KENNESAW, Ga. | Feb 25, 2022
Ten prominent Kennesaw State University philanthropic leaders were recognized Thursday night during the University’s annual Trustee and Alumni Award Ceremony at the Cobb Energy Performing Arts Centre.
These honorees have demonstrated their commitment to the University’s mission and vision by supporting students, enhancing KSU programs and making a positive impact on the greater community.
This inaugural award, named after longtime KSU Foundation leader, Cobb County community philanthropist and trustee Bob Prillaman, was presented to Wellstar Health System, the single-largest corporate donor for KSU. Wellstar has served as a partner for KSU’s Wellstar College of Health and Human Services, including the nursing and health program, which it has helped to position as a highly competitive and sought-after degree for students around the nation. With the formation of the Wellstar Excellence in Nursing Scholarship endowment, the program will be able to serve more students, provide them with a world-class nursing and health education, and equip them to serve their community and citizens.
Dr. Audrey Morgan has been a steward of Kennesaw State University for more than 20 years. In partnership with, and in honor of, her sister, the late Dr. Bobbie Bailey, an indelible mark has been made on the University through the Bailey School of Music, Dr. Bobbie Bailey and Family Performance Center and Bobbie Bailey Athletic Complex. Through 10 endowed scholarships, Morgan has supported many students at KSU in athletics, engineering, computing, nursing and the arts. Morgan and Bailey hold the title of the largest individual donors to Kennesaw State University.
Walton “Walt” Bryde has been a member of the Kennesaw State University Board of Trustees for eight years. Bryde recently retired from his CPA practice, Walton C. Bryde and Associates, P.C., after nearly 33 years of service. Bryde currently volunteers his knowledge and skills, serving as a member on the Board’s Executive Committee, Finance and Compensation Committee and Chair of the Audit and Governance Committee.
Theodore “Teddy” Parrish is a KSU alumnus and former captain on the KSU men’s basketball team. He is a founding partner of prominent wealth management firm, Parrish Capital, and has spent over 20 years serving as a wealth manager, which earned him national recognition. Parrish has been a member of the Kennesaw State University Board of Trustees since 2010 and has served on the Executive Committee, the Finance and Compensation Committee, and founded the Investment Committee. Through his service, he and his committee have helped double the Foundation’s endowment in three years. Recently, Parrish and his wife Toshia bestowed a major gift in support of KSU athletics.
Andre Schnabl has been a valued member of the Kennesaw State Board of Trustees since 2009. Currently, Schnabl is the principal and managing partner at Tenor ESOP, a financial advising firm in Atlanta. Schnabl serves on the KSU Board of Trustees’ Executive Committee, the Comprehensive Campaign Committee for Student Affairs, and currently chairs the Finance and Compensation Committee. Schnabl and his wife Denny Marcus, have provided multiple major gifts to support KSU CARE services.
Tanner Wilson graduated in 2015 from Southern Polytechnic State University, now a legacy institution of Kennesaw State University, with a Bachelor of Science in construction management and currently works as a project manager and general contractor for Prestwick Companies. Wilson has been an active volunteer in his community, supporting organizations such as HouseProud, Order of the Freemasons and Purple Heart Homes. Wilson is an active alumnus and continues to support the construction management program at KSU and serves on the Capstone Review panel, giving valuable advice to KSU students.
– Abbey O’Brien Barrows
Photos by Lauren Liz Photography and Judy Pishnery
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A leader in innovative teaching and learning, Kennesaw State University offers undergraduate, graduate, and doctoral degrees to its more than 47,000 students. Kennesaw State is a member of the University System of Georgia with 11 academic colleges. The university’s vibrant campus culture, diverse population, strong global ties, and entrepreneurial spirit draw students from throughout the country and the world. Kennesaw State is a Carnegie-designated doctoral research institution (R2), placing it among an elite group of only 8 percent of U.S. colleges and universities with an R1 or R2 status. For more information, visit kennesaw.edu.