VOLUME 38 | JANUARY 2012 VOLUME 47 ISSUE II | AUGUST 2021
Copiah-Lincoln Community College ALUMNI MAGAZINE
THe Wolf Pack is Back!
Alumni Relations Staff
Alumni Association News: Homecoming Announced, pages 2-3
Alumni Association
When Passion Becomes Profession, pages 4-5
Angela Furr, Executive Director Anna Grider, Assistant Director Sarah Johnson, Office Manager
Mark Hamilton (’79), President Stephenie Sullivan (’97), Vice President Whitney Clark (’11), Secretary
Athletic Alumni Association Allen Kent (’84), President Megan Jones (’93), Vice President Meleah Howard (’08), Secretary
Band & Colette Alumni Chapter
Becky Yarbrough (’67), President JP McInnis (’88), Vice President Angela Smith (’94), Secretary
Foundation Board of Directors
Dr. Donald Cotten, President Bill Salters, Vice President Sarah Johnson, Secretary Charles Hart, Treasurer Lauren Adkins, Robert Barnes, Jessica Breazeale, Sammye Burris, Andrew Calvit, Terry Estes, Stan Foster, Kenny Goza, Danita Hobbs, Luke Horton, Bruce Irvin, Brad Jones, Melton King, Pat Lowery, Elise Munn, Geralyn Russell, Bill Sones, Dr. Troy Stewart, Tammy Torrey, and Barry Tyson Opinions expressed are not necessarily those of the college administration, faculty or students.
Celebrating 40 Years of the Foundation, pages 6-7
Foundation News, pages 8-12
Tracking the Classes, pages 16-17 ON THE COVER: The Wolf Pack is Back! Photo by Scarlett Hart The Colinian is printed as a service through the Offices of Public Information and Alumni Relations and is mailed to members and friends of the Copiah-Lincoln Community College Alumni Association. Copiah-Lincoln Community College does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, age, disability, or other factors prohibited by law in any of its educational programs, activities, admissions, or employment practices. Questions, complaints, or requests in regard to Title IX directives should be made to the Title IX Coordinator/ Compliance Officer, Tiffany Perryman, Ewing Administration Building, 1001 Co-Lin Lane, Wesson, MS 39191, (601) 643-8411. POSTMASTER: Send address changes to P.O. Box 649, Wesson, MS 39191, 601.643.8313.
Graphic design by Jimmie Cain.
from the president
Dr. Jane Hulon Sims
Hulon Sims with son Drew during Co-Lin commencement ceremonies May 2021.
Wow! It is hard to believe that I have completed my third year as president of Copiah-Lincoln Community College. I continue to be proud of the progress the college is making on so many levels. Despite the COVID-19 hurdles of the past year, the Co-Lin family has not missed a beat in serving students and delivering instruction of the highest caliber. We are looking forward to returning to a more normal schedule of classes, events, and activities this fall semester, and can’t wait to see all of our new and returning students, faculty, and staff back on campus. Football season is right around the corner, and we can’t wait to see our Wolf Pack back in action and to have the stands of Stone Stadium packed once again. We are planning a full week of Homecoming activities for our students, alumni and the community, and we hope you will make plans to join us as we come back together to celebrate the past, present, and future of the college. There’s so much to look forward to at Co-Lin. I believe the challenges of the past year have only helped us to grow stronger as an institution and I am confident we are in a position to experience great success this academic year.
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alumni association news
The Alumni Association officers met recently to approve the funding of an Alumni Garden located outside the President's home. All Alumni and friends are invited to come view this new addition to campus during the President's Home Open House during Homecoming. Pictured from left are officers Stephenie Sullivan, vice president, Mark Hamilton, president, and Whitney Clark, secretary.
Memorial Fund established in honor of J. Ronny Smith A fund has been established with the CopiahLincoln Community College Foundation in memory of J. Ronny Smith, who passed away in August 2019 after a lengthy illness. Smith, who was serving as president of the CoLin Athletic Alumni Association at the time of his passing, was heavily involved with Co-Lin alumni activities. He was a 1966 graduate of Co-Lin where he was a member of the basketball team. He and his wife Carolyn, who is also a 1966 CoLin graduate, were named Mr. and Miss Co-Lin as students. In addition to his church and numerous community organizations, Smith was a member of the Co-Lin Sports Hall of Fame, a lifetime member of the Co-Lin Alumni Association, and was serving as honorary chairman of Co-Lin’s athletic capital campaign, Back the Pack, prior to his passing. The memorial fund is being established by friends and family of Smith to endow a scholarship and assist with improvements to Co-Lin’s athletic facilities. Tax-deductible gifts to the J. Ronny Smith Memorial Fund may be mailed to the Co-Lin Foundation using the enclosed envelope, or made online at www.colin. edu/alumni-foundation. For more information, contact the Co-Lin Foundation at (601)643-8313.
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@CoLinAlumni
Be sure to keep up with the latest Co-Lin Foundation and Alumni news and announcements on social media by following us today!
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When Passion becomes Profession
by Anna Grider
From left: Princess Jones, Rising Star since 2019; Anaya Finley, Rising Star since 2021; Falana McDaniel, executive director; Trinity Webb, Rising Star since 2014; and Toni Little, R.E.A.L Summer Program volunteer.
