SAVANNAH, Ga. – The Gene Haas Foundation has given $5,000 to support student scholarships and student competition teams at Savannah Technical College. Up to half of the gift may be used for student competition that highlights CNC/Manufacturing. This gift continues the Haas Foundation’s support of STC students with the scholarship established in 2017.

To qualify students must be enrolled in STC’s Precision Machining & Manufacturing programs with a 3.5 or higher GPA and must have completed 24 hours of study. The Haas Precision Manufacturing & Machining Scholarship will provide up to $1,000 per academic year.

The Precision Machining and Manufacturing program at Savannah Technical College prepares students for careers as machinists. This training empowers graduates to safely operate machinery that make the manufacturing industry work. Precision Machining and Manufacturing graduates have had a 100% placement in field for the past decade (AY2011-20). It is offered at STC’s Effingham campus.

The Gene Haas Foundation recognizes that the future of manufacturing in the United States – and around the world – depends directly upon the availability of skilled workers. Expanding the pool of skilled workers hinges on recruiting more young people to pursue careers in manufacturing, and creating state-of-the-art advanced manufacturing training programs to ensure that graduating students have the skills necessary when they enter the workforce.

One of the primary goals of the Gene Haas Foundation is to provide financial assistance for students interested in manufacturing-based careers. Scholarship programs are available through career centers, technical schools, community colleges, and universities. Foundation funding goes directly to those training programs to attract prospective students.

By providing scholarship grants, sponsoring individual and team CNC competitions, and partnering with the very best CNC training programs in the world, the Foundation helps expand the availability of high-quality manufacturing technology training worldwide.

The Gene Haas Foundation was established in 1999, by Haas Automation, Inc., Founder and CEO Gene Haas, to support the needs of the local community. Seeing a growing need for skilled manufacturing employees industry wide, the Foundation expanded its mission to include support for manufacturing training programs throughout North America and beyond.

The Gene Haas Foundation donates millions of dollars every year to manufacturing education and the community. In 2020, the Gene Haas Foundation provided more than $17 million in grants, bringing the total since inception to more than to $100 million.

More information about applying for scholarships at Savannah Technical College may be found at www.savannahtech.edu/Scholarships. STC scholarship funds are managed by the Savannah Technical College Foundation, a 501 (c)3 organization whose sole purpose is to raise private funds to support the mission of Savannah Technical College. Gifts are tax-deductible to the fullest extent of the law.

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# 2215 | October 25, 2021

Precision Machining & Manufacturing Academic Advisor: Secene Dorsey
912.443.5859 or ssdorsey@savannahtech.edu

Media Contact: Amy Shaffer, APR
912.443.5512 or ashaffer@savannahtech.edu

SAVANNAH, Ga. – Anthony Daiello’s interest in airplanes began when he was just a boy. Now this 17-year-old high school senior’s passion has propelled his training and prepared him for a career of a lifetime. When he graduates this December from Bradwell Institute – a semester ahead of schedule – he will have three aviation certificates, seven general core courses, and a potential aerospace job offer once he’s 18.

As a sophomore through dual enrollment with Savannah Technical College’s training at the Liberty College and Career Academy, he earned STC’s Aircraft Assembly Technician Technical Certificate of Training (TCC). In the spring of his junior year, he completed STC’s Avionics Installer TCC at night, while taking high school and college general core courses during the day. This semester, during the day he takes a high school course (Spanish 2), along with STC’s American Literature course online. At night, he is enrolled in STC’s Avionics Technician TCC, which he will complete in December.

He is the first Bradwell Institute student to earn three aviation TCCs upon graduation. “Anthony is a highly-motivated student with a keen interest in exploring how things work,” said Bradwell Institute Assistant Principal Sean Mulvanity. “The aircraft assembly technician program has allowed him the opportunity to engage in a unique learning opportunity that activates his curiosity and provides him with valuable skills.”

Last spring, as a part of his Avionics Installer course, he interviewed with aerospace manufacturers including Gulfstream Aerospace Corp. Employers were very interested in hiring him once he is 18, which is a requirement for those positions.

Daiello received the Georgia Certificate of Merit this summer. Each year the University of Georgia and the State of Georgia recognize Georgia Certificate of Merit Scholars for outstanding scholastic achievement throughout the first three years of high school. To qualify, students must rank in the top five percent of their junior class.

