Butch Miller, Diane Simpson and Steve Simpson.
It can be a poignant time and a joyous one as maritime organizations and the like go through the annual Change of Command ceremony. For 74 years, University Yacht Club has honored that tradition as new leadership takes the helm.
Outgoing leadership reflects on the accomplishments of the past year of service, while incoming leadership – there is some overlap – has its eye on the next 12 months.
In October, outgoing Commodore Steve Simpson passed the gavel to incoming Commodore Butch Miller during a formal ceremony that also recognized incoming officers and Board of Governors. As he prepared to welcome the new board and officers, Simpson reflected on the highlights of the past year.
“We had a very good year with increased participation by members in a wide variety of events,” Simpson said. “One of my personal mandates was to provide a full social calendar for our members, and with the help of many members in the club, I accomplished this goal.”
The club hosted two large raft-ups, celebrations of holidays including New Years Eve and the Fourth of July with its traditional fireworks display, an oyster roast, the club’s annual Commodore’s Ball, the End of Summer Party, Staff Appreciation Day and a special recognition of University Yacht Club’s 30-year relationship with Eagle Ranch.
“Three concerts on the Great Lawn features The Eagles’ On the Border Band, Elton LIVE and Chi Town Transit Authority all had strong attendance and supported member engagement,” Simpson said. “Between our on-the-water events and casual gatherings members had many ways to socialize.”
The club has been working on a long-term stabilization of the clubhouse following serious water damage over the Christmas holidays three years ago.
“Although the interior repairs were made, other damage came to light, and so our membership has voted to restore and upgrade the exterior, add a covered deck on the north cove side and make other modifications to update the club.”
As Simpson reflected on his 12 months of service as Commodore, he was quick to point out that his success was possible because of the support of club members.
“I’d like to recognize someone else who has been my right hand and supported me – my wife Diane,” Simpson said. “And I’m proud to say that I’m handing Butch the keys to a financially sound club.”
As he assumes leadership of the 210-member club, Miller’s goals include continuing to grow the membership and to raise more awareness of its assets.
“Already we are attracting more young families with children and we will be seeking a younger demographic,” said Miller, who joined UYC in 2007 with his wife Teresa. “University Yacht Club has always been a multigenerational family of boaters and our events and activities reflect that.
“Many of our members own boats ranging from cruisers and center console boats to houseboats and sailboats, and the camaraderie among our slip holders is evident,” he said. “We have dock parties where everyone is welcome, plus all kinds of activities both on and off the water.
Miller grew up in Buford and spent time as a youngster on Lake Lanier and continues to do so as an adult.
“My family used to ski all the time, and not many people know this, but there’s a still group of us in the club who are old-school water-skiers and still get together on a regular basis. We have quite the time.”
Miller will be keeping the social, event and activity calendar filled in the coming 12 months. “I am honored and very excited to be serving as commodore this coming year,” he said. “We will be switching some things up and providing plenty for our members to boat, socialize and continue to connect.
“We’re making big plans for the coming year, and we hope that people will reach out to us and ask to learn what UYC has to offer.”
Photo: by Pamela A. Keene