It’s not often you walk into a room full of children on a Wednesday morning during summer break with hands waving in the air, all anxiously anticipating being called on to answer the next math problem, show off their latest artwork, or to identify which word in a sentence was an adjective. But it’s also not often that you walk into a room where Falana McDaniel (’02) is your teacher. While Families United Training Center (FUTC)- a nonprofit designed to provide training and resources to help build healthy families- officially launched in 2014, for founder and executive director McDaniel, this was a mission that began long before. Born and raised in poverty, McDaniel came to Co-Lin in 2000 as a single mother with two young sons Treviaunte and Milheil, ages two and three months (now 23 and 21). Ready to drop out, McDaniel will tell anyone that [instructor] “Margaret Britt was God-sent to me.” She continued, “If it weren’t for her guidance, I wouldn’t be as successful as I am now. She always kept pushing me to never stop.” Now, four degrees later and with no sign of slowing down, McDaniel has dedicated her life to giving back to others and is using her own organization to do so. Back in 2009, McDaniel was teaching a predominately female high school class in McComb when she noticed that no one was paying attention to the lesson she had planned. As she stopped to ask the students what was going on, the stories started pouring out. Students were sharing about being up all night listening to gun shots wondering if they were going to be alive the next day and about being kicked out of their room so their mom could do drugs. So, what did McDaniel do? She simply began to encourage her students. The Colinian | 4
“Life is hard and we all face challenges,” McDaniel said, “But we can’t let those challenges determine our success, we have to let them make us.” Five minutes and one pep talk later, the students were eager to learn and get back to the lesson. After McDaniel went home that evening and reflected on what had happened in her classroom, she felt gentle whispers from God prompting her to take up girls mentoring – something she continues to do to this day. Continuing to teach during the week and mentor on the afternoons and weekends, McDaniel began to see how the need for training and mentoring didn’t need to be confined to just the girls she would meet
with, but with their families at home. “We had an event at the library and I invited the parents because the girls would tell me, ‘You tell me not to cuss, but I go home and that’s all I hear, so how do you want me to stop?’ As I was talking to a mother and daughter one day, the mother said, ‘I cuss and treat her like that because that’s all I know and what I grew up under.’” McDaniel started bringing in other groups to provide training not just for the girls, but also for their parents. From there, Families United Training Center was born. Even as the programs gained momentum and the whispers from the Lord grew louder, McDaniel says it was still never her intention to go full-time with this passion. She was working with the Mississippi Community College Board at the time and could not emphasize enough just how much she loved her job. “I remember a couple of times getting to my desk in the morning and the Lord kept preaching in my heart about how I needed to be working with these families and I just kept ignoring him because I was loving my job and didn’t want to leave it,” McDaniel said. However, one day in September of 2019, McDaniel decided she was done wrestling with God and jumped in full-time to Families United Training Center with faith that the Lord would provide. “I was at my dream job, but the moment I gave my resignation, the peace that came from God and the peace and joy I’ve had since then can’t even compare to the money,” she said. Since 2019, McDaniel has only taken a salary twice and supports her family by doing part-time consulting work two days a week. “God has met every need just when I needed it for being obedient,” McDaniel said. “It’s been awesome to see just how he has provided.” Today, FUTC has grown to include multiple programs all designed to help disadvantaged people help themselves work toward a brighter future. The Foundation’s main programs are R.E.A.L – Reinforcing Educational Achievement Longterm, Rising STARS for Christ Mentoring, Saving Hands: Single Mom Empowerment, and Parent Training & Education. This past summer, McDaniel led a three-week long program that met daily from 8 am until noon, teaching students reading, math, language, and art with the goal of bringing students up to grade level to prepare them for the next school year. It’s not just on paper that it looks like McDaniel has made a difference in these young girls’ lives. In sitting down and talking to several of the girls McDaniel has mentored over the years, there came a chorus of, “She’s changed my life” from every girl at the table. As they shared their stories about who they were before meeting McDaniel to who they are today, it became quite clear that truer words had never been spoken. “There’s a loss of words for just how amazing a woman can be,” said 12-year-old Anaya Finley, “To just step into random people’s lives and just change it that fast.” As for the future, McDaniel will say that the hardest part of her job is doing everything herself. As executive director, she oversees all aspects of the programs, from applying for grants and fundraising to teaching and mentoring the students. “I’m playing three different people right now,” she said. McDaniel hopes to bring in a part-time training consultant as she continues to secure more funding from grants and community support. But don’t expect her to step back and watch as others carry out the programs she created. “Everything that I have gained from other people pouring into my life, I try to give back.” To learn more about Families United Training Center, to volunteer, or support the program financially, visit www.familiesunitedtraining. org.
Alece Jones, pictured with her daughter Jaiya (age five), has participated in the Saving Hands program since 2019. A 2015 Brookhaven High School graduate, Jones is entering her second year at Co-Lin in the Business Office Technology program. Jones said, “This organization has really helped me have a life. The single moms program really had my back when I didn't know what steps to take. They helped me set goals and accomplish them. They even helped me go back to school, and that's a big deal for me. I can still be a person and do everything that everyone else can do.”
