SAVANNAH, Ga. – The Georgia Education Advancement Council (GEAC) honored Gail Eubanks with the 2022 Lifetime Achievement Award at its 50^th annual conference. She has created opportunities for students in Georgia for three decades – promoting higher education excellence at three institutions: Savannah Technical College, Georgia Southern University, and Savannah State University. Eubanks is the second person to receive this honor from GEAC.

“Gail’s marketing, communications, and advancement work has received national recognition annually for the past 20 years at our College alone,” said STC President Dr. Kathy Love, who introduced Eubanks for the award. “She manages volunteers and her staff with ease, professionalism, and respect. Her advancement leadership has set records at our college for funds raised to support scholarships and programs.”

Soon after stepping into the role of executive director for institutional advancement and communications at Savannah Tech, Eubanks managed College’s first-ever major gifts campaign, leading efforts to raise more than 7.2 million dollars in five years.

This major gifts campaign included a refreshed employee-giving campaign to benefit the College’s faculty and staff scholarship. Helping Everyone Realize Opportunity or the HERO campaign became a nationally recognized initiative for best practices in fundraising, marketing, and design.

Employee giving participation was less than 1% before the HERO campaign and has averaged more than 72% annually in its eight years with an impressive 92% participation in 2019. Even during 2020 with COVID, she found creative options to maintain support with a slight dip in giving, which was only down 5%.

With the exception of the COVID year in 2020, Savannah Tech’s Foundation has maintained giving levels near the annual amount received at the conclusion of the major gifts campaign. 

One of the major gifts campaign priorities was culinary arts and heritage tourism, which included a downtown location to expand training for the College’s culinary arts program. She shepherded the decade-long process of finding the perfect location.

The Foundation initially purchased the building at 7 West Bay Street for the college, so she managed the due diligence process on behalf of the foundation to verify it was worthy of purchase including environmental engineering, testing, structural analysis and managing the process for state because the state would ultimately own the building.

During her tenure working with the Savannah Technical College Foundation (2011-2022), the Foundation:

• Has awarded more than $5 million for scholarship awards and program support;
• Raised an average of $608K annually;
• More than doubled its net assets from its lowest in 2011 to its highest in 2018; and
• Earned the statewide distinction for best practices for board engagement, “Role Model Board” by the Technical College System of Georgia for seven consecutive years.

This month Eubanks retired after more than two decades in institutional advancement and marketing at Savannah Technical College and more than 35 years in the field of higher education. She plans to travel to concert vacations, spend as much time as possible on as many beaches as possible and enjoy time with family.

Founded in 1972, GEAC, Inc. (Georgia Education Advancement Council) is a statewide organization for those at public and private colleges and universities who work in educational advancement including the areas of alumni, development, public relations/public affairs, and communications. www.geac.org.

 

#2321 | November 18, 2022

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

SAVANNAH, Ga. – Savannah Technical College recently selected Letherio Zeigler as its financial aid director. He is responsible for directing financial assistance programs available to enrolled students including scholarships, grants, and work study programs. He will also administer and supervise implementation of all financial aid policies and oversee accountability for all financial aid rewards. He will provide information for federal and state financial assistance for prospective and enrolled students.

Previously, he was the director of student financial aid for Mississippi Valley State University in Itta Bena, Miss. He has more than 25 years of experience with higher education financial aid including more than a decade in financial aid leadership roles. Throughout his career Letherio Zeigler has work at seven various colleges and university in Missouri, Georgia, Tennessee and as previously mentioned Mississippi.

He is a Ph.D. candidate in educational leadership from Argosy University in Atlanta, Ga. He has a Masters of Art in sociology from Lincoln University in Jefferson City, Mo., and a Bachelor of Science in sociology from Southern Illinois University at Edwardsville, Ill.

More than 80% of STC students receive some type of financial aid. There are a number of funding options available through the state of Georgia and the U.S. Department of Education, including grants, scholarships, and work study. The College has Financial Aid offices at its Savannah, Effingham, and Liberty campuses, along with a representative at the Ft. Stewart Army Education Center. STC’s Office of Financial Aid is a member of the Georgia Association of Student Financial Aid Administrators, the National Student Financial Aid Administrators, following their ethical principles and code of conduct.

