BPC Raises Over $20,000 Through Annual Golf Tournament

Presenting Sponsor, Tim Redding of Metter Ford, presents $10,000 check to BPC President, Dr. Steve Echols during annual golf tournament. 

By Suzanne Hewtt

Student Writer

MOUNT VERNON— On Friday, October 4, 2019, Brewton-Parker College (BPC) hosted the 3rd Annual Southern Classic Golf Tournament at the Willow Lake Golf Club in Metter, Georgia. Through the generous support of business sponsors and local teams, the event successfully raised over $20,000 to further the mission of South Georgia’s Christian College and see the lives of students transformed. 

Grouped into seventeen teams, attendees competed in this year’s event for a variety of titles, including longest drive for both men and women, as well as closest to pin. The winners of the tournament included Team Handy Andy (first place), Team Nathan Perkins (second place), and Team City of Mount Vernon (third place).

The annual tournament serves as a fundraiser for the college, and support for the event comes primarily from local business sponsorships. This year, 30 sponsors stepped forward in support of the college, including the event’s presenting sponsor: Tim Redding of Metter Ford. 

Most amazingly, however, the amount raised was doubled thanks to a recent grant from the Holland-Underwood Foundation. Because of the foundation’s support, all donations given to BPC throughout the next year will be doubled up to $200,000. This matching grant brings the total raised during the golf tournament to over $40,000. 

Chad Ritchie, Director of Advancement, stated, “ I am continuously amazed by the generosity of our community. This support has been a great encouragement to me personally as I see God work through these partnerships. I am excited to see how they will continue to grow and new partnerships develop in the year to come.”

The success that BPC witnessed during the annual golf tournament acts as the perfect kickoff for the 20/20 Match Campaign. Starting this fall and extending through 2020, this campaign will focus on raising the full $200,000 to be matched by the Holland-Underwood Foundation. 

For more information, individuals can contact the Office of Advancement at advancement@bpc.edu or 912-583-3167. 

BPC would like to thank its presenting sponsor, (Metter Ford), partner-level sponsors (Altamaha Bank and Trust, Chick-Fil-A of Vidalia, Mount Vernon Bank, Lowe’s, Handy Andy, and Turnipseed Engineers), friend-level sponsor, (Pineland), and all remaining hole sponsors. 

 

 

Participating Teams enjoy a complimentary lunch provided by Chick-Fil-A of Vidalia.
Chad Ritchie, Director of Advancement, and Dr. Steve Echols, BPC President, welcome golfers to the tournament.

Joanna Phillips-Mock

Student Enrichment Director

Joanna Phillips-Mock is a proud third generation Baron, both as a student and a staff member.

Beginning her teaching career in Middle Georgia in 1995, Mrs. Mock worked with a state funded program that served some of the most disadvantaged special needs students within the local school districts. She ultimately moved into leadership positions within the organization, serving and training others in multiple initiatives. She enjoys working with students of all ages to recognize and to achieve their greatest potential.

Mrs. Mock holds a Bachelor’s degree from Brewton-Parker College, a Master's degree in Education with a concentration in Behavior Disorders, and an Education Specialist degree in Educational Administration from Georgia College and State University. She resides in Ailey, Georgia, with her husband Don, their son Tye Lewis, her mother Carol Joyce, and multiple fur babies. She enjoys traveling, gardening, camping, and attending concerts.

Candace Lilford

Profeessional Tutor

Candace Lilford graduated with her bachelor’s degree in Theatre Generalism in 2021 from Anderson University and with her master’s degree in English Literature in 2023 from the University of Alabama. She presently serves as Professional Tutor for the Student Enrichment Center while also teaching sections of ENG 101 and 102. 

As part of her two-year master's program, Ms. Lilford taught sections of ENG 101 and 102, while also serving as teaching assistant for British Literature Survey courses and volunteering in the university’s Writing Center. Ms Lilford has also presented papers at the Hudson Strode Conference and the South Eastern Christian and Literature Conference as well as working on various theatrical productions.

