December 1, 2005

Rotary Centennial Service Award

A-B Tech President K. Ray Bailey recently received the Rotary Centennial Service Award for Professional Excellence.

Presented in observance of the 100th anniversary of Rotary International, the award recognizes professional achievement, demonstrated high ethical standards, community and vocational service, and dedication to the concept of service above self. Bailey is one of 10 people chosen for the award from the 49 Rotary Clubs in District 7670, which covers Western North Carolina. He was recognized during a luncheon hosted by the Rotary Club of Asheville at the Renaissance Hotel Oct. 20.

In nominating Bailey for the award, the Rotary Club of Asheville cited the growth of A-B Tech in terms of students and programs, as well as the College’s contributions to workforce development. The club also noted Bailey’s role in acquiring the donation of the former BASF property to become A-B Tech’s Enka Campus and his dedication to community service.

Rotary International’s 1.2 million members worldwide are dedicated to promoting scholarship, volunteer community service, promoting high ethical standards in all vocations, and furthering international peace and health. In addition to thousands of volunteer hours, Rotary contributes millions of dollars each year to humanitarian aid and relief around the globe, funds 1,000 scholars to study abroad, and provides cross-cultural exchanges for 7,000 young leaders.

Asheville-Buncombe Community Relations Council Service Award

The Asheville-Buncombe Community Relations Council presented President K. Ray Bailey with its 2005 Distinguished Service Award for Lifetime Achievement. The Council makes the award to an outstanding individual who has worked over the course of many years to make the community a better place. The award was presented by Asheville Citizen-Times President and Publisher Virgil Smith during the Community Relations Council's annual luncheon at the Renaissance Hotel. In remarks prior to the presentation, former A-B Tech Trustee and long-time friend G. Gordon Greenwood said: "Since arriving in Buncombe County, Ray has been a hard-working servant of the community, striving to educate our children and to improve the economic workplace." Greenwood, president of the Bank of Asheville and a member of the State Board of Community Colleges, pointed to such accomplishments as the acquisition of the Enka Campus, the construction of the Balsam Computer Technology Center, and partnerships with Mission Hospitals to begin and expand Allied Health programs as examples of Mr. Bailey's commitment to improving the College's services. He also noted the number of local boards Mr. Bailey has served on and the awards he has received for his contributions to Asheville and Buncombe County. Greenwood recalled how he first met President Bailey when he played basketball at Owen High School and Mr. Bailey coached at Erwin High. "Š We may no longer remember who won the ballgame, but we know now that this community is the winner for having Ray Bailey and all the contributions that he has made to education and economic development," he said.