 In his first ten years, Walter was able to raise over $450,000 and bring the endowment fund to an acceptable level.By June 1953, Walter had won the appreciation for outstanding service and devotion to the college.On June 29 of the same year, TIME magazine said, "Of all U.S. college presidents, James E. Walter of Congregational Piedmont college in Demorest, Georgia is probably the most tenacious.""