A Legacy of Commitment

Dr. C Ben and Donna Wright

When Ben Wright first walked onto Dunwoody's campus in the mid-80s, the parking lot was unpaved and the buildings reflected decades of wear. By the time he retired as President in 2009, Dunwoody College of Technology had transformed. Under his leadership, the College made more than $10 million in campus improvements, including the creation of Carlson Commons and the Elftmann Student Success Center. But for Ben, the most meaningful change wasn't in bricks and mortar. "The biggest change has been creating a culture of continuous quality improvement," he said. "We've embraced the notion of going from 'Good to Great,' and that has made all these wonderful things happen."

Ben's leadership left a lasting impact on Dunwoody, revitalizing programs like automotive and manufacturing, launching new bachelor's degrees, and advancing initiatives like the Youth Career Awareness Program (now Pathways to Careers), the Moore Center, and increasing enrollment of women students.

Following his retirement, President Emeritus Wright spent the next four years researching and writing the 100-year history of Dunwoody. Published in time for the College's centennial in 2014, "For the Better Performance of Life's Duties: Dunwoody College of Technology, the First Century, 1914-2014" has become a major resource for the history of the college.

Ben's dedication didn't end there. Together, Ben and his wife Donna, have made a lasting commitment to Dunwoody by including the College in their estate plan and establishing a charitable gift annuity.

The charitable gift annuity, established in 2010, allowed Ben and Donna to provide significant financial support to Dunwoody while securing reliable income for themselves. More than a decade later, they continue to benefit from this decision. "It was a great way for us to make a larger impact than we could with an outright donation," Ben shared.

"The income we receive has been steady and dependable, and knowing we're contributing to the College's future makes it even more rewarding."

Ben and Donna's commitment embodies the spirit of giving back and forward. Through their charitable gift annuity and trust, they are helping to secure Dunwoody's future, empowering students to succeed in high-demand industries. Their story serves as an inspiration to others who may be considering how to leave a meaningful legacy.