GSW breaks ground on new residence hall

Breaking ground—Monday, Jan. 19, 2009 was a significant day for a number of reasons. It was the day the U.S. celebrated the life of former civil rights champion Martin Luther King, Jr. - observed on the third Monday in January each year.  It was also the day Georgia Southwestern State University marked the beginning of a new, 300-bed student housing project. Scheduled for completion in August 2009, this three-story, 88,200 square foot facility will offer suite-style living accommodations for upperclassmen and will be located behind the Education Center. From left to right, key players in the project ceremoniously shovel the first few piles of dirt: GSW Physical Plant Director George Smith; GSW Vice President of Business and Finance Cody King; GSW Director of Residence Life Keisha Jackson; University System of Georgia Executive Director of Real Estate Ventures Marty Nance; H.J. Russell and Company CEO Michael Russell; GSW President Kendall Blanchard; Ga. Sen. George Hooks; GSW Foundation Executive Director Rudolph Patterson; Hendessi and Associates President Gita Hendessi; Americus-Sumter County Chamber of Commerce Chairman Sherrill House; Sumter Bank and Trust President Randy Jones, Jr.; and Americus Mayor Barry Blount.                                                             

                                                             - GSW -