Alumni Hall of Fame awardees with college representatives: From left, Dr. Ladd Taylor, vice president of the Perkinston Campus; Dr. Tammy Franks, vice president of the Jackson County Campus; Wade Howk, Jefferson Davis Campus honoree; Bill Wilkerson, Perkinston Campus honoree; Tommy Murphy, Jackson County Campus honoree; Dr. Mary S. Graham, MGCCC president; Dr. Jonathan Woodward, Jefferson Davis Campus.

Mississippi Gulf Coast Community College honored the 2017 Alumni and Athletic Hall of Fame inductees at a dinner and ceremony held at the IP Casino Resort Spa in Biloxi on Thursday, October 26.  Twelve honorees were selected for the Alumni Hall of Fame, Sam Owen Award, Athletic Hall of Fame, Spirit of Gulf Coast and Bulldog Hall of Honor.  Honorees were also recognized during a cookout and pep rally on Homecoming Day, October 28, and during pregame activities that afternoon.

Alumni Hall of Fame

Tommy Murphy
1982-1984
Jackson County Campus

Tommy Murphy is the Coast division manager for Mississippi Power Company. He manages all customer service functions and represents Mississippi Power as a leader in the community. He is responsible for all external activities in the Coast Division. He joined Mississippi Power in 1985 and has served as Community Development director, chief information officer, Employee Relations manager, Bay St. Louis Area manager and Economic Development national recruiter.  A Pascagoula native, Murphy attended Gulf Coast’s Jackson County Campus from 1982-1984. After graduating from Gulf Coast, he received a bachelor’s degree in computer science from The University of Southern Mississippi. He is also a graduate of the Georgia Institute of Technology management program.

Wade Howk
1995-2000
Jefferson Davis Campus 

Wade Howk received both an associate degree and an Associate of Applied Science degree from the Jefferson Davis Campus. He also worked at the college as an adjunct instructor for several years, teaching accounting in the gaming program. Howk is vice president of Operations at Boomtown Casino Biloxi. A certified public accountant, he received a bachelor’s degree in business administration and management and accounting from The University of Southern Mississippi. He has a master’s degree in business administration from William Carey University. He is a graduate of Leadership Gulf Coast, Leadership Mississippi and Gulf Coast Business Council Masters Class. He has been recognized as one of the Top 10 Business Leaders Under 40 Gulf Coast (2011), Top 40 Business Leaders Under 40 Mississippi (2011) and Top 10 Community Leaders Gulf Coast (2013).

Bill Wilkerson
1957-1958
Jackson County Campus

Bill Wilkerson of Lucedale attended Perkinston Junior College from 1957-1958 on a basketball scholarship. After leaving PJC, he attended The University of Southern Mississippi and then Mississippi College, where he earned a law degree. After teaching biology and education for seven years, he was elected to the State Legislature. He served five terms in the Mississippi House of Representatives and also served on the State Tax Commission, the Mississippi Workers Compensation Commission and the Mississippi Public Utilities Board, and as legal counsel for the Mississippi Electric Power Association. He also practiced law in George County. Wilkerson, a strong advocate for his alma mater, now serves on the MGCCC Board of Trustees.

Sam Owen Trophy

John Fayard Jr.
Jefferson Davis Campus
1972

The Sam Owen Trophy is an honor bestowed since 1956 to a community member who has actively supported the college and its ongoing mission to make a positive difference.

At the age of 6, John “Johnny” Fayard Jr. knew that he wanted to be a truck driver. The fact that his grandfather and his father owned a transportation company influenced his decision, and his desire to drive big trucks has never waned. Today, he owns John Fayard Moving & Warehousing in Gulfport, with operations in Alabama, Florida and Texas. His business, like his father’s and grandfather’s, is a family operation. His son, Tripp, works in marketing at the company, and his daughter, Tory, who is a nurse, works part time there. His three sisters -Janet, Sandra and Alicia- all work at the business as well. His wife, Tanya, works in accounting, and he also has a nephew working at the company. Fayard, an MGCCC alumnus, is a supporter of the community college system and the variety of training it offers. He recently donated two trucks to MGCCC’s Commercial Truck Driving program.

Spirit of Gulf Coast

Jamie M. Miller
Perkinston Campus
1991-1993

The Spirit of Gulf Coast Award is bestowed on those individuals who have made significant personal and/or financial contributions in support of Bulldog athletics.

Jamie M. Miller has served as executive director of the Mississippi Department of Marine Resources since April 2013. Prior to his appointment by Governor Phil Bryant to head the MDMR, he served as chief of staff for Congressman Steven Palazzo in Washington, D.C., and as policy adviser to Governor Haley Barbour following Hurricane Katrina.

Miller has 18 years of public and private-sector experience working in South Mississippi and Washington, D.C. His professional career has focused on coastal resource management, disaster recovery and community development. He attended the Perkinston Campus on a baseball scholarship. He graduated in 1993. He received his bachelor’s degree in environmental biology with a minor in chemistry from The University of Southern Mississippi.

Athletic Hall of Fame

Fred Gill
Football
1952-1958

While at Perkinston Agricultural High School in 1952-1956, Fred Gill was a letterman in football, basketball and baseball. The basketball team played in the South State Tournament during his senior year. The football team had a 9-1 record that same year, winning the Dairy Bowl against Notre Dame of Biloxi. Gill was named team captain and was starting quarterback all four years. During this time, he was invited by the Pittsburgh Pirates to play on their minor league team. He chose to continue his education instead.  At Perkinston Junior College in 1956-1958, Gill was a quarterback on the football team and lettered both years. He was the starting quarterback during his sophomore year.

Doug Thompson
Baseball
1995-1997

In Doug Thompson’s first baseball game for MGCCC on Monday, February 20, 1995, he struck out 10 East Mississippi players and walked only three in a 22-1 wipeout. He pitched a perfect game on March 1 against Bishop State (Alabama), and on March 25, he pitched a no-hitter against Co-Lin. He led the nation in strikeouts per inning and was second in overall strikeouts and ERA for the season. He made MACJC First Team and earned All-South- State and All-State, and was named South Division Player of the Year. He also made the National Junior College Athletic Association (NJCAA) All-American list, a rare honor for a freshman. Drafted by the Baltimore Orioles, he refused the offer to continue his education. In summer 1995, he was starting pitcher in play for the All-American Amateur Baseball League (AAABL) team that won the national Championship in Johnstown, Pennsylvania. His sophomore year at Perk was much like his freshman year in that the Bulldog team again won South Division and then lost State and Region 23. But Thompson again racked up All-South-State and All-State honors and was also named to the NJCAA All-Region 23 team. Again, he was selected NJCAA All-American, and the NJCAA also named him David Roland Male Student Athlete of the Year. He posted a 12-3 game record and an ERA of 1.16. He struck out 129 batters in 109 innings to lead the nation in that category. In addition to his physical prowess, he earned at 3.33 grade point average and graduated from MGCCC with honors on May 13, 1996.

