It was the year 1983. Nothing spectacular about the fact that it was 1983 except of course it was the year before 1984. And everyone knew what 1984 meant -Big Brother. The New Year was ushered in and Dick Clark was in New York as the big apple descended in New York City and thousands were there in the flesh with alcohol and party favors screaming their lungs out. Within the mass of spectators was at least one Valdosta State student who most likely waved his booze bottle and screamed out his lungs. For those who viewed the activity from quiet homes or populated parties, watching the crowd in New York City on the tube was exhilarating but viewing the people in Las Vegas was confusing. It was difficult to understand how the folks on the other side of the Mississippi could get so excited about ten o'clock. 1984, as predicted, ushered in a rash of questions and evaluations about George Orwell's writings. Editorials, commentaries and interviews graced the audio and visual media. Bookstores and publishers offered special 1984 editions of Orwell's "1984". In February a new name in the music business released a song called "Somebody's Watching Me". The man was Rockwell an uncommon name but he had some help on background vocals by a name heard over and over again -Michael Jackson. "Somebody's Watching Me" typified the early emotion of the new year. Looking at Valdosta from 3,500 feet one can see a special structured, limited parking area facility. Looking closer one can see the people, the problems and the product. Looking even closer one can see the faces and feel the emotions of an institution dedicated to academics and achievement and continual growth. In the following pages of the 1983-1984 Milestones one will get an even closer look at events past that helped develop Valdosta State to the place it is today -Home of the Blazers!

A yearbook was published for Valdosta State College from 1925-1977, under the name The Pinecone. From 1981-1987, a yearbook was published called Milestones. Valdosta State University had three names during this period, Georgia State Womans College, 1925-1950; Valdosta State College, 1950-1993; and Valdosta State University 1993-present.