February 02, 2011

Community Foundation of Northeast Georgia Donates $50,000 to Gwinnett Tech Legacy of Lives Campaign

Gift Will Equip Nursing Facilities in New Life Sciences Center

The Community Foundation of Northeast Georgia (CFNEG) has gifted the Gwinnett Tech Foundation with a $50,000 donation to support the Legacy of Lives capital campaign for the college's new Life Sciences Center.

The gift from the CFNEG, disbursed over five years, will be used to equip the Nursing Skills Suite in GTC's Life Sciences Center with exam beds and state-of-the art nursing station technologies. Additionally, the Center's microbiology classroom will be named for the Community Foundation of Northeast Georgia.

"Gwinnett Tech consistently serves the greater good of the community and the county, and the Legacy of Lives campaign is another strong example of this. We're proud to help support the new Life Sciences Center and the positive impact this center of learning and innovation will have on our region," said Judy Waters, executive director, Community Foundation of Northeast Georgia.  "Our partnership with Gwinnett Tech began 25 years ago, and as our endowments grow, we'll continue that partnership. Gwinnett Tech has always offered much to the business community of this great county."

The Legacy of Lives campaign supports the education and training of healthcare professionals for the area through the construction of the Gwinnett Technical College Life Sciences Center and expansion of GTC's existing healthcare and life sciences program offerings.  When complete in the fall of 2011, the three-story, 78,000-square-foot center will serve 3,000 students. Currently, nearly 43 percent of GTC students are enrolled in one of the college's health science programs.

"The Community Foundation for Northeast Georgia is a long-term supporter of Gwinnett Tech and has been the lead donor for many of GTC's most important initiatives and expansions," said Mary Beth Byerly, executive director of the Gwinnett Tech Foundation. "The Foundation's donation to the Legacy of Lives campaign will help us provide high-wage job training in the healthcare industry, an investment that will enhance economic sustainability for our graduates, their families and ultimately, the community."

In the past, the CFNEG has also provided funding for the D. Scott Hudgens, Jr. Early Education Center on the GTC campus, the GTC Learning Success Center and the Gwinnett Advancement Program.

Over the past five years, the CFNEG has grown by more than $18 million. In March, the CFNEG enters another phase of expansion, adding seven new board members and crafting a new strategic plan to guide the foundation in the future and embrace the region's new philanthropists.

Gwinnett Tech currently offers degree, diploma or certificate options in registered nursing, bioscience, radiologic technology, respiratory care, surgical technology, dental assisting, medical assisting, dental lab technology, health studies, veterinary technology and EMT/paramedic technology, many of which will be expanded. The new Life Sciences Center will enable the college to introduce new programs in cardiovascular technology, diagnostic sonography, and health information technology, as well as a patient care technician program and bridge programs for practical nursing to registered nursing and for paramedic to registered nursing.

GTC offers more than 45 degree, diploma and certificate program options that you can finish in two years or less.  For more information on all programs, visit www.GwinnettTech.edu or call 770-962-7580.

Get the latest news about Gwinnett Tech:  http://www.gwinnetttech.edu/news

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