Ashton Nelson Shidler
Softball
2006-2008

After graduating with honors from Ocean Springs High School, Ashton Nelson attended MGCCC on a softball scholarship. During her freshman year, she had the highest batting average on the team and was named to the NJCAA All-State Team. Nelson was named to the NJCAA All-Region Team and to Who’s Who Among American Junior College Athletes during her sophomore year at the college. She graduated from MGCCC in May 2008. Nelson attended Auburn University of Montgomery, graduating in 2011. While there, she was named to the National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics All-Academic Team and was inducted into the AUM Hall of Fame for first homerun, first RBI, first run scored and first base hit. During her last semester at AUM, Nelson accepted the assistant softball coach position at MGCCC. She worked with head softball coach Kenneth Long until 2014.

Billy Zane Gordon
Basketball
1969-1981

Coach Robert Weathers signed Billy Gordon in March 1969 as his first recruit for the 1970 season. Gordon was the points leader for the team’s 1970 season (along with Houston Cunningham), scoring in the double digits in every game. He led the team to the South Division trophy that year, scoring 21 points in the game against the Copiah-Lincoln Wolves. During his sophomore year, Gordon was named All-State Honorable Mention. He was also named the National Phi Theta Kappa president and was chosen for Who’s Who in American Junior Colleges. He was named to the Perkinston Campus Hall of Fame and voted Sophomore Class Favorite. He graduated in May 1971 with a 4.0 average.

Jared Smith
Golf
2010-2012

Coach Tommy Snell says Jared Smith was the most improved player he ever coached. Smith had a slow start to his golf career at MGCCC in his first semester, but he went on to be the top golfer his next three semesters. During his freshman year, he was ranked 37th nationally, and he was named to the Golf Coaches Association of America (GCAA) Ping All- Freshman National Team. Smith was the MACJC Individual Champion, NJCAA Region XXIII Individual Champion and was ranked seventh nationally his sophomore year. He had a fourth-place finish at the NJCAA National Tournament, was named an NJCAA All-American and a GCAA Ping All-American. For MGCCC Golf, Smith achieved top-five records in wins, rounds played and winning percentage at 88.9 percent. He was Snell’s 6th ranked player of all time.

Steve Campbell
Football
2004-2013 

Steve Campbell became head football coach at MGCCC in 2004 and remained until December 2013, when he took a job as head football coach at the University of Central Arkansas. During his time at MGCCC, he racked up an 87-22 record and added 10 trophies to the college trophy cases for six MACJC South Division Championships, three MACJC State Championships and one NJCAA Co-National Championship. Campbell’s teams also earned trophies in six bowl games, four of which were victories. He was named Coach of the Year 10 times and was inducted in the NJCAA Football Hall of Fame in 2014.  Campbell is a rare individual in having been involved in three national championships – as a player at Troy State, a Division II head coach at Delta State and as a community college head coach at MGCCC.

Bulldog Hall of Honor

Dr. Charles Elliott
Band
1959-1961 

The Bulldog Hall of Honor Award is bestowed on an alumnus who actively supported college athletics in an auxiliary role while in college and who continues to make a positive difference to Bulldog athletics.

Charles Elliott was a member of the Perkinston Junior College band from 1958-1961. He decided to major in music thanks to his mentor, Prof. Sam Jones, director of bands. During his sophomore year at PJC, Elliott was president of the Newman Club and Classical Music Club and vice president of the sophomore class.  After completing his bachelor’s and master’s degrees in music education at Mississippi Southern College, now called The University of Southern Mississippi (USM), Elliott enrolled at The University of Texas as a doctoral student in music. After completion of his studies at UT, Elliott taught at the Performing Arts High School in Dallas, the University of Kansas, the University of South Carolina and USM. In his last decade at USM, he served as the director of the School of Music. He retired in 2008. Throughout his career, Elliott remained active in professional music, playing with Wayne Newton, Bernadette Peters, Joan Rivers, Johnny Mathis, Don Rickles and Bobby Rydell. He also appeared with The Temptations, The Four Tops and The Spinners, and traveled with both the Jimmy Dorsey and Guy Lombardo bands.

Sam Owen Award honoree John R. “Johnny” Fayard Jr., owner of John Fayard Moving and Warehousing

Spirit of Gulf Coast honoree Jamie Miller, executive director of the Mississippi Department of Marine Resources

Athletic Hall of Fame honorees: Doug Thompson, baseball; Ashton Nelson Shidler, softball; Gayle Gill (representing her husband, Fred Gill), football; Billy Zane Gordon, basketball; and Jared Smith, golf.

Homecoming Queens and their campus representatives: (back, from left) Dr. Mary S. Graham, MGCCC president; Dr. Jonathan Woodward, vice president of the Jefferson Davis Campus; Dr. Tammy Franks, vice president of the Jackson County Campus; and Dr. Ladd Taylor, vice president of the Perkinston Campus. (bottom, from left) Savanna Jones, Jefferson Davis Campus Queen; Madison Lock, Jackson County Campus Queen; and Jasmine Clemons, Perkinston Campus Queen.

Mississippi Gulf Coast Community College celebrated its 2017 Homecoming October 26-28.

The three-day celebration included a dinner and awards ceremony for the Athletic and Alumni Hall of Fame, Sam Owen, Spirit of Gulf Coast and Bulldog Hall of Honor honorees on Thursday night at the IP Casino Resort Spa in Biloxi.  The annual Clem Dellenger Golf Tournament was held at Hickory Hills Country Club in Gautier on Friday, followed by reunion celebrations for the 1967 and 2007 football teams and cheerleaders at the Golden Nugget Casino in Biloxi. On Saturday, the celebration was at its peak with a full day of activities on the college’s Perkinston Campus.  The day included a pep rally, alumni art show and children’s art activities; a commemorative service at Gregory War Memorial Chapel; a cookout; a special archives exhibit; and pre-game and halftime activities at A.L. May Memorial Stadium. Three special dedications took place during the day – the Military Perk Historical Marker placed near the chapel, honoring the military buildings that were moved to the Perkinston Campus; the Canizaro Hall Dedication Ceremony, naming a residence hall in honor of alumna Sue Ellen Canizaro; and the George Sekul Field Dedication Ceremony, naming the football field after former football coach and alumnus George Sekul.

“Homecoming places a spotlight on our alumni – from those being honored in the Athletic and Alumni Hall of Fame to those who visit and enjoy our annual reunions,” said Dr. Mary S. Graham, MGCCC president. “It is also an opportunity to see our current students in action as the Bulldog football team, cheerleaders, Band of Gold, Perkettes and Homecoming courts from each campus participate in the day’s events.  Most importantly, it is a time when our MGCCC family –alumni, students and employees– can visit with each other and be reminded what an incredible institution we have and what a positive impact it makes in our communities.”

During the halftime show, the maids and queens for each of the three main campuses were announced.