Tammy Arnold, pictured with her daughters Lillian (left) and Anonna Bradford, is a certified nurse assistant. Her daughters participated in the R.E.A.L. Summer Enrichment Program. Arnold said, “As a single parent, I work all the time. Having my girls step into a positive and constructive environment everyday is a blessing. They come home every day with something new to tell me about what they have done. I’ve never seen them excited about fractions and long-division, yoga and pottery. Falana has made it all so interesting for the kids.”
CELEBRATING 40 YEARS of the Co-Lin Foundation!
Hello Alumni and Friends, What an exciting time to be a part of the Co-Lin Foundation! In the midst of the craziness of the past year, this past March we celebrated the 40th anniversary of the incorporation of the Foundation. Over the past four decades, the Foundation has awarded more than $4 million in scholarships and provided even more in direct support to the College. In celebration of this milestone, we hosted our first “Day of Giving” campaign last spring, asking alumni and friends to give $40 in honor of the Foundation’s 40 years. We were overwhelmed with the response, and are pleased to share that we surpassed our $4,000 goal, raising more than $11,000. While many of our events and activities were put on hold last year, your generosity has remained steadfast. All of the work and efforts of the Foundation this past year, and for the last 40 years could not have been done without the generosity of countless alumni, friends, community supporters, and you. We were thrilled to host the Foundation Hall of Fame dinner in May, which was the first large event held in more than a year. The happiness in the room was palpable as we came back together to celebrate the generosity of our newest Hall of Fame members and rolled out an exciting new recognition program for donors. We are looking forward to a more normal fall semester and can’t wait to see many of you back on campus for Homecoming and other events. If you can’t make it to campus in person, be sure to follow us on social media to keep up with the progress we are making here at Co-Lin. The future is bright, and we need your support more than ever. Thank you for giving back and helping Co-Lin continue to be “The Place to Be.”
Angela Davis Furr (Class of 2002) Executive Director of Foundation | Alumni Relations
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! D E S I A R 0 6 3 , $11
THANK YOU TO OUR DONORS!
601 Sports Nicholas and Juliana Adams George Allen Woody, Sissy, and Jennie Allen in memory of Spencer Allen Thurman Allred Ralph Anderson Audrey Andrews Jackie Avery Bank of Brookhaven Robert Barnes Dr. Sandra Barnes Guy and Loura Barr Albert and Nora Berch LTC Lee Berry William Boutwell Susan Bowen Mr. and Mrs. Arthur Boyte Alita Bradshaw Brian's Tractor Service Sarah Bridge Howard and Janet Brister Bobby and Gloria Britt Eddie Britt Sammye Burris Colby Calcote Chris Calcote Andrew Calvit David Campbell Julie Campbell Johnnie Carlisle Brenda Carraway Wendy Cartwright Senator Christopher Caughman Concordia Bank & Trust Co. Copiah Bank Rebecca Corkern Drs. Donald and Catherine Cotten Allison Dann Natalie Davis Dr. Ben Douglas Louis and Kathy Dugas Christopher Dunn Shane and Leigh Easterling Becky Edwards Terry Estes Rhonda Fielder Ken Fortenberry Stan Foster Katherine Furr Cliff and Angela Furr Michelle Glenn Dr. Dennis Granberry Michelle Greer Troy Greer Anna Grider Dana Hale Susan Hall Sandra Hall Corey Hart Danita Hobbs Cynthia Holmes in honor of Natalie Roper
Dr. Jane Hulon Sims Brad and Linda Ishee Ray and Rhonda Ishee Mary James Janice Jarvis Ann Jolissaint Thomas Jolly Brad Jones Joyce Jones Lea Ann Knight Burrell and Gwen Kyzar Kevin and Robin Laird Sharon Langley Myisha Lewis Jim and Martha Lightsey Randall and Patricia Lofton Ella Lucas Michael Lusk Marshall Magee Myrtis McElreath Michael and Diane McIntyre George Mercier Joe Middleton Dr. Dewayne Middleton Robin Mitchell Miriam Moyer Amy Mullins Terry and Elise Munn Dr. James Nations Miles Nelson Dr. Ronald Nettles Jerry Nettles Thomas Owens Lee Parker Rachel Peeples Holli Pepper Rhonda Posey DJ Preiss Mary Primos Krista Rhemann Abby Rials Barbara Richardson Alton and Jean Ricks Jim and Terry Robbins Bill and Martha Salters Alex Sandel Thomas Sasser Linda Seals John Shows Shane and Karen Smith Donald Smith Bradley and Nena Smith Bill Sones Samantha Speeg Nancy Spradlin Starks Family Restaurants Dr. Troy Stewart Lamar Stokes Dr. Billy Thames William Thames Margaret Ewing Thomas Tammy Torrey
Barry Tyson Don Underwood Patti Wade Tricia Walker Angelia Wallace Dr. Kenneth Walley Mary Warren Dr. Dianne Watson Dr. Steve Wells Joy Wesbrooks Rebecca White Ann Williams Rebecca Thames Wilson Roy Winkworth Ronald and Sandra Wojcik Travis Young Robert Young
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foundation news
Foundation Board Welcomes Five New Members On May 26, the incoming Foundation Board members met for an orientation on the Wesson Campus, along with the Foundation Board officers and Foundation staff.
