MORROW, Ga. – On Thursday, February 10, the City of Morrow, in partnership with the Clayton County Water Authority and Clayton State University, formally unveiled the Jonesboro Road Water Tower to the University and City.
 
"Welcome to Morrow, Home of the Clayton State Lakers" the water tower reads. The official Clayton State Lakers logo, painted in Laker Blue and Georgia Clay Orange, appears under the message.
 
"It's great to see Clayton State University and the City of Morrow come together for this fantastic project," Director of Athletics Ryan Erlacher said. "It speaks to the great leadership we have in place in both the President's Office and the City of Morrow. Both President Stuart and Mayor John Lampl were the ones to make this project come to life. We look forward to supporting future projects for the City of Morrow."
 

The ceremony began with dozens of campus faculty, staff and student-athletes making the walk to the water tower where they joined local elected officials, business owners and residents who all attended the celebration. City of Morrow Mayor John Lampl welcomed the crowd and introduced University President T. Ramon Stuart. The water tower branding signals the institution's collaborative partnership to boost workforce and economic growth.
 
"I believe building on our partnership requires us to diligently focus on moving our university beyond our trees and further cultivate relationships throughout our region," Dr. Stuart said. "In pursuit of that goal, the City of Morrow and the university recently made a definitive statement about how intrinsically linked we are as we look to grow the city and the university."

President Stuart received a proclamation from Mayor Lampl announcing Clayton State University Day (2/10) which stated, "The City of Morrow has benefited beyond measure from the presence of Clayton State and desires to continue, acknowledge, and strengthen the supportive relationship that has existed for over 50 years. Clayton State University is deserving and worthy of the highest recognition for the innumerable and ongoing contributions to our community."
 
"Our partnership with Clayton State University is a key step in progressive development in the City of Morrow. We are committed to public-private partnerships that support Morrow's goal of a prosperous and vibrant community," said Mayor Lampl.
 
State Rep. Rhonda Burnough, D-Riverdale and Clayton County Water Authority General Manager H. Bernard Franks were in attendance to express their support of the public-private partnership connecting the city with university resources, expertise, and ongoing research.
 
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