Terry Thomas Endowed-Hospitality, Tourism, & Event Mgt, and Culinary Arts Scholarship

Julia Terrill (Terry) Thomas was born on September 12, 1922, in Elizabeth, New Jersey, one of the twin daughters of George Comyns Thomas, Jr. and Julia Stamm Thomas. She attended Vail-Deane School in Elizabeth, Madeira School in Greenway, Virginia, and Pine Manor Junior College, then in Wellesley, Massachusetts. Miss Thomas was an avid athlete, winning numerous awards in tennis and golf as well as enjoying swimming and boating.

When World War II interrupted her education, she worked for her father at Thomas and Betts Corporation then in Elizabeth, New Jersey. At the war’s end, she worked in New York for Lippencott and Margulies, industrial designers. She came to the Cloister at Sea Island in the spring of 1958 for a three-week vacation with her parents, and as she would say to friends, she never left. She stated later that she found the area quite different from New York, much more informal and friendly. She assumed the role of Activities Director for the Sea Island Company, organizing the first tennis tournaments that would develop into the renowned tennis program continuing today. Other responsibilities included social functions, holiday events, and children’s activities, as she would state, long before there was a large Junior Staff to help with the children. She considered the friends and relationships she developed with the Jones family, Sea Island Company, and staff and guests the best aspects of her position. In 1991, she was the recipient of the Alfred W. Jones Sr. Award from the Golden Isles Chamber of Commerce, reflecting her dedicated leadership and service, an award she especially coveted in addition to the Sea Island Spirit Award in 1974.

After retirement from Sea Island Company, Miss Thomas truly opened her heart to the Golden Isles community and had a profound impact on its many agencies. She was willing to give her time, talent, and treasure, epitomizing the volunteer spirit. She started her significant community involvement with the Boys Club of Glynn in 1976 and would serve as President for numerous years. Two of the facilities were named in her honor due to the support she provided, in addition to endowing a trust to ensure the organization’s future, and she remained an Honorary Member of the Board of Directors.

Miss Thomas also worked closely with the Coastal Georgia Community College Foundation, serving on numerous committees, and was named an Emeritus Member of the Foundation for her generous support of the college. She recognized the need for scholarship funding for students and provided for the completion of the Continuing Education Center on campus, a facility that was named in her honor, and she was recognized with awards by the college in 1984 and 1995. Criteria

Graduates from a high school in Glynn County Georgia considered first

Applicants from a high school in the State of Georgia considered second

Must be enrolled as a full-time student

Must have and maintain a 3.0 or greater

Preference for a student employed at Sea Island Company