It is hard to believe that Thanksgiving is less than one week away! The past year has been an exciting time for me personally -- Juliana and I welcomed our daughter, Emma, to the world on Aug. 27 -- and for the Berry community.

In January, we opened the Berry Alumni Center in the Ford Classroom Building, and the ensuing 11 months have brought scores of alumni and friends to visit.

We are continuing to make progress in our Century Campaign, which is literally ensuring that Berry will be able to positively impact the lives of young people for decades to come.

Truly, all of us at Berry have much to be thankful for -- and one of the top items on our list is you, our wonderful alumni. Thank you for your belief in this institution and for your continued support. Best wishes for you and yours during this holiday season.

-- From Scott Breithaupt (91C, 96G)
Director of Alumni and Constituent Relations

Need a little Christmas?

Don't miss out on the extraordinary opportunity to see the Berry Singers present Camille Saint Saens' Christmas Oratorio with orchestra and soloists at Atlanta's acclaimed Spivey Hall. The ensemble is directed by Harry Musselwhite, senior lecturer of music at Berry and the Rome Area Council for the Arts' Artist of the Year.

The performance is set for 7:30 p.m., Thursday, Dec. 4, at Spivey Hall, which is recognized as one of America's greatest choral venues and has been described as the "Carnegie Hall of the South."

Tickets are $15 and can be purchased by phone at 770-960-4200 or online at purchase.tickets.com/buy/TicketPurchase ?organ_val=21322

Of course, Christmas wouldn't be the same without a trip to the beautifully decorated Oak Hill estate for Candles and Carols of Christmases Past (right). This year's event will be held from 6 to 9 p.m. on Dec. 5 and 6.

Delight in Christmas stories with Dan Biggers, who previously served Berry as dean of students and Oak Hill director, a live nativity scene and performances by choirs from Berry and local churches.

For more information, call the Oak Hill office at 800-220-5504.

The Berry community will gather in the College Chapel for the 14th annual Lessons and Carols service at 6 p.m. on Dec. 2. Following the service, featuring readings and musical performances, the Student Government Association will sponsor the annual lighting of the Christmas tree.

Enjoy Beautiful Berry Every Day

Show your alumni spirit on your computer screen; download the free Berry College screen saver today! The screen saver features photos of popular campus scenes.

To download the screen saver, visit www.berry.edu/alumni/community /welcome.asp; it is available in both PC and Mac formats.

You'll need to be a member of Berry's online alumni community to get the download; but it's free and easy to sign up.

Help Someone You Know Discover Berry

Do you know a future college student who would absolutely love Berry? Let him or her know about Discover Berry. This daylong open house introduces prospective students and their families to Berry College. The last one brought more than 800 guests to campus!

The next Discover Berry event will be held Monday, Feb. 16. For more information, visit www.berry.edu/admissions/discoverberry/index.asp.

Congratulations to Vikings Soccer Team -- NAIA Region XI Champs!

Jon Mastrangleo (right) scored in the 48th minute of the game against Lindsey Wilson College to tie the score 1-1. Berry won the game -- and the NAIA Region XI men's soccer championship -- after a penalty kick shootout.

The regional title earns Berry an automatic bid to the NAIA national tournament in Olathe, Kan. Read more at www.berry.edu/athletics/ menssoccer.

"Hey, isn't that...?"

Yes, head to the theater soon to see the "In America" and you may recognize Berry alumnus Randy Carlton (91C), who has a small role in the film.

The film, opening on Nov. 26 in New York and Los Angeles, is a coming-of-age story about an Irish couple who are setting up a new life in America. View the trailer online at movies.yahoo.com/shop?d=hv&id=1808428703 &cf=trailer.

You may also have seen Randy on the Discovery Channel in "Angel of Death," in which he appeared as a hospital administrator.

Honoring One of Berry's Own

Congratulations to Melanie Green (76G), who received the 2003 Charter School of Education's Distinguished Service to the Profession of Teaching Award. Melanie is the first recipient of this annual award. She is a loved and respected part of the Berry community; her late husband, Dr. Larry Green, served as Berry's chaplain for 23 years.

Berry College Founder Martha Berry (1866-1942)

Mark Your Calendar for Founder's Day 2004

Berry will celebrate the 102nd anniversary of its founding at 11 a.m., Jan. 13, in the College Chapel.

The 2004 Founder's Day service will feature Sheryl Bolton, a member of the Berry College class of 1968.

Sheryl is the founder of Indian Creek Group, a consulting firm that advises companies on using advanced technologies to grow new markets. She is the former chair and chief executive officer of Scientific Learning.

A Founder's Day luncheon will be held in Ford Dining Hall following the chapel service. To make a reservation for lunch, please contact Kathleen Ray (79C) at 706-290-2165 or e-mail kray@berry.edu.

Alumni Chapters Slate December Events

The Southeast Georgia Alumni Chapter will meet for a covered dish meal at the home of Emily Thomason Ingram at 7 p.m. on Dec. 6. Those attending should bring canned goods for needy families. For reservations, call 800-782-0130.

The Rome Area Alumni Chapter will hold a reception from 5:30 to 6:30 p.m. in the Berry Alumni Center on Dec. 6. The meeting will be followed by Candles and Carols of Christmases Past at Oak Hill and The Martha Berry Museum. RSVP to 800-782-0130.

The Agriculture Alumni Chapter will hold a graduation breakfast at the Westcott Building at 8:30 a.m. on Dec. 13. RSVP to 800-782-0130.