Alumna, supporter Kayanne Massey honored with student lounge dedication

Alyson Boyko |08.16.2024

Brenau University honored alumna and longtime supporter Kayanne Shoffner Massey, WC '63, with a special dedication of the Kayanne Shoffner Massey Tiger's Den student lounge last week.

Massey and her family joined Brenau students and administration to celebrate the honorific on Thursday, Aug. 15, ahead of the first day of the fall semester. The placard unveiled at the ceremony features a quote from Massey: "Kindness is magic."

The gift was made in Massey's honor by her late husband, Abit, only months before his passing earlier this year. The pair have been longtime supporters of the university, and Abit Massey served on the Board of Trustees. The pair also donated a statue of President Franklin D. Roosevelt to the university, which overlooks Roosevelt Square at the Downtown Center.

"The Massey family has meant so much to the university over its lifetime, from when it was a college to its evolution as a university," Brenau President David L. Barnett, Ph.D. said. "Abit and Kayanne kept the name of Brenau raised up in the community, always spoke highly of Brenau, its students and the folks that were here day in and day out."

Kayanne transferred to Brenau as a sophomore, joining Chi Omega sorority and graduating summa cum laude with her degree in education in 1963.

Abit Massey, a pioneer in the poultry industry, was a familiar face among Gainesville and Hall County businesses and civic organizations before his passing this June at age 96. Abit and Kayanne enjoyed many years of volunteer service, together as a couple and as individuals. The couple married following her reign as Miss Georgia in 1959, and moved to Gainesville in 1961. They were married for 64 years. Kayanne devoted many years to being a full-time mother and wife while also serving as a substitute teacher and community volunteer. The pair frequently volunteered together, supporting several causes in Gainesville and Hall County.

The Masseys had two children, Camille and Lewis. Both spoke about their mother during the dedication.

"She was telling us in the car on the way over here how she loved her time at Brenau, absolutely loved it," Camille Massey said. "I think it's so appropriate to be here in the Tiger's Den which creates a sense of belonging. My parents really lived their life with the community… I know that is really important to Brenau's mission and it's so critically important to the values that my mom holds and my dad held."

Lewis, the oldest, was born during Kayanne Massey's time as a Brenau student.

"It's a real honor to have mom recognized this way, and it's something dad had really wanted to do," Lewis Massey, who was Georgia's secretary of state 1996-1999, said. "I think 'Kindness is magic' really sums it up as it relates to mom. I thought my mom was a magician growing up, I thought she could do anything. Since she did have me while she was a student here, Brenau always has a special place in my heart… The Massey family is proud to be associated with Brenau."

The Tiger's Den lounge opened last year as a refreshed space for students to gather and connect, whether it was to study for an upcoming exam, meet for a club, or enjoy social activities like karaoke.

In addition to the Kayanne Shoffner Massey Tiger's Den, the conference room in the historic Simmons Visual Arts Center will be named for Kayanne and feature another quote of hers: "Follow your dream." A large portrait of her as a young woman, beaming with her signature full smile, will be hung in the building following the investiture of Brenau President David L. Barnett, Ph.D.

Kayanne Massey with friends and family that came to celebrate her at the dedication (Sidney Chansamone/Brenau University)Kayanne Massey (seated) with daughter Camille and President David L. Barnett (Sidney Chansamone/Brenau University)The Kayanne Shoffner Massey Tiger's Den placard (Sidney Chansamone/Brenau University)Kayanne Massey with Brenau administrators and her children, Lewis and Camille. (Sidney Chansamone/Brenau University)

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