Savannah Technical College and its Foundation received two awards when the Technical College System of Georgia (TCSG) gathered for its annual leadership conference in Savannah, October 25-26, 2021.

STC Foundation Board of Trustees earns Role Model Board designation

Savannah Technical College Foundation Board of Trustees earned the designation of Technical College Foundation Association (TCFA) 2021 Role Model Foundation Board Certification for the sixth consecutive year for fiscal year 2021.

The TCFA Role Model Foundation Board Certification is an annual certification process sponsored by the TCFA of Georgia, a membership organization that represents the 22 Technical College System of Georgia foundations and more than 600 trustees statewide.

The TCFA Delegate Council presents this award to encourage and recognize foundation boards that engage in outstanding business practices and demonstrate the highest level of commitment. In order to obtain the certification, not only does the board as a whole have to meet certain requirements, but each individual board member must meet specific requirements.

To be eligible to receive the certification a foundation must engage in best practices in nonprofit governance, board management, and operations; have policies in place to ensure compliance with state and federal regulations, especially in financial matters; be led by a Board of Trustees whose members are actively engaged in the foundation’s development activities; and support the professional development and state-level participation of their Trustees, Executive Director and college advancement personnel.

All trustees must demonstrate active engagement in the work of the board through regular attendance at board and committee meetings and college and foundation events, participation in leadership activities and personal professional development, and fundraising on behalf of the board.

The STC Foundation Board of Trustees 2020-21 membership includes: Gary Sanchez, Chair; Kay Ford, Vice Chair; Sam McCachern, Past Chair; Stewart Bromley, Treasurer; Robyn Iannone, At-Large; Dr. Bertice Berry; David Burkoff; Scott Center; Lisa Colbert; Patrick Connell; Jesse Dillon; Dr. Franklin Goldwire; Nina Gompels; Mary Morrison; Nick Nichols; Nick Puhala; Alfonso Ribot; Cecilia Russo Turner; and Michael Traynor

Founded in 1984, the Savannah Technical College Foundation is a private, nonprofit organization that exists to raise and disburse funds to support the College’s efforts to enhance learning, workforce training and economic development in Bryan, Chatham, Effingham and Liberty counties.

Local Board earns TCDA of Georgia, Inc. board certification for all members

Savannah Technical College’s Board of Directors earned 100% board certification for all members for academic year 2021. All local board members become members of the Technical College Directors’ Association (TCDA of Georgia, Inc.) when they join their respective local board. TCDA provides the training necessary to become a certified board member. To achieve the status of “certified board member,” board members are required to attend a series of professional development classes consisting of: new board orientation/governance; building relationships with elected officials; community advocacy; understanding the legislative budgeting process and financial management of technical colleges and an elective workshop.

In order to become TCDA Certified, a local board member must complete the four required workshops, one elective workshop plus two required and eight selected activities. Selective activities include attending 80% of local board meetings, going on a tour of the technical college, attending a TCSG State Board meeting or TCSG Leadership Conference, etc.

The STC Local Board of Directors 2021-22 membership includes Todd Hoffman, chairman (Effingham); James Williams, vice-chairman (Chatham); Brandt Herndon (Effingham); Dr. Kathleen Benton (Chatham); Donald Lovette (Liberty); Tom Ratcliffe (Liberty).

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#2217 | November 4, 2021
Media Contact: Amy Shaffer, APR
912.443.5512 or ashaffer@savannahtech.edu

SAVANNAH – Savannah Technical College Foundation announced today that Bank of America has committed $250,000 in funding to support workforce development initiatives at Savannah Technical College. Funding will be split over two years and will be focused toward removing financial barriers for low- to middle-income, underrepresented minority students. The gift will support gap funding for students in high demand industries, fast-track non-credit training and emergency/last-mile financial assistance.

“Bank of America’s investment in our community will pay dividends for many years to come. This funding supports our students as they prepare for careers that earn family-sustaining wages throughout our local economy,” said College President Dr. Kathy Love. “This kind of comprehensive support for workforce training is exceptional and we are most appreciative.”

