VALDOSTA – Johnnie Cunningham, a member of Valdosta High School’s 2006 graduating class, made an appearance at his alma mater Friday, promoting the benefits of post secondary education. He talked to students about one institution of higher learning in particular – Southern Catholic College. As a fledgling Wildcat, Cunningham often talked about studying in Statesboro at Georgia Southern University and preparing for a career in engineering. However, he changed his mind in the end, choosing instead to attend Southern Catholic College just north of the metro Atlanta area in Dawsonville and studying integrated sciences. “I needed a place where I could focus on my studies, somewhere with small classes,” said the son of J.C. and Barbara Cunningham. Cunningham found this and more at Southern Catholic College, a four-year private co-educational liberal arts college committed to the authoritative teachings of the Roman Catholic Church and offering bachelor of arts degrees in business, psychology, English humanities (history, philosophy and sacred theology), psychology and integrated sciences. He was inspired by the institution’s mission to prepare moral and ethical leaders who will enlighten society and glorify God and sold on its small class sizes, Christ-centered academics and resort-style campus environment. “People know who you are on the campus,” he said. “They care about you and want to help you do well.” Southern Catholic College, which welcomed its inaugural class of students in the fall of 2005, was founded by Thomas J. Clements, a Minnesota native who enjoyed a long and successful career in software sales and as an entrepreneur in Atlanta. He and his wife Julie visited the campus of Valdosta High School Friday as well, talking to administrators, counselors, teachers and students about the need for colleges to return to an emphasis on morality and ethics as part of the overall educational experience of college life. Their visit was facilitated by Roy Copeland and 100 Black Men of Valdosta Inc. “We want to encourage each of you to attend Southern Catholic College,” Clements said to those students who had gathered for an informal meet and greet session in the high school’s Performing Arts Center lobby. “It’s a great institution and offers something you cannot get anywhere else right now.” See Sunday’s edition of The Valdosta Daily Times for more news on Thomas J. Clements’ visit to Valdosta.