A successful local businessman and former continuing education student recently established a new scholarship at Clayton College & State University.

Robert Lee, the owner of Southside Seafood in Lake City, Ga., presented CCSU President Dr. Richard A. Skinner with a check for $5000 to establish the scholarship in the memory of his long-time friend and co-worker, Jimmy Easley.

The presentation was the highlight of the Clayton College & State University Foundation's 1998 President's Gala to benefit Clayton State student scholarships. The 1998 Gala also honored two significant contributors to higher education, AT&T and retiring State Representative Bill Lee.

Booker T. Izell, vice president of community affairs and workforce diversity for the Atlanta Journal/Constitution, and a member of the board of trustees of the Clayton State Foundation, followed Robert Lee's presentation with a $2500 donation to the Easley Scholarship in the name of the newspaper. Lee worked part-time under Easley in the bulk distribution department of the Journal/Constitution for 12 years.

"Jimmy Easley was my friend and my boss. He opened a lot of doors for me. He was a good-natured, honest man. A man of integrity," said Robert Lee. "He cared about people and helping people, and he was a good example to others. I think something like this will be a good legacy to his memory."

Additional contributions to the Jimmy Easley Scholarship Fund are being accepted by the CCSU Office of Development at (770) 961-3580.

AT&T was recognized as a "Star of Education Partnership" for its support of education, especially in regard to the creation of the University's Information Technology Career Ladder (ITCL) program.

The impetus for the ITCL program took place during a May 1996 visit to Rockdale County by the University's senior administrators. In a meeting with AT&T officials, Skinner asked what the University could do for AT&T. Pete Cornell, AT&T district manager network control center operations, noted that the demands for qualified, skilled IT professionals was an on-going issue.

Cornell's comment, plus his and AT&T's subsequent support, led to the establishment of the ITCL in August, 1998.

Cornell, who has since been transferred to an AT&T office in New Jersey, returned to Georgia tonight to also be honored by CCSU as a "Star of Education Innovation."

Representative Lee and his wife, Mary, were the honorary co-chairs of the 1998 Gala. What Lee didn't know was that the Gala was planned to honor his many years of service to the people of Georgia and higher education "A Friend of Education in Georgia and at CCSU" read his award.

The Gala began with a reception in the Atrium of the Harry S. Downs Center for Continuing Education, and concluded with performance of "swing" music by the William Noll Orchestra in Spivey Hall. Both events were hosted by Skinner and his wife, Kathleen. In keeping with the "swing" theme, CCSU music students and instructors from the University's Office of Continuing Education demonstrated swing music and dancing during the reception. The CCSU Alumni Association also provided volunteer help for the Gala.