Downtown Barnesville Paints the Town in Highlander Pride

By Karolina Philmon, GSC marketing manager 

The city of Barnesville is set to “Paint the Town Blue” as downtown gears up to celebrate the return of Gordon State College students for the fall semester.

The initiative emerged from a collaboration between Barnesville Mayor Kelly G. Hughes and GSC’s Natalie Rischbieter, executive director of advancement.

“We want to celebrate and support the students who come to Gordon,” Rischbieter said. “Our goal is to strengthen the sense of community and truly embrace the spirit of a college town.”

Mayor Hughes, an alumna of GSC, shares the same vision.

“The city of Barnesville appreciates Gordon State College and our partnership to make our community a great place to live, work and learn,” Hughes said.

Just a two-minute drive from Highlander Nation, depending on what side of the campus you’re on, downtown Barnesville is a popular destination for students, faculty and staff. Many opt for a walk to the heart of the city, where they can explore a variety of locally owned shops, boutiques and eateries. These establishments have become favorite spots for lunch breaks and casual gatherings.

Fall classes begin on August 14, with rolling admissions and residents moving in starting on August 9.

From August 10-17, GSC will host its annual GO (Gordon Orientation) Week, featuring a variety of events open to families. Simultaneously, downtown will be vibrant and ready for exploration, with its local businesses and residents showcasing their best Highlander Pride.     

Join us in celebrating this special occasion for GSC and downtown Barnesville. For more information and to stay updated on all events, visit www.gordonstate.edu.