AMERICUS — The South Georgia Technical College (SGTC) Foundation and SGTC President John Watford, Ed.D., hosted a special holiday gala recently to thank all SGTC faculty, staff, alumni, retirees, foundation supporters, and business and industry partners for their support of the college and its students. Four different college presidents, two retired and two active, were at the function.
President Watford was joined at the event by retired SGTC President Jon Johnson and his wife, Joan (1996 – 2004), SGTC President Emeritus Sparky Reeves, and his wife Allene, (2004 – 2015), and Georgia Southwestern State University President Neal Weaver, Ph.D., and his wife Kristie.
The special event was hosted in the John M. Pope Industrial Technology Center on the South Georgia Tech campus recently. Approximately 500 faculty and staff as well as foundation supporters and business and community members attended the special event.
“This was a great night,” said Watford. “This event shows the tremendous support that we have from the community and from our business and industry partners. It was extremely fitting to have South Georgia Tech former Presidents Johnson and Reeves here to show the legacy of leadership that South Georgia Technical College has. And we were honored that Georgia Southwestern President Dr. Neal Weaver joined us.
“This special event is our way of saying thank you to faculty, staff, community leaders, and the individuals who have helped make our progress possible. With your support, we have been able to help students become successful and secure an outstanding education that prepares them for an exciting career. A trained workforce is valuable to our entire community! Thank you for your past support and we hope you will continue to support our students and this community in the future,” added Watford.
Watford and his wife Barbara greeted guests as they arrived. The event was held from 7-9 p.m. and students and faculty from SGTC’s culinary arts department prepared and served the hors d’oeuvres which included Lobster and Prosciutto Crostini with Chive Goat Cheese, Barbecue Shrimp, Crab Stuffed Mushrooms, Sausage and Cheese stuffed Mushrooms, Chicken Salad Profiteroles, international cheeses and crackers, Pistachio Crusted Leg of Lamb, Carved Smoked Turkey, Carved Prime Rib, and Prosciutto and Parmesan Cheese Pinwheels. The deserts included Cocoa Dusted Dark Chocolate Truffles, White Chocolate Coconut Truffles, Milk Chocolate dipped in chocolate, Martha Washington Candy, Buckeyes, Chocolate Mousse, truffles, Two-bite Hershey Kisses Brownies, Christmas M&M Mini Brownies, Reese’ brownie Truffles and Decorated Sugar Cookies. There was also coffee, hot apple cider, and water available.
Photos from the event can be found on the photo gallery section of the South Georgia Technical College website: wwwsouthgatech.edu and on the SGTC Facebook page.