Tom Clements, founder of Southern Catholic College, was presented with a proclamation commending him for his contributions to the opening of Georgia’s first residential Catholic college from Gov. Sonny Perdue on Wednesday, Sept. 13, at the governor’s office.

The school also announced Sept. 19 that Clements will receive the prestigious St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Award from the National Catholic Educational Association (NCEA) at the association’s annual awards dinner and ceremony on Oct 2 in the Ronald Reagan International Trade Center, Washington, D.C.

The Seton award is NCEA’s highest honor recognizing individuals for their significant philanthropic or leadership contributions to Catholic education. The award is named in honor of St. Elizabeth Ann Seton, who is regarded by many as the founder of the U.S. Catholic school network.

“I am deeply honored to be recognized by the NCEA for my work at Southern Catholic College,” said Clements. “Most importantly, I am humbled at seeing Georgia’s first residential Catholic college grow and touch the lives, both academically and spiritually, of so many young adults.”

Clements is founder of Southern Catholic College, a private, four-year Catholic liberal arts college located an hour north of Atlanta in Dawsonville. The former software entrepreneur was involved in all aspects of the college’s planning, fundraising and opening.

The college opened in September 2005 and currently enrolls 125 freshmen and sophomore students who are from across the nation. Southern Catholic College started its second academic year Aug. 28. The college is projected to grow to 500 students in five years and eventually to serve 3,000 students.

Southern Catholic College offers small classes and a learning environment grounded in values and the Catholic intellectual tradition.