Thomas University Honors Supporters at Forbes Dinner
Post Published On:Thomas University showed its appreciation to its supporters at its annual Forbes Society Dinner on Thursday, Feb. 8 at Glen Arven Country Club in Thomasville.
TU presented three awards recognizing the impact community leaders have had on the University. But before the awards were presented, the dinner began with the guest speaker, student Victoria Pedro, sharing her poignant and inspirational story about her journey to TU.
After her mother passed away, Pedro, a teenager at the time, had to quickly grow up to help her father take care of her seven siblings. Her dream of going to college began to fade. When her father could no longer take care of his eight children, they were all separated and placed into different foster homes.
Pedro said Thomas University was where they were reunited.
After talking with her case worker and inquiring about college, Pedro applied to Thomas University and was accepted. She received scholarships, which Pedro said has helped her a lot.
“In 2020, my sister graduated from high school, and she decided to come to Thomas University,” Pedro said. “That is where my sister and I were reunited again. In 2022, my younger sister graduated from high school and decided to come to Thomas University, so we are all studying at Thomas University right now.”
Following Pedro’s emotionally moving speech, Thomas University President Dr. Andy Sheppard honored community leaders with distinguished awards.
Thomasville High School was honored with the W. Cameron Forbes Award, which is given to an individual or organization that has displayed a life-long commitment to education and Thomas University. The award recipient has made a significant impact on the institution and the lives of all members of the TU community.
The Ambassador’s Award was presented to Barberitos Thomasville, John Rainey, and Ben Tillman. This award is given in appreciation of exceptional volunteer commitment to Thomas University. The recipients’ selfless contribution of time and energy has been vital to the activities of the University.
“On behalf of Barberitos, I want to say thank you,” a Barbertios representative said. “It is a pleasure to serve Thomas University and all the students. We’ve had some who have come to work for us over the time period we’ve owned Barberitos, which has been over 18 years.”
Flowers Foods was the recipient of the President’s Award. The award is given to a corporation or foundation recognized for outstanding support of the Thomas University mission. The recipient has consistently fostered the continued growth of all aspects of TU.
“On behalf of Flowers and its employees, I thank you for this award,” Steven Moulds, Flowers Foods Assistant General Counsel and Director of Governmental Affairs, said. “We would like to thank you for this award. we greatly value our partnership with Thomas University, and we’ll continue our partnership for many years to come.”
After the awards ceremony, Sheppard thanked supporters for the impact they have made in the lives of students by providing gifts to enable programs that reduce the burden of student loan debt, such as incentivizing military service with college sports, enhancing the VA Work Study Program, and adding new degree programs.
“You told people that TU is a place for tomorrow, not the anger and angst of today,” Sheppard said. “By coming to our house, students will learn to balance what they think, know, and believe so when they are called, they will say, ‘Here I am, send me.’ Your message is right. It is well received, and our growth proves it. I feel good about that, and so should you.”
