SCAD president receives Presidential Citizens Medal
Last week, Savannah College of Art and Design president and founder Paula Wallace was honored with the Presidential Citizens Medal by President Joe Biden at the White House.
The medal is awarded to American citizens who have performed exemplary service to their country or fellow citizens.
The White House said in a statement, “a lifelong educator and trailblazer of the arts, Paula Wallace dreamt of a university that would transform how we think about professional education. She has guided thousands of students into creative industries by establishing the esteemed Savannah College of Art and Design and serving as its president.”
Wallace was presented the award in a private ceremony followed by a reception with family and friends.
— Allison Joyner
Talley Street Elementary teacher receives award for STEM education
Last month, City Schools of Decatur (CSD) announced that Talley Street Elementary School teacher Alicia Reno was named the 2025 Don Cargill STEM Scholars for improving student learning in STEM disciplines.
Reno was the runner-up for the 2024 Georgia Teacher of the Year and Teacher of the Year from CSD.
The Georgia Youth Science and Technology Centers presents the award, which aims to increase K-8 students’ and teachers’ interest in STEM. It includes a $500 grant to purchase STEM-related equipment and materials.
“Shinning a light on the need for strong STEM education in the elementary years is one of my passions, and I can’t wait to put this generous grant to good use in my classroom with students,” Reno said. “Winning this award will allow me to not only get supplies for my students but also to work with other STEM educators and policymakers to ensure that quality STEM education is available to all students in the state of Georgia.”
— Allison Joyner
Small business lender welcomes new CEO
Beginning this month, small business nonprofit, Access to Capital for Entrepreneurs (ACE) announced that Martina Edwards is its new CEO and President.
She brings over 25 years of experience in financial services, including being the first African American female stockbroker for Merrill Lynch in its 200-year history.
“I firmly believe in ACE’s mission to provide access to affordable capital – empowering small businesses across the state and creating a ripple effect of prosperity in the community,” Edwards said.
In her new role, Edwards will execute the organization’s five-year strategic plan, which focuses on raising $300 million in capital by 2027. They also plan to expand its reach and impact by providing more entrepreneurs with the resources needed to succeed.
The nonprofit provides 80 percent of its capital to underserved communities, including 45 percent of loans to women-owned businesses.
Click here to see loan opportunities.
— Allison Joyner
First African-American cardinal and former archbishop of Atlanta retires
Cardinal Wilton Daniel Gregory, who made Catholic history as the first African-American cardinal, is retiring, the Vatican announced Jan. 6.
Beginning in 2005, Cardinal Gregory served as archbishop of the Archdiocese of Atlanta for 14 years before being installed as the archbishop of Washington, D.C. Just a year and a half later in 2020, he was elevated to the status of cardinal — the level just beneath the pope in the Catholic priesthood hierarchy. There are currently only about 250 cardinals in the world.
Cardinals are appointed for life. Previous Catholic law required cardinals to retire from their post at the age of 75; current pope Pope Francis, however, changed this rule in 2018 so that while their resignation must be submitted at 75, the pope himself must accept or decline it.
Cardinal Gregory, now 77, did just that and his resignation was accepted this past week.
“I receive this news with many emotions; though, as I reflect upon the past nearly six years in this wonderful local Church of Washington, my heart is filled predominantly with joy and gratitude for the many blessings, always appreciated but rarely deserved that God has granted me,” Cardinal Gregory said during a press conference.
He will be succeeded as archbishop of Washington, D.C. by Cardinal McElroy, 70, currently located in San Diego.
— Mark Lannaman
Xpress bus service changes: Public meeting on Jan. 15
The first public update on proposed changes to the Xpress commuter bus service since this summer will take place on Jan. 15 at 6:30pm via Zoom. Those interested in attending can register for the meeting here.
The initial Redefining The Ride plan, which proposed cutting the existing 27 routes with 55 stops down to 10 routes with 12 stops, was shared with the public in July. The proposed changes were prompted by a dramatic drop in ridership since the pandemic.
In August, the Atlanta-Region Transit Link Authority (ATL) board gave the green light for Xpress to further refine its plan to cut stops, change routes, and reduce the number of park-and-ride lots. Xpress plans to post the revised recommendations and updated proposed service plan on its website no later than Jan. 13 so they can be reviewed ahead of the meeting.
— Grace Donnelly
The Georgia Brownfield Association to offer new scholarship opportunities
The Georgia Brownfield Association recently announced the Darahyl Dennis Scholarship, dedicated posthumously to one of the founders of the 13-year-old organization focused on advocating for brownfield redevelopment across the state.
The scholarship aspires to honor the legacy of Darahyl Dennis’ contribution to the organization and to the environmental and brownfield redevelopment field as a whole. In recognition of his legacy and the importance of environmental education, Georgia Power Company is generously contributing a $10,000 grant to help fund the scholarship.
The association aims to award one $2,500 scholarship per year to a student exploring environmental-focused educational programs at Georgia Colleges and Universities, who are excelling at relevant courses, including but not limited to Geology, Biology or Environmental Engineering. Eligible candidates will be well-rounded, with a demonstrated interest in environmental work, including participation in relevant research, internships, or projects, with a long-term vision for impacting environmental sustainability, assessment and remediation, or conservation efforts.
The deadline to submit scholarship applications is Friday, Feb. 14, 2025. The scholarship recipient will be recognized at the 2025 GBA Brownfield Seminar on April 16, 2025 at Georgia Power.
Click here for additional information about the Georgia Brownfield Association, and the Darahyl Dennis Scholarship.
— Derek Prall
Goizueta Children’s Experience to open at the Atlanta History Center
The Goizueta Children’s Experience at Atlanta History Center will open on Sunday, January 12. Opening day festivities will commence at 11:30 a.m. and wrap up around 1:30 p.m.
The new children’s experience is a 5,000-square-foot immersive and interactive bilingual exhibition with the theme “Our Great Big City,” a celebration of the vibrant history, people, arts, and culture that define Atlanta.
The opening day celebration will include hands-on interactive activities in the Atlanta History Center atrium for children to explore beyond the exhibition walls, as well as goodie bags with Children’s Experience-related items. Tickets are $27.00 for adults; $24.00 for children, and free for children up to three years of age.
— Derek Prall
