FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Tuesday, May 18, 2010

Contact:  Robert Preston, Jr.,
              912.260.4276
              robert.preston@sgc.edu

Former SGC Student Honored for Outstanding Achievement

Monica Pace, a 2001 graduate of South Georgia College, was honored as a one of the 2010 GASPP TRIO Achievers at the 37th Annual Georgia - South Carolina Spring Conference in Columbia, South Carolina, recently. The TRIO Achievers have demonstrated exemplary achievements both academically and professionally. The celebration of TRIO Achievers publicly recognizes outstanding former TRIO program participants for their success and to thank them for their inspiration. The TRIO Achievers have distinguished themselves and are making positive contributions in their chosen professions.

Monica was a participant in the TRIO Student Support Services at South Georgia College from 1998-2001. Monica currently serves as School Counselor/ Conflict Resolution Coordinator for Emanuel County Board of Education. “Participating in Student Support Services at South Georgia College was a rewarding experience for me. Ms. Nuga told me to never settle for less than a B. I took her advice and ran with it. That has helped me accomplish the things I’ve been able to do,” says Monica. After she left South Georgia, Monica obtained her bachelor’s degree in psychology from Georgia Southern University. She earned her master’s degree from Troy State University in 2005. Last year, she completed her education specialist degree from Georgia Southern. “I would have never done all this without the influence of Student Support Services and Ms. Nuga. It made all the difference in my education,” she says. Angela Nuga, Director of TRIO Student Support Services, and several members of Monica’s family attended this wonderful celebration.

TRIO is a series of federally-funded programs dedicated to furthering the expansion of educational opportunities by providing a variety of supportive services. The purpose of TRIO is to increase the retention, graduation, and transfer rates for program participants.

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About South Georgia College

South Georgia College (www.sgc.edu) was founded in 1906 and is a two-year institution in the University System of Georgia. Located in Douglas, Ga., the college's environment gives students exceptional opportunities for interdisciplinary study and close collaboration with faculty.