CLARKESVILLE, Ga. — North Georgia Technical College (NGTC) will celebrate the completion of its newest campus facility, The Dr. Mark A. Ivester Center for Living and Learning — also known as “The Mark” — with a week of special events in April, including a community ribbon cutting and the college’s annual 1943 Gala fundraiser.
The grand opening and ribbon cutting for The Mark will take place on Tuesday, April 14, from 5–6:30 p.m. on the Clarkesville campus. The celebration will be held in partnership with the Habersham County Chamber of Commerce as part of their Business After Hours networking event.
The community is invited to attend and enjoy tours of the new facility and food from the iconic The Varsity food truck. A short ceremony, official ribbon cutting, and remarks from the Ivester family will take place at approximately 5:30 p.m.
The facility is named in honor of the college’s late president, Dr. Mark A. Ivester, who served the college for many years and envisioned the former gymnasium as a place where students and the community could gather, learn, and grow together. Ivester passed away in 2020, and the completion of the center represents the realization of his vision of making students’ technical education dreams a well-rounded, successful collegiate experience.
Later that week, the North Georgia Technical College Foundation will host the 3rd Annual 1943 Gala, on Thursday, April 16, at 6 p.m. in The Mark, marking the facility’s first major fundraising event.
The 1943 Gala is the Foundation’s signature fundraising event for NGTC students and brings together community leaders, businesses, alumni, and supporters for an evening dedicated to investing in student success. Proceeds from the Gala will support key campus initiatives, including library and student success programming, dorm upgrades, the new funeral services program, and student scholarships. Many students rely on scholarships to make technical education possible, and funds raised through the Gala help remove financial barriers so students can focus on their training and career goals.
Guests attending the Gala will enjoy dinner, entertainment, and both live and silent auctions. Sponsorship opportunities are available for businesses and individuals who wish to support the event and the college’s mission.
New this year, the Foundation will also offer Golden Tickets for $100 each. Only 100 tickets will be sold, and one lucky winner will be drawn to receive first pick of the live auction items and take home the item of their choice. Some exclusions may apply, but the winner will receive an exceptional prize. Participants do not have to be present to win.
“The completion of The Mark is an exciting milestone for NGTC, and we are thrilled to celebrate by having the Gala inside the facility,” said Amy Hulsey, Vice President of Institutional Advancement and Marketing and Executive Director of the NGTC Foundation at North Georgia Technical College. “Many of our students would not be able to get the education they need to succeed, and our dedicated Board of Trustees and generous community help provide scholarships to change so many students’ lives. I’m so proud and grateful for the work they do and each gift given.”
Community members are encouraged to attend the grand opening celebration on April 14 and to support the college by purchasing tickets or sponsorships for the April 16 Gala.
For more information about Gala tickets, sponsorships, or Golden Ticket raffle entries, contact the NGTC Foundation at foundation@northgatech.edu, 706-754-7852, or visit northgatech.edu/the1943gala.
About North Georgia Technical College Foundation
The North Georgia Technical College Foundation supports the mission of North Georgia Technical College by securing resources that enhance educational opportunities for students through scholarships, program support, and campus initiatives that strengthen workforce development in Northeast Georgia. The Foundation is guided by a volunteer Board of Trustees that currently includes Greg (Mully) Ash, Jana Cheek, Janine Bethel, Tim Ash, Chairman Cassandra Wilkins, Erik Brinke, Jeremy Spradlin, Sidney Roland, Chris Barrett, Courtney Waller, Spencer Carr and John Wilkinson (ex officio member.) Their commitment to student success and community partnerships helps advance the college’s mission and student success.
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