With summer in the rear view mirror and a full line-up of athletic events on the horizon, the South Georgia State College (SGSC) Hawks will be riding in style as they pull into their upcoming games and matches for the 2017-2018 season. A 56-passenger luxury coach was gifted to SGSC by the former Darton State College, now Albany State University, and given a new look complete with a custom wrap showcasing the SGSC logo and imagery.
The talks of a new mode of transportation for the athletic teams began several years ago. During the initial conversations between SGSC President Dr. Ingrid Thompson-Sellers and the coaching staff shortly after her arrival on campus in 2016, a bus was mentioned. At that time, the teams were transported by vans for shorter distances and a charter bus for longer trips. This was a costly venture and in keeping with being good stewards of the athletic funds, the coaches felt there could be a better way.
Dr. Thompson-Sellers agreed. Knowing that plans are only dreams until set in motion, she initiated conversations with the University System of Georgia (USG) Chancellor and his team. Through their representative’s facilitation with Darton, the SGSC athletic bus became a reality. Dr. Thompson-Sellers and the SGSC administrative team realize the importance of a strong partnership with the system office and other USG institutions. This process is further proof of their dedication and commitment for which the SGSC community is grateful.
Once Dr. Thompson-Sellers received word that the College would have a bus by the fall of 2017, the planning and work began. SGSC’s marketing coordinator worked with a company on the design of the custom wrap that would showcase the SGSC brand. The bus was inspected and all the mechanics were tested and polished. After a few months, the bus was ready to roll into the SGSC parking lot. The day it arrived caused great excitement and there were many selfies with the bus and sharing it on social media. The bus was an instant hit!
Dr. Greg Tanner, dean of students, has a great feeling of joy when he pulls into work each day and sees the bus. He says, “While the bus is going to be a great asset for the athletic teams, we are excited that we will also use it to connect our students at each campus. We are already making plans to take students from Douglas to the Waycross Exchange Club Fair and SGSC Hawks basketball games. In turn, the Waycross Campus students will be able to attend events in Douglas.”
“Having a bus will be a cost savings for us,” shares Head Coach C.M. Jenkins for the SGSC swim team. “More importantly, it will be a rolling billboard for SGSC and our athletic programs. I look forward to the spacious, comfortable ride and pulling up to other colleges proudly displaying the SGSC Hawks logo on the side. I feel it will add credibility to our already successful program.”
SGSC faculty, staff and students have also shared their sense of pride and enthusiasm at having the Hawks bus on campus. Moving forward, Dr. Thompson-Sellers plans for it to be a symbol of SGSC to the community and to all its destinations. Next time you see the bus out on the open road, just remember to honk and wave!
Details on how our alumni and community members can take part in a special unveiling ceremony will be coming soon.
SGSC Men’s swim team looks forward to the comfortable seating on the new bus.
SGSC Women’s Swim Team is ready to ride in style to out-of-town trips.