(COLUMBIA, Tenn. - Nov. 9, 2017) - - - The Columbia State Community College Foundation recently hosted the President's Society Dinner at the Williamson Campus to honor donors for their generous support and donations made to the college.

"Thank you for being here and for giving us the opportunity to publicly recognize all you do in support of Columbia State," said Kirk Kelso, Columbia State Foundation chair. "You make a difference in the lives of students and your partnership with the college makes our communities better places to live."

Citizens from the college's nine-county service area were recognized for their different levels of giving. Foundation board members, business and community leaders, and college officials were among these supporters.

"It has been said, 'He who wishes to secure the good of others, has already secured his own,'" said Dr. Janet F. Smith, Columbia State president. "Your investment of time, funds and words of support has helped to secure the futures of many students and that of our communities."

Smith said her vision for the future of Columbia State is that of the continued pursuit of excellence for continuous improvement and innovation for student success and college growth.

"Tonight we celebrate you," Smith declared. "To each of you, please accept my heartfelt thank you for choosing to contribute to Columbia State and its work of educating - what a choice you have made - to give a gift that continues to give."

Bethany Lay, Columbia State vice president of advancement, emceed the evening with presentation of awards. Recognition was given to those who support the college through consistent annual giving, those who have established endowments and legacy gifts, and those in the President's Society who were recognized for cumulative giving levels of $10,000 to $1 million or more. This year Maury Regional Health and Maury County government were recognized at the highest level.

The event was sponsored by Bauer and Askew Architects, Axis Incorporated and the Columbia State Foundation.

The Columbia State Foundation encourages friends, alumni, economic partners and others to invest their time and resources toward supporting education at Columbia State and making higher education accessible to students. Scholarships and support of programs are made possible through these partnerships.

Photo Caption: Wanting to do something that honored Eric Moeller's memory and that exemplified the community involvement for which his family is known, the Williamson County Chamber led friends and community in establishing the Eric James Moeller Endowment scholarship. When his family became aware of the effort, they joined with their community to establish the endowed scholarship. (Pictured, left to right): Kirk Kelso, Columbia State Foundation Board chair; Dr. Erik and Briana Motsenbocker, family of Moeller; Rebecca Ozols, Williamson Chamber of Commerce director of business engagement; Alexa Moeller, Moeller's widow; Ryan Moeller, brother; Shelley Moeller, mother; Dr. Janet F. Smith, Columbia State president; Mike Moeller, father; and Bryan Doleshel, Williamson County Chamber of Commerce chief community development officer.

Photo Caption: (Pictured, left to right): Dr. Janet F. Smith, Columbia State president; Representative Charles Sargent and his wife, Nancy.

Photo Caption: (Pictured, left to right): Dr. Ken Moore, City of Franklin mayor; Helen and Waymon L. Hickman, senior chairman of the board First Farmers & Merchants Bank.

Photo Caption: (Pictured, left to right): Kirk Kelso, Columbia State Foundation Board chair; Sonny Shackelford, Maury County commissioner; Charlie Norman, Maury County mayor; Michael Fulbright, Maury County Commission chair; and Dr. Janet F. Smith, Columbia State president. The Maury County Government supports the college as a key economic development driver for the county - a skilled workforce is necessary to sustain and recruit business and industry.

Photo Caption: (Pictured, left to right): Kirk Kelso, Columbia State Foundation Board chair; Alan Watson, Maury Regional Health CEO; and Dr. Janet F. Smith, Columbia State president. Maury Regional and Columbia State have a partnership that helps provide high quality healthcare to the community. Maury Regional invests in the college to help provide access to educational opportunities and state-of-the-art equipment for healthcare students. In many cases, these graduates go on to be employees of Maury Regional.

Photo Caption: (Pictured, left to right): Kirk Kelso, Columbia State Foundation Board chair; Richard Young, friend of Marion Wilhoite; Alan Clark, friend of Marioin Wilhoite; and Keith Ponder, Daily Herald publisher. The Daily Herald and friends of Marion Wilhoite pulled together to establish an endowment in Marion's honor. The recognition award was delivered to Marion's bedside as he recuperates.

Photo Caption: The family of Thomas Hale "Tommy" Hawkins III established an endowed scholarship in his honor and memory. The scholarship will benefit Marshall County students attending Columbia State. (Pictured, left to right): Kirk Kelso, Columbia State Foundation Board chair; Re Kelso; Kathryn and Hale Hawkins; and Dr. Janet F. Smith, Columbia State president.

Photo Caption: Kirk Kelso, Columbia State Foundation Board chair sharing a word with Patrick Gilbert, immediate past Columbia State Foundation Board chair.

Photo Caption: Kirk Kelso, Columbia State Foundation Board chair and Re Kelso speaking to Waymon L. Hickman and Cherry White.

Photo Caption: Clint Evers, Columbia State Foundation Board member.

Photo Caption: Melinda and Bill Sevier, members of the Lawrenceburg Lions Club, talk with Bethany Lay, Columbia State vice president of advancement and executive director of the Columbia State Foundation.


Photo Caption: Melinda Sevier, member of the Lawrenceburg Lions Club.

Photo Caption: Kirk Kelso, Columbia State Foundation Board chair; Mark Hayes, First National Bank chairman and CEO; and Dr. Janet F. Smith, Columbia State president.

Photo Caption: Kirk Kelso, Columbia State Foundation Board chair; Patrick Gilbert, First National Bank senior vice president and immediate past chair chat at the President's Society Dinner.

Photo Caption : Cindy Hayes, Maria Gilbert and Mark Hayes, First National Bank chairman and CEO.