Gene & Louise Gann named Outstanding Alumni of the Year

The International Alumni Association of Harrison-Chilhowee Baptist Academy and The King’s Academy has named Rev. Gene and Dr. Louise Gann of Louisville, Tennessee Outstanding Alumni of the Year for 2002. The award is presented annually to graduates or former students of the academy for outstanding achievement and service to others. Gene and Louise Gain both graduated from the academy as non-traditional aged students in 1958. The couple was married before they returned to the academy to finish their high school education. Gene served as pastor of area churches during his academy student days. Gene stormed the beaches of Normandy on D-Day in World War II. He was seriously injured a few days later in the French interior when pinned down by machine-gun fire. Following the war, Gann acknowledged the call of God on his life to preach the gospel of Jesus Christ. He then met and married Louise. After graduating from the academy, both continued their education at Carson-Newman College. Louise went on to earn a B.A. and Ed.S. at the University of Tennessee, M.Ed. at Middle Tennessee State University, Ed.D. from Pennsylvania State University and Ph.D. from Florida Institute of Technology. She taught school for 26 years and has traveled in more than 125 countries. Gene is known throughout East Tennessee as an effective pastor and man of prayer. He led Dotson Memorial Baptist Church in Maryville to become one of the area’s strongest churches during his 18 years as pastor. The Ganns have had children and grandchildren attend the academy, and Louise has been instrumental in referring international students to the school during her extensive travel. In 1995 the Games honored the academy with the establishment of a charitable remainder trust. They donated a parcel of land that they had purchased in the 1960’s. The proceeds from the sale of the property provide income to the Ganns during their lifetimes, they received a significant tax deduction and the academy will eventually receive the entire amount for the sale of the property. Academy President Walter Grubb cited the Ganns as ardent supporters of the academy with both their money and their prayers.