Darlington School: Private Boarding School in Georgia Cinema room renamed in memory of late teacher George Awsumb
Darlington School: Private Boarding School in Rome, GA
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Cinema room renamed in memory of late teacher George Awsumb

October 23, 2015 | 1069 views

George Awsumb

During a brief ceremony on Friday, the cinema room in Darlington's Zelle Fine Arts Center was officially renamed the George W. Awsumb Room in memory of the beloved educator that once taught in the space.

The program included a plaque unveiling and tour of the refurbished room. Heartfelt reflections on Awsumb's legacy were shared by history teacher Brian Inman, former student Roy Dickinson ('77), Head of School Brent Bell, and Director of Fine Arts Kim Tunnell.

“After George’s death, the school received numerous messages and memorial gifts from alumni and faculty who were impacted by him during their time here,” said Tunnell. “The generosity of Awsumb’s family, friends and former students helped fund a renovation of his former classroom this summer, and we are so proud that his legacy will live on here at Darlington in this way.”

During his impressive 47-year tenure, George Awsumb created and led numerous programs that gave generations of students the opportunity to explore the arts. He created the fine arts department, founded The Darlington Players, developed the AP Art History course, and for 12 years organized the annual fine arts trip to New York City. He also founded the Scholar Bowl academic quiz team, and served as adviser to newspaper, yearbook, and the International Club, among his many activities.

"The community of Darlington was always there for us, celebrating the good times and supporting us in the more difficult periods," said his widow Betsy, who also taught at the school. "I am convinced that his goal of getting back into the classroom with his students was what kept George alive during his heart transplant."

Awsumb passed away on Sept. 7, 2013, following a brief illness. He was 74. 

The Memphis, Tenn. native held degrees from Rhodes College and Emory University, and taught at Darlington from 1962 until his retirement in 2009. 
 

"In his nearly five decades of teaching at Darlington, George touched the lives of so many of our graduates," said Director of Alumni Relations Vicki Vincent. "How fitting that we commemorate this Darlington legend in his favorite corner of campus on Alumni Weekend for all to see and reminisce."

In addition to their connection with Darlington as educators, George and Betsy Awsumb are parents to Darlington alumnae Catherine (Awsumb) Nelson ('85), Liz Awsumb ('88), and Kristin (Awsumb) Liu ('96). 

Awsumb was an active member of the Rome-Floyd County community, serving in a variety of capacities as a member of St. Peter’s Episcopal Church, and as a board member of the Rome Area Council for the Arts and the Rome Symphony Orchestra. 

"We use this space in a variety of ways and each time we use it, our hope is to celebrate and honor the investment that George Awsumb made in our students and programs at Darlington," said Tunnell.

Additional renovations to the Zelle Fine Arts Center took place over the summer, including new carpet, paint, and ceiling tiles, made possible through a generous donation from Darlington's Class of 1972.


Click here to read more about the life of George Awsumb.

Click here to read a blog by Darlington teacher Kevin Ivester ('87) about Awsumb's impact on his life.