February 17, 2011 - Albany Technical College will formally kickoff its 50th Anniversary with a Convocation Ceremony on Friday, February 18, 2011, beginning at 11am, at the James H. Gray Civic Center. A reception will follow immediately afterwards at the Albany Tech Kirkland Conference Center.
“Albany Tech’s convocation is a celebration of our 50 years of service to Southwest Georgia,” said Dr. Anthony Parker, President of Albany Tech. “For 50 years, one of the finest faculty and staff have provided relevant workforce education to many of our friends and neighbors. We are proud of our community and pleased to contribute to its economic well-being.”
Keynote Speaker for the morning ceremony will be Lt. General Willie Williams, Director of the Marine Corps Staff in Washington, DC. Many Southwest Georgians will remember Lt. General Williams during his time at Albany’s Marine Corps Logistics Command as the Commander from June 2005 to June 2009.
Commissioned in the Marine Corps in May of 1974, Lt. Gen. Williams began his career with the 11th Marine Artillery Regiment in May of 1975, serving first as a Battalion Supply Officer and then as the Regimental Supply Officer/Assistant S4 Officer.
Lt. Gen. Williams’ personal awards and decorations include the Legion of Merit with gold star in lieu of second award, the Defense Meritorious Service Medal, the Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal, the Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal, the Humanitarian Service Medal, the National Defense Service Medal and the Department of Defense Service Badge.
“I have come to know Lt. General Williams as a person who is genuinely concerned about the condition of others,” said Dr. Parker. “He focused a significant portion of his professional energy toward insuring that Marines who could be in harms way, had the best possible equipment. Albany Tech was honored to work to provide many of the artisans needed to fill that mission. He has also given substantial time and energy to the well being of his friends and acquaintances. He is one of the finest examples of a servant leader.”
As part of the ceremony, Albany Tech President, Dr. Anthony Parker, will recognize several elected officials. A special Presentation of the Flag by the Honor Guard of the Albany Police Department will be presented. The Albany Marine Corps Band will also engage the audience with several performances throughout the program. In addition, Dr. Josephine Reed-Taylor, Deputy Commissioner of the Technical College System of Georgia (TCSG), will present on behalf of Albany Tech’s governing body, TCSG.
Albany Tech will continue on in March with its year long schedule of events on March 3, 2011, at 10am, by planting a tree for Arbor Day on the grounds of the campus near Building A, now known as Prosperity Hall, which was the original Administration Building for the College. More details forthcoming.
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