Wiregrass Foundation South Receives Largest Donation in History
Press release from the issuing company
Thursday, October 23rd, 2014
This year the Wiregrass Foundation South will add a new leaf to the Ben Copeland Leadership Giving Club in honor of a couple who is investing in the future of thousands of Wiregrass healthcare students. On August 26th, Dr. Ed and Rhonda Mark made a gift of over $250,000 to Wiregrass Georgia Technical College Foundation South and have very generously pledged $1,000,000 to the Health Sciences programs.
Dr. Tina Anderson, President of Wiregrass Georgia Technical College, stated, “We are so honored to have the support of Dr. Ed and Rhonda Mark. Their donation will change the lives of our students and will improve health care in our communities.”
The College received $1.9 million during this year’s legislative session for the architectural planning of a 104,000 square foot health sciences building. Complete funding for the construction of the building will hopefully be secured over the course of the coming year. This substantial donation and pledge demonstrates the level of commitment and need for the new facility that will provide qualified health care workers for more than 79 healthcare industries in South Georgia.
When constructed, the new health sciences building will allow Wiregrass to expand existing health sciences programs and add new ones. Enrollment in the health sciences programs on the Valdosta campus makes up more than 25% of the total enrollment. The campus offers 16 health related programs and plans to add several new programs.
Dr. Penelope Schmidt, Executive Director for Wiregrass Foundation South, stated, “This is the largest single donation and largest pledge in the history of the Foundation. We are deeply thankful for the generosity of both Dr. Ed and Rhonda Mark. The impact of their donation will be transformational for students for many years to come.”
To discuss ways that you can create growth by partnering with Wiregrass Foundation South, contact Dr. Penelope Schmidt at 229-293-6190 or [email protected]. Donations are accepted online at http://www.wiregrass.edu/about/foundation.php. If you would like more information about certificates, diplomas and degrees in business, health, technical/industrial, professional services, or programs for high school students through Wiregrass Georgia Technical College, please call 229-333-2100.