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HGTC Foundation’s “Live Green, Give Green” Employee Fund Drive Successful

The Heart of Georgia Technical College has completed its 2009 Employee Fund Drive to benefit the HGTC Foundation.  “Live Green, Give Green” was the theme this year for the very successful drive.

“The goal each year is participation and the HGTC family did not disappoint again this year.  Eighty-seven percent of the employees “Gave Green” for a total of $18,741 in donations and pledges,” said Jenny Shuman, director of institutional development and marketing.  

The “Live Green, Give Green” campaign kicked off in March at a staff meeting where employees heard testimonials from three students who had been helped by the Foundation.   Twelve volunteer team leaders then took the lead in the fund drive.

“The students were an inspiration,” said Shuman.  “And, the team leaders did an outstanding job of encouraging their team members to “Give Green.”

Again this year, President Randall Peters set a challenge to employees to join the 1% Club.  Peters said, “I give one percent of my salary to the Foundation.  I encourage other employees to also give a thoughtful and proportional gift.”  Heart of Georgia Tech had 17 employees who stepped up and joined the 1% club this year.

 “Our employees always have a great giving spirit.  They recognize the benefit of the Foundation’s work and know how much our students and our College benefit in so many ways,” commented Peters.  “They believe in the College and see how we change lives.” 

The mission of the Foundation is to support and enhance the College by encouraging private giving.  For more information on the HGTC Foundation, contact Jenny Shuman at 478-296-6117, jshuman@heartofgatech.edu or visit the HGTC Foundation’s website at www.heartofgatech.edu.

Pictured:  “Green Team” members at faculty meeting.

Heart of Georgia Technical College is planning an Informational Resource Fair to be held on May 21, 9 am – 12 noon.  An initial planning meeting was held with HGTC staff and Resource Fair partners.  Pictured are:  Cecile Miller, HGTC director of career services; Jenny Shuman, HGTC marketing director; Connie Smith, Family Connections; Lisa Green, HGTC continuing education/work ready; Libby Lester, HGTC career planner; Patsy Carr, Department of Labor; Barbara Jones, Department of Labor; Lydia Barfoot, HGTC special needs facilitator.   Not pictured:  Janet Smith, HGTC special populations coordinator.  The Resource Fair will be free and open to the public.

Jeffersonville Student Takes Second Place

in Manufacturing Appreciation Week Poster Design Contest

Atlanta, GA—April 2009: Logan Smith, a seventh grader from Jeffersonville, Ga., found herself at the intersection of art and manufacturing – and onstage with Georgia’s chief operating officer, Jim Lientz – this week.

Smith took second place in the poster category of the 2009 Manufacturing Appreciation Week (MAW) student design contest. She received a $300 scholarship check, presented by Lientz at the MAW awards luncheon held Thursday at the Cobb Galleria. Georgia Public Broadcasting’s Richard Warner was master of ceremonies.

Smith, who attends Wilkinson County Middle School, is a winner for the second year in a row. Last year, she won first place in this category.

Students from around the state submitted design entries featuring Georgia manufacturers and their products. The three design categories were placemat (elementary school), poster (middle school) and t-shirt (high school).

The awards luncheon is the highlight of MAW, celebrated this year April 13-17. Co-hosted by the Technical College System of Georgia and the Georgia Department of Economic Development, MAW brings attention to this significant component of Georgia’s economy. According to Gov. Sonny Perdue’s proclamation declaring Manufacturing Appreciation Week, nearly 10,000 manufacturing facilities are located in Georgia. They provide 430,198 jobs, contributing more than $100 billion to the state’s economy each year.

This is the 15th year celebrating Manufacturing Appreciation Week in Georgia. This year’s sponsors include AT&T; BB&T; Georgia Power; the Georgia Tech Enterprise Innovation Institute; Habif, Arogeti & Wynne; and Pattillo.

