Featured Friday: Steve Gilliam '66
"The greatest lesson I learned from Rabun Gap is that the best way to succeed in life is to surround yourself with friends and others who want to be successful and work together in achieving common goals based on solid principles. And, have fun along the way."
Alum Steve Gilliam ‘66 is an accomplished lawyer in the Gainesville, GA area. He has been a member of the Rabun Gap Board of Trustees for 20 years, serving part of that time as the Board Chair. Mr. Gilliam has been an integral part of the selection of the last three heads of school.
Mr. Gilliam came to Rabun Gap in 1963 and attended as a boarding student for three years. He graduated with a Bachelor’s in Economics in 1971 and a Juris Doctorate, cum laude, in law in 1974 from the University of Georgia. He has practiced law in Gainesville since then. He and his wife Susan have been married for 49 years and met while in astronomy class at UGA. Together the couple has two children, Steven and Laney, and six grandchildren.
Mr. Gilliam came to Rabun Gap in 1963 and attended as a boarding student for three years. He graduated with a Bachelor’s in Economics in 1971 and a Juris Doctorate, cum laude, in law in 1974 from the University of Georgia. He has practiced law in Gainesville since then. He and his wife Susan have been married for 49 years and met while in astronomy class at UGA. Together the couple has two children, Steven and Laney, and six grandchildren.
How did Rabun Gap help to shape your professional career?
Rabun Gap helped me develop a strong work ethic and responsibility for my own behavior and actions. I learned how to interact with people from all walks of life and economic backgrounds.
What makes Rabun Gap a special place?
Rabun Gap is a special place not only because of the beauty of the mountain setting, but also the kids and faculty. The kids, unlike some in private schools, have no sense of entitlement and superiority in relation to each other. The faculty not only teach and coach the kids, but they also live and eat with the kids and develop strong bonds with them that last for generations.
What was the greatest lesson being at Rabun Gap taught you?
The greatest lesson I learned from Rabun Gap is that the best way to succeed in life is to surround yourself with friends and others who want to be successful and work together in achieving common goals based on solid principles. And, have fun along the way.
What's your favorite memory from Rabun Gap?
One of my favorite memories is from climbing one of the mountains in Wolfork Valley and looking down at the school and fog/clouds that had settled in the valley. Below me, Hodgson Hall was floating on top of the clouds. If you could only see it. If only I had a camera.
You are the only alum who has ever served as Board Chair and you currently serve as a member of the board. What does it mean to you to be a board member where you attended school?
It was an awesome honor to have been selected by my fellow Trustees to serve as Chair of the Board. Never in my wildest dreams would that 13-year-old kid ever have thought that one day he would be on the Board or the Board Chair of RGNS. I have been a board member for over 20 years now and being a part of selecting the last three heads of school to lead the school I love so much and the responsibility that goes with it has been very rewarding.
Which teachers or classmates made the most lasting impact on your life?
I still have so many friends from my Rabun Gap days it would be too difficult to pick one over the other.
What qualities of Rabun Gap have been consistent throughout the years?
Its motto “Work, Study, Worship” has remained consistent throughout the years.
You have been a loyal and faithful supporter of Rabun Gap. Why has supporting Rabun Gap been important to you?
Supporting Rabun Gap is important to me because others before me gave generously to the School. Because of that, Rabun Gap was there for me at a time in my life when I needed Rabun Gap. God has blessed me by having Rabun Gap in my life. I feel I should use the resources God has given to me to participate in keeping Rabun Gap healthy financially so many others can take advantage of all that the school has to offer.
What would you say your hope is for Rabun Gap’s alumni community?
My hope is that Rabun Gap’s alumni would get involved personally and financially and stay involved. Rabun Gap is your part of your heritage and life. It has helped mold who you are. Give back with thanks. Former Head Anthony Sgro asked every audience he spoke to pray for Rabun Gap. I second that that request.
Rabun Gap-Nacoochee School
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Rabun Gap-Nacoochee School is a private, coeducational day and boarding school for grades Pre-K through 12. Centrally located between Atlanta, GA, Greenville, SC, and Asheville, NC, we prepare young people for college, career, and a lifetime of leadership and service.
