Chattanooga State President Dr. Jim Catanzaro recently presented the President’s Award for Excellence in Philanthropy to Mr. and Mrs. James C. Berry. The presentation took place during the first annual Fellows’ Club Luncheon hosted by the Chattanooga State Foundation at the Walden Club.

The Chattanooga State Foundation’s newly organized Committee on Donor Recognition set forth the criteria for President’s Award for Excellence in Philanthropy. The honor is bestowed upon individuals or organizations whose leadership and generosity have been instrumental in advancing the mission of the College. The Berry’s many generous gifts to Chattanooga State established them as the College’s leading philanthropist for 2010.

Last fall, the president and directors of the Chattanooga State Foundation recognized Mr. and Mrs. Berry with the unveiling of a plaque honoring their significant gift made to the Health Science Campaign by James and Carlydia Berry when the new facility opened. The College named an auditorium in the Health Science Center the Berry Auditorium. The Berry’s generosity to Chattanooga State is inspired by their desire to help fellow Chattanoogans gain access to the 19 programs within the Health Science Center.

Part of the inscription on the plaque outside the auditorium reads as follows: “James C. Berry and his wife, Carlydia P. Cloud, embody the philanthropic spirit that resides in their deep commitment to making Chattanooga the finest mid-size city in America. Their generosity to this College is inspired by their profound sense of civic responsibility and desire to help fellow citizens and neighbors obtain access to the opportunities that reside within these walls. Their vision for each student is to ensure that each has the quality education needed to pursue his or her chosen field in a manner that is challenging and rewarding.” The inscription on the plaque concludes by saying, “The Berry Auditorium is a gift from the Berry Family, Jim and Carlydia, Bridget, Pamela, Susan, Angela and Marshall.”

Other rooms named as a result of the Berry’s gift include rooms in the Health Science Center named in memory of Roy and Estelle Berry and Carl and Oma Spurgeon. The Berry’s generous gift also went to The Jim and Carlydia Berry Scholarship. The scholarship was established in honor of their family for students in Health Science programs at Chattanooga State. Another donation benefited the Health Science Campaign Equipment Fund and the Allied Health Building Fund.

Originally from rural Mississippi, James Berry began his career as a parking lot attendant. He went on to build Republic Parking System, a Chattanooga-based company that employs more than 2,500 people. As head of one of America’s leading private companies, Mr. Berry is now doing business throughout the world.

For more information about supporting Chattanooga State with gifts and bequests, contact Holly Reeve, associate vice president, Leadership and Fund Development at (423) 697-2656 or holly.reeve@chattanoogastate.edu.

In the photo: Dr. Jim Catanzaro, president of Chattanooga State presents the President’s Award for Excellence in Philanthropy to Carlydia Berry and Jim Berry.