LOIC  Technolotgy Fee Scholarships for Spring Quarter

HELENA—Five Little Ocmulgee Instructional Center students have received the Little Ocmulgee Instructional Center Technology Fee Scholarship from the Heart of Georgia Technical College Foundation for spring quarter.

Those receiving the award are Shirley McCrimmon of McRae, Natalie G. Carson of Eastman, Pamela Wooten of Alamo, Miesha Greene of Rhine, and Barbara Grant of Glenwood.

The Technology Fee Scholarship is awarded quarterly to students enrolled in a program of study at Little Ocmulgee Instructional Center (LOIC) of the Heart of Georgia Technical College. The scholarship is awarded to students who are in a good academic standing with the college.  The scholarship is also based on financial need and the amount of funds available for the award.

The HGTC Foundation is a 501(c)3 organization. If you would like to make a donation to support the technology fee scholarship, please contact Jenny Shuman at 478-296-6117, or visit the Foundation website at www.heartofgatech.edu.

HGTC Adult Education Students Assist VA Patients

On Thursday, April 16, 2009, fourteen Heart of Georgia Technical College Adult Education students enrolled at the Oconee Cultural Center/Southside site—in conjunction with the American Veterans (AmVets) and Auxiliary of Post #62 (Dublin, GA)—assisted patients at the Carl Vinson V.A. Medical Center in Dublin.
The students’ volunteer efforts were in response to the “Because We Care” program sponsored annually by the national AmVets organization. In addition to participating in a short program that honored the veterans for their service to our country, the students also assisted each veteran play several rounds of Bingo for which winners received small cash prizes and coupon books for use in the VA’s canteen. At the conclusion of the evening, the HGTC students greeted each veteran with a warm “Thank You” and distributed personal care packages provided by the AmVets.

Pictured above (left to right/front to back) are AmVets Auxiliary President Evie J. Wright, Olivia Stanley, Maya Stanley, Fredrick Stanley (HGTC Adult Education Instructor), Ethel Timmons, Janice Henley, Yameisha Ashley, Diamond, Yomika Devoe, Africa Houston, Ayesha Chatman, Jacqueline Bell, AmVets 2nd Vice-Commander Roosevelt Robinson, Patricia O’Neal, Clint Walker, Princeton Walker, Malcolm Gallamore, Antonio Lawrence,
AmVets Post Commander Teddy Holliman (back left), and Martha Lloyd (not pictured).

Introduction to Computers Class Held at HGTC

The Community Education Department at Heart of Georgia Technical College recently held an Introduction to Computers class.  Pictured is instructor Mary Lou Thomas along with the class.   For more information on Community Education classes visit the HGTC website at www.heartofgatech.edu, and click on the Community Education tab, or you may request information directly by calling (478) 275-6592.

Easter Fun for HGTC Pre-K

The Heart of Georgia Technical College Pre-K class, under the direction of teacher Jessica Beck, created an awesome Easter display on the window of the TRACS Center and Student Affairs Department.  The children received Easter goodies from the department.

The class also participated in an egg hunt and grill out.  Parents, Tracy Sterling and Dwayne Carr, grilled the hotdogs.  The Easter Bunny (alias Allyson Sterling) also hopped in for a visit with the children. 

Gayco Sponsors Classroom at HGTC's Livingston Hall

                                   By Stephanie Miller, The Courier Herald

        Bent Gay and the staff of Gayco Healthcare believe strongly in the training received at Heart of Georgia Technical College for a good reason - at least four of the employees received their degrees from the school and several others have taken refresher courses there.

        So it was with that in mind that Gayco Healthcare recently made a significant contribution to the school to sponsor the pharmacy tech classroom in Livingston Hall. Gayco Healthcare was the first company to do so.  A reception was held Tuesday to commemorate the donation and officially name the classroom the Gayco Healthcare Pharmacy Tech classroom. Dr. Randall Peters, president of the College, was out of town on school business. Heart of Georgia Technical College Foundation has begun a campaign allowing businesses and individuals to sponsor classrooms that are particularly important to their industry or profession.

