The Newton Campus of Georgia Perimeter College recently received its largest corporate gift to date from Winston-Salem, N.C.-based BB&T.

The $275,000 donation will count toward a goal of $1.5 million for equipping all instructional space at the campus with state-of-the-art classroom technology developed by SMART Technologies Inc.

"BB&T is proud to continue the legacy of supporting the community established by our predecessors - The Bank of Covington and Main Street Bank," said Scott White of BB&T in a statement. "One of the four pillars of BB&T's mission is to make the communities in which we live a better place to be.

 "Our donation supports our mission by helping Georgia Perimeter College better prepare our work force, thereby supporting our community's long-term growth and quality of life."

SMART classroom technology allows faculty to teach in a variety of ways through enhanced interactivity with students by using interactive white-boards, hand-held answering devices and other ultra-modern classroom electronics.

"SMART technology will provide students and faculty with the best teaching and learning tools available," said GPC President Anthony Tricoli. "The community has indicated to us the importance of exposing all students to technology, which is why our goal is to have SMART technology in all of our learning spaces."

The Newton Campus opened its doors to students on June 4 and currently has raised $750,000 of its $1.5 million target for technology.

Tricoli said this donation displays BB&T's position of leadership in the community and reinforces the company's partnership with the college.

"Because technology was identified as an important need in the community," Tricoli said, "GPC stepped up to the plate and has hit the ball out of the park with our newest campus in Newton County, and BB&T has hit a home run as well with this wonderful gift."