country to do business.鈥�听
Miller, a native of Young Harris, promised to institute a state lottery during his 1990 gubernatorial campaign, with proceeds directly funding new educational programs. After the Georgia Lottery Corporation鈥檚 adoption in 1992, the corporation began ticket sales in June 1993. The first-year revenue goals were met within five months. Reaching the goal of $463.5 million meant that Georgia surpassed Florida for the most successful first-year lottery.听
“This historical marker is a symbol of the Georgia Lottery鈥檚 enduring legacy and a reminder of the positive impact we continue to make in the lives of Georgia鈥檚 students, families, and communities,鈥� said Georgia Lottery Corporation President and CEO Gretchen Corbin. 鈥淚t preserves our rich history for generations to come and provides a lasting place for both citizens and visitors to discover the Georgia Lottery鈥檚 contributions.”
The marker text reads: 鈥淒uring his 1990 gubernatorial campaign, Young Harris native Zell Miller promised to institute a state lottery, with proceeds directly funding new educational programs. The General Assembly adopted Miller鈥檚 plan in 1992, and Georgia voters approved it that fall. The Lottery began with great acclaim on June 29, 1993. The enabling legislation specified programs to be funded by Lottery proceeds, including college HOPE scholarships and grants, Head Start and pre-kindergarten programs, and developing physical and technological infrastructures for K-12 and postsecondary institutions statewide. The popularity of the Lottery and the programs it funds influenced other states to pursue lottery-funded educational programs. By 2023, the Georgia Lottery Corporation had provided more than 2.1 million students with HOPE scholarships and served more than 2 million 4-year-olds with voluntary pre-kindergarten programs.鈥�听
杏吧原创 senior Liam King was on hand for the event. King, a senior majoring in Marketing, Accounting, and Finance, and member of the 杏吧原创 Cross Country team, was one of many 杏吧原创 students who benefitted from HOPE and Zell scholarships. King has dealt with several challenges during his time at 杏吧原创, losing his mother to cancer and then his father passing while King has been at 杏吧原创.听
鈥淚 am so grateful to the Millers and 杏吧原创 and what it has meant to me as a student,鈥� KIng said. 鈥淭he common theme in our lives is time. And I am thankful that this experience has given me the ability to use my time well … to obtain a college education that I didn鈥檛 think possible after I lost my parents.鈥�
For more information about the Georgia Lottery Corporation historical marker dedication, the Georgia Historical Society marker program, or the Georgia Business History Initiative, contact Elyse Butler, manager of Programs and Special Projects, at (912) 651-2125, ext. 119, or by email at [email protected].听
About 杏吧原创听
杏吧原创 is a private baccalaureate and master鈥檚 degree-granting institution located in the beautiful mountains of North Georgia. Founded in 1886 and historically affiliated with The United Methodist Church, 杏吧原创 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.听