        "On behalf of Dr. Peters, I'd like to thank you for taking this big step," said Beth Crumpton, executive vice president of HGTC, to Gayco Healthcare officers and employees who attended the reception.

        "You're the first (to adopt a classroom in Livingston Hall) and it shows us what a tremendous confidence you have in us to insure that you are getting the graduates that you need," she said.

        Gayco Healthcare is a long-term care pharmacy serving healthcare facilities such as nursing homes, retirement homes and others where a pharmacy is needed.

        "On behalf of the board of trustees for the (HGTC) Foundation I would sincerely like to express my appreciation," said Ed Touchberry, president of the board of trustees of the HGTC Foundation. "On the way out here I was thinking I'm sure Louie Livingston was smiling with this step forward. I hope you have set an example for other business leaders in naming rooms after their companies." Livingston, for whom Livingston Hall was named, was a HGTC Foundation member and benefactor who was instrumental in getting HGTC located in Dublin.

        Touchberry pointed out a color photograph of the entire staff of Gayco and said he was even more impressed when he learned Bent Gay, president of Gayco Healthcare, insisted it be placed in the room to honor the entire staff of Gayco.

        "That says a lot about you and your dedication to your people,"

Touchberry said.

        Gay said the decision was made because of the importance of the program to his company.

        "This was not something I decided to do on my own. I talked to our whole group about it," he said pointing to Davey Brown, vice president of Gayco. "He is just as proud of our employees as I am. The backbone of our business is our pharmacy technicians. Our pharmacists are extremely important to us. Our pharmacy technicians are extremely important to us."

        Gay said the company has been so pleased with the staff that trained at Heart of Georgia Technical College that now efforts are being made to get all the company's new staff from the graduates of the school. He thanked HGTC's pharmacy tech instructor Jack Shepherd for his dedication to the program and to helping his students succeed. The program has practically a 100 percent job success rate for graduates.

         "We just thank Heart of Georgia Tech for all it does for us. We hope to keep growing with us," said Gay.

        To sponsor a classroom at Heart of Georgia Technical College contact the Touchberry by email at foundation@heartofgatech.edu or call

478-296-6117 or 478-274-7880. Companies that sponsor a classroom will have the designation placed at the door of the classroom.

Cutline:  Shown (front row left to right) Ed Touchberry, Heart of Georgia Technical College Foundation accepts a check from Bent Gay of Gayco Healthcare;  Davey Brown, vice president of Gayco Healthcare, Jack Shepherd, HGTC pharmacy tech instructor, and Gail O'Neal of Gayco Healthcare; back row, left to right, are Gayco Healthcare staff members Wanda Brown, Julie Hartwell, Nancy Austin, Damien Register, Rose Crabb,

Ms. Dahlia Allen, Dean of Adult Education at Heart of Georgia Technical College, recently presented a program at a Lunch ‘n Learn at the Carl Vinson VA Medical Center.  She gave an overview of the HGTC adult education program and encouraged those in attendance to enroll in the “Step Up to Success” program which is held at the hospital.  Pictured (l-r):  Dr. Jo-Ann Hayward, EEP Program Manager and ADR Coordinator at the Carl Vinson VA Medical Center and Dahlia Allen, Dean of Adult Education at HGTC.

Earning GED Gives Man A New Outlook on Life

It took a self-professed mid-life crisis to give Charles Briley the wake-up call he needed to work toward the career goals that had once eluded him.

Briley was a student at West Laurens High School when he married at 17. He managed to juggle work, family and school for a while, but the new adjustments in his life soon got in the way.

“Somehow or another, I just didn’t have the motivation at the time,” said Briley, 38, of his then 17-year-old self.

After dropping out of high school, he soon took a job at Gilman Paper Co. in Eastman and he proceeded to work there for the next 12 years.

