Wednesday, January 21, 2004
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Wednesday, January 21, 2004 |
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Chartering ceremony more than expected The Southern Crescent Toastmasters Club had its formal chartering, installation of officers, and recognition-of-members ceremony Dec. 18, an event that surpassed expectations of the officers, members and guests. John Kosky, Clayton State human resources information systems/compensation generalist and president of the club, gave the welcoming speech, honoring the theme “Keeping the Commitment,” which chronicled the history of the organization since its onset in February of last year. “Here we are, ready to charter as Toastmasters International Club Number 600184,” said Kosky. “We call ourselves the Southern Crescent Toastmasters.” Special guests and speakers included Patrick J. O'Hare, Clayton State vice president of operations, planning and budget, and Dr. Thomas K. Harden, president of Clayton College and State University, who also welcomed the guests to the school and asked the membership to please keep the organization growing. “Toastmasters is an important organization to this school and the community,” said Harden. “This is a group that can be very beneficial to everyone involved, and I am thrilled to see so many of our faculty, staff and students involved, as well as other members of our community.” Also attending was District 14 Governor for Toastmasters International, Mike Lewallen, DTM, of Conyers. He presented the Official Charter, inducted the officers, and presented certificates to those Charter members present. “Toastmaster has been around for nearly 80 years,” said Lewallen. “Many clubs are more than 75 years old. In Georgia we have several over 50 years old, but the charter is given only once ... it is special. In addition to honoring the Club and the Charter members, I always like to recognize any members who have joined since it chartered; every club needs to constantly add new members.” Immediately after the ceremony, Southern Crescent Toastmasters held a brief meeting, inviting the guests to stick around and watch the action. Among those staying were Associate Provost Dr. James Mackin, who commented that the meeting “was fun, and very educational.” A brief reception followed the meeting giving members and guests the opportunity to network and talk about the future of the Southern CrescentToastmasters club. Expectations are high for this organization as members discussed the coming year and their anticipation toward the expansion of the membership. If you are interested in joining the Southern Crescent Toastmasters club, or would like to visit one of the meetings and learn more about Toastmasters, e-mail Mike Hayworth, VP of Membership at mkhayworth@comcast.net or mike@dfdesigns.com, or contact Kosky at 770-961-3717 or johnkosky@mail.clayton.edu.
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