Waitsman family endows new scholarship for healthcare programs in honor of two Magnolia Manor employees

The Waitsman family has endowed a new scholarship for healthcare students at South Georgia Technical College in honor of two long-time Magnolia Manor employees who are near and dear to the hearts of Mrs. Marie Waitsman and her family, announced South Georgia Technical College President Dr. John Watford.
This is the 11th scholarship endowed by Mrs. Marie Waitsman and Marie and Leonard Waitsman’s children, Rick and Mindy Waitsman of Atlanta, and Jim and Shirlee Wadsworth of Charlotte, North Carolina. This new Waitsman scholarship will be open to healthcare students attending South Georgia Technical College.
“This scholarship is designed to honor Laurie Jessop and “Kitty” LaDaisy Battle, two outstanding leaders at Magnolia Manor Retirement Center who have been with Magnolia Manor for more than 64 years combined,” said Rick Waitsman. “They do a wonderful job day in and day out, and we appreciate their efforts. We would like to encourage other people to enter the healthcare field and follow in the footsteps of these two outstanding individuals.”
Laurie Jessop is a Section Manager and Direct Care Manager at Magnolia Manor. She came to work for Magnolia Manor on July 23, 1984. “Kitty” LaDaisy Battle is a Certified Nurse Assistant for Direct Care and also a weekend supervisor. She has been working for Magnolia Manor since January 17, 1986.
With this additional endowed scholarship gift, the Leonard and Marie Waitsman Scholarships will provide 10 or more scholarships annually to deserving South Georgia Technical College students enrolled in the marketing, criminal justice and healthcare programs.
“We are very appreciative of Mrs. Waitsman and the entire Waitsman family and their willingness to partner with South Georgia Technical College through the sponsorship of these very important scholarships,” said President Watford. “Leonard and Marie Waitsman are known throughout our community for their generosity and for their support of education and young people. This is a wonderful way for the family to honor the memory of their father and pay tribute to their mother while also allowing their legacy to continue for years to come.”
Mrs. Marie Waitsman thanked President Watford for the excellent work that he and his staff are providing to the community and encouraged him to keep up the good work. “I appreciate what you are doing for the community and the students at South Georgia Technical College. I am proud to be able to help deserving students get their education,” said Mrs. Waitsman. “Laurie Jessop and “Kitty” LaDaisy Battle are excellent examples for young people to follow. I hope that this scholarship will encourage others to strive to be like both of them and enroll in the health care profession.
Leonard and Marie Waitsman have been very active in business and civic organizations in Americus and Sumter County. Leonard was a member of the Americus City Council, the Kiwanis Club of Americus, and a proud member of the Downtown Business Organization. Marie Waitsman has been an active champion and fundraiser for the American Cancer Society and is currently a member of the Americus Kiwanis Club, where her husband was a member for many years.
The Leonard and Marie Waitsman scholarship endowments will guarantee indefinite educational opportunities that will impact students at SGTC for many years.
For more information about endowing scholarships at South Georgia Technical College, contact Su Ann Bird, SGTC Vice President of Institutional Advancement at 229.931.2110.