In celebration of the 20th anniversary of the Mazie S. Woodruff Center on September 20, 2018, Forsyth Tech announced the Woodruff Center will be home to its new aviation program scheduled to open in late 2019. Woodruff ’s family members expressed their excitement and gratitude—sentiments shared by the community at large. “On behalf of my family, we thank you for continuing to keep her legacy alive,” said Michelle Woodruff, Mazie Woodruff ’s granddaughter. “My grandmother valued education and spoke for those who could not speak for themselves. She was a beacon of light in the community.” In 1976, Mazie Woodruff was the first African-American to be elected to the Forsyth County Board of Commissioners and was known as an advocate for the black community. Keynote speaker and Forsyth County Commissioner Fleming El-Amin described Mazie Woodroff as, “a true public servant and an advocate for education. She was a stateswoman who influenced the lives of thousands in the community.” The celebration was a true community event honoring the legacy of one of the city’s most well-known public figures. Following the presentation, the Carver High School band and drill team performed for the guests. Local agencies and vendors set up tables outside the center, and the Forsyth Tech Grill served a free lunch to all guests. Forsyth Tech Student Life and Engagement provided snow cones and popcorn for the festivities, and student ambassadors greeted the guests and provided tours of the center. By housing the aviation program at the Mazie S. Woodruff Center and at Smith Reynolds Airport, Forsyth Tech will continue to carry out her legacy for years to come.