Lauren Adkins Lauren Adkins of Magee is a 2008 graduate of Co-Lin where she was president of Phi Beta Lambda, a member of the President’s Council, and was named Business Office Technology Student of the Year. She is also a 2017 graduate of the Mississippi School of Banking. Adkins has worked at PriorityOne Bank in Magee since 2012 where she has served as vice president and loan officer. Adkins is a member of the American Banker Association where she participates in the Teach Children to Save and Banker in Every Classroom programs, and Leadership Simpson County through the Simpson County Development Foundation. She is also a member of the Magee Chamber of Commerce. She is married to Eric Adkins. Luke Horton Luke Horton of Brookhaven is 2002 graduate of East Central Community College and a 2005 graduate of Mississippi State University where he received a Bachelor of Arts in Communications with an emphasis in Journalism. He previously worked as publisher and editor of The Newton County Appeal and as publisher and president of Brookhaven Newsmedia. Horton currently works at Georgia-Pacific as the public affairs manager in Monticello. Horton is an active member of First Baptist Brookhaven where he is an RA leader, Sunday School teacher, and worship team member. He is a member and past president of the Brookhaven-Lincoln County Rotary Club. He and his wife Lauren have five children, Ethan, Beverly, Levi, Adah, and Noel. Pat Lowery Pat Lowery of Wesson graduated from Co-Lin in 1987 and from the University of Southern Mississippi in 1989 where he received a Bachelor of Science in Accounting. He later earned a Master of Business Administration from Millsaps College in 2016. Since 1994, he was worked as a certified public accountant at Patrick E. Lowery and Associates, later named Lowery, Payn, and Leggett, CPA’s. Lowery has also previously served as CEO of Hurst Review Services in Brookhaven from 2011 – 2020. Lowery is a member of the Brookhaven Lions Club, where he is past president and a S. E. Moreton Award winner. He is a former member of the Brookhaven School Board and is a member of the Co-Lin Foundation The Colinian | 8
Pictured from left are new members Lauren Adkins of Magee, Pat Lowery of Wesson, Luke Horton of Brookhaven, Bruce Irvin of Wesson, and Elise Munn of Wesson.
Hall of Fame. Lowery and his wife Celeste have two children, Emily and Jack. They are members of First United Methodist Church in Brookhaven, where he has been treasurer or finance chair since 2000. Bruce Irvin Bruce Irvin of Wesson graduated from Co-Lin in 1970 with a welding vocational certificate. He also earned certification from Smith Welding Equipment School at Alcorn State University in 1978 and went on to receive his vocational certification from the University of Southern Mississippi in 1980. Irvin began working as a welding instructor at Co-Lin in 1976 and spent over 30 years teaching until he retired in 2013. Irvin also worked as a welding instructor for International Paper Company, and as a certified welder and later as assistant welding supervisor at Ingalls Ship Building. He also owned Irvin’s Auto Paint and Body from 1977-1986. Irvin has been a member of the American Welding Society since 1993 and completed the AWS Educational Program in 1998. He was a member of the Vocational Industrial Clubs of America where he also served as an advisor. He was a member of Copiah County Competitive Community Program and Copiah-Lincoln Education Association. Irvin and his wife Belinda have four children, Erric, Terrell, Brandi, and Krystle, 12 grandchildren, and one great grandchild. He is a member of Homeseeker’s Bible Church in Wesson. Elise Munn Elise Munn of Wesson graduated from Co-Lin in 1988 and from the University of Southern Mississippi in 1990. She went on to graduate from the University of Mississippi School of Law in 1993. Munn is a partner at Berry & Munn, PA in Hazlehurst. She is an attorney for the Board of Supervisors and has been elected County Prosecuting Attorney since 1996 in Copiah County. Munn is a member of the Mississippi Bar, Copiah County Bar, and Mississippi Prosecutors’ Association. She is currently serving on the Board of Directors for the Mississippi Association of County Board Attorneys and on the Board of Directors for Southwest Mississippi Child Advocacy Center. Munn is a Bar Commissioner representing the 22nd Circuit Court District to the Mississippi Bar and is a trustee of Wesson Baptist Church. Munn and her husband Terry have two children, Quentin Tyler and Mary Elizabeth.
foundation news
Foundation Board Elects New Officers Dr. Donald Cotten of Hattiesburg has been elected as president of the board of directors of the Copiah-Lincoln Community College Foundation. He follows Sammye Burris of Brookhaven. Other officers are Bill Salters of Natchez, vice-president; Sarah Johnson of Ruth, secretary; and Charles Hart of Wesson, treasurer. Cotten graduated from Co-Lin in 1966. He received a bachelor’s degree in biology and a master’s degree in science education with an emphasis in biology from The University of Southern Mississippi, and a doctorate in curriculum and instruction from West Virginia University. He currently works as a consultant to universities and the private sector for funding initiatives and business development. Cotten has been a member of the Co-Lin Foundation Board since 2016. Salters graduated from Co-Lin in 1975. He graduated from the University of Southern Mississippi in 1978 and from the University of Georgia’s Executive Management School of Banking in 1985. He later earned a master’s of business administration from Alcorn State University in 2002. He has worked in banking for more than 38 years, and currently works as the chief financial officer for Concordia Bank in Vidalia, Louisiana. Salters has been a member of the Co-Lin Foundation Board since 2001. Johnson graduated from Co-Lin in 2010 and later graduated from Mississippi State University in 2012 with a degree in apparel, textiles, and merchandising and a minor in general business administration. Johnson currently works at Co-Lin as office manager of the Foundation | Alumni Relations office and has served on the Co-Lin Foundation Board as secretary since 2020. Hart graduated from Co-Lin in 1970 and received a bachelor’s degree from Delta State University and a master’s degree in accounting from The University of Southern Mississippi. He is an accounting instructor at Co-Lin, manager of the college’s bookstore and is a licensed CPA. Hart has been a member of the Co-Lin Foundation Board since it was founded in 1981.
