Entrepreneur, Former Councilman Makes History with Largest Campaign Commitment to Date

December 5, 2007 - Columbus Technical College President J. Robert “Bob” Jones announced today a major commitment from local businessman Dr. Robert L. Wright, as a part of the college’s capital campaign, Tomorrow’s Workforce… Today. The gift, which is comprised of a pledge of over a million dollars from Dr. Wright, and through additional funds secured by Dr. Wright, totals two million dollars. In recognition of this commitment, the college will name its future expanded health science school the Dr. Robert L. Wright Jr. Health Sciences Center.

The total amount of pledges raised privately now exceeds $9 million. These funds will be coupled with the $16.28 million allocated by the state, and will be used for the construction of the Dr. Robert L. Wright Jr. Health Sciences Center, which will be located on the River Road campus (formerly the Columbus Mills property). The existing health sciences program has 22 different degree and certificate programs, but must turn away more than one qualified student for every student it accepts. The new facility will allow for almost a 250% increase in the number of students in these programs. It will also allow for the expansion of the facilities used in the many other programs of the college.

“The extraordinary generosity of Dr. Wright is profoundly significant,” stated Columbus Technical College President, Bob Jones. “There is no one who better exemplifies inexhaustible optimism, perseverance, and determination to create and maximize opportunities. The new health science center will equip students to achieve their dreams through being qualified for satisfying work.”

In making the gift, Dr. Wright said, “I have been fortunate to come from a family where most of us, including my mother, aunts and uncles, had college degrees. My father, who was a bricklayer, only finished sixth grade, but was determined to see to it that my brother and I were college graduates. Attaining an education was very important to him; it was important to him and is important to me. More importantly, it is vital to the continued growth and development of Columbus.”

Dr. Robert Wright is a successful businessman in both Georgia and Washington, D.C. He is a native of Columbus and a graduate of The Ohio State University, a school that has also benefited from his generosity. Dr. Wright is the founder and chairman emeritus of Dimensions International, Inc., an international information technology company. He currently serves on the Board of Directors of Aflac, Inc. and is a former Columbus Council member. He recently led a presidential commission to secure funding for the American Museum of African American History, which will operate within the Smithsonian Institute in Washington, D.C.

“It is absolutely fitting that this center will bear Dr. Wright’s name, as he stands for the value of education, the value of meaningful work and the endless possibilities of opportunity. I am confident that his name, and his generous stewardship will be an inspiration to all of the students that pass through the center’s doors,” said Kathelen Amos who along with Steve Melton, President of Columbus Bank and Trust Company, is the co-chair of the Tomorrow’s Workforce… Today campaign.

Local media coverage:

"Wright shares wealth with Columbus Tech." Ledger-Enquirer.com December 5, 2007 (archive, pdf).

"Columbus Tech Closer to new facility thanks to Million Dollar Donor." WTVM.com December 5, 2007 (archive, pdf).

"Generous gift of money, vision." Ledger-Enquirer.com December 6, 2007 (archive, pdf).