Wiregrass Georgia Technical College Foundation North recently held its 31st annual meeting at the Charles Harris Learning Center on the Ben Hill-Irwin Campus. Approximately 250 guests filled the banquet room decorated in a Christmas theme. This annual event, given by the Foundation to honor supporters of the college and the Foundation, is held each year to recognize and say thank you to the friends of the college. This year’s event was dedicated to Mr. Rod Martin, former Foundation trustee from Coffee County.
Wiregrass President Dr. Tina K. Anderson welcomed everyone to the annual event. She opened the evening by sharing about new programs on Coffee and the Ben Hill-Irwin Campuses as well as highlights from the year with the new building on the Coffee Campus and the re-naming of Irwin Hall to Dorminy-Mixon Hall on the Ben Hill-Irwin Campus. Both campuses have seen enrollment increase for Fall Semester 2016. “Wiregrass appreciates the generosity of our foundation donors. This support is essential to the success of Wiregrass students and the college. Donated monies help individuals receive the training and education they need to graduate and become employed, which makes for a stronger economy in our communities.”
Entertainment was provided by comedian and singer Keenan Carter. A highlight of the entertainment was when Carter’s college friend, Fitzgerald Mayor Mark Massee, joined him on stage for a song and skit.
The highlight of the evening came from one of Wiregrass’ Telecommunications and Security Technology student, Elijah Roger. He shared a testimony on how foundation donations had helped him personally complete his GED, and now help him in his program area. Rogers thanked the crowd for supporting students like him to be able to reach their education and career goals at Wiregrass.
As part of the Annual Meeting, the Wiregrass Foundation North honored several individuals and received a generous donation from a local organization. Satilla Rural Electric Membership Corporation, through its round up program, made a $5,000 dollar donation to the Foundation. The donation will be used to provide scholarships to students on the Coffee campus.
The Friend of the Year Award is presented to an individual or individuals who have shown outstanding support to the college through their time, expertise, friendship, and support in many areas. This year, Jason Holt was awarded the 2016 Friend of the Year Award. He is recognized as a professional, a problem solver, and motivator and was recently was recognized as one of Georgia Trend Magazine’s Top 40 in Georgia Under 40 Years of Age. Holt was instrumental in bringing about change and improving the quality of life for his community and for Georgia.
The Heritage Award is presented to an individual or business that has gone the extra mile to support and fulfill the mission of the college. The Heritage Award is not only given for monetary gifts, but also given for outstanding leadership in support of the college and its many endeavors.
This year a very progressive company was selected to receive the Heritage Award. They strive for excellence through dynamic leadership, highly trained employees and preparing for economic conditions. The 2016 Heritage Award was proudly presented to Premium Peanut of Coffee County.
Premium Peanut realizes that in order to grow, their employees must continue to have access to additional training and advances in technology. The Industrial Systems Technology Program offered on the Coffee campus is a perfect match for this company. Graduates from this program are qualified for employment as an industrial maintenance technician, electrician, or mechanic. Their belief is that their company is only as good as its people.
Wiregrass Georgia Technical College is extremely proud of the partnership with this progressive, forward thinking company. The Foundation was a recipient of a gift of $55,000.
Individuals interested in contributing to the Wiregrass Georgia Technical College Foundation North have several options. Donors may consider establishing a student scholarship designated to a specific program, group of students, or demographic, or give a one-time monetary donation. Name a classroom, volunteer your time, or orchestrate a new project. In the end, your gift, small or large, creates a future for a student who could one day make a difference in the community.
“I get to see first-hand the benefits of the monies donated by our supporters and how it impacts lives at both the Ben Hill-Irwin and Coffee Campuses. From paying book costs, to help with transportation and more, monies donated to the Foundation is helping change lives, and that’s a wonderful feeling,” shared Mona Paulk Executive Director for Advancement who oversees Wiregrass Foundation North.
For more information on the Foundation and ways to give, contact Mona Paulk at 229-468-2102 or by email mona.paulk @ wiregrass.edu.
– Submitted