Sharp Memorial UMC

06/05/2026

06/05/2026

06/02/2026

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06/01/2026

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Research that starts here can impact communities beyond it 🙌

Callie Atkinson is using her Ledford Scholarship to study microplastic contamination in freshwater fish across North Georgia, working alongside the Georgia Department of Natural Resources. What began as a class interest has grown into hands-on research with real environmental impact.

Opportunities like this are what set Young Harris College apart.
Read more: https://www.yhc.edu/news/young-harris-college-class-of-2026-commencement/ 💜

06/01/2026

Sharp’s June Newsletter

05/29/2026

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🎖️2026 Alumni Award Spotlight: Dr. Susan Grimaud Vardeman ’78 and Dr. Kirk Vardeman ’78 will be honored as the recipients of the Young Harris College Family of the Year Award during the Friday night Alumni Awards Dinner on June 5, 2026, as part of Alumni Weekend.

Since meeting at Young Harris College in the fall of 1976, Susan and Kirk Vardeman have built lives and careers deeply rooted in service, leadership, faith, and dedication to the YHC community. Both graduates of Young Harris College, the couple returned to the mountains in 1986 and have spent nearly four decades investing in the lives of students, their community, and one another.

Susan, a former Senior Associate Director of Admissions at YHC, dedicated more than 20 years to welcoming generations of students to the College while also serving as advisor for Sigma Beta Sigma and supporting countless campus ministries and student programs through Sharp Memorial United Methodist Church. Kirk, a veterinarian and owner of Hiawassee Animal Hospital since 1989, has mentored numerous YHC students pursuing veterinary medicine while serving the region through his professional and community leadership.

Together, the Vardemans have faithfully supported Young Harris College through service, mentorship, hospitality, and ministry, while raising a family equally connected to the YHC community. Their lifelong commitment reflects the very best of the Young Harris spirit and the lasting impact of a family devoted to serving others.

Those who would like to celebrate Susan and Kirk Vardeman and their lasting contributions to Young Harris College are encouraged to register for the Alumni Awards Dinner and join the college community in honoring one of YHC’s most dedicated families.

To register, please visit: https://yhc.almabase-beta.com/e/alumni-weekend-2026/