September 12, 2011 - WALB - Albany Technical College honored Albany Mayor Willie Adams Monday for his support of the college, calling him a "Friend of the College."
School leaders say he's helped Albany Tech with several initiatives to help the college be more successful.
Albany Tech held a luncheon to present the Mayor with the "Friend of the College" award and a photo collage to highlight some of the events he shared with Albany Tech while serving as mayor of Albany.
Albany Tech recognized Mayor Adams for all of his contributions to the college.
"Too often we show people appreciation after they have left this world, and certainly it is an honor to be able to look out on the audience and see the people who are grateful for some of the things you have done or tried to do," says Dr. Willie Adams Jr., Albany Mayor.
Mayor Adams was awarded the "Friend of the College" award for helping Albany Tech secure SPLOST funding for the relocation of Lowe Road and a pedestrian bridge across Slappey Boulevard.
"Since he has been mayor of Albany we have had several excellent opportunities come to us, probably because the level of support he had provided," says Dr. Anthony Parker, Albany Tech College President.
Dr. Parker says it has been good for the city to have him as workforce development mayor.
"There could not be a more vital or important person in a town than to have the chief political leader support the college," says Parker.
Parker says Mayor Adams has not only been supportive of Albany Tech, but ASU and Darton College as well.
"Education is the key to success, everybody cannot go to a four year university, and this technical college is very crucial to providing a workforce," says Adams.
Mayor Adams says Albany Tech has been successful in providing a strong workforce for this community.
"I think he understands the importance of education and helping us move forward economically, the better educated the labor force, the easier it is going to be to attract new business and encourage existing businesses to expand," says Parker.
Parker says Mayor Adams is part of the reason Albany can be called a college town.
Dr. Parker says Mayor Adams has gone out of his way to seek state and federal funding for the college and our community.
Dr. Adams is wrapping up his second term as Albany's mayor and is not running for re-election.
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