Joel Wernick, Sarah Kuck honored by University System of Georgia Foundation

ALBANY — The recent 12th annual Regents’ Scholarship Gala raised more than $1.3 million to promote, support and provide need-based scholarships for students at the University System of Georgia’s 29 institutions. Honors also went to those considered instrumental in the advancement of education in Georgia, including two individuals from the Albany area.

Among the honorees were Sarah Kuck, an associate political science professor from Darton State College, and Phoebe Putney Health System CEO Joel Wernick.

Officials from the University System of Georgia said that, through the leadership and direction of USG Foundation Chair, Regent Sachin Shailendra, and Vice Chair, Regent James Hull, the annual gala supporting need-based aid surpassed previous amounts raised.

“When we all come together, we are able to make a significant investment in Georgia’s future,” said Shailendra at the gala. “Together, we are intent on moving the needle on increasing need-based scholarships, and it speaks to the reason we are here tonight, the students.”

The gala is meant to honor faculty, alumni and an individual leaders who support higher education in Georgia.

Six USG faculty members were honored as 2016 recipients of the Felton Jenkins Jr. Hall of Fame Faculty Award, including Kuck.

“It’s an honor to be a part of the legacy of winners for this award,” said Kuck. “Going through the process of nomination was enlightening. A lot of the material that needed to be submitted related, of course, to student evaluations, satisfaction, success of the students, and more. To see the impact and support from my students was amazing. I really believe that this award demonstrates the commitment and support of my colleagues. I work with a very dedicated group of professionals that put students first — from the director of online learning to my department chair, so I certainly share this award with my institution.”

Margaret Baldwin from Kennesaw State University, Richard Deaner from Augusta University, Mei Zhang from Georgia Gwinnett College, Bonnie Ferri from Georgia Institute of Technology and Vanessa Slinger-Friedman from Kennesaw State were also recipients.

The Foundation also recognized three recipients of the Regents Hall of Fame Alumni and Distinguished Friends Award, including Wernick, who was nominated by Darton for his role in supporting scholarships and educational programs now based at Phoebe, including the Southwest Georgia Family Medicine Residency and the Medical College of Georgia Southwest Campus, that have been beneficial to some of the students at Darton seeking a career in health care.

“It is truly an honor to receive this prestigious award from the University System of Georgia,” said Wernick. “This award is a reflection of not just mine but the entire Phoebe family’s commitment to education. We are most fortunate Darton has been a steadfast partner in attaining Phoebe’s mission of serving those in need. We believe education is one of the best investments in improving the quality of life in our region. Phoebe is indeed proud to support the health care programs at all our higher education institutions, as they prepare our future nurses and doctors to care for the citizens of Southwest Georgia.

“I applaud Darton for its vital role in fueling our community’s economic engine with a knowledgeable work force to ensure economic development and sustainability.”

Dan Amos, nominated by the University of Georgia, and Allan Vigil, nominated by Clayton State University, were honored along with Wernick.

Each year, the USG Foundation presents the Regent Elridge McMillan Award to an individual who has “demonstrated a long and significant record of commitment and accomplishment on behalf of public higher education in Georgia.” This year, it went to Bill Turner, a former Columbus businessman and prior Board of Regents member.

Gov. Nathan Deal presented the award to John Martin, Turner’s grandson.