JACKSON COUNTY CAMPUS

Madison Anne Lock of Vancleave is a sophomore and the 2017 Jackson County Campus Homecoming Queen.  She is the daughter of Jeffrey and Melissa Lock of Vancleave.  After graduating from MGCCC, Lock plans to attend The University of Southern Mississippi to pursue a bachelor’s degree in secondary education.  She is a member of the Campus Activities Board and Baptist Student Union.  She was freshman class president and is currently sophomore class president, Student Government Association vice president and social planner for the Reflections Team.

Rebecca Leanne Brown of Bayou La Batre, Alabama, is a sophomore maid.  She is the daughter of Angela Brown of Loden, Alabama.  After completing her degree at MGCCC, she plans to major in civil engineering at the University of South Alabama.  She is a member of Phi Theta Kappa Honor Society and the Robotics Team.  She is president of the campus Reflections Team.  She has a 4.0 grade point average and is a member of the Honors College.

Selena-Madison Elizabeth Kuhn of Hurley is a sophomore maid. She is the daughter of Mike Canfield and Selena Kuhn.  She attended East Central High School, and upon graduation from MGCCC, she plans to major in nursing at The University of Southern Mississippi.  She is the Reflections Team president and is a member of Phi Theta Kappa Honor Society.  She was also a freshman homecoming maid.

Katlyn Renee Scott of Hurley is a freshman maid.  She is the daughter of Jeremy and Christy Grimme of Hurley.  She attended East Central High School.  After graduating from MGCCC, she plans to transfer to the University of South Alabama to complete a bachelor’s degree in nursing and eventually become a nurse practitioner. She is a member of the Honors College and Student Government Association and is treasurer of the Reflections Team.  She won first alternate and the Scholastic Award in the Distinguished Young Woman Program and in 2016 was the recipient of the Daughters of the American Revolution Good Citizen Award.

Jessica Nicole Hutchinson of Ocean Springs is a freshman maid.  She is the daughter of David and Bonnie Hutchinson.  An elementary education major, she plans to attend The University of Southern Mississippi after graduating from MGCCC.  She is a member of the Reflections Team, Student Government Association and Baptist Student Union.  She was the recipient of the Mississippi Scholars Award.

Briana Joyce Kilgore of Hurley is a sophomore maid.  She is the daughter of Gene and Dixie Brewer.  An elementary education major, she plans to continue her education at The University of Southern Mississippi after graduating from MGCCC.  She is a member of Phi Theta Kappa and works as a preschool teacher at Temple Baptist Child Care, where she was employee of the year.  She received the East Central Civic Association Scholarship and the Academic Excellence Scholarship and is on the honor roll.

JEFFERSON DAVIS CAMPUS

Savanna Brooke Jones of Biloxi is the 2017 Jefferson Davis Campus Homecoming Queen. She is the daughter of Larry and Sherrell Jones. She attended D’Iberville High School and graduated in 2016. She is an English (secondary education) major and plans to attend The University of Mississippi in January. She plans to obtain a Bachelor of Arts in liberal studies with minors in English, Japanese and American Sign Language and be an English teacher in Japan. She is a member of Phi Theta Kappa, Campus Activities Board and Jefferson Davis Players. She has maintained a 4.0 GPA and has remained on the President’s List. She received the Jackson County Japanese Award, placed in the 2017 JD’s Got Talent show and had her original song featured in a local film.

Kristiana Lauren Payton of Gulfport is the daughter of Kevin and Cassandra Payton. A sophomore maid, she currently attends both Gulfport High School and MGCCC as one of the college’s Collegiate Academy students. She will graduate from Gulfport High School in May 2018. She is a political science major and plans to attend Howard University and attend law school to become a criminal defense lawyer. She is currently interning with Sharp, Dummer and Briggs PLLC. She is a member of the Campus Activities Board.

Carissa Jewel Virgilio of Gulfport is the daughter of Damian and Susan Virgilio. A sophomore maid, she currently attends both Gulfport High School and MGCCC as one of the college’s Collegiate Academy students. She will graduate from Gulfport High School in May 2018. She is a nursing major and plans to attend the University of South Alabama and pursue a degree as a nurse practitioner. She is a member of the Campus Activities Board and Phi Theta Kappa. She also made the President’s List her freshman year.

Emily Daniele Edwards of Gulfport is the daughter of Chad and Danielle Edwards. A freshman maid, she attended Gulfport High School and graduated in 2017. She is an aerospace engineering major with a concentration in astronautics at MGCCC and plans to continue her education at Mississippi State University. She is a member of the Student Government Association and Campus Activities Board. She is also a member of the Honors College and participates in the Collegiate Academy mentorship program.

Taylor Lynn Wilkerson of Lucedale is the daughter of Darrell Wilkerson. A freshman maid, she attended George County High School and graduated in 2017. She is a Baking and Pastry Arts major and plans to attend The Mississippi University for Women after she receives her Associate of Applied Science degree at MGCCC. She is a member of the Reflections Team.

PERKINSTON CAMPUS

Jasmine Clemons of Moss Point is the 017 Perkinston Campus Homecoming Queen. She graduated from Biloxi High in 2016. She is double majoring in financial planning and Spanish. She is the daughter of Bryant and Catreal Perkins. She is a member or the MGCCC cheer team. She has been in the theater program since the seventh grade and is currently enrolled in the Thespians Society. She has coached little league cheer and helped coach Moss Point High School cheer team. She graduated with honors in high school and plans to enroll at Louisiana State University to pursue a career in finance and become a bilingual realtor.

Aren Kendall Watts of Gautier is a sophomore maid. She is a 2016 graduate of Gautier High School and is a nursing major. She is the daughter of Danny Watts and Sasha Watts. She is president of both the MGCCC Reflections Team and Phi Theta Kappa; is a member of the Student Government Association, Campus Activities Board, The Barn, Baptist Student Union and Dog Pound; and is a leader for the MGCCC Venture Growth Group at her church in Hattiesburg. She has served as a Student Ministry leader and Vacation Bible School leader for First Baptist Church of Gautier; missioned in West Virginia and Pass Christian; and volunteered at the 2016 BBQ and Blues Festival, Wiggins Christmas Parade, Our Daily bread, End Hunger Now Society, L.O.V.E.S Kitchen in Meridian, the 2016 Buddy Walk and the 2017 Wiggins Triathlon. While at MGCCC, she has achieved both the President’s List and Vice President’s List and was named a 2016 freshman homecoming maid and the 2016 freshman class president. Upon graduation, she plans to continue her education at The University of Southern Mississippi.

Raquel Margarita Dement of Leakesville is a sophomore maid. She is a 2016 graduate of Greene County High School and is a marketing major. She is the daughter of Joseph and Aracelis Dement. She is a member of the Delta Omega Gamma chapter of the National Residence Hall Honorary; Student Government Association, which she serves as marketing director; Phi Theta Kappa, which she serves as historian; and Perkette Dance Team, which she serves as captain. She has served as a Bible study leader, student missionary, worship leader, Relay for Life volunteer, Humane Society volunteer and bell ringer for the Salvation Army. While at MGCCC, she has made the Vice President’s List and has been crowned as Mississippi Gulf Coast’s Miss RHA Spirit Beauty Queen. Upon graduation, she plans to continue her education at Mississippi State University.