He is a member of National Technical Honor Society at Savannah Tech. He has been accepted and will be attending Georgia Southern University’s electrical engineering program for Spring 2022.

Dual Enrollment helps qualified high school students maximize their education and career training by taking courses that earn college and high school credit. Students may enroll fully into a degree, diploma, or technical certificate of credit (TCC) program or may choose to take a few courses. Courses are taught on college campuses, online and hybrid (a blend of online and in-person classes).

Starting in tenth grade, students are eligible to take occupational or CTAE courses through Dual Enrollment funding. Junior and senior level (eleventh and twelfth grades) students are eligible to take core/general education, as well as occupational courses. Financial aid is available for students who meet the requirements.

The College’s Aviation division offers specialty aviation continuing education courses and credit aviation programs for Aircraft Structural, Aviation Maintenance and Avionics training. For the past three years, graduates from STC’s credit aviation programs have a 100% placement rate and 91% placement in field (AY 2018-20). Its state-of-the-art Aviation Training Center is located at the Crossroads Campus. For information about the College’s Aviation programs, call 912.443.4094 or visit www.savannahtech.edu/AviationTechnology.

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#2214 | October 20, 2021
Media Contact: Amy Shaffer, APR
912.443.5512 or ashaffer@savannahtech.edu

SAVANNAH, Ga. – Savannah Technical College Patient Care Technician student Rosalia Perez has received a $1,000 scholarship from the National Technical Honor Society (NTHS).

STC’s Allied Health Department Head Salina Woodlin nominated Perez for NTHS membership in Spring 2021.

“Ms. Perez is motivated and a dependable health care professional in the making,” said Woodlin. “Her persistence to climb the professional ladder to obtain her goal of becoming a registered nurse signifies her strength and dedication to never give up despite obstacles that may arise. Her commitment to never missing a day and always being on time exhibits her excellence in work ethics. I am blessed to have earned a memorable portion of her educational journey at Savannah Technical College and cannot wait to witness her success and growth in healthcare.”

Perez is a full-time medical receptionist at Peds Now in Hinesville, Ga. She completed STC’s health care assistant technical certificate of credit (TCC) this summer and has earned CNA certification. She is projected to complete STC’s Patient Care Technician TCC this fall. She plans to continue her education to become a registered nurse with a goal of working for a neonatal intensive care unit (NICU).

Nurses, who cared for her son when he was in NICU for 42 days, inspire her. “I saw how the nurses were so good to him,” she said. “They helped him so much by going above and beyond. I want to do that for other babies.”

She received one of 250 outstanding NTHS members awarded the Jon H. Poteat Scholarship nationwide, who consistently exemplify the seven character attributes of the NTHS – Skill, Honesty, Service, Responsibility, Scholarship, Citizenship, and Leadership.

To be eligible for NTHS membership at Savannah Technical College, students must have completed a minimum of 12 semester credit hours, have a grade point average of 3.5 or higher and have been nominated by an instructor in their major.

NTHS honors student achievement and leadership, promotes educational excellence, awards scholarships, and enhances career opportunities inductees. It is the international leader in providing recognition for excellence in career and technical education. Since its founding in 1984, NTHS has awarded nearly $3 million in scholarships to remarkable CTE students nationwide. For more information about the NTHS visit: www.nths.org. 

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# 2213 | October 19, 2021
Media Contact: Amy Shaffer, APR
912.443.5512 or ashaffer@savannahtech.edu

SAVANNAH, Ga. – Savannah Technical College recently selected Carl E Betterson, Jr. as director for the Pathways Home 2 Training Grant. The director manages all aspects of grant services, goals and objectives.

Betterson has correctional experience as deputy warden of care and treatment at Coastal State Prison. He was also the assistant superintendent of Columbus Transitional Center and chief counselor of Rutledge State Prison.

He has a master’s degree in criminal justice with a specialty in corrections and a bachelor’s degree in criminal justice from Albany State University. He is also a certified public manager from the Carl Vinson Institute at the University of Georgia.

Earlier this year, the College received a $3,965,000 grant from the U.S. Department of Labor. The “Pathway Home” grant assists individuals now or once involved in the criminal justice system to secure employment in their communities by assisting access to education, career training and apprenticeships. The grant supports expanded services to eligible, incarcerated individuals in state correctional facilities or local jails prior- and post-release to help eliminate the gap between release and enrollment into a re-entry training program leading to employment.