Thank You, outgoing Board Members!
The Foundation Board expresses its sincerest gratitude to the following members who rotated off the Board in July for their many years of dedication and service to Copiah-Lincoln Community College and the Foundation. Pictured from left are: Johnnie Ruth Carlisle (40 years), Bradley Smith (37 years), Ralph Anderson (18 years), and Larry Greer (17 years). Not pictured: Senator Chris Caughman (16 years), Dr. Chip Holbrook (15 years), and Woody Allen (13 years). The Colinian | 9
Foundation Hall of Fame FOUNDATION
Induction ceremonies were held on Thursday, May 20th in the Thames Center on the Wesson Campus to recognize the Foundation Hall of Fame inductees from the classes of 2019 and 2020. Also honored at the event were donors who have reached levels of giving that exceeded $25,000 (Visionaries), $50,000 (Ambassadors), and $100,000 (Benefactors).
2019 Inductees
2020 Inductees
Dr. Jane Hulon Sims (left) and the 2019 inductees from left: Mary Jane James of McCall Creek, Deborah and Steven Ammann of Mendenhall, Don Underwood of Brookhaven, and the Gene Haas Foundation, represented by Hugh Sims. Not pictured was the Foundation for the Mid South.
Dr. Jane Hulon Sims (left) and the 2020 inductees from left: Wesson Presbyterian Church, represented by Camille Johnston, Bill and Martha Salters of Natchez, Phillip and Lacey Wheeler of Meadville, 2nd Chance Mississippi, represented by Catti Beals, and Peoples Bank, represented by Dennis Ammann. Not pictured were George T. Mercier of Wesson and the late G.T. Mercier III of Houston, Texas.
Visionary
Donors who have given in excess of $25,000 Ralph Anderson Terence Assink Guy & Loura Barr The Beall Family Mr. & Mrs. T. Waring Bennett, Jr.* Elton Bolin & Rachel Ragus Bobby & Gloria Britt C. Coney Burgess Mr. & Mrs. Jim Causey Drs. Donald & Catherine Cotten Kathy Berry Dugas Dr. & Mrs. Howell Garner Harris Brand Henley* Elizabeth Hadskey High George T. Mercier G. T. Mercier III* Ken & Ruth Patterson* Modena Hodges Peterson* Tommy & Annette* Sasser Dr. Billy B. and Anne* Thames Dr. Steve Wells Hal "Wimpy" Wentworth 2nd Chance Mississippi Aladdin Foods Brookhaven Lion's Club Brookhaven Rotary Club Co-Lin Band & Colette Alumni Chapter Entergy Mississippi, Inc. Foundation for the Mid-South Gene Haas Foundation King's Daughters Medical Center Mississippi Humanities Council Nathan Steele Foundation PriorityOne Bank Wesson Presbyterian Church
Dr. Jane Hulon Sims presenting Class of 2020 inductee Mr. George T. Mercier with a Visionary award.
Ambassador
Donors who have given in excess of $50,000
Bettye Boutwell Dr. Bennie Channell* Thomas & Doris Kelly* The Killingsworth Family Joe F. Middleton Gaye Platt Jimmy* & Tammy Torrey Marvin "Joe" Wallace* Dr. Kenneth Walley Ronald & Sandra Wojcik Copiah Bank Georgia-Pacific Foundation Herring Gas Company, Inc. Silver Cross Home Foundation
Benefactor
Donors who have given in excess of $100,000
Arthur Leon & Edna Jerlene Boyte Jim & Martha Lightsey H. F. McCarty, Jr.* L. Frank Pitts* Mr. & Mrs. Fred Taylor* Boyne Foundation Copiah County Medical Center Georgia-Pacific Monticello Mill Trustmark National Bank
Dr. Jane Hulon Sims presenting Dr. Billy Thames, Rebecca Thames Wilson, and Rachel Thames Peeples with a Visionary award.
Gloria Poole (left) and Co-Lin Board of Trustee member Mary Cleveland (right) enjoying the special evening on campus.
foundation news
Horton Family Scholarship Endowed
The F.K. and Lucile Horton Scholarship was recently endowed with the Copiah-Lincoln Community College Foundation by their children Letha Presley (pictured front right), Francis K. Horton, III, (pictured front center), and Alison Fryant (pictured front left). This scholarship was established to benefit a student pursuing an education in Early Childhood Education, with preference given to a single mother. F.K. Horton was a longtime director of maintenance at the college, a veteran of the Korean War and served in the Navy. Lucile Horton was director of the Early Childhood Development Technology program for many years, and was honored with the Ageless Hero Award from the town of Wesson. The Hortons were members of Sylvarena Baptist Church in Wesson where they both taught Sunday school and F.K. was a deacon for 40 years. Contributions to the F.K. and Lucile Horton Scholarship, or any other scholarship, can be mailed to the Co-Lin Foundation at P.O. Box 649, Wesson, MS 39191, or made online at https://www.colin. edu/alumni-foundation/give-now/.
