The Atlanta Technical College Foundation announces the recipients of its 2016 Bridge Builder Awards, honoring individuals and corporations who have demonstrated the highest level of commitment to closing the educational achievement gap. The honorees will be publically recognized during the Bridge Builders Awards Gala to be held at the Delta Flight Museum, 1060 Delta Boulevard, Building B, Atlanta, GA 30354, on March 31. The VIP reception begins at 6:00 p.m. followed by dinner and program at 7.

Honorees represent a broad cross-section of national and international community leaders:

- Shan Cooper, Lockheed Martin Aeronautics Co. Vice President and General Manger
- DeVon Franklin, President/CEO of Franklin Entertainment
- Dr. Eike Jordan, Chairman of the Board of Trustees of the Halle Foundation
- Peter McMahon, Hyatt Regency Atlanta General Manager
- Georgia Power Company

Atlanta Technical College President Alvetta Peterman Thomas shares, “The Bridge Builder Awards allows us to recognize members of the business community, who through their visionary and creative contributions, greatly enrich the quality of life, opportunities for education, and access to resources. We are pleased to recognize the hard work and dedication of these honorees.”

This year’s honorary co-chairs are Billy and Henry “Hank” Aaron and Carolyn and Ambassador Andrew Young. Host committee members include: Randall Barnes, Erica Qualls Battey, Dennis Boyden, LaSandra Boykins, Ann and Jeff Cramer, John Deushane, Carol and Thomas Dortch, Quinnie Jenkins, Diane Larche, Pat Lottier, Myra Reeves, Brenda Reid, Fabiola Charles Stokes, Geri Thomas, Charmaine Ward, Janis Ware, Myrna White, and Patricia and Michael Young.

Bridge Builder Awards sponsorship and ticket information is available at www.atlantatech.edu/about/bridge-builder-awards.php. Proceeds from the event support student scholarships, emergency assistance loans, student support grants, and The Halle International Exchange Program. Funds are also used to purchase state-of-the-art equipment for technical program areas.

The ATCF has hosted the Bridge Builder Awards since 2001. Former honorees include: Ann Cramer, Ingrid Saunders Jones, Henry “Hank” Aaron, Curley Dossman, Tad Hutcheson, Delta Airlines and Jackie Parker.