Celebrating 50 years with visionary of “Trailblazers Endowment”

The College of Nursing recently celebrated 50 years for our class of 1974! At the Alumni Reception in April, we awarded medallions for our alums in attendance; Norma Cox, MSN (MCG ’77), BSN (MCG ’74), RN, Norma Luten, BSN (MCG ’74), RN, Nina Bass, MD, MSN (MCG ’78), BSN (MCG ’74), RN and Colonel Gwendolyn Fryer, MSN (MCG ’79), BSN (MCG ’74), RN. Notably, Fryer is the visionary of the “Trailblazers” and the Trailblazer Endowment.

The need-based scholarship began in 2010 and recognizes BSN students, who by their significant and unique visionary efforts, desire to have a profound impact in healthcare or the community. In doing so, like our own Trailblazers, they blaze a trail for others to follow. The endowment has grown to nearly $40,000 and now awards two $1,000 scholarships annually to CON undergraduate students.

So, who are these Trailblazers? They are an amazing group of alumnae comprised of ten African American RNs who all earned their undergraduate or graduate degrees from the Medical College of Georgia (MCG) in collaboration with Augusta College (AC), both now Augusta University, between 1974 and 1984. The current Trailblazers are:

Retired Rear Admiral Upper Half (USPHS) Clara Cobb, MSN (MCG ‘79), BSN, RN, FNP, FAAN

Retired Colonel Gwendolyn Fryer, MSN (MCG ’79), BSN (MCG ’74), RN

Retired Colonel Ella Gordon, MSN (MCG ‘76), BSN, RN

Retired Lieutenant Colonel Antonia D. Autry, BSN (MCG ’75), RN, MSHA

Retired Lieutenant Colonel Janis P. Tyrell-Smith, MSN (MCG ’84), BSN, RN, CNS

Former Navy Lieutenant Commander Brenda Williams, MSN (MCG ‘79), BSN, RN

Former Army Captain Carolyn Rainey-Jones, MSN, BSN (MCG ‘75), RN

Former Navy Lieutenant Deborah Collier, MSN (MCG ‘79), FNP, BSN, RN

Ms. Velma J. Phillips, MSN (MCG ’79), BSN, RN, FNP

Ms. E. Alfreda Walker, MSN (MCG ‘79), BSN, RN, ADN, FNP

In 1973, the college graduated its first class that included black nurses. Just a year later in 1974, Fryer graduated early, solidifying her as one of the first black nurses that integrated the college, and thus beginning her incredible legacy for the institution, the nursing profession, and the United States Military.

We recently met with Fryer for a planning lunch where she graciously shared the story of her time at MCG, the beginnings of her 28 1/2-year military career, and the conception of the Trailblazer Endowment.

“My high school counselor at Glenn Hills High School, the late Ms. Marguerite Davis, asked me what I wanted to be,” Fryer recalled. “I told her I wanted to be a journalist or registered nurse.” Fortunately for us, Davis had an incredible opportunity for a future nurse. The late Dr. Willis James (Jimmy) Walker, Jr. was the MCG Assistant Director of Minority Student Affairs at the time. Thanks to him, MCG had a Summer Enrichment program that Davis encouraged Fryer to apply for. “Over the summer, you’d take classes at MCG and AC, and if you did well, you’d matriculate automatically into the MCG School of Nursing.”

Fryer excelled in this program, and in the Fall, officially began her nursing school journey. She fondly remembers her time at MCG and Augusta College. “I loved them both. They really became my two homes away from home.” Fryer recalled how she would sit at the reception desk in Residence II for her work study program. Her fondest memory was getting to call the nursing students down to meet their friends, boyfriends, or fiancés. There were no co-ed dormitories at that time. It wasn’t long until her leadership and nurturing skills were noticed, and in her junior year, Fryer was recommended and approved to sit in and cover for the Dorm Mother of Residence I and II while she visited her military husband in Germany for 2 weeks. Before her career even began, Fryer built the foundational skills to make connections and guide others.

While living in the dorms, Fryer recalls military recruiters stopping by from the Army, Navy, and Air Force. “I always liked the idea of joining the Air Force but was hesitant to fly so I never signed up.” However, the Army recruiters would have a lasting impact on Fryer. She spent four years as a civilian nurse before ultimately joining the U.S. Army Reserves in Augusta. “I was part of a field unit for two and a half years, and I could see the beginnings of my leadership potential. I could stay calm under pressure and help others through tough situations. I began to realize that I wanted to pursue even more opportunities with active-duty military service.”

Fryer credits Sergeant First Class (SFC) Retired Justice for inspiring and guiding her, quelling her reservations about the dangers she may face. “I have only seen him once in my military career and would love to see him again!”. Fryer ultimately reported for active duty at Fort Sam Houston in San Antonio, Texas. She served her country in positions of increasing responsibilities for twenty-eight and a half years, often in the same location but different positions, including Fort Eisenhower, GA (3), Fort Knox, KY (2), Fort Sam, TX (2), Redstone Arsenal, AL (I), Fort Gillem/McPherson, GA (I), and Fort Novosel, AL (I).

Her final assignment was in Fort Eisenhower (2002-2007) and during that time she served one year on special assignment Temporary Duty (TDY) at James A. Haley V.A. Hospital in Tampa, FL. Fryer attributes this assignment as the most rewarding and life-changing because she worked with wounded warrior service members and their families from Operation Enduring Freedom (OEF) and Operation Iraqi Freedom (OIF).

While still active duty, Fryer was invited to assist the Advancement Committee in calling alumni to attend the 30^th Anniversary Homecoming. It was during this process of reconnecting with colleagues that Fryer got the idea for a scholarship. She had always wanted to give back to Augusta University (formerly MCG), and she began to ask others to participate in the endowment effort. “I came up with the name first, ‘Trailblazers.’ That’s kind of what led me to ask registered nursing colleagues from the first few cohorts of black nursing students to join me.” Fryer started calling undergraduate and graduate African American nurses from the early inclusive MCG classes. Initially she pulled together seven incredible women, and after the scholarship began in 2010, there are currently ten Trailblazers. “I continue to invite others to join. It’s important that we support this next generation, and I want to include more alumni in that vision.”

Since even before earning her BSN, starting as a candy striper and hospital volunteer, Fryer has dedicated her time, talents, skills, and grit to the profession. From serving her country to serving CON students, we thank her for her incredible contributions. Happy 50^th Colonel Gwendolyn Fryer!

To contribute to the Trailblazer Award Scholarship, you can make a gift online or by phone. Please contact Sarah Akins for more information.

Moores, D. W. (2015, December 7). Nursing profiles. Augusta University’s Alumni Magazine.