The funding from Bank of America will be used to provide training to support students pursuing careers in high demand fields of manufacturing, industrial maintenance, aviation technology, welding, nursing and logistics. Funds will support tuition, fees, books, required tools and equipment – effectively removing all financial barriers for students.

The fast-track training offers short-term, non-credit training in key industry areas like manufacturing, logistics and welding, and was developed to meet hiring needs of local industries and provides certifications for high demand jobs identified by local hiring partners.

The emergency/last-mile funding will provide financial assistance for students who are at risk of dropping out for financial reasons. The Technical College System of Georgia has identified last-mile funding as a priority statewide.

“Savannah Technical College is providing technical training and job placement services that equip members of our community to perform in high-demand roles that are critical to the stability and growth of Savannah’s economy overall,” said Patrick O’Neil, President, Bank of America Savannah. “Bank of America’s support of fast-track training furthers our commitment to supporting solutions that advance economic opportunity for all in our community.”

This investment in Savannah Technical College is a part of Bank of America’s $1.25 billion commitment to supporting racial equality and economic mobility, with a focus on those from historically underrepresented backgrounds. Bank of America’s commitment will deepen and extend ongoing initiatives that help workers acquire the skills they need to fully participate in the new economy.

About Bank of America
At Bank of America, we’re guided by a common purpose to help make financial lives better, through the power of every connection. We’re delivering on this through responsible growth with a focus on our environmental, social and governance (ESG) leadership. ESG is embedded across our eight lines of business and reflects how we help fuel the global economy, build trust and credibility, and represent a company that people want to work for, invest in and do business with. It’s demonstrated in the inclusive and supportive workplace we create for our employees, the responsible products and services we offer our clients, and the impact we make around the world in helping local economies thrive. An important part of this work is forming strong partnerships with nonprofits and advocacy groups, such as community, consumer and environmental organizations, to bring together our collective networks and expertise to achieve greater impact. Learn more at about.bankofamerica.com, and connect with us on Twitter (@BofA_News).

#2216 | November 2, 2021
Media Contact: Amy Shaffer, APR
912.443.5512 or ashaffer@savannahtech.edu

SAVANNAH, Ga. – The Gene Haas Foundation has given $5,000 to support student scholarships and student competition teams at Savannah Technical College. Up to half of the gift may be used for student competition that highlights CNC/Manufacturing. This gift continues the Haas Foundation’s support of STC students with the scholarship established in 2017.

To qualify students must be enrolled in STC’s Precision Machining & Manufacturing programs with a 3.5 or higher GPA and must have completed 24 hours of study. The Haas Precision Manufacturing & Machining Scholarship will provide up to $1,000 per academic year.

The Precision Machining and Manufacturing program at Savannah Technical College prepares students for careers as machinists. This training empowers graduates to safely operate machinery that make the manufacturing industry work. Precision Machining and Manufacturing graduates have had a 100% placement in field for the past decade (AY2011-20). It is offered at STC’s Effingham campus.

The Gene Haas Foundation recognizes that the future of manufacturing in the United States – and around the world – depends directly upon the availability of skilled workers. Expanding the pool of skilled workers hinges on recruiting more young people to pursue careers in manufacturing, and creating state-of-the-art advanced manufacturing training programs to ensure that graduating students have the skills necessary when they enter the workforce.

One of the primary goals of the Gene Haas Foundation is to provide financial assistance for students interested in manufacturing-based careers. Scholarship programs are available through career centers, technical schools, community colleges, and universities. Foundation funding goes directly to those training programs to attract prospective students.

By providing scholarship grants, sponsoring individual and team CNC competitions, and partnering with the very best CNC training programs in the world, the Foundation helps expand the availability of high-quality manufacturing technology training worldwide.

The Gene Haas Foundation was established in 1999, by Haas Automation, Inc., Founder and CEO Gene Haas, to support the needs of the local community. Seeing a growing need for skilled manufacturing employees industry wide, the Foundation expanded its mission to include support for manufacturing training programs throughout North America and beyond.

The Gene Haas Foundation donates millions of dollars every year to manufacturing education and the community. In 2020, the Gene Haas Foundation provided more than $17 million in grants, bringing the total since inception to more than to $100 million.

