action The Magazine of the Mississippi Gulf Coast Community College Alumni Association•Summer 2013
Pé It Forward Scholarship established in honor of Jerry St. Pé Winner! Selected as one of the top three community college magazines in the state by the College Public Relations Association of Mississippi! action INSTITUTIONAL RELATIONS DEPARTMENT and OFFICE OF ALUMNI/DEVELOPMENT
Michelle Sekul Michael Sewell Jenifer Freridge Interim Vice President of Institutional Coordinator of Multimedia/ Coordinator of Alumni Relations Advancement and Student Services Graphics Project Manager Dee Dee Hatten Brenda Davis Jennifer Collier Tinnin Foundation Office Secretary Coordinator of Institutional Relations Graphic Services Assistant Rachel Graves Kathy McAdams Kimberly Jones Alumni Office Secretary Public Information Coordinator Editor/Writer
Bill Snyder Richard Kopp Sports Information Director District Photographer
COMMENTS, NEWS & UPDATES/ CONTRIBUTORS CHANGE OF ADDRESS Corinne Butler [email protected] John Fitzhugh, Photographer, The Sun Herald 601-928-6288 Alumni Office P.O. Box 99 Perkinston, MS 39573-0099 Find out more about us at
Action is published three times a year by MGCCC Institutional Relations. This issue was published in June 2013. mgccc.edu • 1.866.735.1122
“In compliance with Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, Title IX, Education Amendments of 1972 of the Higher Education Act, Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 and other applicable Federal and State Acts, the Board of Trustees of the Mississippi Gulf Coast Community College hereby adopts a policy assuring that no one shall, on the grounds of race, religion, color, national origin, sex, age or qualified disability be excluded from participation in, be denied the benefits of, or otherwise be subjected to discrimination in any program or activity of the College. The Mississippi Gulf Coast Community College is an Equal Opportunity Employer and welcomes students and employees without regard to race, religion, color, national origin, sex, age or qualified disability.”
Compliance with Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, the Americans with Disabilities Act, Title II of the Age Discrimination Act and Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972 is coordinated by Dr. Michael Heindl, Vice President for Administration and Finance, Perkinston Campus, P. O. Box 609, Perkinston, Mississippi 39573, telephone number 601-928-5211, email address [email protected]. SPRING 2013 INSIDE Letter from the President • 4 Pé It Forward • 5 5 6 Graduation 2013 • 6 Alumni Spotlight: Anna Faye Kelley-Winders • 8 Alumni Trudy Showles and Jamie Miller • 9 10 Annual Scholarship Gala • 10 Instructors of the Year/Difference Makers • 14 College Happenings • 16 Sports • 20 Foundation Spotlight • 22 Scholarships/Cody Breland • 23 Alumni News • 24 In Remembrance • 25 Healthy Living at MGCCC • 26 Michelle Sekul named interim vice president • 27 16 Board Members • 27 20
22 4 Action Magazine l SUMMER 2013
A LETTER FROM THE PRESIDENT
Alumni and Friends...
This issue of Action features many activities that took place during the spring semester. First, however, let us welcome Michelle Sekul as vice president of Institutional Advancement and Student Services. An alumna of the college and a longtime MGCCC employee, she will lead the efforts of Foundation, Alumni, Institutional Relations and Student Services. She will do an outstanding job in this new role. On March 26, the Alumni and Foundation Spring Reception honoring Instructors of the Year and Difference Makers was held at the Jackson County Campus. Congratulations to our honorees! The annual Scholarship Gala, Silent Auction and Celebrity Roast was held on April 29 at the Beau Rivage Resort & Casino in Biloxi. This year’s gala raised approximately $89,000 for student scholarships. Jerry St. Pé, former president of Ingalls Shipbuilding and retired executive vice president of the shipyard’s parent company, Litton Industries, was the guest of honor. The spring semester culminates each year with graduation. The 2013 commencement ceremony was held on May 9 at the Mississippi Gulf Coast Coliseum, with almost 900 graduates participating and 1,939 degrees conferred. The college-wide Pinning Ceremony for Nursing and Radiologic Technology programs was held at the coliseum on the morning of May 9, with 64 graduates. On May 8, the GED graduation was held at the coliseum, with 214 participating graduates. Also this spring, MGCCC sports teams continued our winning tradition in athletics. In the sports section of Action, you’ll find wrap-ups of tennis, golf, softball, baseball and men’s and women’s basketball. It was a season filled with state and regional titles and spots in national tournaments. This time of year is always tinged with melancholy as we say goodbye to good friends who are retiring – some have spent their entire careers at the college, such as Anna Faye Kelley-Winders. She is featured in this issue as the Alumni Spotlight. Also, we are deeply saddened by the loss of some of our alumni, longtime supporters and former employees. We extend condolences to the families. As we move into summer and leave the hectic pace of the school year behind, it is important that we remain connected with our alumni and friends. If you are not a member of the Alumni Association, we encourage you to join. The 2,300-member strong organization offers a variety of benefits and allows you to remain a part of a rich tradition at MGCCC. We also urge you to read the Foundation Spotlight in this issue. It is an inspirational story about why three relatives of Rodney L. Mansfield established a $100,000 scholarship in his honor. Please contact our MGCCC Foundation to learn more about establishing a scholarship and/or Planned Giving options. Become a member - give toward student scholarships and be the difference!
Sincerely, Mississippi Gulf Coast Community College Making a Positive difference...
Mary S. Graham, Ph.D.
MGCCC.EDU Action Magazine l SUMMER 2013 Action Magazine l SUMMER 2013 5 0 CollegePé students have different Itneeds when it comesF to student Gamingrward Commission, and served as vice chairman of Gov. Haley success. Sometimes it’s money for tuition and textbooks, Barbour’s Commission on Recovery, Rebuilding and Renewal and sometimes it’s material items required for college-related to develop plans and public policy for recovery from Hurricane conferences. Katrina. Through a donation A native of New Orleans, from Jerry St. Pé, the Pé he came to Mississippi in It Forward Scholarship 1958 as a newspaper reporter was established to fulfill for the then Pascagoula these needs. Through Chronicle Star (now the this fund, students can Mississippi Press). In receive assistance with 1961 he joined the public supplemental items relations staff of the Ingalls necessary for their Shipbuilding Division of representation of the Litton Industries, and in 1967 college at varied events and played a major role in the competitions. Ingalls/State of Mississippi As St. Pé well knows, partnership that resulted success sometimes depends in the construction in on the help of others. Jackson County of the first Therefore, he knows the totally new shipyard built in value of paying it forward. America since World War II. “I’m a strong believer In 1971, St. Pé was appointed in that there are no director of Public Relations private victories,” he says. for Ingalls, and in 1975 was “Whatever we achieve, named vice president of Public we succeed because of the and Industrial Relations. In public/private partnership 1985, he became president of working together.” of Ingalls and was elected a St. Pé, former president corporate vice president of of Ingalls Shipbuilding Litton Industries. In 1998 and retired executive vice he was named corporate president of the shipyard’s executive vice president of parent company, Litton Litton Industries. He retired Industries, was honored at in October 2001, following the the Annual Scholarship Gala, completion of the transition Silent Auction and Celebrity Roast on of Northrop Grumman’s purchase of April 29 and Beau Rivage Resort and Litton Industries in April 2001. Casino. That was also the night that the Following his retirement, he formed Pé It Forward Scholarship at MGCCC was St Pé and Associates LLC, through born. “I’m a strong believer which he engages in private business “The MGCCC system has been a major interests and volunteer work. partner in the success of this region,” St. Pé resides in Jackson County with St. Pé says. “I look back on my time at in that there are no his wife, Joann, a native Mississippian Ingalls Shipbuilding, and I see the role and retired school teacher. They have the community college played in two children, Prudence Graham and providing skills to thousands of men and private victories.” Laurin St Pé, and five grandchildren women.” Jerry St. Pé (Pasley Graham, Hansen Graham, Abby Pé, a community college advocate, is St Pé, Ella St Pé and Caroline St Pé). a former chairman of the Mississippi MGCCC.EDU 6 Action Magazine l SUMMER 2013
Mississippi Gulf Coast Communityraduation College held the annual Monty Harris, of Perkinston, 2013 said she plans to continue her Commencement Ceremony on May 9 at the Mississippi Gulf education and major in Nutrition and Dietitics. “Community Coast Coliseum, with almost 900 students participating and college was a wonderful experience and has given me the 1,939 degrees conferred. Ed Day, former president and CEO confidence, the academic reinforcement and general support of Mississippi Power, gave the commencement address. I needed to be successful at the university. I feel completely GJohn and Kasi McDaniel, husband and wife from prepared for whatever the rest of my college experience Ocean Springs, were thrilled about participating in the throws at me.” commencement ceremony together. “We are excited about Elizabeth Broderick, of Lucedale, was a Cosmetology starting the next phase of our lives,” said Kasi, an Associate student at the George County Center and decided to receive Degree Nursing graduate. “We really are grateful to be her associate degree as well because it offered her more here and are appreciative of everyone who has helped us, opportunities. “The program is just wonderful, and all the including all the people at MGCCC.” instructors at the center were great. I have truly enjoyed my John, a Telecommunications Technology graduate, added, time at MGCCC and look forward to what lies ahead.” “Completing a program at a community college has given MGCCC held two other commencement ceremonies at the me the chance at a better job and a better life for my family. Mississippi Coast Coliseum in conjunction with graduation. We are stepping out of the coliseum today successful, and we The college-wide Pinning Ceremony for Nursing and plan to continue on that path.” Radiologic Technology programs was held on May 9, with 64 Andrea Weaver, of Biloxi, said she is thrilled about taking graduates. Kathy Springer, assistant administrator at Biloxi the next step in her life. “I didn’t originally plan on going Regional Medical Center, gave the address. to school, and now I’m working toward a bachelor’s degree The GED Commencement Ceremony was held on May in civil and environmental engineering. I am so excited to 8, with more than 200 students participating. Amy Tuck, be here and to have this opportunity to have successfully former lieutenant governor of Mississippi and current vice completed my associate degree. I really didn’t think I’d get president of Campus Services at Mississippi State University, this far in my education. I really didn’t think I could.” was the speaker.
