2021 Forbes Society Awards
The Ambassador’s Award This year the award went to four individuals: Nelray Lilly, Todd Butler, Gina Wise and William Raiford.
Nelray Lilly’s efforts were instrumental in assembling a committee to lead TU’s 2020 Dining for Education and 70th Anniversary Celebration. She donated numerous hours helping plan and recruit valuable volunteers who raised more financial support than any prior Dining for Education event. Because Dining for Education had not been held in several years, her wisdom and guidance were invaluable for re-establishing its success.
A 1987 graduate of TU, Todd Butler served for two years as President of the Thomas University Alumni Board of Governors (ABOG). He helped reorganize the ABOG committee with a passion of involving younger alumni and increasing their involvement with TU. He was very influential in helping create the Cairo Casino Night Committee, which leads the fundraising event’s efforts in Cairo to provide resources for scholarships for Grady County students.
Gina Wise was an instrumental member of the 2020 Dining for Education and 70th Anniversary Committee. Her vision helped increase advocacy and raising friends for Thomas University as well has leading the fundraising effort that surpassed prior Dining for Education events.
William Raiford has been an active supporter of Humanities and ACTU program. He actively attended ACTU events in Thomasville. His contributions to TU’s Humanities program have helped TU expand ACTU events throughout the community.
President’s Award This year’s award was presented to Russell Turner, CEO of 1915 South/Ashley Home Store for their participation and generous support helped make the Thomas University 70th Anniversary a successful event.
The Vicey Harris Award This year Ty Turner received the award for his personal attention to servicing the needs of Thomas University as TU filed for a loan under the recently enacted Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) administered by the Small Business Administration (SBA). Turner provided both guidance and support facilitating the filing of required documents both in the application process for the loan and its consequent forgiveness. The university had not worked under the SBA previously and his participation assisted TU administrators with navigating through unfamiliar territory.
The W. Cameron Forbes Award This year’s award recipient was the late Thomas J. Callaway III, who was known for his dedication to the success of Thomas University. He served as a member of the Board of Trustees from 1994 to 2016, and was chair from 2005 to 2007. A well-known community leader and visionary, Callaway contributed to many efforts that enhanced educational opportunities for TU students. In recognition of his legacy at the University, the conference room inside the Forbes Building has also been named the “Thomas J. Callaway III Conference Room.” His widow, Sherrie Callaway, recently accepted the W. Cameron Forbes Award on his behalf.