Tavia Juwan Moore of Wiggins is a freshman maid. The daughter of Stevon and Jondena Moore, she is a 2017 graduate of Stone High School. She is a member of the MGCCC Reflections team, Campus Activities Board and Dog Pound, and is an active member at New Morning Star Baptist Church of Wiggins. She has maintained a 4.0 grade point average, and upon graduation, she plans to attend The University of Southern Mississippi as a student in its Mass Communication program.  She plans to pursue a career in sports/broadcast journalism.

Haleigh Kristine Powe of Ocean Springs is a freshman maid. She is a 2017 graduate of Ocean Springs High School and is a nursing major. She is the daughter of Horatio Powe and Nicole Jackson.  She is an active member of Our Mother of Sorrows Catholic Church and serves as the president and financial secretary of The Knights of Peter Claver Junior Daughters. She also participates in the Youth Summer Work Program. She attended and volunteered for her church’s Vacation Bible School and was a member of the Pink Pearls Youth Service group for four years. After graduation, she plans on continuing her education and eventually obtain a master’s degree in nursing.

Natalie Alyssa Breland of Wiggins is the 2017 freshman football maid.  She is the daughter of Doug and Tina Breland.  She attended Stone High School, where she was crowned the 2016 Homecoming Queen and Miss Stone High.  At MGCCC, she is a member of the Perkette Dance Team and the Baptist Student Union.  She has an ACT scholarship and is majoring in journalism and broadcasting.  She plans to complete her degree at a university and intern as and pursue a career as a media or editorial journalist.

Jackson County Campus Homecoming Court: (top, from left) Jessica Hutchinson, Madison Kuhn, Katlyn Renee Scott (bottom from left) Briana Kilgore, Madison Lock (queen), Rebecca Brown

Jefferson Davis Campus Homecoming Court: (top, from left) Emily Edwards, Taylor Wilkerson (Bottom, from left) Kristiana Payton, Savanna Jones (queen), Carissa Virgilio

Perkinston Campus Homecoming Court: (top, from left) Tavia Moore, Natalie Breland, Haleigh Powe (bottom, from left) Aren Watts, Jasmine Clemons (queen), Raquel Dement

Auditions will be held for the spring musical “A Little Princess” at Mississippi Gulf Community College’s Perkinston Campus on Tuesday, November 28, at 6 p.m. in Malone Hall Auditorium.  Auditions are open to MGCCC students, employees and members of the community.

The play, by Marc Folan, is a new adaptation of the novel by Frances Hodgson Burnett. The story is about Sara Crewe, daughter of a wealthy British soldier, who is born in India during the Victorian era.  While in England for her education at Miss Minchin’s Select Seminary for Young Ladies, Sara gets word that her father has died of Jungle Fever in India.  Impoverished and at the mercy of the headmistress, the girl learns to persevere with grace.

Roles are available for men, women, boys and girls of all ages.

Those auditioning should have a song and a monologue prepared. There are many roles available, and this can be a family affair with people of all ages.

For more information, please contact Daisha Walker 601-928-6289 or 228-669-9747, or daisha.walker@mgccc.edu.

“Daydreamer” by GCAA artist Mary Beth Barnett

The Fine Art Gallery at Mississippi Gulf Coast Community College’s Jefferson Davis is hosting the works of Gulf Coast Art Association (GCAA) members throughout the month of November.

Founded in 1926, the GCAA is one of the oldest art organizations along the Gulf Coast. The GCAA has nearly 50 members, from Bay St. Louis to Gautier and north as far as Perkinston. Members range from professional artists and gallery owners to art devotees and weekend painters.

The object of the GCAA is to encourage the appreciation of visual arts in the communities of South Mississippi, to hold exhibitions of art works, and to form a sharing art experience between artists of various media, as well as artists and the public.

The current exhibit features more than 45 works in a variety of media and subject matter from new and longtime members Al Kellogg, Happy McDonald, Joyce Leonard, Fred Hutchings, Odie Spence, Mary Beth Barnett and Sherry Carlson.

The exhibit runs through November 30, with a closing reception on November 30 at noon. The exhibit is free and open to the public.

The Jefferson Davis Campus is located at 2226 Switzer Road in Gulfport.  The Art Gallery is located in the Fine Arts Building, Building D.  Gallery hours are Monday–Thursday, 9 a.m.–3 p.m., and Friday, 9 a.m.–1 p.m.

For more information, contact gallery director Cecily Cummings at cecily.cummings@mgccc.edu or 228.897.3909.  Facebook: MGCCC Jefferson Davis Campus Fine Arts Department and Instagram: MGCCC_JeffersonDavisFineArts

From left are Dot Dement, Clayton Howell and Estelle Stewart, siblings of Alton Howell who was killed during World War Two when the troopship SS Leopoldville was torpedoed by a German submarine. The Howell Family, of Lucedale, attended the Veterans Day Celebration held at the Gregory War Memorial Chapel at Mississippi Gulf Coast Community College’s Perkinston Campus on Thursday, Nov. 9. During the ceremony, their brother, Alton Howell, was honored as an MGCCC alumnus who was killed in action during World War Two. A brick, purchased in honor of Alton Howell, will be placed in the Walk of Honor in front of the chapel. Howell attended Perkinston Agricultural High School and Junior College (now MGCCC) during the summer of 1943 (June 3-August 11) before he was drafted into the U.S. Army.

Lucedale native and WWII casualty Alton Howell remembered this Veterans Day

Like so many other Mississippians’ wartime stories, Alton Howell’s story began when he was drafted into service.

A farmboy from Lucedale, Howell was attending Perkinston Agricultural High School and Junior College (now MGCCC) in Perkinston, when he was drafted into the U.S. Army.  He was 19 years old, and it was the height of World War II.  He went through basic training in the spring of 1944 and shipped to England to help finish the war in Europe.  D-Day would happen in June of that year, the Battle of the Bulge in December.

On Christmas Eve 1944, Howell and 2,234 other troops boarded the Belgian troopship SS Leopoldville to cross the English Channel to Cherbourg, France, to serve as reinforcements for what would later be named the Battle of the Bulge.  The battle had begun with a German offensive that had taken the Allies by surprise.  Casualties were high, and the Americans sorely needed the reinforcements in parts of Belgium, France and Luxembourg.  The trip across the channel was to only take nine hours, but just five and a half miles off the coast of France, a German submarine torpedoed the Leopoldville.

It was just before dark, a few minutes before 6 p.m. on that cold night, and by the time it had become pitch black on the rough waters of the channel, the ship had sunk.  By the end of the night, 763 young American soldiers were dead in what was to later be known as one of the worst tragedies in American history.  Many died when the torpedo hit the ship.  Others (the more unfortunate ones) were trapped inside the ship for hours amidst bodies and debris, unable to find their way out.  Some were crushed between ships as they tried to jump across to safety onto one of the escort ships, the HMS Brilliant.  The rough waters pushed the ships back and forth, causing the jump to be perilous.

