Former Senator George C. Edwards and former Delegate Wendell R. Beitzel will both be honored on Wednesday, September 27th by Garrett College.
Naming ceremonies for the Edwards Community Aquatic & Recreation Complex (CARC) and the Beitzel Career Technology Training Center (CTTC) will both be celebrated at the event, which begins at 9 a.m. in the conference center of the Performing Arts Center at Garrett College.
Edwards played a critical role in gaining state support for building the CARC, while Beitzel championed the creation of the Accident-based CTTC facility that hosts most of the College’s workforce training.
“The CARC and the CTTC are both examples of the collaborations that enhance the quality of life for all Garrett Countians,” said Dr. Richard Midcap, Garrett College’s president. “We’re pleased to honor Senator Edwards and Delegate Beitzel, who have always been strong supporters of the College.”
Delegate Jim Hinebaugh – who succeeded Beitzel in the House of Delegates this past January – will be a featured speaker at the event. Representatives of the Garrett County Commissioners and Garrett College Board of Trustees will also speak on behalf of their organizations.
Edwards – who served 24 years in the House of Delegates and 16 years in the State Senate – was also a Garrett County commissioner and a Grantsville Town Council member after leading both Northern High and then-Fairmont State College to unbeaten football seasons as a star running back.
After leading Fairmont to the NAIA national championship, he was taken in the 11th round of the National Football League draft by the Baltimore Colts. A shoulder injury ended his professional football career, but Edwards quickly pivoted to a career in public service.
Beitzel also graduated from Northern Garrett High and Fairmont State College. He earned two master’s degrees from Frostburg State University and eventually owned businesses in several different fields.
Beitzel, an Army veteran, served a term as a Garrett County commissioner prior to being elected to the House of Delegates in 2006.
The public is cordially invited to the event. Refreshments will be available preceding the event, starting at 8 a.m. Those planning to attend should RSVP to Marcia Knepp (marcia.knepp@garrettcollege.edu, or 301.387.3056).
