TANGELA JOHNSON

Staff Writer

Fred Hamilton, former faculty adviser and head of the Episcopal Canterbury Association, has retired and will be succeeded by Candice Gibson. Hamilton said he is pleased with the change.

"I think she's very energetic and will be a good adviser for the group," Hamilton said.

The association serves the students by holding weekly meetings that are often followed by meals and fellowship, Hamilton said. In spite of his retirement, Hamilton said he intends to offer his continued support by helping coordinate dinners. After 17 years of service, Hamilton said he sees great things for the future and hopes he has made a difference.

"[I enjoyed] getting to know the kids in the organization, and I hope I was a positive influence on them," Hamilton said. "Candice has some good ideas about things the group can do."

Gibson said her life-long passion for the Episcopal Church is what has fueled her desire to lead the organization.

"I have been involved with the Episcopal church all of my life and I also enjoy getting to know the students on campus outside of the classroom setting, so this seemed like the perfect opportunity to mesh the two together," Gibson said.

Though she enjoys the experience, Gibson said she does not take the title lightly.

"I feel it is extremely important because I am directly involved in involving students in activities that range from simply fellowship to spiritual guidance," she said.

Gibson said her purpose is to affect the students so they can affect others positively.

"Hopefully," Gibson said, "with everyone who is involved at the present time, our presence will make a difference in people's lives, whether it be on campus or in the community."

Father Ned Head of the Canterbury Episcopal Church said he is thrilled about Gibson taking over.

"I'm just delighted with her as a person and as a teacher," Head said. "She's an answer to prayer for me."

Head said the organization, though religious in nature, is not strictly for Episcopalians. Tech students are the purpose and focus for the association, and Head is looking forward to a fresh start to an exciting and hopefully productive new year thanks, in part, to new leadership.

"We hope to broaden the scope for Tech students in general," Head said. "We're excited about a new beginning for a new century