Campus News

Garrett College names CARC for Edwards

Naming announced at senator's retirement celebration

The Garrett College Board of Trustees recently approved renaming the Community Aquatic and Recreation Complex in honor of retiring Senator George C. Edwards. Pictured, left to right at Senator Edwards’ retirement celebration last Thursday, are Garrett College President Dr. Richard Midcap, Senator Edwards, Garrett College Board of Trustees Vice-Chair Dr. Brenda McCartney, and Garrett College Board of Trustees Chair Don Morin.

There likely would not be a Community Aquatic and Recreation Complex (CARC) at Garrett College had it not been for retiring Maryland State Senator George C. Edwards. The link between Edwards and the CARC became permanent last Thursday night, when the Garrett College Board of Trustees publicly announced its decision to rename the facility the George C. Edwards Community Aquatic and Recreation Complex.

"Senator Edwards' leadership and advocacy played a key role – really, the key role – in creation of a facility that provides recreational and education opportunities for everyone from pre-schoolers to senior citizens," said Garrett College Board of Trustees Chair Don Morin in announcing the naming at Edwards' retirement reception at the Wisp Resort. "In addition to leading the initiative to identify state funding for the CARC, Senator Edwards rallied public support for this project, which he saw as critical to serving both College and community needs."

Morin said the CARC capital funding addressed significant community needs. The best example, according to Morin, is the College's I Can Swim! Program that's in its 11th year.

"The I Can Swim! Program – which teaches swimming and water safety skills to every kindergartner in Garrett County – is just one example of a critical community need that could not be fulfilled if it wasn't for the vision Senator Edwards displayed in leading the effort to build the CARC," said Morin.

The Garrett College Board of Trustees voted unanimously to name the CARC for Edwards, who retires next January after 40 years of service in the Maryland General Assembly.

Edwards – who served 24 years in the House of Delegates and 16 years in the State Senate – was also a Garrett County commissioner and a Grantsville Town Council member after leading both Northern High and then-Fairmont State College to unbeaten football seasons.

After leading Fairmont to the NAIA national championship, he was taken in the 11th round of the National Football League draft by the Baltimore Colts. A shoulder injury ended his professional football career, but Edwards quickly pivoted to a career in public service.

Edwards also played key roles in state funding for Garrett College's Daniel E. Offutt III STEM Center, the GIEC Building, and the Garrett College library. He played a pivotal role in acquiring $17 million in state funding for the Performing Arts Center at Garrett College, which recently opened.

Garrett College's multi-purpose turf field – which will be home to the Lakers' baseball, softball and soccer teams – was also funded in large part due to Edwards' support. The GC turf field will be installed in time for the 2023-24 academic year.