Gwinnett Tech Cuts Ribbon On New Alpharetta Campus

Sign up for the Alpharetta-Milton Patch newsletter!

---

ALPHARETTA, GA -- Confetti cannons blasted and music and applause rang out as polished scissors sliced through the official satin ribbon to celebrate the opening of Gwinnett Technical College's new Alpharetta-North Fulton Campus.

Located at 2875 Old Milton Parkway west of S.R. 400, the campus is one "that delivers career-focused education for real-world jobs," the college said Friday.

Gwinnett Tech President Dr. D. Glen Cannon thanked invited guests for being a part of “this historic day.”

He stressed to the crowd that this event was about more than just dedicating a new building. 

“You are dedicating dreams – dreams of high school students who started college early in our Move on When Ready program – dreams of first generation college students excited about our industry-centric focus," he said. "We are here today to dedicate dreams of ‘non-traditional’ students thrilled about the potential for a new career, a new lease on life. You are here, affirming the promise that we represent – the promise of delivering a high quality, sustainable workforce - the promise of high-quality affordable education."

Cannon went on to thank a multitude of stakeholders involved in making the new campus a reality.

It was just 363 days ago -- March 6, 2015 -- that the first shovel of dirt was turned at the groundbreaking. On Jan. 6, 2016, the first student, Ben Gravitt, walked through the front door, with more than 700 fellow-students following him.

“This is great testimony to the power of vision and collaboration," Dr. Cannon continued. "It took many stakeholders across our community to make this day a reality. Today, we open up great opportunity and potential for so many. Our commitment is to teach every individual and serve every business in this community.”

Alpharetta Mayor David Belle Isle also praised Gwinnett Tech's new presence in the community.

"The talent is here [in Alpharetta] and we have to be here for our talent," Belle Isle said. "The Alpharetta campus of Gwinnett Tech will continue to be a critical tool to help the employees of Alpharetta and North Fulton meet the needs of the employers of Alpharetta and North Fulton. It is the best power we have to continue their progress so they can continue ours."

The first program offerings, decided in concert with north Fulton business and economic development leaders, include: Computer Sciences; Life Sciences; Criminal Justice; Accounting; Business Administration Technology; Basic Science; Patient Care and Assisting; Hotel, Restaurant & Tourism Management; and Early Childhood Care & Education. Overall, Gwinnett Technical College offers more than 150 degree, diploma and certificate program options that can be completed in two years or less.

These programs are designed to offer a curriculum that provides both a theoretical frame of reference and practical skills to develop a strong workforce for generations to come.

For more information, visit www.GwinnettTech.edu or call 770-962-7580.

---

Photo 1: Gwinnett Tech President - Dr. D. Glen Cannon - Addressing an audience of an estimated 200 guests during Gwinnett Tech's dedication of their new campus. On the stage with Dr. cannon are (from left) Matt Arthur, Deputy Commissioner, TCSG; Senator Brandon Beach; Representative and Speaker Pro Tem Jan Jones; and Alpharetta Mayor David Belle Isle.
Photo 2: Leaders from Alpharetta, North Fulton County, Georgia, the Technical College System of Georgia and Gwinnett Tech are ready to cut the ribbon at Gwinnett Tech's newest campus in Alpharetta.
Photo credits: Gwinnett Technical College