Local News

Related Photos

  • Mayor David Pennington learns about the scholarship in his honor as he stands beside a caricature drawing of himself done by local artist Noah Stokes. (Contributed photo)

    PenningtonScholarship.jpg

Discussion

October 4, 2012

Pennington “forever linked” to DSC

By Christopher Smith christophersmith@daltoncitizen.com

Having a tough time finding the perfect birthday gift for someone who is hard to buy for? Have you thought of naming a scholarship after the person?

That’s what Dalton Mayor David Pennington got for his 60th birthday.

Pennington was “all smiles” when he heard about the David E. Pennington III ‘74 Scholarship at a Dalton State Foundation reception on Sept. 24 — two days after his birthday — said Dalton State College officials.

Pennington’s sister, Mary Thelma Norris, and his son, David Pennington IV, shared the idea for the scholarship with David Elrod, director of institutional advancement.

“A few months ago (they) approached me,” said Elrod. “David is notoriously hard to buy for and his family wanted to do something for him that he couldn’t go out and get himself. Their idea was to establish a scholarship, one that would be permanently endowed and would link David’s name with the institution. The idea was perfect.”

Pennington said he was “overwhelmed and very surprised” by the gift.

“I really don’t like people to do things for me,” said Pennington. “But to do something for DSC on my behalf made me very happy.”

Pennington graduated from Dalton State College (then Dalton Jr. College) in 1974 and received a bachelor of arts in economics degree from the University of Georgia in 1977. He said he wouldn’t have gone far without DSC.

“As Winston Churchill said, ‘I'm always ready to learn, although I do not always like being taught,’” said Pennington. “Back then, I was not really school material. I did not like it. The college here offered me an environment more tailored to my needs. Without them I would not have gone to UGA or become mayor of Dalton.”

Elrod said the size of the scholarship will be based on gifts that continue to come from Pennington’s friends and supporters, with the earnings first awarded in the 2013-2014 school year to students who “demonstrate leadership, participation in campus or community activity and have a strong sense of volunteerism — traits the mayor himself has embodied.”

Pennington said he is excited for another way to help the college as a way of “paying (it) back.”

“I am investing in a community institution that is critical for our future success,” said Pennington. “Dalton State’s growth has been vital for that plan. It needs to keep growing rapidly like it has with its sports program in order to build a brighter future.”

The Dalton State Foundation received a pledge of $2.5 million from the John Willis Mashburn Charitable Foundation last month. Some $2 million of that will go to developing the college’s sports programs including men’s basketball under new head coach Tony Ingle, said school officials.

Text Only
Local News

AP Video
Raw: Trucker Bumps I-5 Bridge Before Collapse Raw: Texas Deputy Shot by Colo. Suspect Honored Major Detours Following Wash. Bridge Collapse American Held in Grisly Czech Murders Raw: Jersey Shore Reopens for Summer UK-bound Pakistan Plane Diverted, 2 Men Arrested Officials: Tsarnaev Friend Linked to Slaying Obama:Sexual Assault Threatens Trust in Military Bridge Collapse Survivor: 'Rough Day' Jersey Shore Open for Business Raw: Memorial Day Flags Placed at Arlington New Wheelchair Lift Promises More Access First Person: Mom Discusses Famous Tornado Photo Raw Video: Washington State Bridge Collapse Boy Scouts Approve Plan to Accept Gay Boys
Community Calendar
Loading…
Events by eviesays.com