Tri-County Campus Named in Honor of Retiring President Don C. Garrison

FOR RELEASE ON NOVEMBER 7, 2002
(By Lisa Garrett)

PENDLETON --- Tri-County Technical College saluted retiring President Don C. Garrison today by naming the campus in his honor.

Area Commission Chairman Dr. Mendel Stewart made the announcement at the College's Annual Report Luncheon when the College highlighted its accomplishments during 2001 – 02 and celebrated 40 years of service to the community.

"In honor of this great man and outstanding president, the College's governing board unanimously decided to name the campus in his honor," said Dr. Stewart. "It shall henceforth and forever be known as the Don C. Garrison Campus of Tri-County Technical College."

After nearly 32 years of service, Dr. Garrison will retire July 31, 2003.

A naming plaque will be displayed in his honor on a granite rock at the entrance to the campus.

"In my mind, and in your minds, I feel sure Tri-County and Don C. Garrison are one and the same. I can't think of one without the other," said Dr. Stewart.

"Everything that came about during the last 31 years happened because of Don's vision and his leadership," added Dr. Stewart. "It's been a team effort on the part of many dedicated, hard-working people like our community partners, faculty and staff, College board, county councils, legislative delegations, foundation board and many others. But it's the innovative and inspirational leadership of Don Garrison that has brought us to the place we are today. Dr. Garrison has had a profound impact on the lives of countless people both within this college and the community."

Dr. Garrison began his career as Tri-County's second president on November 1, 1971. Since then the College has expanded from three buildings covering 89,000 square feet to 14 buildings covering 389,828 square feet. Enrollment has increased from 919 during its first year to more than 5,000 degree, diploma, and certificate students and nearly 13,000 continuing education students. He has led the College from a technical education center offering seven technical courses to today's comprehensive two-year college featuring 20 associate degree, 8 diploma and 37 certificate programs.

Dr. Garrison has placed Tri-County as a key player in the economic development of Anderson, Oconee and Pickens counties while providing valuable leadership in the formative years of the State Tech System and Tri-County.
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