More information about applying for scholarships at Savannah Technical College may be found at www.savannahtech.edu/Scholarships. STC scholarship funds are managed by the Savannah Technical College Foundation, a 501 (c)3 organization whose sole purpose is to raise private funds to support the mission of Savannah Technical College. Gifts are tax-deductible to the fullest extent of the law.

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# 2215 | October 25, 2021

Precision Machining & Manufacturing Academic Advisor: Secene Dorsey
912.443.5859 or ssdorsey@savannahtech.edu

Media Contact: Amy Shaffer, APR
912.443.5512 or ashaffer@savannahtech.edu

SAVANNAH, Ga. – Anthony Daiello’s interest in airplanes began when he was just a boy. Now this 17-year-old high school senior’s passion has propelled his training and prepared him for a career of a lifetime. When he graduates this December from Bradwell Institute – a semester ahead of schedule – he will have three aviation certificates, seven general core courses, and a potential aerospace job offer once he’s 18.

As a sophomore through dual enrollment with Savannah Technical College’s training at the Liberty College and Career Academy, he earned STC’s Aircraft Assembly Technician Technical Certificate of Training (TCC). In the spring of his junior year, he completed STC’s Avionics Installer TCC at night, while taking high school and college general core courses during the day. This semester, during the day he takes a high school course (Spanish 2), along with STC’s American Literature course online. At night, he is enrolled in STC’s Avionics Technician TCC, which he will complete in December.

He is the first Bradwell Institute student to earn three aviation TCCs upon graduation. “Anthony is a highly-motivated student with a keen interest in exploring how things work,” said Bradwell Institute Assistant Principal Sean Mulvanity. “The aircraft assembly technician program has allowed him the opportunity to engage in a unique learning opportunity that activates his curiosity and provides him with valuable skills.”

Last spring, as a part of his Avionics Installer course, he interviewed with aerospace manufacturers including Gulfstream Aerospace Corp. Employers were very interested in hiring him once he is 18, which is a requirement for those positions.

Daiello received the Georgia Certificate of Merit this summer. Each year the University of Georgia and the State of Georgia recognize Georgia Certificate of Merit Scholars for outstanding scholastic achievement throughout the first three years of high school. To qualify, students must rank in the top five percent of their junior class.

He is a member of National Technical Honor Society at Savannah Tech. He has been accepted and will be attending Georgia Southern University’s electrical engineering program for Spring 2022.

Dual Enrollment helps qualified high school students maximize their education and career training by taking courses that earn college and high school credit. Students may enroll fully into a degree, diploma, or technical certificate of credit (TCC) program or may choose to take a few courses. Courses are taught on college campuses, online and hybrid (a blend of online and in-person classes).

Starting in tenth grade, students are eligible to take occupational or CTAE courses through Dual Enrollment funding. Junior and senior level (eleventh and twelfth grades) students are eligible to take core/general education, as well as occupational courses. Financial aid is available for students who meet the requirements.

The College’s Aviation division offers specialty aviation continuing education courses and credit aviation programs for Aircraft Structural, Aviation Maintenance and Avionics training. For the past three years, graduates from STC’s credit aviation programs have a 100% placement rate and 91% placement in field (AY 2018-20). Its state-of-the-art Aviation Training Center is located at the Crossroads Campus. For information about the College’s Aviation programs, call 912.443.4094 or visit www.savannahtech.edu/AviationTechnology.

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#2214 | October 20, 2021
Media Contact: Amy Shaffer, APR
912.443.5512 or ashaffer@savannahtech.edu

SAVANNAH, Ga. – Savannah Technical College Patient Care Technician student Rosalia Perez has received a $1,000 scholarship from the National Technical Honor Society (NTHS).

STC’s Allied Health Department Head Salina Woodlin nominated Perez for NTHS membership in Spring 2021.

“Ms. Perez is motivated and a dependable health care professional in the making,” said Woodlin. “Her persistence to climb the professional ladder to obtain her goal of becoming a registered nurse signifies her strength and dedication to never give up despite obstacles that may arise. Her commitment to never missing a day and always being on time exhibits her excellence in work ethics. I am blessed to have earned a memorable portion of her educational journey at Savannah Technical College and cannot wait to witness her success and growth in healthcare.”

