UWG News Item
Contact: UWG Public Relations Office
Phone (678) 839-6464, FAX (678) 839-6645
ucm@westga.edu
Plunkett Lecture Series established
August 31, 2005
CARROLLTON, GA - The Lamar Plunkett Lecture Series for Public Service has been established at the University of West Georgia through the recent establishment of a $25,000 endowment by L. Richard Plunkett and the Warren P. and Ava F. Sewell Foundation.
To
honor the memory of Dr. Lamar R. Plunkett, the lecture series will provide
training for members and employees of local government units. Partnering
with the Murphy Center for Public Service, UWG’s Department of Continuing
Education will offer a variety of professional development programs designed
to improve the effectiveness of local government and public administration.
Plunkett, remembered as a strong advocate for education and effective local government, was a World War II veteran, Georgia State Senator, successful business entrepreneur in Bowdon, and a public servant. It was in this role that he served as chairman of the Board of Regents for the University System of Georgia, a trustee for Mercer University, and was a founding member of the West Georgia Foundation, serving as its vice chairman for its first 20 years.
“My father was a great believer in public service,”
noted Richard Plunkett. “He was also a great believer in education
and continuing education. When he was well into his 70’s, he provided
the management of our business with life-long learning opportunities.”
Plunkett’s daughter, Elizabeth Plunkett-Buttimer, noted that her
father had the unique ability to provide counsel on both lofty and practical
matters in his service to the public.
Dr. Jim Agan, director of continuing education at UWG, said it is most appropriate for this lecture series to carry Lamar Plunkett’s name because “Dr. Plunkett’s life served as a benchmark example for quality public service.”
Two programs in the series are scheduled for this fall. “Managing Meetings and Parliamentary Procedure” is set for Thursday, Sept. 22, and “Comprehensive Planning” will be offered Tuesday, Oct. 18. Cost for each program is $79 per person. To register for either of these programs or to receive information on future topics in the series, phone UWG’s Department of Continuing Education at 678-839-6611.
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