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# 2212 | October 18, 2021

Media Contact: Amy Shaffer, APR
912.443.5512 or ashaffer@savannahtech.edu

Savannah Technical College Foundation celebrated 27 community stars virtually today for its Tribute to Community STARs event.  The 15th annual event has recognized 300 people for their service and dedication in the community or at work.

This year sponsors gathered in groups of 10 at their own locations to celebrate their star and enjoy a gourmet brunch prepared and packaged by Savannah Culinary Institute student chefs with COVID-19 safety protocols in place.

Honored were:

• Lynda Beam, Owner, Guerry Lumber, sponsored by NAWIC of Coastal Georgia;
• Kathleen Benton, CEO, Hospice Savannah, sponsored by Gulfstream Aerospace;
• Kate Blair, Executive Director, Savannah CASA, sponsored by Matador Development;
• Josh Brooks, Owner, Brooks Construction Group, LLC, sponsored by Historic Savannah Foundation and Lesley Francis Public Relations;
• Lisa Colbert, Judge, Chatham County Superior Court, sponsored by Bertice Berry Productions, Inc.;
• John Coleman, COO, Bonitz of Georgia, sponsored by Savannah Economic Development Authority;
• Bill Daniel, Owner/Principal, Lassiter Investments, LLC, sponsored by Savannah Christian Preparatory School;
• Lawton Davis, Director, Coastal Health District, sponsored by Gulfstream Aerospace;
• Paul Egan, Corps Officer, Salvation Army, sponsored by Jim Williams for the Salvation Army Savannah;
• Carmel Hearn, Writer, Carriage Trade Public Relations, sponsored by Carriage Trade Public Relations;
• Wade Herring, Partner, HunterMaclean, sponsored by Bertice Berry Productions, Inc.;
• Jim Lee, CEO, Shamrock Drones, sponsored by Shamrock Drones;
• Carol Legasse, Co-Owner, The Salt Table, sponsored by Visit Savannah and The Salt Table;
• Tammie Mosley, Clerk of Superior Court for the Eastern Judicial Circuit of Georgia, sponsored by BankSouth;
• Jeanne Paddison, Executive Director, Savannah Wildlife Rescue Center, sponsored by Evans General Contractors and Coleman Company;
• Joycelin Primus, STC 2021 Instructor of the Year, sponsored by Friends of Savannah Technical College;
• Ann Purcell, Community Leader, sponsored by Effingham County Industrial Development Authority;
• Sean Register, Chair, Development Authority of Bryan County, sponsored by Development Authority of Bryan County;
• Lizann Roberts, Director, Coastal Georgia Indicators Coalition, sponsored by Healthy Savannah and YMCA of the Coastal Empire;
• Kristin Russell, Owner, Sentient Bean and Brighter Day, sponsored by Hansen Architects;
• Camille Russo, VP for Marketing, Junior Achievement of Georgia, sponsored by Ad Specialty Services;
• Cathy Sakas, Founder & Chair, Gray’s Reef National Marine Sanctuary Foundation, sponsored by Tenenbaum Consulting, Inc.;
• Kevin Sheehan, President, Savannah AMBUCS, sponsored by Thomas & Hutton;
• Donald Singleton, Community Leader, sponsored by Friends of Savannah Technical College;
• Anne Smith, Owner, Lominack Kolman Smith Architects, sponsored by Architecture 101;
• Rachel Waldron, STC 2021 Student of the Year, sponsored by Bonitz of Georgia; and
• Mary Warnell, Community Leader, sponsored by Mary Morrison.

A keynote message was shared by Dr. Bertice Berry. The pre-recorded video may be viewed on the College’s Youtube (https://bit.ly/TributetoCommunitySTARS2021) and Facebook (https://www.facebook.com/SavannahTech) pages.

The annual event is hosted by the STC Foundation Community Council, a group of young professionals charged with expanding the local knowledge and profile of the College and its mission. The group also raises funds to support the college, its programs and students. Proceeds from the event benefit the Savannah Technical College Foundation.

Founded in 1984, the STC Foundation is a private, nonprofit organization that exists to raise and disburse funds to support the College’s efforts to enhance learning, workforce training and economic development in Bryan, Chatham, Effingham and Liberty counties.

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# 2211 | October 15, 2021
Media Contact: Amy Shaffer, APR
912.443.5512 or ashaffer@savannahtech.edu