Perez is a full-time medical receptionist at Peds Now in Hinesville, Ga. She completed STC’s health care assistant technical certificate of credit (TCC) this summer and has earned CNA certification. She is projected to complete STC’s Patient Care Technician TCC this fall. She plans to continue her education to become a registered nurse with a goal of working for a neonatal intensive care unit (NICU).

Nurses, who cared for her son when he was in NICU for 42 days, inspire her. “I saw how the nurses were so good to him,” she said. “They helped him so much by going above and beyond. I want to do that for other babies.”

She received one of 250 outstanding NTHS members awarded the Jon H. Poteat Scholarship nationwide, who consistently exemplify the seven character attributes of the NTHS – Skill, Honesty, Service, Responsibility, Scholarship, Citizenship, and Leadership.

To be eligible for NTHS membership at Savannah Technical College, students must have completed a minimum of 12 semester credit hours, have a grade point average of 3.5 or higher and have been nominated by an instructor in their major.

NTHS honors student achievement and leadership, promotes educational excellence, awards scholarships, and enhances career opportunities inductees. It is the international leader in providing recognition for excellence in career and technical education. Since its founding in 1984, NTHS has awarded nearly $3 million in scholarships to remarkable CTE students nationwide. For more information about the NTHS visit: www.nths.org. 

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# 2213 | October 19, 2021
Media Contact: Amy Shaffer, APR
912.443.5512 or ashaffer@savannahtech.edu

SAVANNAH, Ga. – Savannah Technical College recently selected Carl E Betterson, Jr. as director for the Pathways Home 2 Training Grant. The director manages all aspects of grant services, goals and objectives.

Betterson has correctional experience as deputy warden of care and treatment at Coastal State Prison. He was also the assistant superintendent of Columbus Transitional Center and chief counselor of Rutledge State Prison.

He has a master’s degree in criminal justice with a specialty in corrections and a bachelor’s degree in criminal justice from Albany State University. He is also a certified public manager from the Carl Vinson Institute at the University of Georgia.

Earlier this year, the College received a $3,965,000 grant from the U.S. Department of Labor. The “Pathway Home” grant assists individuals now or once involved in the criminal justice system to secure employment in their communities by assisting access to education, career training and apprenticeships. The grant supports expanded services to eligible, incarcerated individuals in state correctional facilities or local jails prior- and post-release to help eliminate the gap between release and enrollment into a re-entry training program leading to employment.

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# 2212 | October 18, 2021

Media Contact: Amy Shaffer, APR
912.443.5512 or ashaffer@savannahtech.edu

Savannah Technical College Foundation celebrated 27 community stars virtually today for its Tribute to Community STARs event.  The 15th annual event has recognized 300 people for their service and dedication in the community or at work.

This year sponsors gathered in groups of 10 at their own locations to celebrate their star and enjoy a gourmet brunch prepared and packaged by Savannah Culinary Institute student chefs with COVID-19 safety protocols in place.

Honored were:

• Lynda Beam, Owner, Guerry Lumber, sponsored by NAWIC of Coastal Georgia;
• Kathleen Benton, CEO, Hospice Savannah, sponsored by Gulfstream Aerospace;
• Kate Blair, Executive Director, Savannah CASA, sponsored by Matador Development;
• Josh Brooks, Owner, Brooks Construction Group, LLC, sponsored by Historic Savannah Foundation and Lesley Francis Public Relations;
• Lisa Colbert, Judge, Chatham County Superior Court, sponsored by Bertice Berry Productions, Inc.;
• John Coleman, COO, Bonitz of Georgia, sponsored by Savannah Economic Development Authority;
• Bill Daniel, Owner/Principal, Lassiter Investments, LLC, sponsored by Savannah Christian Preparatory School;
• Lawton Davis, Director, Coastal Health District, sponsored by Gulfstream Aerospace;
• Paul Egan, Corps Officer, Salvation Army, sponsored by Jim Williams for the Salvation Army Savannah;
• Carmel Hearn, Writer, Carriage Trade Public Relations, sponsored by Carriage Trade Public Relations;
• Wade Herring, Partner, HunterMaclean, sponsored by Bertice Berry Productions, Inc.;
• Jim Lee, CEO, Shamrock Drones, sponsored by Shamrock Drones;
• Carol Legasse, Co-Owner, The Salt Table, sponsored by Visit Savannah and The Salt Table;
• Tammie Mosley, Clerk of Superior Court for the Eastern Judicial Circuit of Georgia, sponsored by BankSouth;
• Jeanne Paddison, Executive Director, Savannah Wildlife Rescue Center, sponsored by Evans General Contractors and Coleman Company;
• Joycelin Primus, STC 2021 Instructor of the Year, sponsored by Friends of Savannah Technical College;
• Ann Purcell, Community Leader, sponsored by Effingham County Industrial Development Authority;
• Sean Register, Chair, Development Authority of Bryan County, sponsored by Development Authority of Bryan County;
• Lizann Roberts, Director, Coastal Georgia Indicators Coalition, sponsored by Healthy Savannah and YMCA of the Coastal Empire;
• Kristin Russell, Owner, Sentient Bean and Brighter Day, sponsored by Hansen Architects;
• Camille Russo, VP for Marketing, Junior Achievement of Georgia, sponsored by Ad Specialty Services;
• Cathy Sakas, Founder & Chair, Gray’s Reef National Marine Sanctuary Foundation, sponsored by Tenenbaum Consulting, Inc.;
• Kevin Sheehan, President, Savannah AMBUCS, sponsored by Thomas & Hutton;
• Donald Singleton, Community Leader, sponsored by Friends of Savannah Technical College;
• Anne Smith, Owner, Lominack Kolman Smith Architects, sponsored by Architecture 101;
• Rachel Waldron, STC 2021 Student of the Year, sponsored by Bonitz of Georgia; and
• Mary Warnell, Community Leader, sponsored by Mary Morrison.

A keynote message was shared by Dr. Bertice Berry. The pre-recorded video may be viewed on the College’s Youtube (https://bit.ly/TributetoCommunitySTARS2021) and Facebook (https://www.facebook.com/SavannahTech) pages.

The annual event is hosted by the STC Foundation Community Council, a group of young professionals charged with expanding the local knowledge and profile of the College and its mission. The group also raises funds to support the college, its programs and students. Proceeds from the event benefit the Savannah Technical College Foundation.

Founded in 1984, the STC Foundation is a private, nonprofit organization that exists to raise and disburse funds to support the College’s efforts to enhance learning, workforce training and economic development in Bryan, Chatham, Effingham and Liberty counties.

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# 2211 | October 15, 2021
Media Contact: Amy Shaffer, APR
912.443.5512 or ashaffer@savannahtech.edu

Savannah Technical College was ranked #1 in the 2021-22 Military Spouse Friendly® Schools evaluation of small community colleges. The Military Friendly® Schools survey is the longest-running most comprehensive review of college and university investments in serving military and veteran students.

The top 25% of Military Friendly® Schools received the Military Spouse Friendly® School ranking based on leading practices, outcomes and effective programs for military spouses. Institutions earning the Military Friendly® School designation were evaluated using both public data sources and responses from a proprietary survey.

As a military spouse, Corrine Ramos benefited from STC’s guidance for military funding and financial aid. Through STC’s military coordinator, Ramos learned about MyCAA benefits for military spouses. She also applied for and received military-affiliated scholarships from the Landings Military Family Relief Fund and STC’s Military Freedom Fund to purchase tools and insurance.

Ramos completed a Dental Hygiene Associate of Science Degree at Savannah Tech in spring 2021. As a student, she worked as an implant coordinator for Southeastern Oral Surgery Associates. Upon graduation, she was promoted to a full-time position of patient care technician. She plans to continue her education next year with the ultimate goal of becoming a registered nurse. Her husband is an apache mechanic (E6) that completed STC’s Advanced Aviation Maintenance program in Spring 2020.

During the previous academic year, the College exceeded the Military Friendly® benchmark standards in every category to earn this ranking. It scored 100% in every category including academic policies/compliance, admissions/orientation, culture/commitment, financial aid/assistance, graduation/career and military student support/retention.