Many thanks to members of the Class of 1966 who donated a new bench on the Wesson campus located outside of the Taylor Chapel. Those present for the presentation of the bench were from left: Carolyn Smith, Sherra Smith, Lola Case, and Sue Lea. The Colinian | 12
Robert Williams Aspiring Educator Scholarship Endowed
The Robert Williams Aspiring Educator Scholarship was recently endowed with the Copiah-Lincoln Community College Foundation by Dr. Robert Williams of Hattiesburg. The scholarship was established to benefit students graduating from Crystal Springs High School who aspire to become educators, with preference given to a specialization in elementary or secondary education. Williams graduated from Crystal Springs High School in 1995. He received an associate’s degree from Co-Lin in 1997. He continued his education at the University of Southern Mississippi where he received a bachelor’s degree in elementary education and a doctoral degree in education administration and supervision. Williams has worked in education for more than 20 years and currently serves as superintendent of schools for the Hattiesburg Public School District, a position he has held since 2016. Prior to his appointment as superintendent, Williams served as principal of N.R. Burger Middle School. Under his leadership, the school transformed from a label of “At Risk of Failing” in 2008 to “High Performing-High Progress” in 2012. In 2012, N.R. Burger received the “Champion of Change” award from the Mississippi Department of Education. Williams has been involved with and participated in numerous steering and selection committees, and he was selected as Hattiesburg Public School District Administrator of the Year (2011-2012 & 2015-2016) by his peers. Additionally, he represented Mississippi Congressional District Four as a finalist for Mississippi Administrator of the Year. During his tenure as superintendent, Hattiesburg Public Schools have increased access to early learning opportunities and dual enrollment. The district has also transitioned from a period of financial uncertainty to financial stability. Williams is married to Angela Givens Williams, an assistant United States attorney with the office of the United States Attorney, Southern District of Mississippi. They are the parents of Anna-Grace Williams and Louis Alexander Williams. Contributions to the Robert Williams Aspiring Educator Scholarship, or any other scholarship, can be mailed to the CoLin Foundation at P.O. Box 649, Wesson, MS 39191, or made online at https://www.colin.edu/alumni-foundation/give-now/.
foundation news
Mike McIntyre Inducted into MCCSHOF
Mike McIntyre of Wesson was inducted into the Mississippi Community College Sports Hall of Fame on Tuesday, April 27 at the Hinds Community College Clyde Muse Center in Pearl. McIntyre is a 1967 graduate of Co-Lin where he was outstanding in football and track. An All-State offensive guard for two years, he was named to the Mississippi Junior College All-Star Football Team and was a starter for the South All-State Team. In track and field, he was an All-State medalist in discus and shot put and a member of the 1966 State Runner-Up team and 1967 State Championship team. He competed in the Senior Adult division of the State Games of Mississippi and earned multiple medals in discus and shotput from 1993-2007 when he was a gold medalist in both events. McIntyre received his B.S. and MBA from the University of Southern Mississippi. He completed additional study at USM, Mississippi College, Memphis State University, University of Utah, University of South Carolina, and University of Texas-Arlington. McIntyre served as chair of the Business Division at Co-Lin and was an economics instructor for 42 years. He coached men’s and women’s tennis at Co-Lin for 38 years and was a certified USPTR Tennis Teaching Professional. McIntyre also served as advisor for Co-Lin’s chapter of Phi Beta Lambda, where his students won 67 state awards and 18 national awards, including four National Championships. He was inducted into the Phi Beta Lambda Hall of Fame in 2014. McIntyre was named MACJC Coach of the Year seven times and NJCAA Region 23 Coach of the Year four times. His career dual match record stands at 458–105, and his teams won seven state championships, 15 runner-up finishes, had 66 individual State and 59 individual NJCAA championships, with over a dozen teams ranked in the National Top 25. Named Mississippi Association of Coaches Coach of the Year in 1986, 1989, and 1990, McIntyre received the MACJC Leadership and Service award in 1991. He is former president of the MACJC Tennis Coaches Association and member of the NJCAA Region 23 executive board. He also served as MACJC State President and Tournament Director from 1985-1990. McIntyre was inducted into the Co-Lin Sports Hall of Fame in 2000. He and his wife Diane have one son, Michael, Jr. (Amy) and granddaughter Kylie Grace. The Colinian | 13
The college is pleased to report that Phase III of the Back The Pack comprehensive athletic facility upgrades will be underway shortly. Renderings and plans are being created to update and renovate Sullivan Field, along with the entrance to the field. Wolf Hollow Golf Course has also seen many updates, with the bridge replaced on the sixth hole and rock installed to stop the erosion from excessive water flow. Thank you for your continued support in this campaign for Co-Lin Athletics!
