Apply Now
My BPC
Apply Now

WARREN C. CRAWLEY GALA: A Celebration of Selfless Sacrifice

/ Special Events / By
Members from the local community enjoy a special dinner during 4th annual Warren C. Crawley, Sr. Gala
Several guests place bids on variety of items available during silent auction.
Voices of Truth, BPC Vocal Ensemble, performs for guests.

 

By Marlee Ruark

Student Writer 

MOUNT VERNON – On February 4, 2020, over 280 members from the local community gathered at First Baptist Church in Lyons, Georgia, to celebrate the fourth annual Warren C. Crawley Gala. Brewton-Parker College (BPC) hosts this event every year to raise money for student scholarships. This year’s gala in particular focused on the sacrifice Crawley made for the college over 115 years ago and the generosity that the community continues to show as they honor his legacy.

As people entered the event, they were invited to participate in a silent auction where a variety of items were open for bidding. The items ranged from artwork to a two day hunting trip. At the close of the silent auction, attendees were welcomed into the main fellowship hall where they enjoyed a dinner catered by Chartwells Higher Education and served by BPC student volunteers.

Voices of Truth, BPC’s vocal ensemble, opened the evening with an outstanding performance featuring songs such as the “Lion and the Lamb” and “Living Hope.” Afterward, the Wardlaw Brothers stepped on stage to perform their own beautiful rendition of the classic “Amazing Grace.” In addition, attendees enjoyed a special instrumental performance on the clarinet by BPC Student Kenan Strutchen, one of the 2020 Crawley Scholarship recipients.

Following the musical performances, Dr. Steven F. Echols, President of BPC, shared a brief update regarding the college’s recent growth. In addition, he shared the story of Mr. Crawley and how BPC was established because of his gracious donation of land. [Full Story]

Echols stated, “In 1904, he [Crawley] knew his children couldn’t go to the school, but he gave the land anyway.” His gift has continued to inspire the community’s generosity and support for the college. As a result, BPC has been able to expand its campus facilities and increase its overall enrollment. This semester, BPC will even be dedicating a set of new dorms on campus to Crawley in honor of his sacrifice.

After the presidential update, Dr. Beverly Robinson introduced the evening’s honorees. These honorees stem from the local community and were nominated because they exemplify the life of Crawley. These individuals showcase a true servant’s heart and have sacrificed their time, money, and talents to help others. 

This year’s honorees included:

  • Maudie Mae White (awarded posthumously)
  • Robert Miller McTureous, Jr. (awarded posthumously)
  • Kathy Palmer
  • Tracy McClelland
  • Corina Florez
  • The Wardlaw Brothers
  • Tommy Sasser
  • Pastor Dannie Williams
  • James Jermon

The biggest highlight of the evening was an inspiring message delivered by Pastor Tony Lowden. He emphasized the sacrifice Crawley made for BPC and also the sacrifice his grandmother made for him long ago as she influenced him to accept Christ and attend church. He gave his testimony and spoke about how important it is that individuals honor God with their lives and never forget those who paved the way.

His words that evening inspired many people to donate to the Warren C. Crawley Scholarship Fund, which will be awarded to deserving students in the upcoming year. These gifts build upon the generosity exhibited at last year’s Gala, which raised enough funds to provide the scholarship to multiple students in need.

Jake Cleghorn, a BPC Trustee in attendance that night, stated, “Tonight’s event was a beautiful representation of the legacy created by Warren C. Crawley. It represents the unselfishness of our diverse community who give and serve each other with the resources God has blessed them with for the betterment of Brewton Parker and above all God’s Kingdom. God blessed some with voices, some with the gift of serving food, some with the gift of testimony, and some with financial blessings. All were used tonight to glorify God and to lift our neighbors up all to support scholarships for well deserving people who want to continue to develop and grow in the Lord.”

He then went on to say, “I laughed and I cried and most of all I praised the Lord for allowing me to experience a room that represents BPC, our community, and most importantly our eternal home. This event leaves an imprint in your heart and mind, and I am so thankful for having the opportunity to attend.”

Brewton-Parker College is the only accredited four-year Christian college south of Macon and north of Jacksonville, FL. The mission of Brewton-Parker College, a Georgia Baptist college, is to develop the whole student through the application of Biblically-centered truth to a liberal arts curriculum in a community of shared Christian values. 

Visit Brewton-Parker College online at www.bpc.edu.

-BPC-

The Wardlaw Brothers sing special rendition of “Amazing Grace.”
Kenan Strutchen, BPC Student and 2020 Crawley Scholarship Recipient, performs for guests.
Dr. Echols addresses guests to share updates on recent growth at college.
Pastor Tony Lowden shares inspiring message on selfless sacrifice.

Physical Address
201 David-Eliza Fountain Circle
Mount Vernon, GA 30445

Mailing Address
P. O. Box 197
Mount Vernon, GA 30445

912-583-2241 |  1-800-342-1087

Campus Security

(912)-253-9280

Get Started

Resources

My BPC

Apply Now
Apply Now

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.

Scroll to Top