Gala kicks off ‘Pathways to the Future’ campaign

Florence-Darlington Technical College’s Educational Foundation is charging toward its goal to raise $4 million before January 2009.

The public phase of the campaign, titled “Pathways to the Future Campaign,” kicked off Friday night during the college’s 44th Anniversary Celebration and Gala.

Florence-Darlington Tech President Dr. Charles W. Gould announced the campaign already is more than halfway to meeting its goal.
Gould calls the campaign “a chance for the college’s business and industry partners to see Florence-Darlington Technical College’s connection to the region’s success in economic development first hand.”

Gould said the “quiet phase” of the campaign raised $2.6 million. It began 18 months ago.

“The college’s commissioners, foundation board members and employees are participating 100 percent,” he said.

Gould also announced several major gifts to the campaign during the gala. Honda of South Carolina Manufacturing Inc. and Pee Dee Electric Cooperative have pledged $500,000 each. BB&T will contribute $200,000 and Roche Carolina, $100,000.

“The 44th Anniversary Celebration and Gala is the perfect venue for the college’s friends to show their support for our continuing partnerships,” Gould said.

The gala was held for the second consecutive year at the college’s Southeastern Institute of Manufacturing and Technology’s Convention Center.

It featured a concert by world-renowned jazz artist Freddy Cole and his quartet.

Cole’s elder brother was American music icon Nat King Cole and his niece is recording artist Natalie Cole.

The role of Florence-Darlington Tech is to offer one and two-year programs to a community of diverse needs.

An associate degree, a diploma, or a certificate denoting satisfactory completion of work is awarded, depending on the course of study chosen.

The Health and Sciences Division offers the Associate in Science, along with comprehensive training in allied health and nursing programs that lead to certification and/or professional licensure.

The Technical and General Education Division provides curricula through which students master the technical, business, communication and interpersonal skills required by area employers.

Certificate, diploma and degree programs are developed and offered in response to the employment needs of the college service area and of the State of South Carolina.

General education core courses are offered to support college-wide degree, diploma, certificate and college transfer programs.

Developmental courses also are offered through this division.

The Online College and Information Technology Division provides college-wide educational and administrative services in the following areas: online college, distance learning, information technology,
college Web site, instructional support and training.

Additional details about the Pathways to the Future Campaign is available by calling E.J. Newby in the Florence-Darlington Tech Educational Foundation office at (843) 661-8011.