MGCCC.EDU Action Magazine l summer 2013 7 raduation 2013 G
Top left: Michael Magee, Garrett Reeder, Adam Poelma, Taylor Phillips, Anais DeJesus and Rachel Snell.
Above, from top: Amy Tuck, former lieutenant governor of Mississippi and current vice president of Campus Services at Mississippi State University, speaks at the GED graduation ceremony on May 8. The candle-lighting ceremony at the college-wide Pinning Ceremony, held this year on May 9, is always a treasured moment for students. Kasi McDaniel graduated along with her husband, John, at the college-wide commencement ceremony on May 9.
Bottom left: Graduates look for family and friends in the audience during the college-wide commencement ceremony.
MGCCC.EDU 8 Action Magazine l summer 2013 Alumni Spotlight...Where are they now? Anna Faye Kelley-Winders. A legacy at MGCCC.
Anna Faye Kelley-Winders, vice president of Community Campus, was first introduced to MGCCC almost 50 years ago as a student at the Perkinston Campus. After attending Perkinston Junior College from 1964 to 1966 and completing her Master of Education degree at The University of Southern Mississippi in 1968, she began her career as a Business and Office Technology instructor at the Perkinston Campus in fall 1969. After 18 years in the classroom, she held numerous leadership positions - college-wide self-study director, administrative assistant for academic and general instruction, administrative dean, and vice president. Kelley-Winders, who has worked for four of the 12 MGCCC presidents, says, “I have many fond memories of both my time as a student -with excellent instructors who prepared me well to continue my education– and as an employee of MGCCC, with outstanding administrators, faculty and staff who Above: Kelley-Winders after the 2013 commencement ceremony, where she was recognized as the longest-serving employee of have made an impact on my career and MGCCC, 1969-2013. At left, from top: Receiving the 2009 professional life. Outstanding Technical Education Achievement Award from ATEA; “During my time at MGCCC, I have receiving a plaque of appreciation for leadership and commitment to business and industry by the MGCCC District Workforce Council had the opportunity to lead various on May 7, 2013; Amy Tuck presenting her with the 2011 Women divisions in the college. I have worked in in Higher Education Mississippi Network (WHEMN) Leadership and had responsibility for almost every Award; and being honored with the 2011 Outstanding Educator function of the college,” she says. “The Award, Huntington Ingalls Shipbuilding Apprentice Program. most memorable of those experiences was and developing new credit career- nursing and surgical technology programs leading the first college-wide self-study technical programs and many workforce at no cost to eligible students, of which the and chairing the Centennial Committee.” and other non-credit offerings. Through majority are women. Kelley-Winders has served as president a National Science Foundation grant She has had responsibility for oversight of several organizations, including almost 10 years ago, she established the for more than $17 million in federal Delta Kappa Gamma, Alpha Alpha first Women in Information Technology and private grants, including those for Chapter, Lucedale Rotary Club (she Conference at the college, which hosts from the U.S. Department of Labor, U.S. was the first female president), and high school females interested in math, Department of Energy, National Science Mississippi Postsecondary Career- science and information technology Foundation, Mississippi Community Technical Deans and Directors. She careers. College Board Challenge grants, John serves as an institutional representative Her leadership in developing funding S. and James L. Knight Foundation, on several boards, including Mississippi proposals for industry support and Mississippi State Department of Women in Higher Education partnerships has provided career Education, H1B High Growth and COMBASE, Momentum WIRED opportunities to thousands of people on Pathways to Construction grants, Working Committee and Twin Districts the Mississippi Gulf Coast. After Hurricane National Emergency grants, and the Workforce Investment Board. Katrina, she was able to secure funding Momentum WIRED grant. She has been instrumental in designing to offer evening and weekend practical
MGCCC.EDU Action Magazine l summer 2013 9 Alumna Trudy Showles is back in the saddle again Trudy Showles, who works in Accounts Payable at District Office, States to run in the Mega Race each year,” she says. “There are even NFR competed in two big barrel races in 2012, a little over a year after a nearly (National Finals Rodeo) girls competing in it. I’m honored just to ride Anna Faye Kelley-Winders. A legacy at MGCCC. tragic horse-riding accident left her with three plates in her face and with them.” permanent nerve damage. Her determination to get back in the saddle Her horse-riding accident happened on March 23, 2011, when a again is a testimony of her spirit and tenacity. 3-year-old filly flipped over on top of her while they were practicing. “I started riding again in She doesn’t remember anything the middle of July 2012,” says about that day. She was quickly Showles, a 1994 alumna of the transferred from Gulfport Perkinston Campus. “I just Memorial to University Medical couldn’t miss a Mega Run. I Center in Jackson. “I didn’t regain have two barrel horses - Sib consciousness until I was lifted Runs For Cash is my trusted from the emergency exam bed mare that I’ve been riding for into the hospital room. The left years, and my new one is Dion’s side of my sinus was fractured, Smokin’ Rocket. My older horse and my shoulder and leg were is 15 now but doesn’t know it, banged up.” and she loves her job of barrel Besides the plates in her face, racing. Usually we run in the Showles had to do physical 1D or 2D bracket. I pick and therapy for six weeks on choose my runs for Sib since she her shoulder. She also had is getting older.” permanent nerve damage in her Showles says she began face. “I can’t eat on the left side, training her second horse, and I have trouble pronouncing nicknamed Missy, last year. She certain words,” she says. “I Trudy Showles and her horse, Missy, placed third in the 4D bracket during the Holiday ran that horse in the two big races Classic 5D Barrel Race, held December 13-15 in Jackson. Their time was a 15.87, only really consider myself fortunate, in 2012. In the Mega 5D Barrel one and a half seconds off the winning time. though, and it is only with God’s Race, held August 23-25 in Jackson, grace that I’m here to work and Showles and Missy placed fourth in ride again.” the 5D with a 16.14, only two seconds off the winning time. There were Showles is back at work at MGCCC and says she is thrilled to be able 720 entries in that event. In the Holiday Classic 5D Barrel Race, held to return to riding horses. “I have learned to consider safety now that I December 13-15 in Jackson, Showles and Missy placed third in the 4D am back in the saddle. I wear a helmet. And as far as riding goes, I will bracket with a 15.87, only one and a half seconds off the winning time. continue doing it until the good Lord tells me different or my body does. There were 475 entries in that show. I’m not the rider that I used to be; my response time is slower. But with “Some of the best riders and horses come from all over the United God’s grace, I’ll continue to ride. I just can’t imagine not doing it.” Jamie Miller named director of Department of Marine Resources Jamie M. Miller, Gov. Phil Bryant’s nominee to be the executive director of the Mississippi Department of Marine Resources, was confirmed by the state Senate in April. The DMR, created by the Legislature as a new state agency in 1994, manages Mississippi’s coastal resources through the authority of the Commission on Marine Resources. Miller attended the Perkinston Campus (1992-1994), where he was a member of the baseball team. He later earned a Bachelor of Science degree in environmental biology with a minor in chemistry from The University of Southern Mississippi. He currently lives in Gulfport with his wife, Kelli, and their three children, Maddison, Carson and Landon. Miller has more than 15 years of public- and private-sector experience working in South Mississippi and Washington, D.C. His professional career, which has focused on coastal-resource management, disaster recovery and community development, began at the DMR in 1997, when the then-executive director, Glade Woods, hired him as a coastal ecologist. Miller has supervised personnel and managed government budgets for more than 10 years at the municipal, state and federal level. He has worked in both the private and public sector as a federal programs and grant administrator. In 2006, Miller was honored to join the Governor’s Office of Recovery and Renewal to begin recovery efforts after Hurricane Katrina. More recently, he served as chief of staff for Congressman Steven Palazzo. In that capacity, he played a key staff role in the draft language and passage of the RESTORE Act, the enabling federal legislation that directs 80 percent of the civil penalties associated with the Deepwater Horizon oil spill to a trust fund for environmental and economic restoration projects in the five Gulf states.
