Three Former Tri-County Board Members Inducted into Order of the Trilon

FOR RELEASE ON NOVEMBER 8

PENDLETON --- Three former members of Tri-County Technical College's governing board received the Order of the Trilon, the highest award given by the College's nine-member Area Commission. The presentations were made at the College's November 8 Annual Report to the People luncheon.

Dean P. Breazeale, of Westminster, Bruce A. Norton, of Seneca, and Robert G. Sharpe, of Anderson, were inducted into the Order of the Trilon, an honorary society which recognizes community and state leaders who have contributed to the development of Tri-County Technical College and the State Tech System.

"These individuals have generously given their time in faithful service to Tri-County Technical College as members of the Area Commission and have demonstrated strong support for technical education and training programs for the citizens of Anderson, Oconee, and Pickens counties," said Dr. Don C. Garrison, president of Tri-County. "Under their leadership, the College has provided quality educational services to the tri-county area on a continuous basis. They are true community leaders and continue to demonstrate keen interest in the progress of Tri-County Technical College and the expansion of educational opportunities for the people of our community."

Breazeale served on the Tri-County Area Commission for Technical Education from May 1967 until April 2001 and distinguished himself as the longest serving Commissioner in the history of the College.

During his tenure, he served six terms as secretary/treasurer and was active on the Master Plan and Building Committee.

"Having dedicated more than 33 years of his life to the advancement of technical education and training in Anderson, Oconee, and Pickens counties, Dean has devoted countless hours to his charge, working relentlessly to promote the College and the Technical College System as a whole," said Dr. Garrison.

Breazeale is retired personnel manager of Dunlop Sports Division of Dunlop Tire and Rubber Company in Westminster. He holds a bachelor of science degree in chemistry from Emory University and has done postgraduate work at Clemson University. A former teacher and counselor at Westminster High School, he advocated strong links between high school, postsecondary education, and the world of work.

He and his wife, Catherine, live in Westminster.

Norton served as a member of the Area Commission from March 1975 until October 2000.

He provided outstanding leadership to the College, serving as the Commission's chairman, vice chairman, and secretary/treasurer, and led the College through its largest expansion program as chair of the Master Plan and Building Committee.

Norton is retired general manager of Jantzen Southern, Seneca Plant,

"His unwavering support of technical education in Anderson, Oconee, and Pickens counties has helped to advance the College and the South Carolina Technical College System to a position of prominence in our State," said Dr. Garrison. "He is a highly respected business and community leader whose association complements the honor and respect of the College."

Norton's community service includes serving as past president of the Seneca Chamber of Commerce; the Seneca Community Chest, a forerunner to United Way; the Seneca Rotary Club and the Oconee Community Theater.

He and his wife, Lyn, live in Seneca.

Sharpe served as a member of the Area Commission June 1989 until April 2001.

He served three terms as Secretary/Treasurer, as Finance Committee Chairman and is a charter member and past chairman of the Textile Management Technology Advisory Committee.

"He has demonstrated unyielding commitment to the community college philosophy and, in every way, has pursued the mission and purpose of Tri-County Technical College," said Dr. Garrison.

Sharpe is retired General Manager of Wamsutta Mills in Anderson. "He has distinguished himself as an accomplished leader in the textile industry in the Upstate of South Carolina," said Dr. Garrison.

He has been active in numerous organizations, including the Anderson Lions Club, Anderson Salvation Army, the Board of Governors for the Southern Textile Association and the Anderson Area Chamber of Commerce.

He and his wife, Betty, live in Anderson.
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