Beacon College has kicked off its 32nd year with its largest enrollment and by renovating and enlarging its Career Development Center and Transition Center to better equip students who learn differently to find workplace success — courtesy of a generous contribution from The Edward C. Fogg, III and Lizbeth A. Fogg Charitable Trust.
Thanks to a $210,000 grant from the Fogg Trust, the College purchased and began extensive renovations and expansion on the previously leased career development building.
“The incredible generosity and support from the Fogg Charitable Trust has made a transformative impact on our academic community through their investments in our community and in our students through the Edward C. Fogg, III & Lisbeth A. Fogg Scholarship program,” said Beacon President George J. Hagerty. “This year, their willingness to support our community in the purchase, renovation and expansion of our career center will enable us to house and integrate all of the College’s career placement, work transition and training offerings integral to the life and work success of Beacon’s students and graduates. The impact on our students will be substantial — both now and for years to come.”
The College is in the final stages of reconstruction and expansion of the career development and transition center. Because of COVID-related supply chain issues, the College anticipates completing construction in early October.
The expanded Career Development and Transition Center will span 5,250 square feet with more accessible and reconfigured reception and office space inside the Boven Family Career Development Center. Other enhancements include: a large technology-enhanced classroom devoted the College’s career-focused curriculum, training seminars, and its summer Career Immersion program; a technology-enhanced interview suite to simulate a corporate venue that is equipped to record mock interview sessions for review and student improvement.
“The expansion and renovation of our career development and transition services center is going to provide our students with a leg-up in preparing for internship or job interviews,” said Rich Killion, Beacon vice president of advancement. “We consider the last mile of the Beacon experience to be our students’ first hour in their first job. To achieve that, we need to provide our students with the best experiences and resources. Thanks to the incredible support of the The Edward C. Fogg, III and Lizbeth A. Fogg Charitable Trust, we are able to provide our students with even better opportunities for success.”
The Foggs made their fortune in citrus and in developing farm and convenience stores that primarily sold milk, bread, and ice cream. They owned multiple stores throughout Florida, including three in Leesburg.
Edward Fogg died in November 2004. Lisabeth passed away in February 2015.
The Edward C Fogg III and Lisbeth A. Fogg Charitable Trust in Camilla, Ga. primarily supports causes focused on hospitals, medical research, humanities, domesticated animals, human services, and education.