MGCCC.EDU 10 Action Magazine l SUMMER 2013 Annual Scholarship Gala, Silent Auction and Celebrity Roast
Mississippi Gulf Coast Community College held its annual Scholarship Gala, Silent Auction and Celebrity Roast on April 29 at the Beau Rivage Resort & Casino in Biloxi. The gala raised approximately $89,000 for student scholarships. Annually, the Foundation gives out more than $200,000 in scholarships. Jerry St. Pé, former president of Ingalls Shipbuilding and retired executive vice president of the shipyard’s parent company, Litton Industries, was the guest of honor. Those roasting St. Pé included Royce Cumbest, chairman of the board, president and CEO of Merchants & Marine Bank; Rep. Manly Barton, Mississippi House of Representatives, District 109; George Schloegel, mayor of Gulfport; Don Massengale Jr., retired director of Industrial Relations Services at Ingalls Shipbuilding and MGCCC Board of Trustees member; and Joann St. Pé, of Pascagoula. Joe Martin, Jackson County Circuit Clerk, was the roastmaster. Nathan Woodward provided the musical entertainment. Dr. Mary Graham, MGCCC president, says the gala is an important source of funding for student scholarships. “We are committed to success and academic excellence for our students, and the funds raised for scholarships through this annual event are an integral part of that. Many of our students cannot attend college without this kind of support. “We appreciate Jerry St. Pé, the roasters, our sponsors, the businesses and individuals who donated the wonderful silent auction items and all of those who attended,” Graham adds. “They are truly making a positive difference for our students and our four-county district.”
From left: Rep. Manly Barton, Don Massengale Jr., Joann St. Pé, Jerry St. Pé, George Schloegel, Royce Cumbest and Joe Martin.
MGCCC.EDU Action Magazine l SUMMER 2013 11 Annual Scholarship Gala, Silent Auction and Celebrity Roast George and Peggy Schloegel
Charlotte Brown and Charles Barnes
Loleta Ross, Troy Betty Jo Krebs, Joe Ross, Mary Martin Krebs, Evanna Ruth and Will Ross and Chuck Ruth
Jerry St. Pé and Mary Mott
Earl and Linda King
MGCCC.EDU 12 Action Magazine l SUMMER 2013
Pascagoula mayor Robbie Maxwell, Joann St. Pé, Kenny Smith and Jeannie Maxwell Dr. Michael Heindl Todd Trenchard and Jerry St. Pé
Dr. Mary S. Graham, Wayne Graham, Jerry St. Pé and Bobby and Bobby Eleuterius and Joann St. Pé Deanna Weaver Susan Hunt
Jerry St. Pé ...making a difference to Mississippi Gulf Coast Community College and the people we serve.
Joann and Jerry St. Pé
MGCCC.EDU Action Magazine l SUMMER 2013 13
Gala Sponsors Hard Rock Biloxi Boomtown Biloxi Casino Island View Casino Resort Red Creek Off Road Howard Industries Bowman’s Tennis Shop Isle Casino Hotel Rhodes Flooring America Presenting Sponsor Ingalls Shipbuilding Brass Hanger Cleaners Jackson County Economic Rich Kopp Beau Rivage Resort & Casino IP Resort Casino Spa Burger Burger Development Robb’s BBQ Silver Sponsors Jackson County Economic Burnham Drugs Gautier Jan Brett Rosalie’s Gifts & Apparel BancorpSouth Insurance Services Development Foundation burton + BURTON Judge Little Co. Inc. Sporting Goods RPM Pizza Inc./Stewart Sneed Hewes Jay Fletcher and Joe Martin Cable One Kangarooz Family Fun Center S&J Treasures Chevron Jackson County Campus Cajun Crawfish Hut Kappy Page Stephens Sadie Janes Cottage Hancock Bank Leadership Team Center Stage Biloxi Keurig Coffee/ Green Mountain Coffee Saluté Italian Restaurant Ingalls Shipbuilding Jefferson Davis Campus Chartwell Hospitality Kloze Kloset III & Kids Boutique Sandra Halat IP Casino Resort Spa Leadership Team Chili’s - D’Iberville Lazer Craze Santini’s Market & Cafe Jerry St. Pé Family & Graham Family Christie Ruff Lookout Steakhouse (Gulfport) Sawmill Family Restaurant Bronze Sponsors Jim and Gwenda Patton Churchill Downs Lowe’s of Pascagoula Schular Management AT&T Machado Patano PLLC Cinemark 16 Gulfport LuLu’s Shanti Yoga and Consulting Air Masters Mechanical McDaniel General Merchandise Classy Chassis Lynn Meadows Discovery Center Shell Landing Golf Club Business Communications Inc. MGCCC Alumni Association Coast Clothing Company Magnolia Bay Ship Island Excursion Commercial Business Interiors (CBI) MGCCC Board of Trustees Coast Life Main Street Biloxi Silver Slipper Casino First Federal MGCCC District Office Leadership Coral Boutique Manhattan Grill Singing River Healthplex Howard Computers Mike and Frances Sekul Family Corder’s Creamery Mary Elsie Hubley Six Flags Friends Keesler Federal Credit Union Millie Page Cornerstone Florist Mary Mahoney’s Skin Care Laser Center M&M Bank/Bacot McCarty Mississippi Power Cornerstone Seafood Matt Steadman Souper Deli & Sweet Thangs Foundation NAI/Sawyer Real Estate Court of Two Sisters Mellow Mushroom South Elite Cheer Machado Patano PLLC Navigator Credit Union Cracker Barrel Old Country Store Inc. Memphis Grizzlies SRHS Clinics Navigator Credit Union Nebo Carter and Kenny Smith CVS Merrill Art Stampin Up South Mississippi Business Machines Perkinston Campus Leadership Team Cypress Lanes MHRA - Gulf Coast Chapter Studebakers BBQ & Ice Cream Tice and Associates PA Seymour Engineering Dad’s Super Pawn Michael B. Lyons MD Sue Hawkins VT Halter Marine Siemens Dena McKee Miner’s Toy Store Superbowl & Sports Café Supervisor John McKay and Dillards Mississippi Coast Coliseum Sweet Peppers Table Sponsorships Supervisor Troy Ross Dixie Glass & Trim Mississippi Gulf Coast Chamber The Butcher Shop Allred Architectural Tim Holleman and Dean Holleman: Donna Smith Mobile Ballet The Grand Theatre AT&T A Professional Association Doughboy’s Pizza Monkey Joe’s The Red Lily Spa Bacot McCarty of Attorneys E Fitness Mugshots Grill & Bar The TatoNut Shop Bacot McCarty/Jerry Lee’s Tradition, Mississippi Edgewater Mall Nautilus Publishing Company Tim Allen Bacot McCarty/M&M Bank Treasure Bay Casino and Hotel Elite Island Resorts Negrotto’s Gallery Todd Boswell Salon BancorpSouth Insurance Services Trinity Yachts Eyeglass Factory New Orleans Saints Tom’s Extreme Pizzeria #1 Four Points by Sheraton North Star Sailing Charters LLC Tony Hawk Inc./Stewart Sneed Hewes Silent Auction Donors Beau Rivage Resort & Casino Fudpucker’s OD’s Package Store Treasure Bay Casino Bernie Burkholder Eco-Tours of South Mississippi Gatlin’s Ohr-O’Keefe Museum Of Art Uncorked Biloxi OB/GYN and Alabama Gulf Coast Zoo Glen Nelson Olive Garden USS Alabama Suncoast Anesthesia Alex North Gourmet Gift Baskets.com Oriental Trading Company Van Veghels Business Communications Inc. (BCI) American Eagle Outfitters Foundation Grand Casino of Biloxi Palace Casino Resort Vivify Spa at The Dermatology Clinic Charter Bank Auto Zone Great Southern Club Pascagoula Country Club Walmart of D’Iberville Chevron Azalea Spa & Salon Gulf Coast Symphony Pascagoula Tire Walmart of Pascagoula Commercial Business Interiors (CBI) Bacchus Food & Drink Gulf Islands Waterpark Peace by Piece Walmart of Wiggins Compton Engineering Back Bay Restaurant Half Shell Oyster House Gulfport Perry’s Photography Walt Disney World Culumber and Associates Barefoot Barriers Half Shell Oyster House Biloxi Phoenicia Gourmet Cuisine Walter Anderson Museum of Art Descher McDonalds Belk Department Store - Biloxi Hard Rock Casino Planet Beach White House Antiques & Gifts Eley Guild Hardy Architects Bellingrath Gardens and Home Hickory Hill Pottery Port-O-Call Willis Furniture Estabrook Motor Company Bienville House Hotel Hog Heaven BBQ Portrait Innovations Wonder Nails First Chemical Big Play Family Fun Center Hollywood Casino Preston Hood Chevrolet YMCA of Ocean Springs First Federal Biloxi Schooner and Seafood Museum Hooters of Biloxi Pugh’s Floral Shop YOLO Boutique Hancock Bank Bonefish Grill IP Casino Resort & Spa Punch Productions Inc. Thank you!
