Celebrating 10 years and tremendous growth, the Piedmont Community College Alumni Partnership continues to be one of the most successful alumni groups in all of the North Carolina Community Colleges.
“Serve, Share, and Support” continues to be the Alumni Partnership motto. This philosophy has led to the creation of numerous activities over the years, including Exam Breaks for current students, assisting with the Veterans Day ceremony in Caswell County, congratulating graduates with a departing gift, offering opportunities for alumni to meet with, advise, and mentor current students, and providing a community benefits card to members.
But did you know that the PCC Alumni Partnership has awarded over $23,000 in scholarships since inception? It’s true! Scholarships were first awarded to new high school graduates from each of the College’s service areas. In fact, a graduate from each county receives a $1,000 scholarship to PCC yearly. These funding opportunities continue, and have been awarded to students from Person High School, Roxboro Community School, and Bartlett Yancey High School.
“I am very proud of the Alumni Partnership’s efforts,” comments Dr. Walter Bartlett, President, Piedmont Community College. “The work they do at the College and in our community is motivating. The Partnership is always looking for opportunities to facilitate and support new initiatives to benefit others. Their efforts also demonstrate the success of PCC Alum.”
During the 10th Anniversary celebration, Teresa Long and Pat Fogleman were recognized as recipients of the annual service award (2013 and 2014 respectively). Long earned this distinction by tutoring and mentoring current PCC students. Fogleman was recognized for the time she has dedicated to the success of various Alumni Partnership activities, including the anniversary celebration and “Pickin’ by the Lake” festival.
New Opportunities
In 2013 the PCC Alumni Partnership began a new venture with “Pickin’ by the Lake”, a bluegrass festival. In its first year, this event drew approximately 500 visitors to the Mayo Lake Amphitheater and raised close to $6,000. This success allowed the Alumni Partnership to create new scholarships for students returning to school after being away from education. These “New Beginnings” scholarships are awarded to students in curriculum and continuing education programs.
Under the leadership of Shirley Deal, Alumni Cabinet Chairperson, Patti Clayton, Coordinator, Alumni Partnership, and a dedicated committee, Pickin’ by the Lake saw continued success in 2014, raising close to $7,000. With this, the Alumni Partnership leadership team announced the creation of a scholarship endowment at PCC. The donation of $10,000, given to the PCC Foundation, ensured that the PCC Alumni Partnership legacy would live on. This endowment will provide scholarship funding in perpetuity, meaning that a scholarship will always be awarded in honor of the Alumni Partnership at PCC.
2015 “Pickin’ by the Lake”
This year’s bluegrass festival will be held on Saturday, September 12, 1 – 9 p.m. at the Mayo Lake Amphitheater. Entertainers include Junior Sisk and Ramblers Choice (nominated for 2015 International Bluegrass Music Awards Entertainer of the Year), Malpass Brothers (now produced by Bluegrass legend, Hall of Fame member Doyle Lawson), local artist Tyler Jackson & Drive Tyme, Lawson Creek, and Salt & Light.
Advance tickets are available for $15 at PCC, Ronnie’s Appliances, PCC’s Business Development and Entrepreneurship Center, and Mayo Park’s Environmental Education and Community Center. Gate tickets are $20 and children under 12 are free. For additional information and band playing times, visit www.piedmontcc.edu/pickin.
Photos: Pat Fogleman was award the 2014 Service Award by Alumni Chairperson Shirley Deal.
Alumni Cabinet members: Front Row: Patti Clayton, Shirley Deal, Mindy Scott, Mindy Moore-Satterfield, Lynn Bailey, Cheryl Fuquay, and Dr. H. James Owen
Back Row: Dr. Walter Bartlett, Pat Fogleman, Shelly Stone, Jimmy Clayton, Sharon Womack, and Charles Baker
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