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.

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