Tri-County Receives Major Gift from Michelin, North America

CONTACT: LINDA ELLIOTT, EXT. 1807

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE 7/25/2003
(By Lisa Garrett)

PENDLETON --- A major gift from Michelin, North America to honor retired Tri-County Technical College President Don Garrison will fulfill one of the College's major priorities -- its faculty/staff endowment program – and seminars for students.

The company pledged $50,000 to name the Job Placement/Cooperative Education Center and to establish an endowed chair in the names of Michelin and Dr. Garrison's. The announcement was made earlier this month at a retirement dinner to honor Dr. Garrison, whose last day as president was June 30. The gift was made as a tribute to his 32 years at the College, said Wayne Culbertson, plant manager for Michelin's Sandy Springs and Starr plants.

"It was a surprise, said Dr. Garrison, "and very humbling. "It is a great honor." The faculty/staff endowment in his name now totals $100,000.

"Dr. Garrison understands the importance of manufacturing and has been a strong supporter for more than 25 years. He has personally worked with Michelin for many of those years and this gift, in his name and Michelin's, is a small reward for those efforts," said Culbertson.

Michelin and the College's Job Placement & Cooperative Education Office have had a long standing partnership. The company has sponsored technical scholars and has employed students through its college worker program. (Both were arranged through the Job Placement Office.) The company also employs Tri-County graduates.

"The strong support Michelin has shown our office has always been appreciated," said Butch Merritt, director of Tri-County's Job Placement and Cooperative Education Office. "Our students have benefited greatly, and we believe Michelin also has benefited by hiring these well trained individuals for their many technical jobs. It is quite an honor to have Michelin, North America show such confidence in our office and the activities we sponsor for students."

A portion of the contribution will fund workshops, seminars and activities that will enhance Tri-County students' employability.

Dr. Garrison echoes that gratitude. "This major gift from Michelin is of significance to Tri-County for several reasons. It signifies a strong voice of confidence and concrete support of the mission and purpose of the College. It also recognizes the great need we have for private sector assistance in light of continued cuts in State funding. Finally, it will strengthen and enhance the strong partnership the College continues to enjoy with Michelin," Dr. Garrison said.

"Tri-County is a better college because of Michelin's faculty/staff endowment support," he added.
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