The Technical College Foundation Association (TCFA), Benefactor of the Year is Dr. Robert L. Wright, Jr.  Not only is Dr. Robert Wright, Jr. an exceptional benefactor to Columbus Tech, he is also an outstanding businessman and community leader. Dr. Wright founded computer software company Dimensions International in 1985 and grew it into a multi-million dollar corporation with 1,500 employees. He serves his community on many nonprofit boards and has received many honors including the United States Department of Commerce National Minority Small Business Award and the 2007 Boy Scouts of America Distinguished Citizen Award. He was also named one of the top 50 Most Influential Minorities in Business. Support for the Columbus Tech Foundation’s Tomorrow’s Workforce… Today campaign was a natural for this community benefactor because of his concern for his community and its shortage of healthcare professionals. Dr. Wright’s passion to help people combined with his support of Columbus Tech led him to make a history-making donation of over $1 million, the campaign’s largest gift.  His gift set the tone for the campaign and is the primary reason that the college’s foundation has reached its goal of $10 million in its first ever capital campaign. His leadership also paved the way for the May 2008 groundbreaking of the 80,000 square foot Dr. Robert L. Wright, Jr. Health Sciences Center that will benefit students and the Columbus community for generations to come.

The purpose of TCFA’s Benefactor of the Year award is to recognize outstanding contributions made on behalf of the TCSG colleges and embody the ideals of philanthropy, leadership and volunteerism in the service of Georgia’s technical colleges. The award provides an opportunity for local foundations and colleges to express appreciation for the significant contributions made by individuals, foundations, businesses and corporations on an annual basis.

Dr. Robert L. Wright, Jr. will have a $1,000 scholarship named in his honor to be awarded to a deserving student by Columbus Technical College. In addition, he will receive a commemorative Frabel glass sculptue.

For a link to more about Dr. Wright from the Columbus Technical College website: http://www.columbustech.edu/news/20081215c.htm