Anderson Oconee Pickens

Paul and Lucy Wilkerson Named Philanthropists of the Year

CONTACT: LINDA ELLIOTT, EXT. 1807

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE 12/11/2003
(By Lisa Garrett)

PENDLETON --- Paul and Lucy Wilkerson have demonstrated their caring and commitment to Tri-County Technical College and its students in significant ways over the last 18 years. The Seneca couple was honored for their dedication and devotion and was named the 2003 Philanthropists of the Year by the College's Foundation Board of Trustees.

The Wilkerson's association with the Foundation began in June 1985 when Mr. Wilkerson was named the Board's chairman. He served in that capacity until 1989 and remained a Board member until 1996. As the Foundation Chair, he spearheaded the Foundation's first capital campaign and helped to raise funds for a matching challenge federal grant.

The Wilkersons have given to almost every campaign drive the Foundation has conducted. Their first contribution was a donation of an Arabian horse for raffle. They later made a contribution to the Industrial and Business Development Center and endowed a scholarship for nursing students. Most recently, they have named five dental exam rooms in Hayden Abney Fulp Hall. One of the rooms is the Lucy Wood Wilkerson Dental Exam Room, a Christmas gift from Mr. Wilkerson to his wife. They also have contributed to the Don C. Garrison Endowment for Instructional Excellence.

Sabrina Blackwell, of Seneca, a 2003 honor graduate of Tri-County's associate degree Nursing program, is one of the recipients of the Paul and Lucy Wilkerson Scholarship. "Because someone cared, I was handed the opportunity for the education I had dreamed of. I can't express how much the Wilkersons have changed my life," said Blackwell, who maintains a close friendship with the couple. Blackwell is employed as a registered nurse at Oconee Memorial Hospital.

"Because someone cared, I now have an education and the opportunity to care for and to help others. The Wilkersons have become a very influential couple in my life," she said.

"We are known by the friends we keep and by the legacy we leave," said Dr. Ronnie L. Booth, president of Tri-County. "We know the legacy of the Wilkersons because of students like Sabrina. Their legacy continues through the lives she touches as a nurse."

He continued: "The definition of philanthropy in the dictionary reads 'good will to fellow men and women.' That's what life is all about. The Wilkersons have given to many -- not just in dollars. They gave of themselves to Sabrina. The College has a good reputation because of friends like the Wilkersons. We appreciate that they have invested themselves in Tri-County and have enriched the lives of many people."
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