AMERICUS — AT&T made its ninth contribution to South Georgia Technical College (SGTC) and Georgia Southwestern State University (GSW)  recently for the “Two Great Choices – One Great Community” campaign that supports the efforts at both higher education institutions.
The “Two Great Choices – One Great Community” campaign was initiated in late 2007, to promote the positive educational opportunities offered by GSW and SGTC. The fund was originally set up to help market Americus and Sumter County as a college town and encourage local students to take advantage of the educational opportunities at the two institutions of higher learning. City and County government leaders, private citizens, and local businesses have supported the efforts.
“AT&T is pleased to be able to give back to this community and to South Georgia Technical College and Georgia Southwestern State University,” said Courtney Brinson, Regional Director – External Affairs for AT&T Georgia. “We appreciate what each of you do for this community and your students. I would also like to thank State Representative Mike Cheokas and our other local legislators for their support of these two institutions, this community, and AT&T.”
The “Two Great Choices – One Great Community” campaign has raised approximately $110,000 over the past nine years. The community has responded positively to the campaign and “Two Great Choices – One Great Community” banners and signs can be seen displayed proudly throughout the local business community. GSW’s and SGTC’s institutional banners are prominently featured on the light poles throughout the downtown section during special times of the year.
“On behalf of South Georgia Technical College, I would like to thank Courtney Brinson and AT&T for their support of our college, Georgia Southwestern State University, and this community,” said SGTC President John Watford, Ed.D. “AT&T is a valuable partner and we appreciate its willingness to invest in education. We are also thankful for Barbara and Earl Gammage for helping initiate this project and for their support of our educational entities.”
GSW Interim President Charles Patterson, Ph.D., echoed Watford’s sentiment.
“The generous gift by AT&T is a meaningful example of our corporate partners investing in the vitality of our community and our students by supporting the efforts of both Georgia Southwestern State University and South Georgia Technical College,” he said.
The “Two Great Choices – One Great Community” campaign has helped promote Americus and Sumter County as a college town and increased enrollment at both institutions through scholarships. Nearly 50 students have received scholarship assistance since the campaign’s inception.
The AT&T donation was split equally between the SGTC Foundation and the GSW Foundation and will be used to help promote, publicize, and recruit young people to both institutions.
Individuals or businesses who would like to make a tax-deductible contribution to the “Two Great Choices – One Great Community” fund may send donations to “Two Great Choices – One Great Community,” P.O. Box 6102, Americus GA 31709. For more information contact Reda Rowell at the GSW Foundation at 229-931-2014 or Su Ann Bird at the SGTC Foundation at 229-931-2110.