SAVANNAH, Ga. – Savannah Technical College Foundation celebrated 23 community stars on Friday, October 28, 2022, when more than 200 people gathered for its Tribute to Community STARs event. The 16th annual event has recognized 300+ people for their service and dedication in the community or at work.

Executive Chef and Co-Founder of Grey Spaces Mashama Bailey presented the keynote. The low-country brunch was prepared and served by Savannah Culinary Institute students.

Honored were:

• Sue Adler, Executive Director, Historic Savannah Foundation, sponsored by The Pinyan Company;
• Dan Carter, Director of Product Safety and Compliance, Great Dane sponsored by HunterMaclean;
• Miller Castillo, 2022 Savannah Tech GOAL Student of the Year, sponsored by Savannah Technical College;
• John Davis, Honored Posthumously, sponsored by John Davis Florist;
• Gail Eubanks, Executive Director, Institutional Advancement & Communications, Savannah Technical College, sponsored by Thomas & Hutton;
• Katie Fitzhugh, Director of Reconstruction, Re:Purpose Savannah, sponsored by Architecture 101;
• Ralph Forbes, VP/Regional Director, Thomas & Hutton, sponsored by Development Authority of Bryan County and Bryan County/Richmond Hill Chamber of Commerce;
• Yancy Ford, Superintendent, Effingham County School District, sponsored by Effingham County Industrial Development Authority;
• Hermina Glass-Hill, Field Representative, Georgia, Oceana, sponsored by Bertice Berry Productions;
• Ben Goldberg, Founder and President, JIT Warehousing and Logistics, sponsored by Sterling Seacrest Pritchard & Savannah Wealth Group;
• Cassandra Green, Sr. Director of Patient and Family Services, Hospice Savannah, Inc., sponsored by Hospice Savannah, Inc.;
• Kathy Grove, Director of Catering, Leopold’s Ice Cream, sponsored by Leopold’s Ice Cream;
• Jeff Hewitt, Executive VP, Visit Savannah, sponsored by Visit Savannah;
• Paul Hinchey, President/CEO, St. Joseph’s/Candler Health System, sponsored by Savannah Economic Development Authority;
• Pete Hoffman, Civilian Aide to the Secretary of the Army, United States Army, sponsored by Dr. Bill Cathcart and Dr. Julie Olsen;
• Justine James, Deconstruction Specialist, Re:Purpose Savannah, sponsored by Shamrock+;
• Michael Kaigler, Interim County Manager, Chatham County, sponsored by BankSouth;
• Bill Kelso, VP for Mission Advancement, Goodwill of Southeast Georgia, sponsored by Ad Specialty;
• David “Fish” Mihuta, Sales Representative and Continuous Improvement Coordinator, Freightliner of Savannah, sponsored by Dorsey Tire Company;
• Brandon Robinson, 2022 Savannah Tech Instructor of the Year, sponsored by Ken & Jackie Sirlin;
• Michael Solomon, Vice President/Retail Market Leader, Synovus Bank, sponsored by Cecilia Russo Marketing;
• Michael White, Rector, Christ Church Savannah, sponsored by Bertice Berry Productions.

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 Savannah Technical College 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.

#2320 | November 8, 2022

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

Savannah Technical College and its Foundation received two awards when the Technical College System of Georgia (TCSG) gathered for its annual leadership conference in Savannah, October 24-26, 2022.

STC Foundation Board of Trustees earns Role Model Board designation

Savannah Technical College Foundation Board of Trustees earned the designation of Technical College Foundation Association (TCFA) 2022 Role Model Foundation Board Certification for the seventh consecutive year at TCSG’s Fall Leadership Conference.

The TCFA Role Model Foundation Board Certification is an annual certification process sponsored by the TCFA of Georgia, a membership organization that represents the 22 Technical College System of Georgia foundations and more than 600 trustees statewide.

The TCFA Delegate Council presents this award to encourage and recognize foundation boards that engage in outstanding business practices and demonstrate the highest level of commitment. In order to obtain the certification, not only does the board as a whole have to meet certain requirements, but each individual board member must meet specific requirements.

To be eligible to receive the certification a foundation must engage in best practices in nonprofit governance, board management, and operations; have policies in place to ensure compliance with state and federal regulations, especially in financial matters; be led by a Board of Trustees whose members are actively engaged in the foundation’s development activities; and support the professional development and state-level participation of their Trustees, Executive Director and college advancement personnel.

