The June 26, 2026 meeting of the Rotary Club of Atlanta West End served as the final meeting of the outgoing Rotary year and included a presentation by Dr. Victoria Seals, President of Atlanta Technical College, followed by the installation of incoming club officers and assistant governors by incoming District Governor Cynthia Edwards, and a message to by Christopher Hempfling, our new AWER President.

• Outgoing AWER President Dr. Seals listed in comprehensive detail the broad range of opportunities of technical education, careers, work certifications, and ATC’s commitment to enabling adults to earn their high school diploma, and also remedial education programs. She described how ATC is well on its way to a 10,000 student enrollment by 2030, the highest number of students served in ATC’s history. Upon receiving an associate’s degree at ATC, whose credits are transferable to a bachelor’s degree at any of the Georgia’s for year universities, enrolled high schools students are positioned for good jobs and for continuing education. She emphasized how Atlanta Technical College positions workforce certificates and credentials as a viable and often superior pathway to career readiness and economic advancement.
• The college offers over 125 programs, with several in state-designated targeted industries that are 100% tuition-free through the HOPE Career Grant.
• During her ten-year leadership, ATC built program restoration, facility expansion, intentional efforts have increased enrollment among Hispanic/Latino students, African American men, and male students overall.
• Male students increased to 37% of enrollment.
• About 80% of students are between 21 and 40, with a median age of 24. Dual enrollment -noted above- and early high school outreach have intentionally lowered that median age over time.
• The college maintains a 100% overall job placement rate and 85% in-field placement rate.
• Her commitment to Booker T. Washington High School has and will be enhanced by the outreach and support work of AWER members.
• Dr. Seals made careful mention of Dr. Brenda Watts Jones as the first African American female president of a technical college in Georgia, a visionary leader who understood the communities the college serves. She was close friends with Mr. Henry (Hank) and Mrs. Billye Aaron, which led to the college's first BMW Technician program. Dr. Jones passed away in 2008 from breast cancer. Her husband Mars continues to support the college, and two scholarships honor her legacy.

The program moved to Installation of AWER Officers and Directors led by District Governor Cynthia. Governor Cynthia introduced Mr. Butch Carter who is serving as Assistant District Governor for AWER and noted that our own Mr. Jared Evans will become an Assistant District Governor serving 6 clubs throughout the district.