MGCCC.EDU 14 Action Magazine l SUMMER 2013 Action Magazine l SUMMER 2013 instructors of the year
The 2013 Instructors of the Year were recognized at the Alumni/ Foundation Spring Reception on March 26 at the Jackson County Campus in Gautier. Since 1971, MGCCC students, faculty, administrators and college organizations have nominated outstanding instructors for the prestigious Instructor of the Year awards. The three instructors chosen are selected based on their academic excellence, dedication From left: Honorees Dr. and professionalism both inside Jordan Sanderson, Jackson and outside the classroom. The County Campus; Sandra honorees were presented resolutions Halat, Jefferson Davis from the Mississippi Legislature and Campus; and Gayle Greene- awarded $1,000 from the MGCCC Aguirre, Perkinston Campus. Foundation for use in their respective instructional areas.
Dr. Jordan Sanderson, Jackson County Campus Sanderson, language arts instructor at the Jackson County 2011. She has served as a board member and scholarship chair for Campus, has been with the college since 2009. He has a doctorate the Mississippi Art Colony, is an active member of the MGCCC of philosophy from The University of Southern Mississippi’s Center Faculty Association, and received a major commission for a mural for Writers. He has taught at Auburn University, as an Excellence in the Mary C. O’Keefe Center (2005) and for paintings in the Fellow at USM, and as an adjunct instructor at both Columbus State Singing River Medical Facility in Pascagoula (2011). University and Pearl River Community College. He was the recipient Gayle L. Greene-Aguirre, Perkinston Campus of the Phi Theta Kappa Paragon Award for the Mississippi/Louisiana Greene-Aguirre, a social science instructor, has a Bachelor of Region in 2012, the Higher Education Appreciation Day-Working Arts degree in history from the University of Connecticut, a Master for Academic Excellence (HEADWAE) Award for MGCCC in 2010, of Arts degree in Latin American history from the University an Excellence Fellowship from 2005-2007 at USM and the Joan of North Texas, and additional graduate work and educational Johnson Award for Poetry, 2006, at USM. certifications in English, Spanish, English as a Second Language Along with his full teaching schedule, he serves as adviser to Phi and leadership. Teaching history full time at the college since Theta Kappa, Circle K (college Kiwanis) and College Republicans, 1999, Greene-Aguirre, a retired Army lieutenant colonel ordnance and is on the Vice President’s Advisory Committee at the Jackson officer, is the former Phi Theta Kappa and Honors College adviser County Campus. at the Perkinston Campus. She was awarded Phi Theta Kappa’s International Adviser’s Award for Continued Excellence in Sandra Halat, Jefferson Davis Campus 2012; the Association of Community College Trustees Southern Halat, an MGCCC alumna, has been a visual arts instructor at the Region Faculty Award (national) in 2009; the Phi Theta Kappa Jefferson Davis Campus for more than 10 years. She received her International Distinguished Adviser Award in 2009; the Mississippi Bachelor of Fine Arts degree at the University of North Carolina in Professional Educators Board Appreciation Award in 2008; Who’s Asheville and her Master of Fine Arts degree at the University of Who Among Teachers in 2007; the Phi Theta Kappa Paragon North Carolina in Greensboro. She has received numerous awards Award for New Advisers in 2002; NISOD Excellence in Teaching for her art, including Best in Show and the Award of Excellence Award (Austin, Texas) in 2002; the Higher Education Appreciation from the Singing River Art Association in 2004, Exceptional Merit Day-Working for Academic Excellence (HEADWAE) Award for and Awards of Excellence from the Ocean Springs Art Association MGCCC in 2003; Instructor of the Year for the Perkinston Campus competitions from 2001 through 2010, the 2011 Award from the in 2002; Mississippi Humanities Council Teacher of the Year for the Ocean Springs Juried Art Association competition, and inclusion Perkinston Campus in 2001; and the Bennie Warren Outstanding in the Mississippi Art Colony Traveling Shows in 2001. She was the Phi Theta Kappa Adviser for Mississippi/Louisiana Region in 2001. recipient of Phi Theta Kappa’s Most Distinguished Alumni Award in 2012 and a National Endowment for the Humanities grant in
MGCCC.EDU Action Magazine l SUMMER 2013 15 difference makers
The 2013 Difference Makers were recognized at the Alumni/ Foundation Spring Reception on March 26 at the Jackson County Campus in Gautier. These four individuals have demonstrated an exceptional work ethic, involvement in college and community events, and a sincere commitment and caring attitude toward students and fellow employees. The honorees were From left: Honorees Chloe presented resolutions from the Sharp, Jackson County college’s Board of Trustees. Campus; Lesia McCarroll, Since 2003, MGCCC has Perkinston Campus; Chris selected four individuals to Pierce Hoenke, District Office; receive the L.N. Dantzler and George McCreary, Jefferson Difference Maker Award from Davis Campus. among its eight locations.
Chris Pierce Hoenke, District Office Hoenke, payroll specialist, is a lifelong resident of Wiggins and an MGCCC alumna. She has worked at the college for 18 years. She has been married to her husband, Grover, for 11 years. She has two children – daughter, Taylor, 19, and son, Logan, 15. Taylor is a sophomore at the Perkinston Campus. Chloe Sharp, Jackson County Campus Sharp, secretary in the Career/Technical Department, has worked at the college for four years. She is an MGCCC alumna and has a Bachelor of Science degree in business administration from The University of Southern Mississippi. George McCreary, Jefferson Davis Campus McCreary, the assistant supervisor for Housekeeping, has worked at the college for 29 years. He is a native of Gulfport. His wife, Lacey, is the support specialist in the Computer Center located on the same campus. They have four children and four grandchildren. Lesia McCarroll, Perkinston Campus Lesia McCarroll is the Financial Aid office manager. She has worked at the college for 10 years. An MGCCC alumna, she has been married to her husband, Willie, for 27 years. He is also an MGCCC alumnus, as are sons Jeremy, 24, and Grant, 21. Their youngest son, Blake, 17, is a 2013 graduate of Stone High School.
Make plans to experience another great MGCCC event... Homecoming 2013 October 19 • Perkinston Campus Look for details in the fall 2013 issue of Action.
