The award was presented Thursday during the 43rd Annual Meeting of the Gainesville State College Foundation. Also at the meeting, this year's Distinguished Alumnus Award was presented to the school's first full-time Director of Alumni Affairs, Michelle Bowers Brown.
Foundation Chairman Kurt Hansen began the meeting by acknowledging Mary Cleveland as having perfect attendance for all 43 annual meetings.
As part of the meeting, GSC President Martha Nesbitt gave an update of the College, and Foundation Treasurer Ricky Pugh and Investment Committee Chair Bob Pennington presented the Financial Reports. They reported a fiscally sound Foundation and expressed excitement about an upward trend in earnings for the current fiscal year.
GSC Vice President for Institutional Advancement & CEO of the GSC Foundation Mary Transue, along with Hansen installed one new Board Member, Lydia Stark, and recognized Haydee Anderson, Susan Barkley, Shirley Hudgins, Harold Hodgson, Jim Thompson and Kelly Mathis Lee, all of whom are rotating off the Board.
In presenting Bowers with the Distinguished Alumnus Award, Dr. Nesbitt said "Michelle was the face of GSC Alumni for almost 17 years with her infectious personality and energetic drive. As a Gainesville State Alum, Michelle will always be a part of this institution. Being the 2010 recipient of the Distinguished Alumnus Award is just one more way in which Michelle Bowers Brown will have her name written in the history of this fine institution," said Nesbitt.
Of Dr. Mills, Nesbitt said, "Education is in Dr. Mills' blood, and he has made it his life's work. It is with admiration, gratitude and appreciation that we recognize his dedication to this institution for nearly 45 years. While serving as president and beyond, Dr. Mills promoted open enrollment and believed that a college education should be available to all applicants regardless of their background and preparation. Following his legacy, GSC has held true to its focus of being student focused and learning centered."
L-R, GSC Alumni Association President Vicki Davis, Dr. Hugh Mills III, Dr. Martha Nesbitt
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