While they were on that ship crossing the English Channel on that chilly Christmas Eve, the American soldiers were singing Christmas carols.  They were probably thinking nervously of the battle ahead.  Most were probably also thinking of home.  It was Christmas Eve, after all. What was their reaction when the loud explosion occurred when the torpedo hit the ship?  How scary it must have been in the hold of the ship when the lights went out, and everything was thrown into chaos.  The instructions given to them for getting to lifeboats and abandoning ship were given in Flemish, so most did not understand that the ship was sinking. What thoughts were racing through their minds at that time?  What was Alton Howell, the young farmboy from Mississippi, thinking?

“I like to think that my brother was thinking of home,” said Dot Dement. “Alton was very family-oriented, so I’m sure our parents and my older siblings were on his mind.  He was always in the woods or in the fields at home, an outdoors person, so maybe he was thinking about hunting or fishing, too.”

Dement, next to the youngest of 15 kids in their family, said she never knew her brother, who was second oldest.  He died shortly before she was born.  “I knew a lot about Alton from what my parents have told us and what my older brothers and sisters have said.  He worked hard, helping Mama and Daddy as much as possible.  There wasn’t a lot of money in those days, so he did what he could to bring money home. When he went to Perk, he stayed at the campus during the week and milked cows at their dairy to pay for his education.”

On Thursday, November 9, 2017, Dement her her brother and sister, Clayton Howell and Estelle Stewart, attended a special ceremony at Gregory War Memorial Chapel on the Perkinston Campus. The chapel, a WWII-era building brought to the campus in 1947 from the U.S. Naval (Seabee) Base in Gulfport, serves as a memorial to the college’s dead from the Second World War.

“I was excited about participating in the ceremony.  Six of my brothers fought in wars – the two oldest in WWII.  This is a wonderful way to acknowledge what they sacrificed, and so many others, to protect our country.”

For the Howell family, news that their loved one had died protecting his country did not come until March 3, 1945, when the family received word, via telegram, of the Leopoldville tragedy. The telegram said he was missing in action, and it would be many years later before the family found out he had died that fateful Christmas Eve.  “Mama spent many years looking for a vehicle to turn down the driveway bringing Alton home,” Dement said.

In fact, it was more than 50 years after the incident before the details of the tragedy were revealed.  The loved ones of almost 800 soldiers were left bereft – no answers, and for many, no bodies to bury. Wartime secrecy kept information about the event quiet for many years.  The government’s embarrassment over the events of that night kept it under wraps for many more.  There had been no spotter plane with the troop transport ships, so there was no way to know there was a German submarine coming up to periscope-depth nearby. Being Christmas Eve, the military had given personnel in Cherbourg leave.  No one heard the call for help.

“We can only imagine what my parents were feeling when they received the telegram saying my brother was missing. We can only imagine the terror our brother suffered during his last hours aboard that ship.  It is a sad reality that my family has lived with for many years,” Dement said.

Twenty-one other young men from Mississippi died aboard the Leopoldville that night, two of them from the Coast.  Robert S. Byrd of Ocean Springs and Rufus B. Winstead of Pass Christian were in the same infantry regiment, the 262^nd, with Howell.  They, along with others from the 262^nd and the 264^th were part of the 66^th “Black Panthers” Infantry Division aboard the Belgian troopship.  Information about the event came out slowly and was finally released in more detail a few years ago.

Finally understanding what happened to Howell and so many other young men, the Howell family held a memorial service in November 2015.  The George County Times published an article about Howell and his service, and ultimately, he was included among the ranks of MGCCC alumni killed in action.

In writing “Mississippi Gulf Coast Community College: A History 1911-2000,” Charles Sullivan, professor emeritus and college archivist, profiled 31 students and one teacher who died in WWII.  He believed others would be found later…and he was right. In 2005, Sullivan found out about Milton Zelmanowitz of New York, who died aboard the SS Dorchester in 1943 when it, like the Leopoldville, was torpedoed by a German submarine.  He came upon Howell’s story in 2016, upping the number of MGCCC alumni killed in action to 33 students and one teacher.

Sullivan found out about Zelmanowitz because of a photo.  “When the MGCCC Bulldog Club chose New Yorker Pat D’Auria for induction into the 2005 MGCCC Athletic Hall of Fame, his son brought a number of photographs from his father to place in the MGCCC Archives,” he recalled. “One of the photos was of Milton Zelmanowitz.  On the back of the photo, D’Auria had written that Zelmanowitz had died in the sinking of a ship.  Research revealed that the ship was the Dorchester, which was torpedoed by a U-boat in the North Atlantic on February 3, 1943, with the loss of 671 lives.”

Sullivan said he found out about Howell when filing old newspaper articles. “We receive newspaper clippings from newspapers all over the state, and this story in the George County Times was among them.  It mentioned that Howell had attended Perk.  He actually attended during the summer of 1943 (June 3-August 11) to finish high school, which he began three years earlier at George County Central. Howell entered the service as an infantryman before he graduated.”

Although Howell’s story began when he was drafted into service, his story will never end.  His legacy, like all veterans, is preserved in stories, photographs, family memories and ceremonies, such as those held at MGCCC.

In Memoriam

Mississippi dead from 66^th Infantry Division aboard the S.S. Leopoldville

Ainsworth, Harise E. Pfc.                   Co. K 262nd Regiment                       ?

Alexander, J. D. Pfc.                           Co. K 262nd Regiment                       Philadelphia

Biggart, Will O. Pfc.                           Co. I 262nd Regiment                         Isola

Byrd, Robert S. Pfc.                            Co. F 262nd Regiment                        Ocean Springs

Carter, Audie L. Pvt.                           Co. I 262nd Regiment                         Houston

Creed, Robert W. S. Sgt.                     Co. I 262nd Regiment                        Lauderdale

Crenshaw, Thomas L. Pvt.                  Co. H 262nd Regiment                      Louisville

Dancy, John B. Pvt.                            Co. D 264th Regiment                         Coldwater

Dillinger, Garvis Pfc.                          Co. I 262nd Regiment                         Dumas

Dover, James W. Pfc.                         Co. I 262nd Regiment                         Sarepta

Fried, Simon Pvt.                                Co. L 262nd Regiment                        Sidon

Graham, Melton E. Pvt. Hdq.             Co. 3rd Battalion 262nd Regiment     Tiplersville

Gurley, Ben D. T/4.                            Co. K 264th Regiment                        Tishomingo

Howell, Alton Pfc.                             Co. H 262nd Regiment                       Lucedale

Jenkins, Robert E. Pfc.                        Co. L 262nd Regiment                        Meridian

Martin, Ray E. Pfc.                             Co. F 262nd Regiment                        Wesson

McBay, James D. Pfc.                        Co. F 262nd Regiment                        Bay Springs

Moncrief, Clifton Pfc.                         Co. H 262nd Regiment                       Coldwater

Morgan, James L. Pfc.                        Co. E 262nd Regiment                        Heidelberg

Mortimer, James E. Sgt.                      Co. E 262nd Regiment                        Winona

Winstead, Rufus B. Pvt.                      Co. F 262nd Regiment                        Pass Christian

Alton Howell

Dot Dement by her brother’s marker at Shady Grove Baptist Church Cemetery in Lucedale. The family erected the marker for Alton Howell, who was never found, in November 2015.