MGCCC.EDU 16 ActionAction Magazine Magazine l lSUMMER winter 20132012 Action Magazine l SUMMER 2013 College Happenings
MGCCC opens doors of new Hospitality and Resort Management Center
The college held a ribbon cutting for its new 50,949-square- opportunities to work in a conference setting while obtaining foot Hospitality and Resort Management (HRM) Center on their degrees,” Graham says. “These experiences help ensure that April 12 at the Jefferson Davis Campus. students will be able to enter the workforce with the skills they “We are excited about the opening of this state-of-the-art need to hit the ground running. Additionally, leasing the space facility that will provide a hands-on learning environment for to external groups will allow us to generate funds to continually our students,” says Dr. Mary S. Graham, MGCCC president. update the center with the latest equipment and supplies.” “We look forward to partnering with the hospitality and resort With a total occupancy of up to 400 in the 5,600 square feet of industries on the Gulf Coast to provide the education and conference space that includes three projectors and four screens, training they need for their workforce.” the HRM Center is the ideal venue for meetings and events. It The facility, which is conveniently located on the Biloxi/Gulfport houses four fully equipped kitchens, each serving a specific line adjacent to the Jefferson Davis Campus, will be used as both purpose. One is designed for baking; one is for teaching an a training facility for students, and as a convention, conference, array of culinary techniques; one supports the 2,200-square-foot workforce training and special event center. dining room in the facility; and one will serve as a demonstration The $10.7 million in funding for the facility came through kitchen to accommodate 36 spectators in a gallery, with three various sources, including state bond funds, an Economic tiers from which to view the work of one or two chefs. Development Administration (EDA) grant and district bonds. MGCCC will use the HRM Center for education and training “This project has been 10 years in the making and would not be students in the Hospitality and Tourism Management Hotel and possible without the support of the supervisors in our four- Restaurant Management and Travel and Tourism Management county district,” Graham says. “We also appreciate the work of concentrations, and Culinary Arts and Related Foods, the Mississippi Legislature in providing state bond funds.” Food Production Technology and Business and Marketing The HRM center has three large conference rooms, a Management programs. The building includes a hotel room boardroom and two classrooms, which, along with the and front desk, four computer labs, five classrooms, workspaces, demonstration kitchen, will be available for lease. “This student lockers and changing areas. Classes in the center began facility represents a new direction for MGCCC as it will also this past spring. serve as a profit center, allowing us to provide our students with
Below, front from left: Dr. Susan Scaggs, Jefferson Davis Campus vice president; Geraldine Barnes, Board of Trustees ; David Ford, chair, Board of Trustees; Delores Sumrall, Board of Trustees; and Susan Hunt, first vice chair, Board of Trustees. Back, from left: Mike Andrews, Board of Trustees; Jim Epting, Board of Trustees; James Estes, Board of Trustees; Dr. Michael Tatum, Board of Trustees; Moreno Jones, Board of Trustees; Lavell Bond, Board of Trustees; Dr. Mary S. Graham, MGCCC president; and Sam Albritton Jr., treasurer, Board of Trustees.
MGCCC.EDU ActionAction Magazine Magazine l wl SUMMERinter 2012 2013 17 College Happenings
MGCCC opens doors of new Hospitality and Resort Management Center Brian Carriere elected vice president of state faculty association Brian Carriere, social studies and political science instructor at the Jefferson Davis Campus, has been elected to serve a two-year term as vice president of the Mississippi Faculty Association for Community and Junior Colleges (MFACJC). Carriere, a doctoral candidate of The University of Southern Mississippi’s International Development program, has worked at MGCCC since 2003. He served on the Gulfport City Council from 2005-2009 and has served as both president and vice president of the Jefferson Davis Campus Faculty Association. An MGCCC master trainer, he was selected as a 2009 Mississippi Humanities Council Instructor of the Year; is a 2008 graduate of Gulf Coast Business Council’s Masters Program and of the Mississippi Coast Chamber of Commerce’s 2008 Leadership Gulf Coast program; and was the recipient of the Biloxi Chamber Higher Education Community Involvement Award in 2006.
Charles L. Sullivan elected president of Mississippi Historical Society Charles L. Sullivan, MGCCC professor emeritus and archivist, has been elected to serve a one-year term as president of the Mississippi Historical Society. He served as vice president in 2012. Sullivan is the author of “The Mississippi Gulf Coast: Portrait of a People,” “Hurricanes of the Mississippi Gulf Coast,” “Hurricanes of the Mississippi Gulf Coast: Three Centuries of Destruction,” “Mississippi Gulf Coast Community College: A History, 1911-2000,” “Down South with the Dixie Press,” and “Gulf Coast Album: A Journey in Historic Photographs 1899-2011 From New Orleans Across the Mississippi Gulf Coast to Mobile.” In collaboration with Bourbon Hughes, he produced “Valor Remembered: 20th Century War Dead of the State of Mississippi.” The Mississippi Historical Society, founded in 1858 and reorganized in 1953, encourages outstanding work in interpreting, teaching and preserving Mississippi history.
Tammy Franks receives USM leadership award Tammy Franks, dean of Business Services at the Jackson County Campus, received the 2013 W. L. Pierce Education Leadership Award from The University of Southern Mississippi Department of Educational Studies and Research. The award recognizes the highest levels of integrity, fairness, democratic leadership and academic achievement of a graduate student enrolled in one of the department’s programs. The award was presented at the College of Education and Psychology Awards Day held in March. Franks is currently a doctoral candidate in higher education administration with a minor in instructional technology at USM and is scheduled to complete her doctoral studies in 2014.
Jody Miles named to Board of Trustees Jody Miles has been appointed to serve on the MGCCC Board of Trustees as a Stone County representative. The Board of Supervisors in each county of the college’s district selects board members. Miles, a market manager at The First, A National Banking Association, in Wiggins, was selected in April to replace Brenton Alexander. He holds a bachelor’s degree in business from The University of Mississippi and another in finance from Mississippi State University. He is married to Janessa Alexander Miles, who teaches fourth grade at Stone Elementary School. The board, which consists of 23 members from the college’s four-county district, meets monthly.
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College Happenings
Dr. Amy Hunt, Ramsey Sellers represent MGCCC at HEADWAE Dr. Amy Hunt and Ramsey Sellers were selected to represent MGCCC at the 24th annual Higher Education Appreciation Day-Working for Academic Excellence (HEADWAE) program in Jackson on February 26. Hunt is chair of the Health, Physical Education and Recreation Department at the Jackson County Campus. Sellers, of Wiggins, graduated with honors from the Perkinston Campus in December. He is currently a junior in Civil Engineering at Florida Institute of Technology in Melbourne, Florida, where he has a football scholarship. Sellers was a team captain and offensive lineman during the 2012 football season at MGCCC. Each February the state Legislature and the Mississippi Association of Colleges recognize an outstanding faculty member and student from each of the state’s community colleges and universities during the HEADWAE program. Faculty and students advocate for community college during Capitol Day Dozens of Mississippi community college students flooded 58 percent of all undergraduates in public institutions are at a the Capitol in Jackson on February 28 to ask their legislators community college. to continue their financial support of the 15 colleges. Student MGCCC graduates are more likely to be employed in a full-time VOICES, a student-led advocacy group that encourages students capacity than non-graduates, with a 94 percent job placement to be civically engaged, joined faculty members at the Capitol. rate among career and technical graduates and a 92 percent In 2007 legislators promised to fund the colleges at the mid-level licensure pass rate amount first-time test-takers in health care and point (per-student funding halfway between K-12 education and computer/technical programs. MGCCC graduates can expect the regional public universities), but the community colleges are better salaries as well, earning nearly 30 percent more during their only getting 52 percent of the promised funds. The colleges are lifetime than those with just a high school diploma. Students with seeking to regain the ground they lost since the legislation was an associate degree earn almost $4,000 more a year in wages than passed and funding was only 28 percent below the mid-level a high school graduate and $13,000 more than someone with less target. It will take $73.5 million to make it to that point. than a high school education. Mid-level funding mandates per-student funding for community colleges that is midway between per-student funding for K-12 students and regional public university students. Using data from FY 2011, the regional public universities were funded at $5,803 per student and public schools were funded at $4,560 per student. Accordingly, community colleges should have been funded at $5,182 per student, but instead received only $2,686 per student. Dr. Mary Graham, president of Mississippi Gulf Coast Community College, says the colleges appreciate what legislators have done to help. “We have many friends in the Legislature who understand the role of the community colleges. You are doing a tremendous job of supporting us and we appreciate that,” she says. “We are making a difference in economic development. We are making a difference in the lives of so many people. We are giving hope to the next generation. Student are able to attend the community colleges as a traditional student and as an adult Front row, from left: Dr. Michael Loui, MGCCC biology instructor, and students Marc student as a way to get into the workforce.” Leggett, Jennifer Harris, Kacey Hickam, Jordan Reed, Rachel Wolfe and Erin Golladay. About 80 percent of new jobs being developed in the current Back row, from left: Marsha Cummings, MGCCC Business and Office Technology instructor; Trevor Smith, MGCCC social studies instructor; Senator Sean Tindell, economy require college-level learning, and, in Mississippi District 49, Harrison County; and Brian Carriere, MGCCC social studies instructor and vice president of the Mississippi Faculty Association for Community and Junior Colleges.
