STC Foundation Hosts Annual Appreciation BBQ, Announces $68,000+ Endowment for New Scholarship

Courtesy of Southeastern Technical College

Southeastern Technical College (STC) and the Southeastern Technical College Foundation (STCF) hosted their Annual Appreciation BBQ on October 7, 2025, celebrating the generosity and commitment of Foundation donors, trustees, and community partners who make educational opportunities possible for students across the region.

STC President Larry Calhoun expressed his gratitude, saying, “A big thank you to all who attended the STC Foundation Appreciation BBQ—our foundation donors, volunteers, and to Executive Director of Institutional Advancement and Foundation Executive Director Blythe Wilcox for orchestrating the event. The food was delicious, the weather and the setting were outstanding, and the camaraderie was exceptional.”

Donors were honored and the Mary Flanders Endowment Scholarship Fund, exceeding $68,000, was announced.

The evening served as a celebration and a heartfelt “thank you” to those who help make STC’s mission possible. Guests included members of the STC Foundation Board of Trustees, STC Board of Directors, state legislators, and community partners. President Calhoun recognized Georgia’s legislators for their strong advocacy for technical education statewide. Legislators in attendance were Senator Blake Tillery and Representative Leesa Hagan.

Attendees also heard inspiring words from Jason Colbert, Associate of Science in Nursing student and 2025 TCSG State GOAL Winner, and Kingston Ryals, Dual Enrollment student and Vidalia High School senior.

President Calhoun highlighted the college’s strong outcomes, noting that 98% of STC graduates find employment within six months of graduation, and over 90% remain in the local community, strengthening the region’s workforce.

The Foundation awarded over $70,000 in scholarships and assistance to students in 2024, with 100% of STC faculty and staff contributing to the Foundation for over 20 consecutive years. President Calhoun said, “Your donations truly make a difference— often determining whether a student can stay in school or must leave to make ends meet.”

“We are blessed to have a lot of generous folks in our area who contribute in numerous ways to the success of STC and technical education, not only locally but statewide. Whether financially, volunteering time, serving on boards and committees, or helping recruit and retain students, it all goes into making lives better in our communities. One of the key ways that supporters help is through their donations to the Foundation. These resources provide scholarships that enable our students to complete their programs, graduate, obtain great careers, and improve quality of life for us all,” said President Calhoun.

New Scholarship Endowment Announced: The Mary Flanders Scholarship Fund The event also marked the announcement of a new scholarship endowment established by the family of Mrs. Mary Flanders, a longtime advocate for technical and adult education in Georgia. Mrs. Flanders, originally from Swainsboro and now residing in Savannah, served on the Technical College System of Georgia (TCSG) State Board of Directors for 20 years under Governors Perdue, Deal, and Kemp. Her leadership helped expand opportunities for adult learners and advanced the system’s mission statewide.

“Mrs. Flanders was a member of Georgia's Department of Technical and Adult Education (DTAE)/ Technical College System of Georgia (TCSG) State Board of Directors for 20 years, retiring in October 2023,” stated President Calhoun. “Back when the GED was the only option, students had to earn a GED before enrolling in college courses. Now, thanks in no small part to Mrs. Flanders’ efforts, adult education students have multiple pathways to success, allowing them to earn a high school equivalency or high school diploma through TCSG while taking college courses simultaneously. High school equivalency can now be earned through General Education Development, HiSet, or through specialized programs such as the STC Career Academy, Career Plus High School Diploma, Dual Achievement Program, or Cognia.”

Here are a couple of lines from her retirement resolution: “Mrs. Mary Flanders has guided TCSG through an unprecedented era of achievement, including record enrollment, the production of a technically proficient workforce ready to fill skilled positions, and a more widespread appreciation for the importance of technical and adult education for building a better and more prosperous Georgia. She will always be remembered as a strong advocate for adult education, and she will be remembered more so for her friendship, wisdom, support, and true servant’s heart. Mrs. Mary Flanders has proudly represented TCSG, leaving a legacy that will grow the future of technical education for generations to come, and has set an outstanding example for all who know her.”

Mrs. Flanders has always been active in her community and throughout the state. Some of her many accomplishments include teaching for five years while her husband, Dr. Flanders, was in medical school; serving as a member of the state board of The Garden Clubs of Georgia, chairing the restoration of the historic Rice Plantation, serving as chair of the Chatham County Republican Party for six years, chairing the Isle of Hope Community Association, co-chairing the Isle of Hope Music and Arts Festival, and owning Flanders Homes.

“It has been said that talent is evenly distributed, but opportunity is not,” said President Calhoun. “Mary continues to work tirelessly to ensure opportunities reach those who need them and deserve them. Her legacy will significantly impact students as the Mary Flanders Scholarship Fund will provide annual awards in perpetuity.”

“I didn’t do this alone and couldn’t have without my husband, Dorsey,” said Mrs. Flanders.

President Calhoun closed the evening with, “Thanks again for supporting Southeastern Tech. I can’t think of a better return on your investment than helping someone achieve their education.”

About Southeastern Technical College Foundation The Southeastern Technical College Foundation supports student success through scholarships, emergency aid, and program enhancements. To learn more or contribute, visit www.southeasterntech. edu/foundation.