AFOG Honors Jace Ralls with Locker Room Upgrade

Alumni and Friends of Guilford College (AFOG) recently completed a project to honor the memory of a beloved member of our Guilford community, Jace Rawls ‘50. Jace was not just a supporter of Guilford College; he was a pillar of strength and dedication to our institution. A 1950 graduate, he started in every basketball and baseball game during his four years at Guilford, and was a three-time recipient of the Outstanding Undergraduate Athlete award.

Throughout his entire life, Jace served Guilford in a variety of capacities. Jace was an Alumni Association Board member, Quaker Club President, Fundraising Chairman for the Ragan-Brown Field House, one of the five original Life Members of the Alumni Association Board of Directors, and a Founding Member of the Alumni and Friends of Guilford College. He was inducted into the Guilford College Hall of Fame in 1972 and received the Charles C. Hendricks Distinguished Service Award in 1994. In honor of Jace's legacy, AFOG set and exceeded a goal to raise $5,000 to support the needs of the basketball program. Coach Tom Palombo indicated that the best use of the gift would be to replace the carpet in the men's locker room, and the much-needed new carpet has just been installed.

Coach Tom said of this gift, “This type of generosity is indicative of the deep and caring nature of Guilford Alumni. I will stress to our athletes that the majority of the donors were not necessarily athletes, but they were Alumni who recognize the importance of Division III athletics as an integral part of the College community.” This year’s captains of the basketball team, Caleb Farrish and Luke Proctor, echoed Coach Polombo’s sentiment. Caleb commented that “The new floor is great; it gives the locker room a whole new feel.” Luke added, “The new carpet in the locker room is amazing. It makes the room feel twice as big and look 20 years newer.”

AFOG would like to thank donors to this effort, which includes Bradley Anderson, Sarah Dreier-Kasik, Thomas Evans, Tanya and David Feagins, Esther Hall, Jerry and Melissa Harrelson, Weldon Hinshaw, Jo Ann Hundley, Brennen Keene, Amy Lytle, Karrie Manson, Elwood & Ellen Parker, Bill and Clarajo Pleasants, Daphne Quinn, Dave Stanfield, Jessica Starling, Steven Taylor, Robert Tomlinson, and Richie Zweigenhaft.