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Emeriti Board of Directors named at Ogeechee Tech
Web OTC Emeriti
Honorees at the OTC Emeriti Board meeting included, back row, left to right, David Ball, Jim Adams, Tommy David, Paul Roesel, Charles Eunice, and Harry Sheppard; front row, left to right, David Raith, Marsha Raith, and Dr. Dennis Raith, (children of Clem Raith), Dee Gurka (widow of David Gurka), Vernella Welch, and Julian Deal.

      History was made at Ogeechee Technical College when the inaugural group of Emeriti Board members for the college was inducted. At a special luncheon recognizing the past service of a number of earlier Ogeechee Tech board members, those currently serving on the college's Board of Directors, joined by OTC's executive team, honored those who have helped the college through the years. Fourteen former members of the OTC Board of Directors received emeritus status as a means of paying tribute to them for their dedication and work.
      Current Board of Directors chair Dr. Dale Grant welcomed the assembled group and explained the process to determine emeritus status.
      "An extensive process was first developed, and once in place, used to determine which former OTC board members qualified," Grant said. "Without the guidance provided by those we honor today, the growth and prominence within the Technical College System of Georgia, and within the State of Georgia, may not have been realized for Ogeechee Tech."
      In addressing the former board members, Ogeechee Tech president Dr. Dawn Cartee said, "I just want each of you to know what it means to this college and to me personally that you took the time to support our students in the past and that you continue to work on our behalf."
      Cartee introduced a video presentation which chronicled OTC's history with shots of old newspaper clippings from the earliest days of the college's planning and construction, and current shots of the college's campus and student life. Many of the video shots were of the honorees at various college related events during their tenure on the board.
      The Emeriti Board members are: Dr. Carolyn Hobbs, Ellen Girardeau, Elissa Hall, James W. Adams, David A. Ball, Julian I. Deal, F. Thomas David, Charles A. Eunice, Paul F. Roesel, Harry E. Sheppard, Jr., and Vernella Welch. Posthumous Emeriti status was granted to Clem Raith, Francis W. Allen, and David I. Gurka.
      Family members of Raith and Gurka were on hand for the event. Although Girardeau and Hall could not attend, all other living Emeriti members were present. A framed resolution was presented to each living Emeriti Board member, and family members of deceased members were also presented a resolution.
      Current Ogeechee Tech Board of Directors members were given the honor of introducing Emeriti members as Cartee and Grant presented the signed resolutions. Following the luncheon and formal program, attendees were allowed to relate stories about the various Emeriti Board members and reminisce about activities and work during the early days of OTC's history. "After listening to the stories about how many people worked to make this College a reality, it is obvious that we would not be where we are today without the efforts of these honorees and many others," stated Cartee.
      "Designating Emeriti Board members was long overdue, and I am thrilled that we have initiated this process. After submitting the proposal to our State Board for approval, they altered the process slightly to be suitable for other colleges, and then adopted a system-wide policy for designating Emeriti Board members," stated Cartee. "We are grateful for what the first group of honorees has done for Ogeechee Tech, and we are so glad to be able to acknowledge their impact on this College with a tangible act such as this luncheon and these presentations."
      Following the luncheon, several in attendance took advantage of the opportunity to tour the campus. Future Emeriti Board members will be named as appropriate, but it is anticipated that the inaugural group will be the most in a single group to be inducted, making them not only the first, but likely the largest group to ever be named Emeriti Board members of Ogeechee Technical College.

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