Sylvia E. Shortt — a woman of extraordinary warmth and kindness
- In memory of Sylvia Shortt -
By: Sydney Hencil, Zimbabwe, GRSP 18/19
She had a smile that could light up a room, and a conspicuous aura about her that just made you feel at ease and comfortable. Sylvia E. Shortt — a woman with such an extraordinary capacity to love has left the physical world and is now looking at us from above.
“The first time I met her, I was enthralled by how carefree and loving Sylvia was,” said Paul Chiduwa from the GRSP class of 2018/2019, “She soon became more than a trustee and more like a mother figure to me.” Sylvia was a woman who went above and beyond her GRSP and Rotary duties and was always ready to help someone in need. But who is this outstanding woman?
Sylvia was born in Athens, Ga on April 6, 1955. Her family then moved in her early years to Walhalla, SC and Chicopee Falls, MA but then settled in Cornelia, Ga. After graduating high school from the Westminster School in Atlanta, she went on to get her bachelor’s degree in Psychology from Brown University in 1977. Sylvia went on to obtain her Master of Education and Education Specialist Degree in Counseling from the University of West Georgia and became a licensed professional counselor.
Sylvia soon went back to work at the University of West Georgia, but it wasn’t until she accepted the position of Advisor to the International Student Program that she found her passion, where she expanded the program to up to 180 international students. In 2012 she retired but continued her association with the University of West Georgia by serving on their Alumni Association. Along with expanding the international program at UWG, Sylvia was also instrumental in developing the American College Counseling Association, where she served in numerous positions such as the organization’s President, Treasurer and Conference Chair. She is also a founding member of the Georgia College Counseling Association and was an active member in the Southeastern Conference for Counseling Center Personnel (SCCCP) organization, the National Association of Foreign Student Advisers (NAFSA), the Association of International Educators, and many other organizations. Her impact on the world and within the state of Georgia is measureless. She was a woman of great passion and service above self.
After retiring Sylvia moved back to Athens, Ga, where she soon became heavily involved in Rotary through the Athens Rotary Club. It is there that she discovered the GRSP and became heavily involved by becoming a Trustee and serving on the GRSP board. She served as the Chair of the GRSP Alumni Committee and was also a Will Watt Fellow. She continued to touch the lives of many in the program.
“She has an entire family of students she helped over the years. And like me, these students were all sons and daughters of Sylvia Shortt” said Daniyal Nasir, GRSP class 2018/2019.
Sylvia Shortt was a woman who had touched many hearts. A mother figure to many, and a real friend, her kindness and legacy will continue to thrive and prosper.