All trustees must demonstrate active engagement in the work of the board through regular attendance at board and committee meetings and college and foundation events, participation in leadership activities and personal professional development, and fundraising on behalf of the board.

The STC Foundation Board of Trustees 2021-22 membership includes: Gary Sanchez, Chair; Kay Ford, Vice Chair; Sam McCachern, Past Chair; Stewart Bromley, Treasurer; Robyn Iannone, At-Large; Dr. Bertice Berry; David Burkoff; Scott Center; Lisa Colbert; Patrick Connell; Jesse Dillon; Dr. Franklin Goldwire; Nina Gompels; Kevin Jackson; Mary Morrison; Nick Puhala; Alfonso Ribot; Cecilia Russo Turner; Michael Traynor, Dr. Fran Witt.

Founded in 1984, the Savannah Technical College 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.

 

Local Board earns TCDA of Georgia, Inc. board certification for all members

Savannah Technical College’s Board of Directors earned 100% board certification for all members for the fifth consecutive year in academic year 2022. All local board members become members of the Technical College Directors’ Association (TCDA of Georgia, Inc.) when they join their respective local board. TCDA provides the training necessary to become a certified board member. To achieve the status of “certified board member,” board members are required to attend a series of professional development classes consisting of: new board orientation/governance; building relationships with elected officials; community advocacy; understanding the legislative budgeting process and financial management of technical colleges and an elective workshop.

In order to become TCDA Certified, a local board member must complete the four required workshops, one elective workshop plus two required and eight selected activities. Selective activities include attending 80% of local board meetings, going on a tour of the technical college, attending a TCSG State Board meeting or TCSG Leadership Conference, etc.

The STC Local Board of Directors 2022-23 membership includes Donald Lovette, Chairman (Liberty); Brandt Herndon, Vice-Chairman (Effingham); Dr. Kathleen Benton (Chatham); Col (R) Pete Hoffman (Chatham); Todd Hoffman (Effingham); Audrey King (Chatham); and Tom Ratcliffe (Liberty).

SAVANNAH, Ga. – Savannah Technical College Foundation celebrated 23 community stars on Friday, October 28, 2022, when more than 200 people gathered for its Tribute to Community STARs event. The 16th annual event has recognized 300+ people for their service and dedication in the community or at work.

Executive Chef and Co-Founder of Grey Spaces Mashama Bailey presented the keynote. The low-country brunch was prepared and served by Savannah Culinary Institute students.

Honored were:

• Sue Adler, Executive Director, Historic Savannah Foundation, sponsored by The Pinyan Company;
• Dan Carter, Director of Product Safety and Compliance, Great Dane sponsored by HunterMaclean;
• Miller Castillo, 2022 Savannah Tech GOAL Student of the Year, sponsored by Savannah Technical College;
• John Davis, Honored Posthumously, sponsored by John Davis Florist;
• Gail Eubanks, Executive Director, Institutional Advancement & Communications, Savannah Technical College, sponsored by Thomas & Hutton;
• Katie Fitzhugh, Director of Reconstruction, Re:Purpose Savannah, sponsored by Architecture 101;
• Ralph Forbes, VP/Regional Director, Thomas & Hutton, sponsored by Development Authority of Bryan County and Bryan County/Richmond Hill Chamber of Commerce;
• Yancy Ford, Superintendent, Effingham County School District, sponsored by Effingham County Industrial Development Authority;
• Hermina Glass-Hill, Field Representative, Georgia, Oceana, sponsored by Bertice Berry Productions;
• Ben Goldberg, Founder and President, JIT Warehousing and Logistics, sponsored by Sterling Seacrest Pritchard & Savannah Wealth Group;
• Cassandra Green, Sr. Director of Patient and Family Services, Hospice Savannah, Inc., sponsored by Hospice Savannah, Inc.;
• Kathy Grove, Director of Catering, Leopold’s Ice Cream, sponsored by Leopold’s Ice Cream;
• Jeff Hewitt, Executive VP, Visit Savannah, sponsored by Visit Savannah;
• Paul Hinchey, President/CEO, St. Joseph’s/Candler Health System, sponsored by Savannah Economic Development Authority;
• Pete Hoffman, Civilian Aide to the Secretary of the Army, United States Army, sponsored by Dr. Bill Cathcart and Dr. Julie Olsen;
• Justine James, Deconstruction Specialist, Re:Purpose Savannah, sponsored by Shamrock+;
• Michael Kaigler, Interim County Manager, Chatham County, sponsored by BankSouth;
• Bill Kelso, VP for Mission Advancement, Goodwill of Southeast Georgia, sponsored by Ad Specialty;
• David “Fish” Mihuta, Sales Representative and Continuous Improvement Coordinator, Freightliner of Savannah, sponsored by Dorsey Tire Company;
• Brandon Robinson, 2022 Savannah Tech Instructor of the Year, sponsored by Ken & Jackie Sirlin;
• Michael Solomon, Vice President/Retail Market Leader, Synovus Bank, sponsored by Cecilia Russo Marketing;
• Michael White, Rector, Christ Church Savannah, sponsored by Bertice Berry Productions.

