The Bridge Builder Awards serve the dual purpose of raising funds for Atlanta Technical College programs and honoring professionals in the business community who are helping to bridge the digital divide for the underserved segment of the population.
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”Our responsibility is to raise funds for the college to help with scholarships … as well as funding for teachers and equipment,” said Tara Coyt, Atlanta Technical College Foundation board member, of the foundation’s role in supporting the school.
During the evening’s festivities, three of Atlanta’s most respected and influential corporate citizens were honored for their support of education.
The 2010 honorees included: Dr. Beverly Hall, superintendent of Atlanta Public Schools; William “Bill” Rainwater, manager of community and economic development support for Georgia Power; and Suzanne Sitherwood, SVP of Southern Operations and president of Atlanta Gas Light, Chattanooga Gas and Florida City Gas.
“This kind of event is important because it allows the university to be exposed to the community,” affirmed Gloria Patterson an Atlanta Technical College board member.
Supporters of the college turned out en masse and among the local dignitaries who attended was Dr. Evelyn-Wynn Dixon, the mayor of the city of Riverdale. Congressman John H. Lewis, D-Ga., sent an emissary in his stead.
Guests enjoyed a silent auction, a wonderful repertoire of music and delicious cuisine prepared by the school’s own culinary department.
Atlanta Technical College’s president, Dr. Alvetta P. Thomas, closed the evening with heartfelt words of wisdom. “Tonight is about believing that our contributions — both individual and collective — have the power to make dreams come true,” stated Thomas. –christian johnson
Pictured left to right in the photo above: Tara Coyt, Atlanta Technical College Foundation board member; Dr. Alvetta P. Thomas, president, Atlanta Technical College; and Gloria Patterson, Atlanta Technical College board member
