DAHLONEGA — Dozens of high-ranking military leaders, spanning generations of service, returned to the University of North Georgia last week with a shared distinction — and, until recently, little connection to one another.
They were all North Georgia graduates. They all became generals.
And for many, the university’s annual Gathering of Generals is the first time they’ve ever been in the same room.
President Michael Shannon said that realization sparked the creation of the event.
“I asked the question to the generals, did some of the generals know each other? And the answer was no, really,” Shannon said. “Many of these guys are from very different eras — the ’50s, ’60s, ’70s, ’80s. They’re very differing in age, but what they all hold in common is they went to North Georgia, and they all became general officers.”
A simple idea, quickly realized
The idea took shape during a conversation with Maj. Gen. James J. Cravens Jr., a 1966 graduate and longtime supporter of the university’s Corps of Cadets.
At the time, Cravens was serving as chairman of the Corps Advisory Council, a volunteer group that supports cadet programs and fundraising efforts.
“I mentioned that I had put out a letter to all the general officers,” Cravens said. “I know some of them. I don’t know a lot of them. I got some responses. But as we talked, we realized we hadn’t ever had the general officers here.”
What followed was immediate.
“He didn’t say maybe,” Cravens said of Shannon. “He said, ‘What I’m going to do is gather the general officers here next year.’”
Within roughly six months, the inaugural event came together. This year marked just the second Gathering of Generals.
“He made it happen,” Cravens said.
More than a reunion
While the event includes social time, both Shannon and Cravens emphasized it serves a deeper purpose — connecting past and present leadership while shaping the future of the Corps of Cadets.
“For some of us, it’s renewing friendships,” Cravens said. “But the other thing is to bring them up to speed on what’s happening in the Corps and the university, and get their feedback.”
Shannon said the gathering also gives cadets a rare opportunity to hear directly from senior military leaders.
“This morning, we had them talk about Army leadership,” he said. “It was awesome — spending over an hour having them share anecdotes and thoughts on what it means to be an Army leader.”
The exchange of ideas, he said, is central to the university’s mission as one of the nation’s senior military colleges.
Building the next generation
The gathering concluded with a tour of the university’s new Military Science Center, currently under construction and expected to open later this summer.
James Corbin, who is helping lead fundraising for the project, told the generals the building
represents both the university’s future and the collective effort of those who came before.
“There are going to be stories in every corner of this building,” Corbin said. “There are names, many of which are here and with us, that gave and gave sacrificially to make this happen.”
Corbin said the project began in 2020 with a goal of raising private support within three years. Instead, he said, roughly 200 contributors helped complete the effort in just 16 months.
“It was amazing,” he said.
The Military Science Center will support UNG’s ROTC program with classrooms, a technology center, planning space for cadets and areas for larger events. Corbin said the design also improves access for cadets, connecting directly to nearby barracks.
“We’re certainly going to save a lot of miles,” Corbin said. “I’m sure the cadets will appreciate that.”
He also highlighted a planned tribute within the building. The Class of 1966 is funding a large room to be named for Ralph Colley, a fellow alumnus, triple amputee, former national commander of Disabled American Veterans and Paralympic skier.
“That’s going to be a special, special place,” Corbin said.
Corbin credited Shannon with helping reimagine the project’s location, placing it at what he called the “historical, spiritual and geographic center” of campus.
A shared legacy
For Cravens and the other generals, the gathering is about more than reflection — it’s about continuity.
Men who once walked the campus as cadets now return as senior leaders, offering guidance to those following in their footsteps.
And as the Military Science Center rises around them, their legacy is taking physical shape.
Following the tour, Corbin said the project remains on track.
“That’s the construction timeline, and we have great confidence,” he said. “Our team here at UNG is confident we’ll be able to make it happen. It’s a place built by family for families. We’re pretty excited about it.”
For Shannon, the gathering reinforces what has long defined the university — a connection between generations of leaders, united by a common beginning in Dahlonega and a shared commitment to service.