AN UPDATE ON THE CAPITAL CAMPAIGN FOR CO-LIN ATHLETICS Thank you to our donors! (As of 7-1-2021)
Aladdin Food Allen, Woody Allred, Thurman Ammann, Steven & Deborah Amos, Steve Anderson, Ralph Baker, Larue Baker, Richard Barclay, Jackie Barnes, Robbie & Melissa Barnes, Dr. Sandra Bates, Gene Bogue Chitto Soccer Booster Club Bizot, Kenny Boone, Leon Boyte, Arthur & Jerlene Breazeale, Jessica Bueto Brent, Kandi Britt, Bobby Britt, Kenneth Brown, Ray Burris, Sammye Calvit, Andrew Campbell, David Carlisle, Johnnie Carmody, Jim Case, Jack Caughman, Chris & Melissa Cleveland, Mary Clopton, Rickey & Mary Cotten, Donald & Catherine Cowart, Carmon Davis, Glenn Davis, Micah Davis, Natalie Douglas, Dr. Ben Dowling, Helen Dunn, Chris & Morgan Durr, Joseph Easterling, Lynwood Edmonson, Jack Estes, Terry L. Ferguson, Ricky Funchess, Chaucer Furlow, Lisa Furr, Angela & Cliff Garner, Howell
Gilbert, Chuck & Marilyn Goza, Kenny & Vickie Granberry, Dr. Dennis Green, Calvin Greenlee, Alton Greer, Larry Greer, Troy Grider, Anna Griffeth, James Guthrie, Jason Hale, Dana Harmon, Thomas Harrison, Willie Hart, Charles & Wanda Hart, Scarlett & Matthew Hennington, Craig Hobbs, Danita Holbrook, Dr. Chip Hood, Amanda Howard, Meleah Hulon Sims, Jane Izard, Rebecca Johnson, Maurice Jones, William Kent, Allen King, Melton & Kathy Kyzar, Burrell Laird, Brenda Lofton, Herman Lofton, Randall Lowery, Patrick Lusk, Michael Magee, Marshall Massengill, Robert & Carol Massey, David & Debbie McElreath, Myrtis McInnis, Brandi Munn, Terry & Elise Murray, Artis Nations, Bill Nelson, Pat & Sally Doty Nettles, Ronnie & Rosie Nobile, Bryan Paes, Greg Parker, Percy Passons, Paul Passons Specialized Services, Inc. Posey, Rhonda
Pyles, Johnny Reed, Jake Ricks, Alton and Jean Robinson, Arnissayur Ross, Roland Russell, Geralyn Salters, Bill & Martha Sandel, Alex Sartin, Billie Sasser, Thomas Smith, Bradley & Nena Smith, Brett and Erin Smith, Clay Smith, Donald Smith, Jerry F. and Nancy Smith, Michael & Janet Sones, Bill Southern Wildcats Youth Football Stephens, Jordan Stewart Sr., Dr. Troy Sullivan, Stephenie Thames, Billy Torrey, Tammy & James* Trustmark National Bank Tyson, Barry Underwood, Don Walley, Dr. Kenneth Warren, Dr. Chris Weir Boerner Allin Architecture Whittington, Marcalan Whittington, Markel Williams, Johnny Winkworth, Roy Wooten, Steve* & Gradene Young, Gwyn & Velesta Young, Lane
Corporate Sponsors Platinum Co-Lin Foundation Herring Gas Company Insurance & Risk Managers Kings Daughters Medical Center Silver Bank of Brookhaven Copiah County Medical Center Paul Jackson and Son, General Contractors Trustmark National Bank Bronze Bank of Franklin Bank Plus First Bank Mike Whatley Honda PriorityOne Bank Starks Family Restaurant Toyota of Brookhaven Weir Boerner Allin Architecture
TRACKING THE CLASSES Congratulations
In Memoriam Zeb Andrew Hughes (attended) passed away on December 3, 2020.
Miriam Berry (’19) for her role in the upcoming Lifetime movie “Teacher’s Watching.”
Berry
Calcote
Colby Calcote (’98) was named vice president at Bank of Brookhaven. Mike Jones (’73) retired as athletic director and head men’s basketball coach from Mississippi College after a 33-year career at the school.
Jones
Smith
Dr. Shelley Smith (’96) was named the new vice president for student development at Belhaven University.
Wilbert
Wedding Bells Dianna Hobgood (’17) married Peyton Neely (’18) on November 28, 2020. Neely
Cline
Caroline Mills married Jon Taylor Cline (’20) on February 27, 2021.
Bates
Johnson
McCoy
Kent
Wedding Bells Monica Ham (‘17) married Adam Forrester on May 15, 2021.
Hedgepeth
King
Smith
Kimble
Kayla Ham (’19) married Alex Smith on March 27, 2021.
Laura Leigh Dunaway (attended) married Gabe Nations (’20) on May 15, 2021. Mary Claire White (’17) married Jimmie McQuage (attended) on May 22, 2021.
Forrester McQuage
Nations
Rebecca Harvey married Quentin Munn (’15) on May 22, 2021.
Leah Thornhill married Andy Williamson (’18) on April 10, 2021. Jessica Cody married Cole Hodges (’07) on May 1, 2021.
Douglas Wayne McCoy (’80) passed away on March 8, 2021. Memorials may be made to the Doug McCoy Scholarship Fund at CoLin.
Wesley Kent (’46) passed away on March 24, 2021.