That’s when it hit him.

Briley decided to finally take steps toward the goal of attaining his GED. He enrolled in adult education courses at Heart of Georgia Technical College’s Little Ocmulgee Instructional Center in Telfair County. Little did he know then that the decision would forever change the course of his life.

“I think I kind of woke up,” said Briley. “It hit me when I was going to school — life’s going to pass me by.”

With the guiding hand of his instructors, he stuck to the program and earned his GED in 2005. But, he wasn’t finished there. Through the availability of the HOPE grant, he was able to continue his education with the goal of earning a technical certificate in criminal justice.

And while there were a few delays along the way — Briley left school for a stint to complete basic training at Ft. Jackson, S.C. as a member of the U.S. Army Reserves — he was able to complete that program as well.

But the changes in his life did not stop there. He got a job with the Telfair County Sheriff’s Department and graduated from the police academy in Tifton on his way to becoming a deputy sheriff.

“It changed my life all around,” said Briley of his second chance at higher education.

Today, Briley is pursuing his criminal justice diploma all the while balancing family life — he has been married 21 years to his high school sweetheart — and two jobs. Briley is presently the chief of police in Uvalda, and he also works part-time for the Alamo Police Department.

“Needless to say, I stay pretty busy,” he said of his schedule these days.

“I always wanted to get into law enforcement,” said Briley. “I saw that as a way to get my foot in the door.”

He said while the money was great at his previous job, he simply wasn’t happy living his life in a career that no longer interested him and left him unfulfilled. He said making the decision to go back to school has actually changed his whole disposition and given him a new outlook on life.

“It was a big gamble I had to take to find something that’s gratifying to me.”

Now, he looks forward to going to work — and to school.

“I want to keep furthering my education,” said Briley. “If I keep furthering my education, I keep furthering me.”

And he often shares his newfound outlook with many he encounters in his new job who have landed on the wrong side of the law.

“I always try to tell them how much more they could be,” said Briley of those he comes across through his work in law enforcement. “The help has to start within first.”

Looking back on what seems now like a former life, Briley is pleased he took his own advice.

“The only thing that held me back was I was in my comfort zone,” he said. “Once you actually walk across that stage [at graduation]… the pride and feeling you receive in knowing that you’ve accomplished something — it’s a tremendous feeling.”

Photo above: Briley stands outside the Telfair County Sheriff’s Department where he got his start in law enforcement. Today, he is the chief of police in Uvalda and he also works part-time for the Alamo Police Department.

HGTC Welding Instructor Earns Inspector Certification

Heart of Georgia Technical College’s Walter Tyler has earned qualifications as a Certified Welding Inspector by the American Welding Society.

Tyler, who has been an instructor at HGTC for the past two years, recently completed a weeklong training session in Atlanta, which included a review of the welding practical codebook, a series of practice exams and reading preparation that encompassed more than 70 hours of research and study.   Tyler was among about 35 test-takers from all over the country that completed the six-hour, three-part exam required for certification. The CWI exam is only offered twice a year in Atlanta.

The certification allows Tyler to test others for specific welding procedures.

“It allows me here at the school to qualify former students for specific welding procedures,” said Tyler.

According to the American Welding Society Web site, “the Certified Welding Inspector (CWI) certification is widely recognized, both nationally and internationally, in the welding industry.  Successful companies have come to rely on this AWS certification when ensuring the highest level of quality workmanship.” 

A West Laurens High School and HGTC graduate, Tyler developed an interest in the welding field shortly after high school. He worked 10 years as a professional welder before becoming an instructor at HGTC.

He says the new certification will allow him to train and certify qualified workers for local industries.   “If a company comes to town and has a job opening, we would be able to qualify some of their own employees for the job,” said Tyler.

A qualified welder distinction is significant, particularly in a tougher, more competitive job market, according to Tyler.  “For anybody seeking new employment … it will prove to the employer that they’re able to meet and exceed the requirements of the job.”

