College Dedicates Marshall J. Parker Auditorium

CONTACT: LINDA ELLIOTT, EXT. EXT. 1807

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE 7/18/2003
(By Lisa Garrett)

PENDLETON --- Tri-County Technical College paid tribute to one of its founding fathers today as faculty and staff and the community gathered to dedicate the Marshall J. Parker Auditorium in Oconee Hall.

Last year, friends and family of Senator Parker donated funds to name the auditorium in his honor. Senator Parker is one of the State Technical College System's founding fathers, a member of Tri-County's Foundation Board and a devoted College advocate and benefactor.

The naming ceremony began with a welcome by President Ronnie L. Booth and featured testimonial tributes by Earle E. Morris, Jr., former lieutenant governor; John M. Geer, chair of the College's Foundation Board; Senator Thomas Alexander; and retired College President Don C. Garrison.

Dr. Booth said Senator Parker's long history of altruistic service to Tri-County and its surrounding communities has been "all about serving others. He is, without a doubt, one of the strongest advocates the College has ever had."

Mr. Morris talked about the virtues that he has observed about his close friend over the years. "Number one is family – you never think of Marshall Parker without Martha Nimmons Parker (his wife of almost 60 years)," he said. "They are a team. Number two is friendship – Someone who is there in good, bad, happy and sad times. The first person I will call is Marshall Parker, and I'm grateful for his friendship."

Senator Parker's loyal devotion to the College began with the College's inception in 1962. He demonstrated his commitment to technical education through his tenure as State Senator (1957 – 66) and later through his service on the Foundation Board, which he chaired for four years. He remains an active member of the Board.

"Marshall has made an indelible mark on the technical college system," said Mr. Geer. "He has been a friend and benefactor to students and the College. He is a man for all decades."

Senator Parker's leadership in developing the human resources of the Upstate provided the impetus for the establishment of Tri-County. In 1961 he and five other legislators comprised a committee that recommended that a technical college system be established on the premise that the "greatest single resource that South Carolina has with which to attract industry is its people." Senator Parker and his committee envisioned a system that would prepare South Carolinians for high-skill jobs and, in turn, these trained people would attract higher paying jobs to the State. He was one of three State Senators who filed a report with the General Assembly entitled "1961 Report to the Committee Studying the Needs of the State Development Board on the Subject of Vocational and Technical Training." The findings of the report resulted in the establishment of the South Carolina System for Technical Education.

"He has given altruistically to his county and state," added Geer. "He is our own Southern statesman. He epitomizes service to mankind."

Senator Alexander said, "He is one of my mentors, and I'll always be grateful for the impact he has had on my life."

He referenced Senator Parker's impact on the technical college system and how it has changed the landscape of Anderson Oconee and Pickens counties. "He raised the standard of living for the citizens. He has always been a leader of good things and has served the public interest," said Senator Alexander.

"Seldom in the life of a community does a person rise above all others in making a positive impact on the quality of life and the economic welfare of that community," said Dr. Garrison. "This dedication is a way to honor Senator Parker in a permanent and beautiful way. Your vision gave rise to this College, and we believe we have exceeded your expectations and dreams."

"I have never been able to take sole credit for any accomplishments," said Senator Parker. "It has always been a concerted effort of dedicated people."

"I believe, under Dr. Booth's leadership, we will see even higher dreams," added Senator Parker, in response to the accolades of his peers.
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