[Congressional Record Volume 156, Number 28 (Tuesday, March 2, 2010)]
[Senate]
[Page S941]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                    REMEMBERING DR. DON C. GARRISON

 Mr. GRAHAM. Madam President, I would like to pay tribute to 
the life of Dr. Don C. Garrison of Easley, SC. On February 27, 2010, 
South Carolina lost a true visionary and leader who dedicated almost 
half of his life to improving higher education.
  For more than three decades, Dr. Garrison devoted himself to 
nurturing and developing Tri-County Technical College, one of the 
largest community and technical colleges in South Carolina. In 1971, 
Dr. Garrison took over as president of Tri-County, which at the time 
was a rural technical school. During his tenure as president, Dr. 
Garrison expanded this institution to become one of the State's largest 
community colleges, providing degrees, diplomas, and certificate 
programs in a variety of subject areas.
  Under his tutelage, Tri-County has become an exemplary 2-year 
technical institution that educates students across Pickens, Anderson 
and Oconee Counties. Dr. Garrison worked tirelessly to improve the 
lives of many South Carolinians and used his unique position to 
advocate for technical education.
  Dr. Garrison was one of the early pioneers of technical schools in 
South Carolina, which quickly transformed South Carolina's economy. 
South Carolina's technical schools have always been some of the highest 
performing schools in the nation, much to do with the leadership of Dr. 
Garrison. He was an optimist by nature, who always tried to find a way 
forward, no matter how difficult the problem. The people of South 
Carolina were well served by his leadership and vision.
  Dr. Garrison will be remembered as a passionate educator, a steadfast 
advocate of education, and for the tremendous contributions he has made 
to countless members of our community. His legacy will be carried on by 
the many lives that he influenced. I truly admire his dedication to his 
students and to the State of South Carolina.
  In his final commencement speech, Dr. Garrison told the graduating 
class, ``The key to success in life is attaching yourself to a cause 
that is greater than yourself.'' Dr. Garrison was a shining example of 
this very statement. I was truly saddened to hear of the passing of Dr. 
Don Garrison and I want to take this opportunity to send my condolences 
to his wife Carol, his family, and friends. I also want to express my 
sincere appreciation for his long service to the State of South 
Carolina.

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