BPC Holds President’s Gala

Courtesy of BPC Marketing Department

On September 14, 2023, members of the community came together for the annual Brewton-Parker College (BPC) President’s Gala. This year’s special guest was former Head Coach for Clemson University’s football team, Tommy Bowden. The funds raised during this event will help fund the construction of a new nursing building on the BPC campus.

The gala started with Voices of Truth, BPC’s vocal ensemble, followed by a video testimony that showcased the remarkable story of an alumni family’s legacy spanning three generations. Dr. Steven Echols, BPC President, then rose to introduce guest speaker Tommy Bowden.

Tommy Bowden is a retired head football coach who achieved remarkable success at Clemson University and exemplified strong Christian values throughout his career. From 1999 to 2008, he led the Clemson Tigers with unwavering integrity, emphasizing character development alongside athletic prowess. Bowden's commitment to fostering a supportive and faith-centered environment helped shape talented football players and individuals who embraced compassion, humility, and teamwork. Since retiring from Clemson University, Tommy Bowden has continued to make a positive impact both on and off the field. He has remained actively involved in football as a sports analyst and commentator, sharing his expertise and insights with fans and viewers. His unwavering dedication to his faith and coaching principles has made a lasting impression on the football community.

Bowden shared his journey of learning to have a life deeply rooted in faith and family while balancing the demands of a high-stakes coaching career. Growing up under the influence of his father, legendary former football coach at Florida State University, Bobby Bowden, Tommy has always had a role model in his life. Bowden expressed that from a young age, he saw his father display how to be a Christian husband, parent, and coach, providing a blueprint for him to emulate. Throughout Bowden’s career, he had to learn how to place equal importance on being a supportive and godly presence for his family and his players.

In a closing statement by Bowden, he commented, “My advice for students is not to compromise their faith when they leave campus. Christian- based education is needed in today’s society. Can you imagine the impact a Christian nurse can have on an unbeliever in a hospital room? The time is right for what Brewton-Parker College is doing.”

Following the presentation with Tommy Bowden, Dr. Echols shared an update regarding the nursing program and its growth in the last several years. Echols stated, “Since the start of the nursing program, we have seen tremendous dedication from our nursing faculty and students. As we progress toward building a nursing facility, we look forward to seeing how God will move in these students and our community.”

Different sponsorship levels for the gala were available, some of which included access to the private meet and greet time with Tommy Bowden before the event. Brewton-Parker College offers a special thank you to their diamond sponsors: Altamaha Bank & Trust, Chick-fil-A Vidalia, and Dr. Steve & Julie Echols.