Susanna Ratcliff (’17) married Jesse Hedgepeth (’17) on January 16, 2021.
Amy Wallace married Ryan Kimble (15) on March 13, 2021.
Eugene “Gene” Bates passed away on January 19, 2021. Bates served on the Co-Lin Board of Trustees for 37 years and was Board Chairman for 17 years.
Brumfield
Timothy Leon Johnson (‘82) passed away on February 12, 2021.
Jarvis ‘Jabo’ Wilbert (’12) was named the 2021 Young Alumnus of the Year from the University of Southern Mississippi.
Erin Culpepper married Aaron King (’12) on March 6, 2021.
Dennie EuDora Brister Brumfield (‘50) passed away on December 26, 2020. Brumfield was a founding member of the Colettes.
Culbertson Williamson
Alex Anthony (’18) married Carter Culbertson (’18) on May 15, 2021.
Shellie Smith (‘13) married Russell Hood on June 19, 2021.
Munn Hood
Anna Brooke Davis (’19) married Ethan Howell on June 26, 2021. Cupit
Katy Clark (’19) married Kyle Cupit (’19) on May 15, 2021. The Colinian | 16
Alexis Bishop (’17) married Trevor Davis on July 3, 2021.
Davis
TRACKING THE CLASSES
Adam Cole Daughdrill (’06) passed away on March 26, 2021.
Sanguinetti
Jeff Ray (’77) passed away on March 26, 2021. Billy Ray Allen (attended) passed away on April 4, 2021.
Daughdrill
Wyolene Hadskey Rainer (‘50) passed away on May 18, 2021. Rainer was the aunt of former president, Dr. Ronnie Nettles. Shirley Rutland (’88) passed away on May 27, 2021.
Rainer
Rutland
New Arrivals
Meleah (’08) and Marc Howard are proud parents of Audrey Blake Howard, born February 24, 2021. Catherine (’15) and Logan (’09) Brown are proud parents of Nora Pate Brown, born February 27, 2021. Adrienne (’09) and Zak Sanders are proud parents
2021. Chad is a Wesson campus policeman.
Maura (‘14) and Douglas (‘15) Strait are proud parents of Caroline Jane Strait, born March 4, 2021.
Taylor and Troy (’13) Allred are proud parents of Alice Ann Allred, born June 3, 2021.
Becca (‘10) and Phillip (‘09) Bridges are proud parents of Phillip Chandler Bridges, born March 11, 2021. Nicole (‘08) and Lee (attended) Newell are proud parents of Meredith James Newell, born March 16, 2021.
Jordan (’12) and Ben Sticker are proud parents of Caroline Benton Sticker, born April 14, 2021. Caroleah (’15) and Taylor Everett are proud parents of Rhett Everett, born April 16, 2021.
Alli and Cullen (’15) Greer are proud parents of Amelia Jean Greer, born December 1, 2020. Jillian (’13) and Nic Ricceri are proud parents of Thomas Sebastian Ricceri, born December 4, 2020.
of Zachary Ford Sanders, born March 4, 2021.
Sanders
Miranda and Justin (attended) Smith are proud parents of Thomas Blake Smith, born June 9, 2021. Bridges
Newell
Nicole (’11) and Tyler (’09) Cheramie are proud parents of Jude Michael Cheramie, born April 7, 2021.
Amy Brister LaRue (’79) passed away on May 30, 2021. Charles Alvin Hamilton (HS ’57, College ’59) passed away on June 18, 2021.
New Arrivals
New Arrivals
Frank Sanguinetti (’88) passed away on March 22, 2021.
Greer
Ricceri
Howard
Brown
Skye Pruden (attended) is the proud mother of Holland Brees Pruden, born April 21, 2021. Alex (’12) and Jeffrey Case are proud parents of Clayton Lamar Case, born May 5, 2021. Kaitlin (’13) and Justen Ashley are proud parents of Mallory Ann Ashley, born May 13, 2021.
Cheramie
Harveston
Allred
Britney Clark (’11) and Cameron Murray are proud parents of Cameron Bernard Murray, Jr., born June 14, 2021. Anna and Marc (’20) McNeese are proud parents of Harper Drew McNeese, born June 30, 2021.
Murray
McNeese
Send your alumni news and photos to Anna Grider, at anna.grider@colin.edu. Please provide class year(s) and a phone number for verification. Sticker
The Honorable William Forrest Winter 2-21-23 to 12-18-20 Everett
Pruden
Ashley Ahna and Chad (’11) Harveston are proud parents of Christopher Brian Harveston, born May 28,
Known as the “Education Governor of Mississippi,” The Honorable William Forrest Winter gave of his time, talents, and resources to help coordinate, direct, and serve on the advisory board for the Natchez Literary and Cinema Celebration sponsored by CopiahLincoln Community College for nearly three decades. A resolution was passed that the Copiah-Lincoln Community College Board of Trustees, faculty, students, alumni, and leaders of the NLCC express their deepest sympathy to the William Winter family on the loss of a great Mississippi statesman and devoted friend to education.
The Colinian | 17
P.O. Box 649 • Wesson, MS 39191-0649
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Celebrating 40 Years of the Co-Lin Foundation!
Your support makes a difference.
Thank You!
FOUNDATION
2021-2022 Foundation Board of Directors