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 Savannah Technical College 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.

#2319 | November 3, 2022

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

SAVANNAH, Ga. – Savannah Technical College Foundation celebrated 23 community stars on Friday, October 28, 2022, when more than 200 people gathered for its Tribute to Community STARs event. The 16th annual event has recognized 300+ people for their service and dedication in the community or at work.

Executive Chef and Co-Founder of Grey Spaces Mashama Bailey presented the keynote. The low-country brunch was prepared and served by Savannah Culinary Institute students.

Honored were:

• Sue Adler, Executive Director, Historic Savannah Foundation, sponsored by The Pinyan Company;
• Dan Carter, Director of Product Safety and Compliance, Great Dane sponsored by HunterMaclean;
• Miller Castillo, 2022 Savannah Tech GOAL Student of the Year, sponsored by Savannah Technical College;
• John Davis, Honored Posthumously, sponsored by John Davis Florist;
• Gail Eubanks, Executive Director, Institutional Advancement & Communications, Savannah Technical College, sponsored by Thomas & Hutton;
• Katie Fitzhugh, Director of Reconstruction, Re:Purpose Savannah, sponsored by Architecture 101;
• Ralph Forbes, VP/Regional Director, Thomas & Hutton, sponsored by Development Authority of Bryan County and Bryan County/Richmond Hill Chamber of Commerce;
• Yancy Ford, Superintendent, Effingham County School District, sponsored by Effingham County Industrial Development Authority;
• Hermina Glass-Hill, Field Representative, Georgia, Oceana, sponsored by Bertice Berry Productions;
• Ben Goldberg, Founder and President, JIT Warehousing and Logistics, sponsored by Sterling Seacrest Pritchard & Savannah Wealth Group;
• Cassandra Green, Sr. Director of Patient and Family Services, Hospice Savannah, Inc., sponsored by Hospice Savannah, Inc.;
• Kathy Grove, Director of Catering, Leopold’s Ice Cream, sponsored by Leopold’s Ice Cream;
• Jeff Hewitt, Executive VP, Visit Savannah, sponsored by Visit Savannah;
• Paul Hinchey, President/CEO, St. Joseph’s/Candler Health System, sponsored by Savannah Economic Development Authority;
• Pete Hoffman, Civilian Aide to the Secretary of the Army, United States Army, sponsored by Dr. Bill Cathcart and Dr. Julie Olsen;
• Justine James, Deconstruction Specialist, Re:Purpose Savannah, sponsored by Shamrock+;
• Michael Kaigler, Interim County Manager, Chatham County, sponsored by BankSouth;
• Bill Kelso, VP for Mission Advancement, Goodwill of Southeast Georgia, sponsored by Ad Specialty;
• David “Fish” Mihuta, Sales Representative and Continuous Improvement Coordinator, Freightliner of Savannah, sponsored by Dorsey Tire Company;
• Brandon Robinson, 2022 Savannah Tech Instructor of the Year, sponsored by Ken & Jackie Sirlin;
• Michael Solomon, Vice President/Retail Market Leader, Synovus Bank, sponsored by Cecilia Russo Marketing;
• Michael White, Rector, Christ Church Savannah, sponsored by Bertice Berry Productions.

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 Savannah Technical College 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.

#2318 | November 1, 2022

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