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College Happenings
Dr. Susan Scaggs receives PTK’s administrator award Dr. Susan L. Scaggs, Jefferson Davis Campus vice president, has been selected to receive Phi Theta Kappa’s prestigious Distinguished College Administrator Award. Only 25 college administrators who are nominated by their PTK chapters are selected for this international distinction, which is based on outstanding support provided to PTK over many years. Honorees were recognized at PTK’s 95th Annual Convention, April 4-6, in San Jose, California. They have also been featured on the PTK website and in several PTK publications. “The PTK chapters at each MGCCC location are a true testament to our strategic commitments to teaching and learning, as well as, student success and I am thrilled to support our talented students,” Scaggs says. Both Teresa Wells and Dr. Pat West, co-advisers of the Omicron Alpha Phi Theta Kappa chapter at the Jefferson Davis Campus, say Scaggs is an excellent choice for the honor because of her work with the Commit to Complete campaign that encourages students to apply for graduation and also through her work to ensure student access to technology and staff support. Scaggs came to MGCCC in 2007. While at the college, she has promoted student success and academic excellence on the college campus and in the community. She currently serves on the Mississippi Coast Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors, the Gulf Coast Sustainable Communities Executive Committee and the Gulf Coast Business Council.
Six MGCCC students recognized by PTK Honor Society Six MGCCC students were selected for Phi Theta Kappa Honor Society’s 2013 All-Mississippi Academic Team. The students are John Christopher Marshall, Jackson County Campus, first team; Marc Leggett, Jackson County Campus, second team; Andrea Weaver, Jefferson Davis Campus, second team; Zachery Saucier, Jefferson Davis Campus, second team; Kathryn Montene Harris, Perkinston Campus, second team; and Anna Grace Mills, Perkinston Campus, second team. From left: Andrea Weaver and Zachery Saucier, Jefferson Davis Campus, Marshall was also selected as a member of the 2013 All- second team; John Christopher Marshall, Jackson County Campus, first team; USA Community College Academic Team, one of only 20 Marc Leggett, Jackson County Campus, second team; Kathryn Montene Harris, Perkinston Campus, second team; and Anna Grace Mills, Perkinston Campus, students from more than 1,800 nominations selected for this second team. prestigious honor. He was also selected as the top scorer from Mississippi, making him the Coca-Cola New Century Scholar in Mississippi. For this honor, he received a $2,000 scholarship and plaque from The Coca-Cola Foundation and Coca-Cola Scholars Foundation. Weaver, also a student on the All-Mississippi Academic Team, was named a 2013 Coca-Cola Community College Academic Team Silver Scholar. The Coca-Cola Scholars Foundation sponsors the Coca-Cola Community College Academic Team program by recognizing 50 Silver Scholars, and providing each Silver Scholar a $1,250 scholarship and special medallion. Student scholars received recognition internationally at the Phi Theta Kappa Annual Convention, held April 4-6 in San Jose, California. Additionally, Marshall was recognized during the Annual Phi Theta Kappa Presidents Breakfast at the American Association of Community Colleges (AACC) Convention, on April 23 in San Francisco, California. MGCCC.EDU 20 Action Magazine l summer 2013
MGCCC finished sixth in the NJCAA D-II Men’s Golf Championship at the 7,165-yard Goose Pond Colony Golf Course in Scottsboro, Alabama. Freshman Jake Pritchard made the All-Tournament Team and was named 2nd Team All-American at the tournament played in May. Golf team finishes “We played well, finishing just five shots out of third place,” says Tommy Snell, golf coach. “With four freshmen on the team, that is quite an No. 6 at nationals accomplishment. They really made me proud the way they competed.” Pritchard, Hayes Weathersby, and sophomore Brad Thornton were named to the Golf Coaches Association of America All-Region Team. Weathersby, a freshman, was also named to the GCCA Third Team and to the National All-Freshman Team for his accomplishments throughout the year. In April, MGCCC won its sixth-straight NJCAA Region 23 Championship at Dancing Rabbit Golf Club in Philadelphia, Mississippi. Pritchard finished third individually and was named to the All-Region team.
From left: Patrick Dickson, Adam Ham, Brad Thornton, Hayes Weathersby, Jake Pritchard, head coach Tommy Snell and assistant coach Alan Martel.
Softball competes at Region 23 Tourney Basketball teams make good
In the span of five hours, No. 7-ranked MGCCC went from showing at state and Region 23 eyeing a Region 23 title to an abrupt end to the season. MGCCC faced No. 1 LSU-Eunice in a winner’s bracket game the afternoon Both MGCCC basketball teams were strong of May 11 in Clinton and lost 10-0, and then suffered elimination competitors during the post-season 2012-13 campaign. as Pearl River beat the Lady Bulldogs 8-3 that night. The men’s squad finished 17-8 and defeated eventual Against LSU-E, MGCCC could only manage one hit, while the Region 23 champ East Mississippi at the MACJC Lady Bengals smacked three home runs and racked up eight hits in Tournament. Freshman Chris Bilbo and sophomore five innings on pitchers Reina Baluja and Emily Davis. JaMichael Hawkins both earned All-State honors, In the nightcap versus Pearl River, MGCCC committed four while Hawkins signed with Southeastern Louisiana errors, while the Lady Wildcats amassed 11 hits. Dani Craft had University, and Angel Matias signed with Georgia two hits for MGCCC, while Baluja went the distance in the circle Southern University. and had a two-run double at the plate. It was the first time in six The Lady Bulldogs finished 18-7 and reached the games that Pearl River defeated MGCCC this spring. Region 23 semi-finals in 2012-13. Presley Owens was The Lady Bulldogs completed the 2013 season 34-11 and won the an All-Region 23 honoree while Markia Nix was an All- MACJC South Division title and finished second at the MACJC MACJC selection. Owens signed with Northwestern Tournament earlier in May. Baluja and third baseman Lea Kittrell (Louisiana) State, Nix signed with The University of both earned All-Region 23 honors this season. Southern Mississippi, Yasmine Nelsonsigned with Southern University - Baton Rouge, and Shameika Hart signed with the University of West Alabama.
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From left: Grant Bell, Nick Georgian, Alex Puyol, head coach Gary Bourgeois, Lachlan Puyol, Sean Robinson and Travis Burdick Men’s tennis team competes at NJCAA Tournament Tennis coach Gary Bourgeois’ squad competed in the NJCAA Tournament held in May in Plano, Texas. After the first day of competition, the Bulldogs were tied for second. “The second day we put ourselves in position to win four matches against top seeds,” says Bourgeois, who was named the Region 23 and MACJC Coach of the Year in 2013. The team’s 16th overall finish at nationals culminated a season full of milestones, including MACJC and Region 23 titles and an undefeated regular season. Three Bulldog players also signed scholarships at the next level, with Australian twin brothers Alex and Lachlan Puyol signing with Belhaven and Nick Georgian signing with William Carey University. The Puyol brothers and Georgian joined fellow sophomores Grant Bell and Travis Burdick and freshman Sean Robinson to make up the 2013 team. “It was a season to remember,” Bourgeois says. “These sophomores will truly be missed.”
