Research laboratory symbolizes Stricklands’ strong sense of community

Faith, family and the region’s future drives their philanthropic passions.

Devoted volunteers. Pillars of the community. Dedicated philanthropists. 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 Carolina sharecropper. His parents could not read or write. A self-professed entrepreneur 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.

Since marrying in 1963, the couple’s faith has guided them through humble beginnings, great successes and their continuous mission of helping those in need. Residents of Gwinnett County for 50 years, the Stricklands’ love for their community runs deep. Both believe in the power of learning, and when they were able to provide support to the community, they did, creating a broad and enduring legacy in the area.

Their love of GGC began after attending the college’s first commencement ceremony where they were impressed with its diverse campus.

“With so many ethnic backgrounds represented at GGC, students can learn from one another and have a better understanding of what life is truly about,” Sandra said.

Clyde and Sandra support giving people a “hand up” rather than a “hand out.” This includes funding scholarships at GGC. The Stricklands have said that meeting their scholarship recipients continues to inspire them.

“We are honored to plant the seed of

Under a hood in the Strickland Research Laboratory, Kyra Brewer, ’19, biology, prepares slides for growing dopamine-producing neurons in a cell culture.

In addition to his philanthropic efforts, Clyde Strickland recently published an inspirational book about service, What Can I Do?

After introducing a specific substance to lab-grown neurons, Fergie Giron, ’19, biology, observed that the neurons became pigmented, a characteristic of neurons involved in Parkinson’s disease. She is holding a photo she took of the neurons using the inverted light microscope in the Strickland Research Laboratory.

Sandra and Clyde Strickland

knowledge at Georgia Gwinnett College,” Clyde said. “We like to see young people expand their vision and their minds. They can then go out and achieve great things for our community and the world.”

Housed within the Allied Health and Sciences Building, the Strickland Research Laboratory will allow GGC students to work alongside faculty members while broadening their research horizons as they grow from student to scientist. Funding provided by the Stricklands supported improvements including the additions of a fluorescence microscope and incubators, increasing the capabilities for cell biology research (see related story, page 4).

During the dedication event, Dr. Tom Mundie, dean of the School of Science and Technology, equated the research laboratory to those found at Tier 1 research institutions. He said he looked forward to increasing the number of graduates qualified to compete for jobs in the fields of science, technoogy, engineering and mathematics.

“The study of cellular damage caused by reactive oxygen species and its implications in the progression of numerous diseases, including cardiovascular disease, neurodegenerative disorders and cancers are among the areas our students will be exploring,” said Mundie.

GGC President Stas Preczewski expressed his sincere appreciation to the Stricklands on behalf of the faculty, staff and students of the college and spoke of the “pure excitement” the newly renovated lab has brought to campus.

During the event, the Stricklands were asked, “What do you hope students will gain from your contribution?”

Clyde smiled and said, “Knowledge – and once they have that, they can go and conquer the world.”

“We like to see young people expand their vision and their minds. They can then go out and achieve great things for our community and the world.”

– Clyde Strickland