Former Gov. Carl E. Sanders celebrated his 83rd birthday today. Elected in 1962 as the state's first modern governor chosen by popular vote (not the rural-dominated County Unit System), he is remembered for improving Georgia's higher education system and building 72 community airports. After serving one term, he sought the governorship again in 1970 and was defeated for the Democratic nomination by Jimmy Carter. Sanders is a founding partner of one of the region's largest law firms.