Brianna Purnell

Mississippi Gulf Coast Community College Foundation will hold its annual Day of Giving on Wednesday, November 15.  Last year was the first year the college held the event.

The MGCCC Foundation is a nonprofit corporation founded to establish and administer endowment funds for educational services within the college’s district. The organization oversees a variety of scholarships for students, awarding $515,276.24 to more than 700 students during 2016.

MGCCC, 106-year-old institution, serves students in the four counties of George, Harrison, Jackson and Stone with 10 campuses and centers. Whether it is in traditional college classes or a career, technical, workforce or adult education program, Gulf Coast’s goal is to provide the very best learning opportunities for South Mississippi residents.

A vital piece of meeting that goal is providing scholarships through the MGCCC Foundation. “Sometimes we have to offer financial assistance to students, who for one reason or another, cannot afford the cost of tuition or book rental fees or other program costs,” said Tenesha Batiste, associate vice president of Institution Advancement.  “That’s where the MGCCC Foundation steps in. That’s where we do the most good. We help students when other financial aid cannot. We fill in those gaps and make reaching students’ educational goals possible.”

These scholarships are awarded to students like Brianna Purnell, 18, of Gautier, who is in the college’s 3D Modeling and Design program. Purnell received an ACT scholarship and a Reflections scholarship. “I’ve always been involved in clubs at school, so when I started college, I knew that the Reflections team was something I wanted to be a part of.” Her commitments to the team include helping at events like Bulldog Day, campus orientations and Junior Preview Day. “I enjoy participating in recruitment activities and showing prospective students all MGCCC has to offer. I love it here, and I want to share that with them.” She said her scholarship funds help her cover the extras — books, class supplies and gas.

A’Niya Steele

A’Niya Steele, of Gulfport, is a freshman in the Nursing program.  With both Reflections and Academic Excellence scholarships, she said her college costs at MGCCC are fully covered.  “These scholarships make a huge difference for me, allowing me to complete my nursing training without going into debt.”  Steele said she hopes to become a traveling nurse.  “I love to travel, see new things and meet new people.  I’m also excited about getting to take some of my classes at the new Nursing & Simulation Center at Tradition next year.”

Nader Pahlevan is a freshman from Biloxi. A computer science and medicine major, Pahlevan said his scholarships make a huge difference.  “As a pre-med student, I recognize that I have a long way to go and will have a lot of expense for college.  That I am able to attend MGCCC and not incur debt because of the awesome scholarships I have means everything.”  He has both an Honors Program scholarship and Academic Excellence scholarship.

“All of our scholarship students can tell you how much it means to them to be able to get an education,” Batiste says. “Each one of them is driven to succeed but need a little help reaching their goals. We want to continue providing them the opportunities they need to get there.”

That’s why donating to the MGCCC Foundation is so important. It helps students like Brianna, A’Niya and Nader. “Whether you can give a lot or a little, it helps our students,” says Batiste. “I would encourage everyone to contact us and find out what they can do to help. The most important fact is, you have benefited everyone concerned — yourself, your neighbors, thousands of Gulf Coast students and your local community college. With more than 28,000 served by the college each year, we need your support more than ever.”

For more information about making a donation or the Day of Giving, visit mgccc.edu/dayofgiving or call 601.928.6344.

Nader Pahlevan

Mississippi Gulf Coast Community College students from the Jefferson Davis Campus were featured on WLOX news on November 14 after they presented research findings to the Biloxi City Council meeting.  Members of the Omicron Alpha Chapter of Phi Theta Kappa Honor Society examined the ecological benefits of recycling oyster shells as part of a project each chapter is required to complete.  Each year, members are asked to identify problems local to their communities to research.

The full story can be found at

http://www.wlox.com/story/36845801/mgccc-students-present-findings-on-ecological-benefits-of-recycling-oysters.

A Christmas Carol adapted for the stage by Dex Edwards, returns to the JD Players Fine Arts Auditorium this  November 30 and runs for only one weekend.  Tickets are available for only $5.00 for children and $8 for Regular admission.  Come experience the magic!  This production is not one to be missed!  The cast is marvelous, including 11 performers.  Most of the cast play more than one role, including narrators who weave in and out of the production throughout the evening.  Payton Bellew portrays the cold and miserly Ebeneezer “Scrooge”.  This will be Mr. Bellew’s final performance here at the college.  Payton started his college career here at MGCCC two years ago performing in another version of A Christmas Carol called “The Farndale Avenue Township Christmas Carol” where he performed many roles including Marley and Christmas Past.  Mr. Bellew is planning to attend MUW in the spring to further his education where he will major in Theatre Education.  We hope you will come out to support the JD Players and Arts Education, November 30 – December 3.

Mississippi Gulf Coast Community College has been named a 2018 Military Friendly School – Gold Level by Victory Media. The college was ranked No. 9 nationally in the Large Community College category for exhibiting leading practices in recruiting and supporting active duty and post-military students.

“MGCCC has always had a very strong relationship with the military on the Gulf Coast,” said Dr. Mary S. Graham, MGCCC president.  “The college offers flexible and online classes while providing one-on-one assistance for veterans and active-duty military personnel who need it.  Additionally, we are proud to have an MGCCC presence on each of the military installations on the Coast.  It is a privilege to serve the men and women who have and continue to risk their lives to protect our freedom.”

Each year, 1,200 schools earn the Military Friendly Schools designation out of more than 8,800 institutions nationwide. The schools are assessed through the evaluation of both public data about each institution and proprietary data gathered through a survey. Survey responses are weighted according to the categories of student retention, graduation, job placement, loan repayment and loan default rates for all students and, specifically, for student veterans. The benchmark is set by the score of the leading institution.

As part of its service to active-duty and veteran members of the military, MGCCC has campuses on both Keesler Air Force Base in Biloxi and the Naval Construction Battalion (Seabee) Center in Gulfport.  These college centers offer classes to military personnel and their dependents and anyone else wanting to take classes on the base.

“With proper identification and quick a background check, we can have students approved to come on base during class hours,” said Alrié Poillion, director of education at the Seabee Base.  “In fact, we encourage individuals to take these classes as we want to make sure each class is full, and it is nice to have a diverse population of students, more like those offered off base.”