MGCCC baseball falls to Northeast in Basketball teams make good state tournament showing at state and Region 23 The 2013 season ended for the MGCCC baseball team when Northeast took the final two games in a best-of-three playoff series held in early May in Booneville. The Tigers beat MGCCC 9-4 and 5-4 Congratulations! on May 6 to advance to the MACJC Tournament and eliminate the Bulldogs (26-21). MGCCC won game one 7-2 on May 4 but had to wait an extra day to finish the series due to persistent rains in Booneville. In game two, Northeast jumped out to a 9-1 lead and held on for a five-run victory. Three Bulldog pitchers combined to give up nine earned runs and nine walks. Michael Gilbert led the Bulldog offense with a 3-for-5 effort. Game three saw the Bulldogs put the tying run on base in the top of the ninth inning. However, that rally was thwarted by a game- ending double play. Gilbert had three more hits in the season finale while Taylor Hardy, Jarred Gates and Ryne Long each had two hits. Kyle Cumlander went three and one-third innings in a relief role and gave up no runs while striking out three. Despite the loss, MGCCC made it to the playoffs for the third straight season.
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foundation spotlight
From left: Henry Ping, uncle of Rodney L. Mansfield; Dr. Mary S. Graham, MGCCC president; Jason Green, a cousin of Mansfield’s; Evelyn Green, mother of Jason Green; and Russell Young, former associate vice president for Development.
Rodney L. Mansfield family establishes scholarship in his memory
Jason Green and his mother, Evelyn, live simple lives, and they understand the importance of hard work and a college education. They also understand that for some people, going to college means taking a huge bite of already meager finances. That’s why the mother-and-son duo and Jason’s uncle, Henry Ping, have established the Rodney L. Mansfield Memorial Scholarship at MGCCC. The family presented the $100,000 cash donation to Dr. Mary S. Graham, MGCCC president, and Russell Young, former associate vice president for Development, on January 31, 2013. The scholarship will be awarded once each school year to a Mississippi Coast resident attending MGCCC. The student must be a major in mathematics, math education or engineering, and maintain a 3.0 GPA. Mansfield, aka “Bud,” who was Jason’s cousin and Ping’s nephew, passed away in May 2011. He graduated from Perkinston Junior College and from Mississippi State University with an engineering degree. His family members, including the scholarship founders, are natives of Moss Point. “We thought the best thing we could do to keep his memory alive was to establish this scholarship,” Jason says. “This will enable MGCCC to help many more students go to college. There are people who have so much talent but don’t have the financial means to go to college. We want to step up to help them. That’s what it’s all about.” Mansfield attended PJC on an academic scholarship, and Jason was awarded a scholarship when he attended East Mississippi Community College. “We hope that in 15-25 years, the recipients of this scholarship will give back to MGCCC,” says Jason, who works at Riemann Family Funeral Homes on the Mississippi Coast. For 40 years, Mansfield worked at Ingalls in Pascagoula. His way of living was also simple, Jason says. “He was way ahead of his time. He held patents in marine propulsion. We think this scholarship will honor memory as well as his long career at Ingalls.”
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Chevron Pascagoula awards scholarships to JC students foundation spotlight Chevron Pascagoula Refinery has awarded $12,000 in scholarships to Process Operations Technology students at the Jackson County Campus. In 2011 and 2012, the awards were extended to the students in the new Instrumentation Electronics program as well as the Process Operations Technology program.
Front row, from left: Nathaniel Jones, Breanna Plylar and Lindsay Boyd. Back row, from left: Thanyous Wells, Trenton Cook, Zachary Myers, Mason Franovich and Joe Robinson (CPR Operations manager). Cody Breland Project: Perk alumnus aims for the stars...and a degree
Cody Breland, a 2013 alumnus Breland, in fact, writes the words and music to many of the of the Perkinston Campus and a songs he sings, including “Time Passes By” and “Somehow,” McHenry resident, has been singing both available on YouTube, The Cody Breland Project website most of his life. He truly hit the high or Breland’s Facebook page. Fans can also purchase shirts at notes in his singing career when he the group’s website. Profits from the shirt sales go to the Make sang at the Gulfport Music Festival A Wish Foundation. in May along with members of his The group performs every other week at a club in Mobile, band, the Cody Breland Project. Alabama, and Breland is a regular on Kicker 108. He also Now, Breland has a huge decision performed at the Mississippi Gulf Coast Idol Competition in to make: Should he focus on his April. “The more people who know about us, the bigger our music and perhaps move to a music fan base is, and the better chance we have. Considering that mecca like Nashville or Los Angeles we just started all of this in November 2012, I think we are (he has already had telephone calls already on our way.” from a Los Angeles agent) or should he continue his education at an in-state university, where he has a $7,000 music scholarship already in hand? Still in a dilemma and not sure which way he’ll go, Breland “The more people know about us, says he wants to give his music a chance but knows his mother wants him to stay in-state for college. Wherever he goes, he the bigger our fan base is, and the plans on getting his bachelor’s degree in English and music. The group, comprised of fellow MGCCC alumni Morgan better chance we have. I think Catchot on guitar, T.J. Avant on piano and Darius Mann on drums, also includes bass player Gentry Barton. Catchot we’re already on our way.” and Avant played soccer at the college, and Mann was in the Jazz Band. Breland was in Mississippi Sound while at the Cody Breland Perkinston Campus, played Rooster in the musical “Annie” and was a resident assistant in Hayden Hall. He received Perkinston Campus alumnus and Mississippi Sound, Resident Assistant and Stage Manager lead singer of The Cody Breland Project scholorships at MGCCC. “I have absolutely loved everything about attending college at Perk and wish I could just get my bachelor’s degree there,” he says. “I started out as a music major and have since changed my major to English. Music will always be my first love, but words and literature run a close second.” MGCCC.EDU 24 Action Magazine l summer 2013 Alumni News Alumnus Josh Wells inducted into 2013 MACJC Hall of Fame
Pascagoula native Josh Wells (at right with Dr. Michael Heindl, vice president for Administration and Finance at MGCCC) was inducted, along with 14 others, into the MACJC Sports Hall of Fame during the annual award ceremony held in April in Pearl. Wells, a member of MGCCC’s Athletic Hall of Fame, started playing football his junior year at Carver High School. Despite his lack of experience on the gridiron, he helped lead his team to conference championships as a junior and senior. Wells broke barriers by becoming the first African American to earn an athletic scholarship at then Perkinston Junior College (PJC). Retired Bulldog football coach George Dr. Michael Heindl, left, vice Sekul says Wells and Carver High teammates president for Administration and Glenn Larkin and Morris Richardson were the Finance at MGCCC, with Josh first three black players to play at the college Wells at the MACJC Sports Hall of Fame ceremony in Pearl. level in Mississippi. On the field, Wells was an offensive lineman and helped lead PJC to a state title in 1967, along with earning a letter and All-State recognition. A year later, he switched to defense and helped the Bulldogs to a 9-1 record and another appearance in the state-title game. He was also an Honorable Mention All-American and a First Team All-State honoree as a sophomore. Wells continued his football career at Southeastern Louisiana University.
