Four Siblings, One College: The Denny Family experiences GCSU two-by-two

Avery Denny, right, graduated in 2024. Sister Ellie is currently a junior psychology major. (Photo: Denny Family)

By Margaret Schell

A s the Denny family siblings have attended Georgia College & State University, there are always two there together. First Georgia ('22) and Avery ('24), then Avery and Ellie (junior) and now Ellie and Mack (first year). Their sibling bond helped them flourish in college.

All four Denny siblings felt strongly about choosing Georgia College. Since they went to a small, private high school in their hometown of Covington, Georgia, they appreciate the university's small class sizes.

Avery knew Georgia College was exactly where she wanted to go.

"After everything Georgia told me about GCSU and visiting her there, I felt like I'd already toured it even though I'd never been on campus," Avery said. "It works because we've been able to help each other with one of us always there for the other."

"It makes me proud that Ellie and Mack chose to go to GCSU - nobody made them," she said. "We all made our own decision."

The Denny children were close growing up.

"It's hard watching your siblings move out to start new lives," Avery said. "But there's something always connecting us, like Mack and Ellie will be in a place that's so special to me, making their own memories."

The siblings check in with each other often. And they're frequently on campus, whether it's Mack's first-year orientation, Ellie moving into an apartment or Avery's and Georgia's commencement ceremonies.

When Avery started at GCSU, Georgia was a junior in the education cohort. Avery would FaceTime Georgia to ask where to go on campus. Georgia also helped Avery register for classes.

"I used to go to Georgia's apartment to do my laundry and arts and crafts," Avery said. "I enjoyed hanging out with her and Blake."

Ellie Denny is a junior and brother Mack Denny is a first-year management information systems major. (Photo: Anna Gay Leavitt)

Georgia married Blake Rhineheart ('21) in 2023. He's working on his master's degree in logistics and supply chain management at Georgia College.

"From the moment I stepped on campus, GCSU just felt like home," Georgia said. "Everyone was so welcoming, and it just seemed like a small family."

"I saw Avery step out of her comfort zone at GCSU, trying new things in a different setting," Georgia said. "It was cool to see her grow."

Today, Georgia is a kindergarten and first-grade special education teacher, and Avery is a director of Marketing and Development at All Air.

Youngest sibling Mack is a first-year student at Georgia College, majoring in management information systems. He aspires to be a business analyst. Mack chose Georgia College knowing Ellie was there.

"I wanted a new college experience, but still have that person I can depend on," he said. "I also just loved the campus and that feeling of a tight-knit community."

He connects with Ellie about three times a week. Sometimes they go get coffee downtown and do their homework or talk on the phone.

"I had a bunch of tips from my sisters when I first came here to make the transition a lot easier," Mack said.

Ellie loves having her brother on campus.

"It's so fun with Mack here," she said. "Campus is big enough to where he can be his own person and have his own friends. I can also check to see if he's in the Den and pop in and say 'Hey,' to him."

It was important for Ellie to help Mack navigate campus during his first year just as Avery was there for Ellie her freshman year.

When Mack came to Georgia College before classes began, Ellie and her friend walked him to all the campus buildings where his classes are. Ellie also helped him move into his dorm and decorated it.

"It's a whole new world," Ellie said. "When you're away from your parents, this new sense of independence can be overwhelming."

When Ellie was homesick, Avery would have her over for dinner to hang out.

"They're my best friends," Ellie said of her siblings. "Georgia and Blake are just a 30-minute drive from home. If Mack and I are home on a Friday, we meet for dinner. My family is good about celebrating each other."

The Denny siblings see each other often in different combinations, but the entire group gets together during holidays, summer and special occasions. They frequently reminisce about Georgia College.

"I get excited sharing those memories with them every day," Avery said. "Just being able to talk about them for the rest of our lives and bond over that makes me proud."

Header Images: The Denny Siblings on campus, from left: Avery, Ellie, Mack and Georgia. Also Blake Rhineheart ('21) and Georgia Denny Rhineheart ('22). Photos courtesy of the Denny family.