Pearl River Community College donors recently got to see firsthand where their charitable donations are being used. The PRCC Alumni Association and Development Foundation launched the Donor Appreciation Days to show Wildcat supporters exactly how — and who — their money is helping. Each stop at the Forrest County and Poplarville campuses included informative discussions and hands-on tours of PRCC’s facilities, many of which have been updated or renovated within the last couple of years.
Executive Director Delana Harris shared information about changes that have been made since she began her new role at PRCC, including a new way of marketing the Foundation scholarships to students and moving to digital forms for the alumni application and Alumni Awards nominations. Harris was joined by new Coordinator of Alumni Services Mary Alice Chandler. Both Harris and Chandler are PRCC graduates who are passionate about helping future Wildcats achieve their goals while helping to remove financial barriers.
“Under Dr. Breerwood’s leadership our college has experienced tremendous growth,” said Harris. “This has allowed PRCC to expand its services and offerings to better accommodate our students. This includes new dorms and renovation projects.
“It is important for our alumni and donors to ‘see’ the college’s plans and how we are continuing to serve our communities. Each day was designed to focus on a different area of the college from allied health, career and technical education to academics and fine arts. Our goal within the Foundation is to invite our alumni and supporters to campus whenever possible to keep them connected to our college’s history and future. “
The first day was held at the Forrest County Campus with several students from the Honors Institute as well as faculty and administrative leaders present. Vice President for Forrest County Center, Allied Health and Nursing Programs Dr. Jana Causey provided an overview of PRCC campus updates while Dean of Career and Technical Instruction at Forrest County Campus Dr. James David Collum addressed items specific to FCC.
Donors attending the event on Forrest County Campus included (left to right):Thomas Carr, Dr. Stanley Hill, Julie Pierce, Nancy Regan, and Bill Sanford.
After the presentations, donors went on a tour of the campus, spending time in different areas to learn more about the facilities and types of training received by students.
Thomas Carr and Bill Sanford view different equipment used by Precision Manufacturing Technology while instructor Robert Shaw describes what they do.
Thomas Carr, Julie Pierce, and Bill Sanford listen to Electronics Technology Instructor Sam McNease explain equipment used in training students.
The second day was specific for donors to Career Technical Education pathway scholarships and was held in the CTE building on the Poplarville Campus. Along with a few nursing students, most of the CTE programs had an instructor in attendance who could answer specific questions about their program. Vice President for Poplarville Campus and Student Services Jeff Long spoke about recent updates on the campus as well as future changes planned during 2022. Dean of Career & Technical Education for Poplarville and Hancock Campuses Dr. Amy Townsend then discussed the CTE programs including the strong need of local employers for PRCC graduates and the latest programs being pursued to meet demands in the area.
CTE Donor Day attendees included (left to right) Nursing student Lauren Haik, Mrs. Carol Williams, Mr. Craig Griffing, and nursing student Genifer Jones.
The final day was held on the Poplarville Campus. PRCC President Dr. Adam Breerwood provided an overview of the college including building improvements, growth of the college, and upcoming projects. Senior Vice President for Instruction/Provost Dr. Martha Smith then highlighted academic and fine arts programs on the Poplarville campus. She also talked about the growth of eLearning that allows students to take their courses online. The event was punctuated by tours of newly renovated Seal Hall and the James Barnes STEM building.
Long time donors gathered on the Poplarville Campus.
Back row (left to right): Mrs. Dianne Holden, Dr. Thomas Holden, Mr. Walt Lowe, Mr. Connie Sprinkell, and Mr. Mark Wallace
Front row (left to right): Mr. Dan Lund, Dr. Carole Lund, Mrs. Erlene Smith, Mrs. Becky Sprinkell, Dr. Jennifer Seal, and Dr. John Grant
Former PRCC History Instructor Mr. Walt Lowe and his wife Myra Lowe admire the new interior of Seal Hall where he taught. PRCC President Dr. Adam Breerwood stands in the background.
ALUMNI ASSOCIATION AND DEVELOPMENT FOUNDATION
The Pearl River Community College Development Foundation Inc. accepts donations to fund a variety of scholarships or to help support the college as recommended by the Pearl River Community College Administration and approved by the Pearl River Development Foundation Board of Directors. Donations can be made electronically at prcc.edu/alumni/donate for several areas including the general scholarship fund. For more information about the Foundation, contact Harris at dharris@prcc.edu.
PRCC alumni can visit www.prcc.edu/alumni/jointoday to become a member of the Alumni Association. Currently, there are four chapters in the six-county district. Nominations for the upcoming Alumni Awards are being taken until March 11 at prcc.edu/alumni-awards.
For the latest news on Pearl River Community College, visit PRCC.edu and follow us on Twitter (@PRCC_Wildcats), Instagram (PRCCWILDCATS), and Facebook (@PRCCMKTG).
