WS Chronicle

SPECIAL TO THE CHRONICLE

Representatives of the Forsyth Tech Foundation has announced three major strategic initiatives designed to create a footprint for the future of Forsyth Technical Community College.

Capital campaign update

Forsyth Tech President Gary Green opened the event by providing background on the Foundation’s capital campaign, Pathways to Possibilities. The campaign launched in the spring of 2015 and is designed to raise funds for technology improvements at the college to keep pace with evolving and innovative workforce training demands.

Green then introduced Susan Cameron, president and CEO of Reynolds American, Inc., who is serving as honorary campaign chair.

“I signed up as honorary chair of this campaign for several important reasons,” Cameron said. “As many of you know, I work in a very dynamic business environment. I’ve seen first-hand the transformative role that technology has played in the success of my company.

“Embracing innovation is just the first step. You also have to drive change as well as keep pace with it. To do that, you have to invest in the ongoing development of your employees. I’ve seen firsthand the powerful role that Forsyth Tech’s customized training has played in our success.”

Cameron explained that the financial goal of the Pathways to Possibilities capital campaign is $18 million. While acknowledging the ambitious tar-get, she announced that, with support from the campaign’s co-chairs, Ed Welch, president of I. L. Long Construction and current Forsyth Tech Board of Trustees and Foundation Board member, and Heather Robinson, regional operations manager for Caterpillar in Winston-Salem, the campaign has already raised $14 million, including a contribution of$2.5 million from the Reynolds American Foundation as well as a commitment by R.J. Reynolds Tobacco Company to provide $500,000 in training.

“Nearly 60 donors have brought us this far,” said Cameron. “We still have a ways to go to meet our tar-get, but I’m confident other contributors will join us in making this investment in both Forsyth Tech and our community’s future.”

New Forsyth Tech Foundation Executive Director

Following Cameron’s remarks, Green introduced the new executive director of development and Forsyth Tech Foundation, Dr. Corey Miller. Miller comes to the Forsyth Tech Foundation from his previous role as director of philanthropy at Crisis Control Ministry in Winston-Salem where he fostered a culture of philanthropy and investment to support the short-term emergency needs of Forsyth County residents in financial crisis.

“What attracted me to Forsyth Tech was the quality of talented staff members, President Gary Green’s visionary leader-ship, a strong and diverse Foundation Board of Directors, and the relevance of Forsyth Tech’s mission,” Miller said.  “I know that commitment to give people opportunities through education and training is the cornerstone of Forsyth Tech – providing pathways to possibilities. I believe that there has never been a more important time for a more important role for this unique institution.”

Miller is an ordained United Methodist minister. He received his Master of Divinity from Duke University and a Doctor of Ministry from Drew University. Miller assumed his new role with the Forsyth Tech Foundation on Oct. 10.

Bond Referendum Campaign announcement

Following brief remarks by Miller, Green introduced Alan Proctor, chair of the Forsyth Tech Board of Trustees and senior vice president, Wells Fargo. Proctor announced the Forsyth Tech bond for improved and expanded facilities where the training and education of students take place.

“In November, Forsyth Tech will propose a $65 million bond for multiple capital projects,” Proctor stated. “These funds are critical to our capacity to meet 21st century expectations and to remain in good standing with our accrediting body, The Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.

“I am here today to say that I strongly endorse this bond measure, and I urge you to vote your support for it on the November 8 ballot, because this bond will transform our college and our community.”

For more information about Forsyth Tech’s bond, visit: www.forsythtech-bond.com.

The Measure of Success: a student’s perspective

The event concluded with remarks by student Irene Bantigue who is the current President of the Student Government Association. Bantigue was born in the Philippines and raised in Birmingham, UK before moving to Winston-Salem. She plans to transfer to a four-year university following graduation next spring to pursue a degree in International Affairs.

“My financial circumstances may have led me to discover Forsyth Tech, but Forsyth Tech’s diversity is what captivated me to stay,” Bantigue said. “Thanks to unselfish donations to the college, students like me have had the chance to begin their college education free of financial constraints. Forsyth Tech clearly excels in its mission to provide flexible educational pathways to a competitive workforce.”