Research laboratory symbolizes Stricklands’ strong sense of community Faith, family and the region’s future drives their philanthropic passions.
D
evoted volunteers. Pillars of the
community. Dedicated philanthro-
pists. The phrases often used to describe Clyde and Sandra Strickland are as
consistent as the donors themselves.
The couple’s enduring presence within
Gwinnett County and their loyal support
of Georgia Gwinnett College was evident in a capacity-filled campus laboratory
last November. Members of the GGC
community gathered alongside business and civic leaders, family and friends to
celebrate the naming of that facility as the Strickland Research Laboratory.
A successful businessman and author,
Clyde Strickland is the son of a North
Since marrying in 1963, the couple’s
faith has guided them through humble
represented at GGC, students can learn
need. Residents of Gwinnett County for
understanding of what life is truly about,”
continuous mission of helping those in
50 years, the Stricklands’ love for their
community runs deep. Both believe in the
Sandra said.
Clyde and Sandra support giving
people a “hand up” rather than a “hand
they did, creating a broad and enduring
at GGC. The Stricklands have said that
able to provide support to the community, legacy in the area.
Their love of GGC began after attending
the college’s first commencement ceremony where they were impressed
preneur from an early age, he dropped
out of school in 10th grade but knew the value of working hard – and did so 18 hours a day. Believing knowledge is
one thing no one take away from you, Clyde eventually earned his GED while serving in the U.S. Army.
Under a hood in the Strickland Research Laboratory, Kyra Brewer, ’19, biology, prepares slides for growing dopamine-producing neurons in a cell culture.
Ge orgia Gwinne t t C ollege
from one another and have a better
power of learning, and when they were
not read or write. A self-professed entre-
I
“With so many ethnic backgrounds
beginnings, great successes and their
Carolina sharecropper. His parents could
6
with its diverse campus.
out.” This includes funding scholarships meeting their scholarship recipients continues to inspire them.
“We are honored to plant the seed of