Keith Wilson, JC ’02, Dr. Roger Ridgeway, PC ’01, president of the North Bay has joined Singing River Health Civitan Club of D’Iberville- System in the behavioral health St. Martin’s Club, received a services program. He was a star President’s Volunteer Service punter for the Bulldog football Gold Award from certifying team during the 1999 and 2000 agency United Way of South seasons and was named to the Mississippi. From left: Sue NJCAA Academic All-American Suter, United Way of South Team. His punting average is Mississippi CEO; Wilson; and John Hosey, United Way of South listed in the MGCCC Athletic Mississippi’s director of Volunteer Gulf Coast John Hosey. Guide as all-time No. 5. Hely Saul Gonzalez, JD ’95 Rachel Payne, JC ’12, (Associate of Science degree in has been named a McNair Construction Management), is Scholar at The University of currently working in Orlando as Southern Mississippi, where a civil engineer for the Navy. He she is majoring in biological recently completed the NAVAIR sciences with an emphasis in Journey Leadership Development microbiology and a minor in program, a command-wide chemistry. Payne, who received program for both civilian and a kidney transplant 13 years military personnel. ago, lives in Vancleave with her husband, J.J, and their son, Isaac. MGCCC.EDU Action Magazine l summer 2013 25 In Remembrance Julia Hanson Cerra, PJC ’38, of Pass Christian passed away on Charles Mitchell Kapp, JD ’80, passed away on February 18, 2013. November 29, 2012. George Alton Smith of Huntsville, Alabama, passed away on on Kyle Andrew McMellon of Hurley, JC ’12, passed away on December February 19, 2013. He was a retired mathematics instructor who 21, 2012. He was president of the Petroleum Club at the Jackson once taught at MGCCC. County Campus. John A. Spayde, PJC, of Ft. Walton Beach, Florida, passed away on Gerald Keith “Jerry” Marchioni, JD ’99, passed away on December February 19, 2013. 22 in Gulfport. Nicole Gallo Hagler, JC, passed away on February 21, 2013, in Connor Wiggins Lowery, PJC ’63, passed away on December 23, 2012. Nashville, Tennessee. Evelyn B. Dyar, Harrison-Stone-Jackson Agricultural High School William Earl “Billy” Barrett, PJC, of Gulfport passed away on and Junior College ’39, passed away in January 2012. Dyar was a February 23, 2013. member of the women’s basketball team and was active in other Rex Moak of Moss Point passed away on March 7, 2013. A science campus activities. Her daughter, Janne, says Dyar graduated from instructor at the Jackson County Campus, he was selected as the from HSJAHS first in her class. campus Instructor of the Year in 2003. A scholarship has been Estelle Hawkins Maxwell of Daphne, Alabama, passed away on established by his family through the MGCCC Foundation. January 4, 2013. At one point in her long career, she was director of Jane “Janie” Morris Estrada, Perkinston Junior College ’55, passed the Jefferson Davis Campus music department. away on March 9, 2013. She was the first to serve as the head Tina R. Thrash of Saucier passed away on January 7, 2013. She Perkette for two terms, was selected Miss PJC and Annual Ball was the mother of Bary Thrash, retired MGCCC instructor and Duchess, and was editor of the college newsletter Bulldog Barks. soccer coach. Memorial donations can be made to the Kai Thrash Estrada was a teacher and principal for more than 35 years. Memorial Scholarship through the MGCCC Foundation. Harry Weathersby Stamps passed away on March 9, 2013. At Herschel Breland, PJC ’48, of Perkinston passed away on January 9, MGCCC, he taught sociology, served as department chair for the Social 2013, in Wiggins. Studies Department and, upon he retirement, was academic dean. Wilbur Danny Johnson, PK ’81, passed away on January 11, 2013, in A scholarship in Stamps’ memory has been established through the Ocean Springs. MGCCC Foundation. Barbara Ann Clifton, PJC, passed away on January 19, 2013, in Biloxi. Terry Mac Loveless, PJC, of Wiggins passed away on March 10, 2013.
If you have a loved one who has passed away, and he or she was an alum of MGCCC, we will happily publish the information in In Remembrance. Be sure to include date of death, year of attendance or graduation from MGCCC, and the MGCCC location that the loved one attended. You can email information and photos to jenifer.freridge@ mgccc.edu, or drop them in the mail: Alumni Office, P.O. Box 99, Perkinston, MS 39573-0099. If you scan your photos, use a resolution of 300 dpi. Questions? Call 601-928-6288. Planned Giving. Consider It.
Contact the Development Office for details. [email protected] 601-928-6205
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HealthyLiving Employee willpower leads to success in Biggest Loser contests
Almost 150 employees at MGCCC campuses and centers participated in the spring 2013 Biggest Loser On Campus competition, which lasted for three months (February, March and April). Each month the competition started over, providing employees three opportunities to become the biggest loser on the campus for that month, either individually or in their department. Additionally, campuses competed against each other in the overall competition. Overall winners were announced in April. The February winner at the Jefferson Davis Campus was the Financial Aid Department. The March winner was Housekeeping. Individual winners for February were Kreshell Nicholson, Emily Skinner, Helen Peaks and Dr. Stephanie Messer-Roy. In March, individual winners were Katrina Smith, Rhonda Williams, Samantha Goff, Robin Otis and Ginger DuBose. At the Jackson County Campus, the February and March department winner was Business Office and Technology, and the individual winner was Sylvia Patteson. The idea of the contest was to help employees become healthier. The weight that is lost each month was calculated by percentage of an individual’s starting weight to compare against other participants. Nutrition and exercise advice, stress- management techniques, fellowship, and support were offered at each competing campus and center during the three months. Exercise activities were offered free of charge.
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Michelle Sekul to lead Institutional Advancement and Student Services Michelle Sekul, 1992 alumna of the Perkinston Campus, has been named vice president of Institutional Advancement and Student Services. She is the former dean of Student Services at the Perkinston Campus. Her new role at the college encompasses Alumni, Foundation, Institutional Relations and Student Services. Sekul, the daughter of former MGCCC football coach George Sekul and his wife, Diane, has worked at the college for 17 years. During that time, she has worked in various capacities, including college recruiter, Student Activities coordinator at the Jackson County Campus, and director of Admission and Records at the Perkinston Campus. She holds a bachelor’s degree in broadcast journalism from The University of Southern Mississippi. Her master’s degree, also earned at USM, is in higher education administration. She has also completed hours in Community College Leadership, a doctoral program at Mississippi State University. Sekul and her husband, Jesse Kanode, are expecting their first child, a son, this fall.
ALUMNI BOARD OF DIRECTORS DISTRICT JACKSON COUNTY CAPITAL AREA President: Jay Huffstatler President: Nebo Carter President: Forrest Stringfellow 1st Vice President: Sean Courtney 1st Vice President: Kim Bosarge 2nd Vice President: Gene Ingram Secretary: Marleen Moore 2nd Vice President: Wellington Hall MOBILE-BAY AREA Immediate Past President: Reed Allison Secretary: Janis Langston President: Kenneth DeAngelo GEORGE COUNTY Scholarship Chair: Mary Elsie Hubley Vice President: June Hale President: Paula Hinton Membership Chair: Amanda Magee Scholarship Chair: Josh Wells 2nd Vice President: Skip Holland Immediate Past President: Lance H. McCarty Secretary: Paul Morgan STONE COUNTY HARRISON COUNTY President: Lydia Berry President: Larry Strohm 1st Vice President: Rick Randall 2nd Vice President: Rory Rafferty 2nd Vice President: Mim Hatten Secretary: Tracie Bruni Secretary: Christie Ruff Scholarship Chair: Dona Richmond Scholarship Chair: Elaine Brockmeyer Membership Chair: Elizabeth Romoser Membership Chair: Charles Williams Communications Chair: Debbie Rogers
FOUNDATION BOARD OF DIRECTORS Dr. Jay Allen Sam LaRosa Jr. George Sekul Reed Allison, Honorary Connie Mackay Earline Sawyer Dr. Ottis Ball Dr. Presley Mallett Stephanie Barnes Taylor, Chair Dr. Mary S. Graham, Executive Secretaary Nell Murray Todd Trenchard Randy Haarala Bruce Nourse Dr. Frank Gruich, Emeritus Terry Lynn Hamm, Secretary/Treasurer Millie Page Hermes Hague, Emeritus Alfreda Horne Jim Patton Dolores Mauldin, Emeritus Clare S. Hornsby Dr. Susan Scaggs Louise Roberts, Emeritus Eula Switzer, Emeritus MGCCC BOARD OF TRUSTEES David Ford, Chair Jimmy Estes Harry Roberts Jr., Second Vice Chair Samuel Albritton Jr., Treasurer Jay Fletcher Bobby Spayde Michael Andrews Mary Ann Goff Delores P. Sumrall Geraldine Barnes Susan D. Hunt, First Vice Chair Dr. Michael Tatum Wilburn Bolen, Secretary Moreno Jones Wilbur G. Ward Lavell Bond Don Massengale Jr. Robert Watters Jr. Patricia Descher Jody Miles James Whittington Jim Epting Millie Page
MGCCC.EDU Alumni Office P.O. Box 99 • Perkinston, MS 39573-0099 Change service requested
Upcoming Events Fall 2013 FALL REGISTRATION • August 19 CLASSES BEGIN • August 21 MEET THE TEAM • August 22 • 6:30 p.m. Perkinston Campus BULLDOG TAILGATE • August 29 • 4 p.m. Perkinston Campus FOOTBALL SEASON OPENER • August 29 • 7 p.m. MGCCC vs. Coahoma, Perkinston Campus ALUMNI and ATHLETIC HALL OF FAME RECEPTION October 17 • Beau Rivage Resort & Casino BULLDOG CLUB GOLF TOURNAMENT • October 18
HOMECOMING • October 19