The base centers offer flexible class schedules that include weekend, afternoon and evening classes as well as the regular daytime classes.  “Plus, we work with military personnel that may have complications with completing courses due to work requirements,” Poillion said. “We try to make getting an education as convenient as possible.”

Ashley Landry, education representative at the Keesler Center, said that they also help expedite the paperwork military personnel need to complete to take classes.  “We are very familiar with all of the paperwork necessary for them to get approved for classes and get their financial aid established,” she said.  “We can help navigate that system, making it easier on them.”

Landry said the college also helps accelerate admissions and registration at all campuses and centers. “We have counselors that deal with helping walk our active-duty and veteran personnel through the process.  They basically have a one-stop shop set up for them through our V.A. certifying support services coordinators.  They only need to contact the campus of their choice to begin the process.”

To find out more about course schedules at the military bases, visit mgccc.edu/class-schedules and click on either Keesler Center Classes or Navy Base Center Classes for the semester of your choice.

For more information about classes and access to the Navy Base, contact Alrié Poillion at 228-897-3795 or alrie.poillion@mgccc.edu. For more information about classes and access to Keesler Air Force Base, contact Ashley Landry at 228-897-3891 or ashley.landry@mgccc.edu.

Mississippi Gulf Coast Community College campuses and centers will host a variety of different holiday events in December.  The events are all open to the public.

Jackson County Campus

Christmas in Jackson County – On Thursday, December 7, at 7 p.m., the JC Voices and Concert Choir will perform in the Jackson County Campus Fine Arts Auditorium.  The event is free and open to the public.  A bake sale and silent auction will be included.  For more information, contact choir director Kate Sawyer at 228.497.7707 or kate.sawyer@mgccc.edu.

Jefferson Davis Campus

A Christmas Carol –  The Jefferson Davis Players will present “A Christmas Carol” based on the classic story by Charles Dickens November 20-December 3 in the Jefferson Davis Campus Fine Arts Auditorium.  Curtain is at 7:30 p.m. each night, November 30-December 2, and at 2 p.m. on December 3.  Tickets are $8 for regular admission and $5 for students.  The season pass is $25.  For tickets, contact Ryan Pierini, Fine Arts chair, at 228.897.3931 or at jd.boxoffice@mgccc.edu.

Christmas Concert – The Jefferson Davis Singers and Coastal Vibrations will perform their annual Christmas Concert on Thursday, December 7, at 7 p.m. in in the Fine Arts Auditorium. Alumni who are interested will be asked to join the choirs on stage for “Silent Night” at the close of the program. The event is free and open to the public.  For more information, contact choir director Dr. Debra Atkinson at 228.897.3737 or debra.atkinson@mgccc.edu.

Perkinston Campus

Festival of Lights – The annual Festival of Lights at the Perkinston Campus is set for Friday, December 8, 4:45 p.m.-9 p.m., and it promises fun for the entire family.  The event will feature a silent auction, art shows, pictures with Santa, musical entertainment, games and rides. For more information contact Debbie Rogers at 601.928.6200 or debra.rogers@mgccc.edu.

Tri-Art-a-Thon – Perkinston Campus Fine Arts faculty and the Stone County Arts Council will host the third annual Tri-Art-a-Thon (three art shows in one night) on Tuesday, December 5 beginning at 5:45 p.m. The event will include a Woodwind Ensemble Recital at 5:45 in the Visual Arts Center and an MGCCC employee art show and gallery talk at 6:15 p.m., featuring Perkinston Campus media specialist Nick Fint with the “Beautiful Skull.” At 6:45, the event moves to the Malone Hall Fine Arts Gallery and Auditorium for a student art show and performances by the Perkinston Campus Choir and Perkettes in “A Holiday Extravaganza.” At 7:45p.m., participants will ride a bus to the Community Arts Center for a short gallery talk, “Coast Meets Country,” with community artist Kelly Spacht. The event will be followed by music and light refreshments. The event is free and open to the public. For more information, contact Sandra Cassibry, Fine Arts chair, at 601.928.6298 or sandra.cassibry@mgccc.edu.

Carissa Virgilio escorted by her father, Damian Virgilio, on the field at A.L. May Memorial Stadium during MGCCC’s Homecoming Day festivities.

Kristiana Payton escorted by her father, Kevin Payton, on the field at A.L. May Memorial Stadium during MGCCC’s Homecoming Day festivities.

Two Gulfport High School seniors win Homecoming honors at MGCCC

Two Gulfport High students, both in Collegiate Academy at Mississippi Gulf Coast Community College, were named to the 2017 Jefferson Davis Campus Homecoming court. Carissa Virgilio and Kristiana Payton are both sophomores at MGCCC and will graduate from Gulfport High School in May.  Both say they plan to walk at the MGCCC commencement ceremony this year.

“I decided to run for homecoming maid at MGCCC because I never ran for it in high school and thought it would be great to give it a try,” Virgilio said.  “Although I was a little nervous, I wasn’t too worried because it was just for fun.”

She said that she has gotten to know quite a few college students at the campus through her participation on the Campus Activities Board and in Phi Theta Kappa Honor Society.  These campus connections, plus campaigning on social media and individually reaching out to people, helped in her campaign for Homecoming maid.

Virgilio said Collegiate Academy has been a great opportunity for her. “I highly recommend Collegiate Academy to others wanting to jumpstart their career paths. It gives you the taste of having to take responsibility for many things, including making the grade and committing to the field you’re interested in pursuing.”

Her mother, Susan Virgilio, said she was pleased with the opportunities offered to Carissa through Collegiate Academy.  “It is an awesome program. She will be able to finish her associate degree and already be halfway through college when she graduates from high school. Plus, we know MGCCC is a great school and will help prepare her for the nursing program at the university level. I am thrilled she has done so well in the program, and I hope it continues to grow.”

Payton, a political science major, plans to attend law school and become a criminal defense attorney.  On top of her school activities, she currently interns for a law firm in Biloxi.

“Collegiate Academy had been one of the greatest experiences for me,” she said.  “Yes, of course going from being a high school junior to a college freshman in the blink of an eye was a big adjustment for me last year, but I made it work and had a great time doing it.”

She said she knew more of what to expect this year and made more connections at the college campus.  “This year, I decided to get more involved in the school. I spend majority of my time with, MGCCC! I joined the Campus Activities Board and ran for sophomore Homecoming maid and made it! I am, hopefully, representing not only the college in a bright light, but Gulfport High as well.”

Planning to attend law school means several extra years of college, and Payton said Collegiate Academy made that more attainable for her.  “I am excited about graduation in May and going into college in the fall as a junior with my associate degree already behind me! I’m so thankful for my parents, the high school and, of course MGCCC, for providing me with this great opportunity. Go, Bulldogs!”

Collegiate Academy is currently in operation at the George County Center, Jackson County Camps and Jefferson Davis Campus, and the college is in the process of expanding it to include the Perkinston Campus as well.

