Magnolia Hospitality Education Building Dedicated
A-B Tech President K. Ray Bailey speaks to members of the community during the dedication of the Magnolia Hospitality Education Building March 16. See related story
Speaking to a crowd of about 400 in the Magnolia Hospitality Education Building dining room, A-B Tech President K. Ray Bailey reminded them of the groundbreaking that happened nearly two years ago in May 2004.
"The intent of this building is to provide a quality facility to equal the quality program that has evolved over the years," he said. "There are many folks in the community who helped us achieve this building." President Bailey went on to thank locally elected officials, members of the State Board of Community Colleges, the A-B Tech Board of Trustees, A-B Tech Foundation Board of Directors, the 2000 Bond Referendum Committee, the building's architects and construction contractors.
The ribbon-cutting ceremony also featured remarks from local elected officials, Buncombe County Commission Chair Nathan Ramsey, Asheville Mayor Terry Bellamy, State Rep. Bruce Goforth, and State Sen. Martin Nesbitt. In addition to President Bailey, former President Harvey Haynes, who is now chair of the college's board of trustees, Hospitality Education Department Chair Sheila Tillman, Instructor Gary Schwartz and 1984 A-B Tech graduate Lawrence McFadden spoke.
McFadden is now vice president of culinary and corporate chef for The Ritz-Carlton Hotel Company. McFadden is responsible for developing the overall vision of food and beverage for the company, and directs and mentors chefs who, themselves, are among the top one percent in the country.
Guests were treated to demonstrations by alumni chefs, along with tours of the new building. Students and faculty put in countless hours preparing food displays and tastings. Students prepared demonstrations and interactive training sessions, providing visual treats, as well. Guests were able to see ice carvings created on the specially created deck.
Guests enjoy the fine chocolates and pastries during the Magnolia Hospitality Education Building dedication March 16.
Goforth spoke about the outstanding track record A-B Tech's Hospitality Education Department has built. "From creating the first culinary program of its kind in North Carolina back in 1967," he said "to establishing the state's first baking and pastry program in 2003."
"A-B Tech is truly a dream machine where people are willing to work hard and make dreams come true," said Ramsey. "Tourism and hospitality continue to grow in the region. This will create an impact on our community. Charlotte may have Johnson and Wales, we have A-B Tech, a better investment."
Nesbitt mentioned that A-B Tech's impact reaches to the capital. "Sometimes we don't realize the gems we have," he said. "People in Raleigh come to you and brag to you about the things you have.
Bellamy recalled when her mother attended A-B Tech, taking culinary classes. "It opened a door for her. It's an honor to see this house of hope. This is truly the community's college," she said.
McFadden was grateful for the chance to "publicly give thanks to the education institution that has directed, supported, and enhanced my life during my professional growth."
"With every program, the physical environment is only 50 percent of the experience. What I found entering this educational institution was the tremendous talents in the faculty that shaped, challenged and rewarded each student within their own chosen curriculum."
Funded through the 2000 state higher education bond referendum, the 39,000-square-foot Magnolia Building features:
- Four state-of-the-art kitchens
- A 150-person banquet hall and a private dining room
- A demonstration hall that seats 120
- An ice-carving deck
- A seven-room lodge
The building houses the three programs in the College's Hospitality Education Department the nationally-renowned Culinary Technology program, Baking and Pastry Arts, and Hotel and Restaurant Management.
Breakfast with the Legislators
President K. Ray Bailey addresses members of the local delegation to the North Carolina General Assembly, the State Board of Community Colleges, and the A-B Tech Board of Trustees during a breakfast March 13 in the Learning Resources Center. Among the attendees were (from top left) State Rep. Ray Rapp, State Board member Jim Daniels, State Rep. Bruce Goforth, Trustees Vice Chair and Buncombe County Commissioner Carol Peterson, State Rep. Susan Fisher, UNC Asheville Chancellor Anne Ponder (not pictured), Trustees Chair Harvey Haynes and State Board member Gordon Greenwood (not pictured). Among the topics discussed were enrollment, the growth of the Enka Campus, plans for new programs, facility needs, and the 2006-07 budget.
Phi Theta Kappa Brings Home Regional Awards
Phi Theta Kappa members Fran Clark, Victoria Benson, Vicki Miller and Sharon Smith, president, display the numerous awards they received at the Carolinas Regional Convention.
A-B Tech's chapter of the honor society Phi Theta Kappa received numerous honors at the Carolinas Regional Convention March 10-12 in Clemmons.
The chapter received the Five Star award, which is the highest ranking for chapters on the International level. It was also awarded the Carolinas Super Star, the highest ranking for chapters in the Carolinas Region, the Carolinas Golden Rings Challenge in recognition of work for the American Cancer Society, the Scholarship Hallmark award, Communication award, Yearbook award and the Honorable Mention Leadership Hallmark award.
Individual Awards included three members being named to the Carolinas Region Hall of Honor, an acknowledgement that the members are important to their individual chapters. Those members were Kamala Parker, Vicki Miller and Fran Clark. Clark was also recognized as a Distinguished Chapter Officer, and Miller was awarded Honorable Mention, Distinguished Chapter Member. Chapter advisor Veronica Dooly won the Horizon Award.
Members attending were Sharon Smith, Victoria Benson, Miller and Clark. Parker also attended one day to give a presentation on developing a leadership seminar.
Spelling Bee at A-B Tech
Members of the A-B Tech team wait their turn to spell during the 16th Annual Altrusa Literacy Spelling Bee March 13 in Ferguson Auditorium. The team brought home a second-place win. From left are Judith Sides, Ruth Shackelton, wife of retired instructor John Shackelton, and Mary McClurkin, a former English instructor at A-B Tech.
A-B Tech's Phi Theta Kappa team waits for the judge's verdict on their spelling word during the Altrusa Literacy Spelling Bee. The team consisted of from left, Lee Swensden, Biology instructor, Sharon Smith and Lloyd Hill, both Phi Theta Kappa members. The team made it to the seventh round before being eliminated.