He stressed the significance of hiring qualified welders with regards to keeping job costs low.

“A qualified welder can cut company expenses by using less materials,” said Tyler. “There will be less repair time, and they’ll know proper procedures. Most of the projects today require higher quality welds than there were in the past.”

HGTC offers a technology diploma in welding and joining as well as a pipe welding specialist technical certificate of credit.

And while the overall job market may be stagnant, Tyler contends there is an available niche for qualified welders to fill. He noted that the average age for a qualified welder is 50 years old — or nearing retirement.

“We need to start getting more people into that job force,” he said. “The local job market is slow right now, but there are [welding] jobs if you’re willing to travel.

“It’s very valuable. You can go anywhere with it.”

For more information on the HGTC welding program, call (478) 274-7869 or visit www.heartofgatech.edu.

A very informative program was presented at the March meeting of the Heart of Georgia Technical College Foundation Board of Trustees.  Mr. Todd Townsend, director of information technology at HGTC, demonstrated the new Smart Board Technology which is being integrated into the classrooms.  The HGTC Board of Trustees is comprised of members from Bleckley, Dodge, Laurens, Telfair, Wheeler and Wilkinson counties.  Pictured:  Mr. Townsend making the presentation to trustees. 

HGTC employees remember 25 years of "putting knowledge to work"

Twenty-five years ago, perhaps few envisioned the impact that sprang forth from Heart of Georgia Technical College’s quaint stretch of land along Pinehill Road.

But for the thousands who have walked through its doors often unskilled, yet motivated and walked out proud professionals, the once small and humble campus has changed lives and affected communities far beyond its initial reach, in a way perhaps much greater than most could have ever imagined.

For those there from the start, such as Beth Crumpton, much has changed in the college’s landscape during the course of the past 25 years.

“[HGTC is] a college that in no way resembles its beginnings in 1984,” said Crumpton, who began her career at HGTC as the secretary of instructional services. Today, Crumpton is the college’s executive vice president.

“As soon as I knew that a technical school was being built I Dublin, I knew that that was the place for me,” she said. “I have always enjoyed making a positive impact on people. There wasn’t any question about it — I knew that being a productive member of the HGTC family would afford me the opportunity to assist students in making their career dreams a reality.”

So much has changed throughout the past quarter century at HGTC, yet so much with regards to the college’s core values remain much the same.

To those who witnessed its meager beginnings and have had the opportunity to see its growth and expansion unfold, the college’s real success relies heavily on its community atmosphere and sense of cohesiveness and family among students, faculty and staff.

 “I moved to Dublin not knowing anyone,” said Becky Carroll, one of four current HGTC employees who have been affiliated with the college since the early years. “Therefore, some of my fondest memories are from the first year of the college’s existence. When employees began working at the college in January 1984, the building wasn’t complete. Most employees worked in one room, and we also attended a college course together. Faculty and staff really got to know each other during this time — it was truly a family atmosphere.”

Once the college officially opened its doors to students back in the early 1980s, that atmosphere became infectious, spreading to students just as easily as it had among the faculty and staff.

“It’s always very rewarding to see students being able to achieve their goals,” said Carroll, who began at HGTC as a business education instructor and is presently the dean of instructional services.

When Denise Hicks first started working at HGTC doing clerical work, there were only 20 employees. Now, she says she’s amazed at the growth the college has undertaken and what it has become.

“I’ve seen it grow so much here,” said Hicks. “Now we’ve grown so big, with multiple buildings and multiple campuses. It’s kind of become an identity to be with it.”

HGTC’s development actually spawned from a study conducted in 1967 and subsequent studies that indicated a need for such an institution in the local community. The governor’s office and the Georgia General Assembly approved a proposal in 1980 and ground was broken on the new school in November 1982.