The College has the highest military-affiliated enrollment in the Technical College System of Georgia (TCSG). One in four STC students is a veteran, active duty service member or a military dependent/spouse. For the past four years, the College has been ranked as one of the top Best for Vets public technical and career colleges in the U.S. by Military Times.

The College waives all general mandatory fees for active duty service members using military tuition assistance. Other services Savannah Tech offers for veterans include workshops and grants. The College has multiple scholarships for military-affiliated students. This includes scholarships that provide gap funding for military with U.S. Coast Guard members, a Freedom Fund to provide needs-based scholarship assistance for soldiers, veteran and spouses and a scholarship that supports Savannah Tech’s military spouses is funded by The Landings Military Family Relief Fund.

The 2021-22 Military Friendly® School list may be found at www.militaryfriendly.com. Methodology, criteria, and weightings were determined by Viqtory with input from the Military Friendly® Advisory Council of independent leaders in the higher education and military recruitment community. Final ratings were determined by combining the institution’s survey response set and government/agency public data sources, within a logic-based scoring assessment. The evaluation measures the institution’s ability to meet the thresholds for student retention, graduation, job placement, loan repayment, persistence (degree advancement or transfer) and loan default rates for all students, and specifically, for student veterans.

About Military Friendly®: The Military Friendly® Schools list is created each year based on extensive research using public data sources for more than 8,800 schools nationwide, input from student veterans, and responses to the proprietary, data-driven Military Friendly® Schools survey from participating institutions. The survey questions, methodology, criteria and weighting were developed with the assistance of an independent research firm and an advisory council of educators and employers. The survey is administered for free and is open to all postsecondary schools that wish to participate. Criteria for consideration is available at www.militaryfriendly.com

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# 2209 | September 16, 2021

Media Contact: Amy Shaffer, APR
912.443.5512 or ashaffer@savannahtech.edu

SAVANNAH, Ga. – Savannah Technical College Industrial Systems students will compete in an underwater robotics competition in Spring 2022 thanks to funding from a National Science Foundation (NSF) grant. The College is one of two community and technical colleges in the U.S. selected to participate in the first cohort that will compete in a brand-new level for the Marine Advanced Technology Education (MATE) Remotely Operated Vehicle (ROV) Competition.

The MATE ROV Competition uses underwater robots to inspire, engage, and challenge students from elementary school through college in science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM). Through preparing for the competition, students learn and creatively apply STEM to solve real-world problems and strengthen their critical thinking, collaboration, entrepreneurship, and innovation.

In the next three years, up to 15 colleges will be included in the grant-funded project. MATE secured the NSF funding to expand the number of two-year institutions of higher education participating in its regional or global events. Currently, two-year colleges are underrepresented in the competition. For Savannah Technical College, the grant will cover costs for professional development of STC Industrial Systems faculty and provide advanced-level training kits for student team development.

Gray’s Reef National Marine Sanctuary Foundation is the local host of the Gray’s Reef Southeast Regional MATE ROV Competition, held each spring in Savannah in partnership with MATE and NOAA Gray’s Reef National Marine Sanctuary.

“This grant gives Savannah Technical College students the opportunity to master high-end ‘blue tech’ skills,” said MATE Regional Competition Network Liaison and Gray’s Reef National Marine Sanctuary Foundation Director Jody Patterson. “We look forward to working with the College to provide skills training as it builds its student team. I’m excited to see what they can do!”

The College’s Industrial Systems program will introduce marine trades with mechatronics training, while developing innovative tools for ocean research. Student teams will demonstrate the underwater ROVs that they built during the regional competition to qualify for the MATE ROV World Championships.

STC’s Industrial Systems training equips students with problem-solving skills they need to diagnose complicated production line problems. Students master predictive maintenance by identifying problems before they happen to eliminate downtime. They learn Industry 4.0/Smart Factory, fluid power, programmable logic controls (PLCs), electricity, and mechatronics. Industrial Systems is one of Georgia’s high demand jobs that qualify for the HOPE Career Grant. For more information visit: www.savannahtech.edu/IndustrialSystems

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#2208 | August 27, 2021

  Media Contact: Amy Shaffer, APR
912.443.5512 or ashaffer@savannahtech.edu