News        from ABAC

Michael D. Chason Director of Public Relations ABAC 30 -- 2802 Moore Highway Tifton, GA 31793-2601 Phone 229-391-5055 Fax 229-391-4781 mchason@abac.edu

IMMEDIATE MAY 7, 2009

Bachelor’s Degrees Awarded First Time in History of ABAC

TIFTON — Bachelor’s degrees were awarded for the first time in the history of Abraham Baldwin Agricultural College at the spring commencement ceremony Thursday night in Gressette Gym.

A total of 185 graduates received diplomas at the ceremony. Among the graduates was Richard W. Irvin of Whigham who received his Bachelor’s of Applied Science degree in Turfgrass and Golf Course Management. The last time bachelor’s degrees were awarded on the campus was when the school was called the Georgia State College for Men in 1929-33.

“I have been blessed with ABAC,” Irvin said. “I was almost finished with my associate’s when Dr. (Eddie) Seagle asked me about staying for my BAS degree. I knew ABAC was where I wanted to stay because it is close to home, in a rural setting, and putting itself on the map with growth of the college and the new bachelor’s degrees.”

Irvin had completed his associate’s degree at ABAC and decided to stay for his bachelor’s degree instead of transferring to the University of Georgia. He was one of the eight ABAC students who accompanied Seagle on the recent China trip.

“Everything about the China trip was great,” Irvin said. “The Chinese were so hospitable and willing to learn. My most memorable moment was feeling like I was on top of the world while standing on top of the Great Wall of China. It was unforgettable.”

Irvin’s mom, Pamela Chambers, attended ABAC and still keeps in touch with her college roommate she met here. Irvin followed in the footsteps of his aunt and uncle who met while attending ABAC since he met his wife, Heather, during his first class at ABAC. Irvin and his wife are preparing to move to Columbus after graduation, where he already has a job as second assistant superintendent at the Country Club of Columbus.

Winning the prestigious George P. Donaldson award at the ceremony was Keith Edward Lee, Jr., a political science major from Cartersville. Lee, the station manager for ABAC radio station, WPLH, was selected for the award based on a combination of academics and extracurricular activities.  The award included a plaque and a check for $500 from the ABAC Alumni Association. Donaldson served as president of ABAC from 1947 - 61.

Lee added the Donaldson award to an impressive array of ABAC accolades including Community Assistant (CA) of the month for September 2008, and CA of the semester for Fall 2008. He was also a recipient of a Pacesetter at the recent student leadership banquet.

Lee, the son of Charlotte Hart, was a non-traditional student who made the most of his 15 months at ABAC. He worked as a college algebra tutor in the Student Success Center, was the former president of the College Democrats, and was a member of the International Club and Political Science club.

Prior to beginning his college career at ABAC, Lee served as a member of the United States Navy. Lee, who plans to transfer to Valdosta State University to continue his political science studies, said ABAC had quite an impact on his life.

“If I could go back to January of last year and do it all over again, I wouldn’t change a thing,” Lee said. “My experience at ABAC has been a blessing to me in more ways that I can briefly express.”

Lee celebrated his award with his wife, Ashley Lee, and their brand new son, Sawyer James, born on Monday.

The graduation speaker was former student Jim Sparks. Not only did he share his life story about perseverance before a packed house crowd, but he also received his diploma after 26 years. In 1981, Sparks transferred to ABAC to pursue his Turfgrass Management degree and to play on the Stallions’ golf team under Coach Wayne Cooper.

Sparks had a sterling career with the Stallions, leading them to their first National Junior College Athletic Association (NJCAA) tournament appearance in 1982 and then again in 1983 when he was named an NJCAA All-America selection.

To graduate from ABAC, Sparks needed to pass the Regents’ Test. After falling just short on several occasions, he decided to give professional golf a try and played on various mini-tours and for a time on the PGA tour.

In 1994, Sparks started a golf course construction and renovation company called Course Doctors, Inc. Now it’s a nationwide company that has renovated and constructed numerous PGA tour courses.

Sparks received his degree because the requirements for his degree have changed, and he has completed all the necessary classes.

Summer term classes begin at ABAC on June 8.

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