James_Nov-Dec_2025_web - Flipbook - Page 38
A Partnership
with Fairfield Inn
A special partnership between
Berry College and the adjacent
Fairfield Inn adds further value to
the area. The exterior is uniquely
designed for the surroundings and
the interior displays photographs
and provides information about the
College and its heritage.
“The Tennis Center is in our
‘backyard’ so you can easily walk
out and see and be on the tennis
courts. We match well with the
Center, and we are the newest hotel
in Rome. Our Marriott Brand hotel’s
staff strive for excellence— and we
received the Gold Circle Award from
the Marriott Corporation. Guests,
the community, Tennis Center and
Berry College all go hand in hand. I
moved from Texas and discovered
a tight knit community, which goes
perfectly for all. Berry, the Office of
Tourism, Chamber all work together,” notes Fairfield Inn and Suites
General Manager Tanisha Lewis.
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Tournaments are abundant— 55
during the year and growing. ACC
and SEC tournaments and others
which feature many US Open and
Wimbledon-bound players compete
at the Center. “The most unique are
the annual wheelchair tournaments—
domestic and international— that
are played here. They are dear to my
heart,” Lewis added.
The Darlington School
When asked, Darlington School’s
Head of School Brent Bell talks about
community connection. “Our Senior
Ventures Program is a student created yearlong project with the expectation of faculty mentorship and
community engagement. It is a model
that builds on our Servant Leadership
Program to be more involved in the
community— service and job shadowing. Our students are expected to be
competent contributors with success
not just in society but in careers and
family. They are also expected to
improve the greater good and make
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the world better. Service Beyond Self;
Serving with Respect are part of our
Mission— not just for graduation.”
Having that expectation leads all
to serve others— day students and
boarding students. There are students from 15 states and 32 countries
in addition to the day students.
For Georgia, Darlington may be
graduating alumni like the next governor in the mold of Ernest Vandiver
or entrepreneur and developer Tom
Cousins. These alumni, along with
highly successful business executive
Linda Grizzard Owens; books and
movie author Calder Willingham, college president Elson Floyd, or former
USA Tennis President Gordon Smith.
Each fits the mission of making the
world better. This James feature isn’t
long enough to include the alums
who have created legacies in health
care, business, manufacturing, technology, innovation and government.
What’s the future? Bell and team
are working to enhance the education experience by further advancing