“Currently there are 74 students involved in Collegiate Academy from four high schools,” said Dr. Mary S. Graham, MGCCC president.  “It will continue to grow as the students and their parents see the program as an exceptional opportunity to get ahead in college and in their careers. We would love to see students from all of the high schools in our district involved in the Academy.”

For more information on Collegiate Academy, visit https://www.mgccc.edu/collegiate-academy/ or Dr. Jeremy Daughtry at 228.896.2510 or jeremy.daughtry@mgccc.edu at the Jefferson Davis Campus; Dr. Terri Sasser at 228.497.7633 or terri.sasser@mgccc.edu at the Jackson County Campus; Bobby Ghosal at 601.928.6346 or bobby.ghosal@mgccc.edu at the Perkinston Campus; and Will Overstreet at 601.766.6434 or will.overstreet@mgccc.edu at the George County Center.

The Process Operations Technology program at Mississippi Gulf Coast Community College’s Jackson County Campus has received a Gold Level endorsement from Central Gulf Industrial Alliance (CGIA).  CGIA is an industry-driven consortium of leading employers along the Mississippi, Alabama, and Florida Gulf Coast. From left are CGIA representatives Eddie Clayton and Bonnie Tully; Tommie Broome, Process Operations instructor at MGCCC; John Poelma, chair of the Career-Technical department at MGCCC’s Jackson County Campus; and CGIA representatives Frank Jelercic and Hayleigh Barlar. 

The Process Operations Technology program at Mississippi Gulf Coast Community College’s Jackson County Campus has received a Gold Level endorsement from Central Gulf Industrial Alliance (CGIA).  CGIA is an industry-driven consortium of leading employers along the Mississippi, Alabama and Florida Gulf Coast.

“Recognition from the consortium means that we meet and exceed standards set by the industries for potential employees,” said Tommie Broome, Process Operations Technology instructor. “They researched our curriculum and conducted an extensive on-site audit and inspection to ascertain compliance with safety standards and course content.  They also look at placement as a measure of the program’s success.”

The consortium leads a nationally recognized evaluation and endorsement process for regional industrial craft training programs to ensure these operate at or above industry standards and meet the workforce needs of the member’s industries. It offers three different levels of endorsement based on a scorecard. Gold is the top award, followed by silver and bronze, which is the lowest level. MGCCC’s Process Operations Technology program scored a Gold Level endorsement, which means that that the college has a quality program, is recognized by the industries that are hiring students and encourages others to look at MGCC students as a valuable resource.

The Process Operations Technology program was started in 2003.  Currently, it serves almost 275 students in day and evening programs, with an average of 80 students graduating each year.

In August 2017, the Process Operations Technology Program received endorsement status from the North America Process Technology Alliance, giving the program its first national-level endorsement.

“We were excited when CGIA chose the Process Operations Program for endorsement.  We are the first Process program to be selected for endorsement and consider it an honor to set this standard,” Broome said. “We set the bar very high for those to come after us.  This is an important recognition because of the opportunities that is opens for our students.”

Mississippi Gulf Coast Community College will be offering a Health Care Assistant (Certified Nursing Assistant) program at the George County Center in Lucedale beginning January 16, 2018.  The 15-week program will meet Monday-Friday from 8 a.m. until 3 p.m. and will include clinical, lab and lecture hours.

While there is not an entry test for the program, prerequisites include the following:

• Be a high school graduate or have a high school equivalency
• Criminal Background Check obtained from MGCCC Campus Police
• Immunizations after program acceptance
• Substance testing after program acceptance
• Physical exam after program acceptance

For more information, contact Dawn Richardson at 601.766.6424 or dawn.richardson@mgccc.edu.

Mississippi Gulf Coast Community College will hold an open house for the Early Childhood Academy Resource Library from 6 to 8 p.m. on Tuesday, December 5.  The Resource Library is located at the college’s Jefferson Davis Campus next to the gym and is a joint project of MGCCC and the Mississippi Community College Board.

“The library is offered to all childcare providers and families across the Coast,” said Pamela Jones, technical department chairperson and head of the Early Childhood Education program at the campus.  “We would love for everyone to attend the open house and see all of the resources we have to offer.”

Jones said resources don’t just include books, though there are many books available.  “We also have educational toys and games, a die-cut machine, and a variety of other educational resources that will help childcare providers and parents prepare young children for school.”

She said the library will also host regular educational events.

For more information about the open house and the Early Childhood Academy Resource Library, contact Pamela Jones at 228.897.3782 or pamela.jones@mgccc.edu.

Mississippi Gulf Coast Community College president Dr. Mary S. Graham has been named to the Phi Theta Kappa Honor Society (PTK) Presidential Advisory Board.   She joins 37 other college presidents from across the nation on the board and will provide input into the organization’s strategic plan, priorities, and direction.

Read the full story at http://www.ptk.org/About/AboutPhiThetaKappa/News/TabId/3936/ArticleId/544/graham-named-to-ptk-advisory-board.aspx.

The annual Festival of Lights at the Perkinston Campus is set for Friday, December 8, 4:45 p.m.-9 p.m., and it promises fun for the entire family. The event will feature a silent auction, art shows, pictures with Santa, musical entertainment, games and rides. For more information contact Debbie Rogers at 601.928.6200 or debra.rogers@mgccc.edu.
 

2017 Festival of Lights Map [CLICK TO ENLARGE]

Mississippi Gulf Coast Community College will be closing all campuses and centers at 1:30 p.m. today (Friday, December 8 2017). Please exercise caution when driving and stay safe!

Mississippi Gulf Coast Community College students from the Jefferson Davis Campus were featured on WLOX news on November 14 after they presented research findings to the Biloxi City Council meeting.  Members of the Omicron Alpha Chapter of Phi Theta Kappa Honor Society examined the ecological benefits of recycling oyster shells as part of a project each chapter is required to complete.  Each year, members are asked to identify problems local to their communities to research.

The full story can be found at

http://www.wlox.com/story/36845801/mgccc-students-present-findings-on-ecological-benefits-of-recycling-oysters.

Todd Trenchard, executive director of the Bacot McCarty Foundation, presents a scholarship check to Avery Elbin.  Elbin, a senior at Gautier High School, will be attending Mississippi Gulf Coast Community College beginning fall 2018.

Avery Elbin, a senior at Gautier High School, won a $1,000 scholarship to Mississippi Gulf Coast Community College as part of a drawing at the 2017 MGCCC President’s Breakfast held on November 30 at the college’s Hospitality and Resort Management Center in Biloxi. 

Elbin was one of almost 50 students and their families attending the event.  Each student was entered into the drawing.  A dual-enrolled student at MGCCC, Elbin is enrolling at the college in fall 2018.

The President’s Breakfast is an annual event geared toward academically gifted high school seniors.  The Bacot McCarty Foundation and its executive director, Todd Trenchard, provided the scholarship.

All Mississippi Gulf Coast Community College campuses and centers will close today, January 16, at 3 p.m. MGCCC administration is monitoring the weather closely and we will keep you apprised of any updates on college activities.

Please be weather aware and exercise caution while driving.