Augusta names March 20 as ‘Dr. Jermaine Whirl Day’ during celebration
AUGUSTA, Ga. (WRDW/WAGT) - Augusta Mayor Garnett Johnson proclaimed March 20 as Dr. Jermaine Whirl Day as of the community gathered to celebrate and thank the departing Augusta Technical College president.
Over the past five years, Whirl brought major changes and upgrades to Augusta Tech, even while navigating the effects of the pandemic.
Projects such as Accelerate Augusta, a new automotive building, striking a deal with Augusta National to allow students to learn management skills with the patch and so much more.
We were at the celebration where leaders, students and Whirl spoke about his history and contributions to the community.
It was a reflection of Whirl’s tremendous impact that Augusta Tech and the community will feel for years to come.
So much so that Mayor Garnett Johnson named Thursday Dr. Jermaine Whirl Day.
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A whirlwind of emotions.
“There is not a place in Augusta that Whirl has not impacted,” said Rashell Tanner, an Augusta Tech student.
Reflecting on accomplishments.
“A new Augusta Tech campus at The Patch, really growing the game of providing opportunities for employment in our region and really throughout the country is something that I’m going to be cherishing for a long time and I hope to be back next year to see the ribbon cutting.”
And lending a helping hand.
“I actually lost my financial aid in my second year and I didn’t know when I became student government president that I might receive a scholarship for that,” said Tanner. “Dr. Whirl implemented a $10,000 scholarship to the foundation and because of that I was able to finish my college career.”
While also looking towards the future.
“Dr. Melissa Frank-Alston has been here for almost 20 years,” said Whirl. “Her children grew up here, went to school here in college. She actually started the MCG, and so she has a great affiliation within the community and a great feel for the fit of what’s needed.”
From a hidden gem to being put on the map.
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“He served our school in ways that we never thought possible before, and so with that being said, whoever is next, definitely, the bar is high,” said Tanner.
Whirl says the top accomplishment, is watching students graduate.
“It’s really seeing our students graduate,” said Whirl. “Over 93% of our graduates stay local and are paying taxes. They’re contributing to the community.”
Changing not only Augusta Tech but the community too.
“Every part of Augusta has been touched by Dr Whirl because we the faculty at Augusta Tech, the students at Augusta Tech that directly feed into the economic success of our community,” said Tanner.
Whirl is now headed to Savannah State University and will begin his tenure as president next month.
Augusta Tech recently named Dr. Melissa Frank-Alston as interim president effective April 1.
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