DAWSONVILLE - After a two-year delay, Southern Catholic College officials announced this week that they will open the doors for their inaugural freshman class in the fall of 2005.<br>
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Southern Catholic originally announced it would open this fall at a 356-acre site in Dawsonville.<br>
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But leaders of the private, liberal arts college said fund-raising troubles slowed their plans.<br>
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"The economy went south," said Jeremiah J. Ashcroft, president of Southern Catholic.<br>
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To avoid any further delays, college officials abandoned the initial plans and instead purchased a conference center in Dawsonville. The new 100-acre campus includes nine buildings, tennis courts and a swimming pool.<br>
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The old site is expected to be sold to a Texas developer, a college spokeswoman said.<br>
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Part of the college's vision includes providing an education from a Catholic perspective.<br>
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The campus ministry will provide spiritual retreats, daily Mass and celebration of Catholic feast days for students _ although organizers say students of all faiths will be welcome at the campus about 60 miles north of Atlanta.<br>
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Students can major in business, English, psychology, history, philosophy and theology. Tuition is $16,500, but financial aid is offered.<br>
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