The Rollins Family
The Rollins family has been an integral part of the history and growth of YHC for more than four decades.
O. Wayne Rollins planned to attend YHC as a first step toward a law degree, but a summer hailstorm ruined the crops planted to pay his tuition. Wayne married Grace on Easter Sunday of 1931 in Young Harris in a ceremony conducted by his uncle, Frank, who was a ministerial student at YHC at the time.
Over the years, Wayne and Grace’s interest in YHC and financial support grew. Wayne established the O. Wayne Rollins Foundation Scholarship Fund that still provides valuable financial assistance today for many students.
He joined the College’s Board of Trustees in 1970, and was dedicated to helping YHC succeed through addressing its needs and helping to attract students, including funding for new construction and an ongoing campus beautification project.
The impact the Rollins family has had on the campus is evident in numerous facilities, including the O. Wayne Rollins Planetarium, Rollins Residence Hall, Grace Rollins Dining Hall and Rollins Wall.
Wayne and Grace’s granddaughter, Pam, has followed in their footsteps during her 20-year tenure as a YHC trustee. In 2011, she announced a $22 million lead gift from the O. Wayne Rollins Foundation for the construction of the Rollins Campus Center.
As chair of the College’s Investing in the Future Capital Campaign, her efforts have expanded even further to not only raise the remaining funds for the facility but also support many other important initiatives that will help meet the growing needs of the expanding campus.
Wayne, Grace and Pam Rollins are all past recipients of the Young Harris College Medallion—the highest honor bestowed by the College. The influence, leadership and vision of the Rollins family have made YHC what it is today, and will take Young Harris into the future.
The largest building ever to be constructed at Young Harris, the Rollins Campus Center is the social and intellectual heart of campus.
The RCC features dining options featuring Chick-fil-A and Starbucks as well as a 40,000-square-foot library named in honor of two of YHC's most distinguished alumni.
Interested in holding a conference or event at YHC? We'd love to make that happen!