Savannah Morning News l January 6, 2009 

This undated photo from the University of Georgia shows Henry King Stanford, former president of the University of George and University of Miami, standing on the Georgia campus. University of georgia officials said Stanford died New Year's Day in Americus, Ga. He was 92. (AP PHOTO/UNIVERSITY OF GEORGIA) (Photo: Savannah Morning News)

One February night in 1987, a rare snowfall blanketed the University of Georgia transforming the hilly campus into a magical winter wonderland.

This was not the typical ice storm that occasionally paralyzed the South. Rather it was six inches of the honest-to-goodness, white fluffy stuff that was actually suitable for snowman-making.

It was 5 a.m. at the Delta Delta Delta sorority house and I had set my alarm to wake up early to study for a 7:50 a.m. exam. I ran up to the legendary Tri-Delt rooftop sundeck for the perfect vantage point to view the campus glistening with the sparkling snow.

Downtown Athens had been transformed into an alpine village, the football practice fields looked like upland meadows in Switzerland, and Sorority Row resembled a mid-winter Champs-Elysees. Across the street, the Lambda Chi's were in full snowball combat mode. I'm not sure if they were up early studying or if they just hadn't gone to bed yet.

Then the moral dilemma set in: study for the exam or ditch the books and make snow angels on the front lawn? At 5 a.m., who would know whether the university would be open as usual?

Dr. Henry King Stanford had recently been appointed interim president of the University of Georgia. Fred Davison, the previous president, had resigned amidst Jan Kemp's allegations of grade inflation and preferential treatment for athletes.

In an interview with The Red & Black, Dr. Stanford talked about his wife/best friend Ruth, saying it had been 49 years since he had been "ruthless." He seemed to be a likeable guy with a wry sense of humor, so I decided to give him a call.

Oddly enough, "UGA President's Mansion" was listed in the local phone book, so I dialed the number. An unmistakably deep baritone voice answered: "Hello?"

"Dr. Stanford???!!!" I stammered, completely appalled that I placed a pre-dawn call to the university president.

"Yes?" replied the authoritative yet cheerful voice.

"Umm, Dr. Stanford, I was just wondering if you were planning to call off classes today because I have a 7:50 a.m. test and don't know if I should keep studying or go back to bed?"

"Well," he said, "an industrious student would prepare for the exam."

"Yes, but the buses would mess up all of the gorgeous snow and they wouldn't be able to get up Baxter Hill," was my lame but accurate argument.

"I see," he said. "Excellent point. If I cancel classes, will you promise me that you won't steal a tray from the dining hall to sled down Brumby Hill?"

I quickly said my apologetic goodbyes then woke up my sorority sisters for a memorable day of frolicking with a bunch of other Southern girls who had never seen real snow.

Several years ago, the Georgia General Assembly passed a resolution honoring Dr. Stanford. I happened to be at the Capitol that day and introduced myself as the sophomore who called him at 5 a.m. on that snowy day long ago. He hadn't forgotten and greeted me with a warm smile and a genuine interest in what I had done since graduation.

Dr. Henry King Stanford passed away on New Years Day 2009 at the age of 92. His wife Ruth died six years earlier, so perhaps he was again feeling "Ruth-less."

He left behind a legacy of academic leadership at several Southern colleges. As president of the University of Miami, he insisted on racially integrating the football team.

Dr. Stanford helped restore academic integrity to the University of Georgia at a time when UGA was considered a party school that valued football over academic excellence. Retired UGA athletic director Vince Dooley called Dr. Stanford, "the ideal person at a time of crisis."

Following his distinguished career, he and Ruth celebrated their 50th anniversary with a hot air balloon ride. He climbed Mount Everest when he was 72.

Dr. Stanford's wit, wisdom and youthful outlook should inspire us all to enjoy life, especially on a snow day.

Amy Haywood Hughes is a partner with Hughes Public Affairs and a Savannah writer.

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