“In 1984, when the school opened, the only building on campus (the W.R. Stewart Building) could only serve 350 students. Within a couple of years, we were at maximum capacity,” said Crumpton.

She recalled with a laugh: “I remember my first interview with Ray Stewart [former director of the school] and Dr. Mary Alice Watson [former coordinator of instructional services]. Due to space constraints, until the school’s construction was complete, Mr. Stewart’s office was located in an old restroom. I must say that I’ve never had an interview in such a location.”

In recent years, HGTC has seen its enrollment flourish to more than 1,600 students with the addition of facilities in Dodge, Wheeler, Telfair, Bleckley and Wilkinson counties to complement the main campus in Dublin, offering associate of applied science degrees, diplomas, technical certificates of credit, continuing education courses and adult literacy training.

What began as a single 74,000 square foot facility on 18 acres of land just beyond West Laurens High School has grown to include five buildings, the latest of which is the state-of-the art allied health facility, Louie Livingston Hall. The main campus of today includes more than 75 acres to compliment adult education off-site locations, a pre-K center and a commercial truck driving range.

“Growing from that small college that started to what we are now — it’s just such an impact,” said Hicks of the college’s overall growth.

HGTC business technology department chair Jacqueline Copenny still remembers her early days at the school, which helped to shape her philosophy and approach to teaching.

“My fondest memories would be during the early years when all the initial staff was being trained and the lasting friendships were being developed, and my students who helped me embrace my philosophy of teaching,” said Copenny.

She says the college’s effect on strengthening the local workforce has been remarkable and unsurpassed.

“HGTC has made a tremendous impact on our community by providing a trained workforce and by enriching the lives of others as they become productive citizens of the community,” said Copenny.

Added Crumpton: “HGTC has, and is continuing, to make an unbelievable positive impact on our local/area communities. Our mission is to contribute to economic and workforce development through guaranteed technical and adult education and the services necessary for individuals to achieve their goals. And, this we do each and every day.” 

“It touches my heart and I swell up inside with pride each graduation commencement as the hundreds of graduates come across the stage as I call their name,” she said. “To look out into the audience and see the tears and smiles of family members is chilling. You see, the greater majority of our students are currently working to support their family, are dually enrolled high school students obtaining a diploma/certificate, or have lost their jobs and are seeking a new career field.  Whatever their reasons are for bringing them to our college — they are making a tremendous positive impact on our workforce, and economy.”

From the recently laid off employee seeking a skills tune-up before taking the plunge back into the job market, to the employee simply looking for an edge in order to advance, or the working mother apprehensively returning for the high school diploma that slipped from her grasp years before, HGTC provides a venue and a means for local students to affect their own lives and the lives of their families in a positive fashion, original employees noted.

“Many students’ lives have been changed positively with their being able to obtain marketable skills and become employed,” said Carroll.

Most often noted by those who work there, however, is the college’s ability to respond to community needs.

“HGTC is responsive to meeting the needs of business and industries within the college’s service area,” said Carroll. “We have a very dedicated and committed faculty and staff. Faculty stay current in their fields to ensure students receive the skills they need to become employed. The college provides many support services to students. HGTC is also a community player. We participate in and host many community activities.”

Added Copenny: “HGTC has stood the test of time because of the great support from the citizens and industries of Dublin and Laurens County and surrounding communities.”

Looking ahead, they all see no less than the same sort of continuous impact that has become so familiar for the college, its students and the family the school has created.  

“I’ve enjoyed working here,” said Hicks. “Mostly, it’s the people you work with. We’re like a family — the employees. The students are like your second family. We’re proud of the school and what it’s become over the years.”

Crumpton seconds that notion.

“My life has been forever changed as a result of working at HGTC,” said Crumpton. “I love this college, our employees and the students that we serve.”

Pictured (seated l-r):  Becky Carroll, Jacqueline Copenny.  (Standing l-r):  Beth Crumpton, Denise Hicks