About this time of year in 1940, 78 years ago, at a two-room country school in the northwest corner of Toombs County, I began a long, winding academic career. Landmarks include diplomas for seven graduations: grammar school, high school, BA in journalism, BD and Th.M. in theology, MA and Ph.D. in sociology. My two years at Marietta School provided an excellent foundation for all that followed.