FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Friday, July 16, 2010

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

Wendell Carswell Receives Scholarship at 1973-1976 Reunion

SGC student Wendell Carswell Jr. received the first ever scholarship given by the alumni classes from 1973-1976 at the classes’ inaugural reunion held recently at the Clower Student Center. The alumni who attended were members of the Student Organization for Black Unity (SOBU). The club morphed into the Student Organization for Multi-cultural Unity (SOMU), and is an important organization on the SGC campus today.

Charles Ward, currently an SGC math instructor at the Valdosta State Entry Program and the individual responsible for organizing SOBU, served as the keynote speaker for the event. Charles is a life-long educator who has devoted his career to service to others. He is an SGC alumnus who credits South Georgia with setting him on a pathway to success. Charles came to South Georgia College after graduating from the Carver High School Class of 1967. As such, he was a member of the President’s Club on campus (the President’s Club was reserved for the valedictorians of their respective high schools). In paraphrasing one of his favorite songs, Charles stated, “If anyone should ever write my life’s story, for whatever reason there might be, South Georgia College is one of the best things that ever happened to me! I shall forever be grateful for the start in life it gave to me.”

Wendell, a Douglas native, is interested in both television and film production, and computer science. He is very active on the SGC campus, serving as a resident assistant in Tiger Village and participating in the Student African-American Brotherhood (SAAB). The funds provided for the scholarship were donated by members of the SGC classes from 1973-1976.

“We know students who get involved in campus activities often perform better that those who do not. What we have here are former students who were members of a ground-breaking campus organization over 30 years ago who did well academically and want to see today’s students do the same. We are very proud that our former students are giving back in this manner. Wendell is a very deserving young man and is continuing the tradition established by Charles and the rest of his contemporaries,” says Dr. Virginia Carson, SGC President.

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About South Georgia College

South Georgia College (www.sgc.edu) was founded in 1906 and is an accredited 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. With over 20 majors and transfer opportunities, South Georgia College provides the finest education possible to the citizens of its service area.