Born in North Carolina of South African descent, Ms. Lilford has lived in Uganda, Botswana, South Africa, and Trinidad before settling in Mount Vernon with her family in 2016, where she attended Brewton-Parker College as a dual enrollment student. She presently resides in Mount Vernon with her family and spends her free time watching old TV shows.

Linda Armstrong

Academic Advising and Career Specialist

Linda Armstrong earned an Associate Degree in Criminal Justice Technology from Southeastern Technical College and a Bachelor of Science degree in Psychology from Walden University. Throughout her career, Linda has worked with diverse populations, including at-risk youth and families and youth in crisis because of mental health and other issues. Her empathetic nature has made her an effective advocate for those in need. In addition to her professional work, Linda is also is committed to volunteerism. She has dedicated countless hours as a youth mentor, and to teaching about her faith at various Christian organizations. She believes in the power of positivity and its ability to transform not only her life but also the lives of others.

"If you must look back, do so forgivingly. If you will look forward, do so prayerfully. But the wisest course would be to be present in the present gratefully." ~ Maya Angelou

Willie Ford

Academic Advising and Career Specialist

Greetings, Baron Nation!

It's truly a joy to be back in a place that has shaped me so profoundly. I'm Willie Ford, a proud 2022 graduate of historic Brewton-Parker College, holding a Bachelor of Arts degree in Psychology with a Minor in Education. Following my graduation, I embarked on a journey in education, teaching Special Education within the Vidalia City School District. In addition to my role as an educator, I had the privilege of serving as the Unit Director at the J.D. Rabun Boys and Girls Club. All the while, I was honored to pastor at the esteemed New Hope Baptist Church of Rhine, Georgia. With God's grace, I managed these responsibilities, and now, I'm thrilled and ready to contribute to the welfare of our students, aiming to inspire through service.

Dusty Arnold

Mental Health Counselor

Dusty Arnold  is a Licensed Professional Counselor and a Board Certified Behavior Analyst as well as a BPC alumnus. He has years of experience working with a variety of mental health issues including anxiety, grief, and challenges related to Autism. He specializes in behavior-related interventions that can help college students build on their strengths to set achievable goals while also learning how to deal with the thoughts and feelings that sometimes get in the way. He incorporates Biblical values and evidence-based treatments to meet students wherever they happen to be on their journey to spiritual and psychological health. 

Carl Anthony "Tony" Wardlaw

Assistant Student Enrichment Director & Student Success Coach

Carl Anthony “Tony” Wardlaw – For over 25 years, Dr. Wardlaw has worked in leadership, counseling, and pastoring. Beginning with working in middle management for a manufacturing company in Douglas, GA, Dr. Wardlaw has also worked in the academic, nonprofit, public, and private sectors. Additionally, he served over 7 years in the United States Military as a Military Intelligence Officer before resigning his commission as a Captain in the Army.

Currently serving as the Assistant Director of the Student Enrichment Center, Student Success Coach, and Adjunct Faculty at Brewton-Parker College in Mount Vernon, GA, he also serves as the Pastor of The Green Grove Missionary Baptist Church in Dublin, GA.

As a member of the renowned International Gospel Singing Group, The Wardlaw Brothers, Dr. Wardlaw has traveled all over the nation and abroad ministering and singing the Gospel of Christ Jesus. Dr. Wardlaw has served as a consultant for various agencies and has worked as a Fatherhood Coordinator and G.E.D. instructor within the Technical College System of Georgia and participates in local and national civic and philanthropic work.

Dr. Wardlaw holds a Bachelor of Business Administration degree in International Business from the University of Georgia, two master's degrees from Troy University (Master of Science in Clinical Counseling and Psychology and Master of Education in Counseling), and a Doctorate in Education from Argosy University in Organizational Leadership. Dr. Wardlaw is a Lifetime Silver Member of The NAACP and a member of The Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc. He is happily married to the former Mrs. Stephanie Scott. They have 3 Children; Chambria, Marc, and Carleigh.

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