TIFTON – The Abraham Baldwin Agricultural College’s Office of College Advancement was honored with the Overall Institutional Excellence in Advancement Award at the Georgia Education Advancement Council (GEAC) annual conference on Nov. 14.
This award is the highest award presented by GEAC to an entire staff at an institution that demonstrates outstanding achievement and commitment to the field of higher education advancement. The ABAC Office of College Advancement (OCA) includes the ABAC Foundation, development, alumni, advancement services, and advancement communications offices.
“When you look back at your career, there are times when you realize you are extremely fortunate to be working with some of the finest people you could ever imagine,” said Dr. Deidre Martin, chief advancement officer. “Co-workers who are dedicated to the institution and who are a joy to work with every day. I found that place in the Office of College Advancement at ABAC, and it was a great honor to nominate this group of advancement professionals for this award.”
ABAC’s OCA earned this high-level honor by increasing overall fundraising by 470 percent within an eight-year period, from $648,566 in 2015 to $3.7 million annually. Total assets have surged from $28 million in 2015 to more than $42 million, and scholarship support for students has risen from $680,000 to more than $1.1 million under this team’s dedicated efforts. The Foundation’s success includes acquiring significant amounts of land for expansion as well as backing several capital projects.
“This recognition is well-deserved for our Office of College Advancement,” said ABAC President Tracy Brundage. “The financial support from our donors is crucial to the advancement of our overall mission. But what is also important are the relationships they cultivate. Every individual in this office understands how important ABAC is for our students, our community, and our region. They play such a pivotal role in our success and this award reflects their success.”
“Through challenging times and adversity, this remarkable team has exemplified resilience,” said Dr. Amy Maison, GEAC board member. “They have encountered significant hardships, including navigating leadership changes, coping with tragedy and personal loss, and facing health challenges. Despite it all, they come to work each day with positivity, determination, and a steadfast commitment to exceed expectations. Above all, this remarkable team is not just a force within the institution but respected throughout the community and region. They actively serve on committees, volunteer in countless ways, and have built strong connections with faculty and staff, demonstrating care and commitment to all they encounter. The impact of the Office of College Advancement at ABAC extends far beyond the walls of the institution. Their dedication, innovation, and unwavering commitment have created a legacy of excellence and enduring relationships.”
In addition to Martin, team members include: Jodie Snow, chief operating officer of the ABAC Foundation; Lynda Fisher, director of alumni relations and special events; Sue Mastrario, director of operations and accounting; Randi Hickman, development officer; Victoria Whiddon, advancement officer; Jordan Bentley, advancement communications coordinator; Andrew Smith, gift processing coordinator; Karin Law, Foundation administrative assistant; as well as former Office of College Advancement employees Ric Stewart (Georgia Southern University) and Amanda Stitt Moore (University of West Georgia).