Fall 2018 Northwest Now

Northwest

N o r t h we s t M i s s i ss i p p i C omm u n i t y C o l l eg e F o u n d at i on P.O. Drawer 7015 • 4975 Highway 51 North Senatobia, MS 38668

NORTHWEST MISSISSIPPI COMMUNITY COLLEGE

Now

FALL 2018

Parting

shot

The Northwest Foundation “Dream Team” (l-r) Marla Kennedy, Sybil Canon and Patti Gordon stop for a quick photo after the November Foundation board meeting.

Canon is retiring from her position as Associate Vice President of Development and Special Projects in December.

Photo by Julie Bauer

Alumna of the Year: Brenda Gentry Holmes

Longtime employee honored at Homecoming INSIDE: Presidential Inauguration • 2+2 tourney • Legacies • fall sports

Northwest

Now

Fall 2018

A publication of Northwest Mississippi Community College President Dr. Michael J. Heindl Vice President for Administration & Finance Jeff Horton Vice President for Student Services/Chief of Staff Dan Smith Vice President for Academic Instruction & College Parallel Programs Dr. Matthew Domas Vice President for Workforce Solutions & Career-Technical Education Dr. David Campbell Chairman, Northwest Board of Trustees Dr. Adam Pugh Northwest Foundation Associate Vice President of Development & Special Projects/Associate Editor Sybil R. Canon • srcanon@northwestms.edu Director of Alumni Affairs & Development Operations Patti Gordon • pgordon@northwestms.edu Scholarship Coordinator & Foundation Assistant Marla Kennedy • mkennedy@northwestms.edu Communications Director of Communications/Editor Julie R. Bauer • jrbauer@northwestms.edu Assistant Director of Communications/ Graphic Designer LaJuan Tallo • ltallo@northwestms.edu Assistant Director of Marketing & Digital Media KayLeigh Mitchell • kmccool@northwestms.edu Graphic Designer Jennifer Corbin • jcorbin@northwestms.edu Coordinator for Sports Information Brian Lentz • blentz@northwestms.edu For address changes, please contact Alumni Affairs at (662) 560-1112.

Northwest Now is published bi-annually as a joint effort of the Northwest Foundation and the Office of Communications.

AFFIRMATIVE ACTION Please visit the Northwest website at www.northwestms.edu/affirmativeaction to view the College’s Notice of Non-Discrimination, Equal Opportunity and Affirmative Action.

features

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contents recognizing excellence Northwest alumnus receives national lifetime achievement award.

celebrating our donors Two-day scholarship ceremony celebration honors donors, recipients.

cover story: supporting role Longtime Oxford employee Brenda Gentry Holmes recounts her days as a student and staff member.

hail to the chief Dr. Michael Heindl is inaugurated as the college’s ninth president.

picking and grinning First Ranger Bluegrass Festival at the Northwest Farm hailed a community success.

departments 1 2 3 16 27 37

student snapshot/dana wong president’s reflections/dr. michael heindl alumni president’s notes/mike boren around campus the legacy continues the sporting life from the heart of northwest/sybil canon alumni news/patti gordon

On the cover: Longtime Northwest employee, Brenda Gentry Holmes (class of 1972) was honored as Alumna of the Year.

Photo by Julie Bauer

from the

heart

of Northwest

Sybil R. Canon I am retiring at the end of December.

Just typing these words brings a flurry of emotions that include sadness and apprehension and, at the same time, excitement and possibility. The overwhelming emotion that I feel is gratitude. What an exquisite experience it has been for me to serve this wonderful college and its students for 22 years!

While I cannot possibly name each and every person who has had an impact on my life at Northwest, I would be quite remiss if I did not mention the person who hired me, Steve McClellan. Steve gave me this opportunity, he believed in me, and he understood the world of fundraising in a truly insightful way, especially, for someone who is a chief financial officer.

My colleague, Dolores Wooten walked every step with me for these 22 years. She retired last year, and she has assured me that there is life after retirement.

My current colleagues, Patti Gordon and Marla Kennedy, who will continue the important work of the Foundation, are exceptional. Patti has been named executive director of Institutional Advancement and will assume leadership responsibility for the Northwest Foundation in the new year. Marla will assist all of those students who are applying for Foundation scholarships and will work with the more than 500 students each year who receive scholarships. A third person will be hired to assist with accounting and donor management. After a few months of complete retirement, I will return to serve on a part-time basis as an off-site advisor and will assist with special projects as requested by the president.

I wish there was a way that I could go to every single donor and every single member of the Northwest faculty and staff and shake your hands and give you a hug. I cannot do that, but I can offer these words: What was the desire of my heart from the moment I started working at Northwest was to provide a permanent source of funding for our students to receive scholarships. There are times when the only source for assistance for students is a loan, which is a burden many simply cannot handle. The stories are numerous of the Foundation providing that lifeline so that a student can pay tuition, buy textbooks, buy gas for the car, and simply hang on until completion. We increased our endowment from $250,000 in 1996 to $11.1 million in 2018, all because of many, many generous and compassionate people. That source of funding will be here FOREVER! To each of you, I am thankful.

While this is my last article for Northwest Now, you shall forever be in my hearts as “I press forward toward the goal for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus” (Philippians 3:14).

Thank you all for showing me “the heart of Northwest.”

alumni news Patti Gordon Fall Semester 2018 has been filled with much excitement, events and Ranger spirit! Tailgating, the 2 + 2 Golf Tournament, Homecoming, and Ranger Bluegrass Festival have proven to be catalysts in generating Ranger enthusiasm.

If it has been a while since you have been involved with your Alumni Association, please allow me to share a few things you are missing out on!

• Northwest alums have joined the tailgating and lively atmosphere where the Ranger energy is felt more than ever before; • Many NW friends and alumni are enjoying a day of golf at Cherokee Valley Golf Club, a tournament that is recognized as one of the best in the area and raises money for scholarships; • The Homecoming Alumni Reception is a festive event where well-deserving alumni are honored and the Ranger tradition is evident; • The inaugural Ranger Bluegrass Festival was a tremendous success in providing entertainment for all ages from music, to crafts, to all types of vendors.

It is the right time to join the Ranger Gang and experience this for yourself! Send us an email and give us an update on YOU! Let us know what events you are interested in, and I promise you will enjoy the reconnection with your alma mater!

Contact me at pgordon@northwestms.edu or call me at 662-560-1112.

Alumni Board members Brenda Holmes (Lafayette County) and Robert Salmon (Tallahatchie County) assist with the alumni tent at the Ranger Bluegrass Festival.

student snapshot Dana Wong

Southaven • Sophomore Program: Accountancy Scholarship: The Two Plus Two Endowment What does it mean to you to have this scholarship?

This scholarship means the world to me. My parents cultivated my love for education at a young age, so I am very grateful to be able to continue my education at the DeSoto campus. This scholarship is a very important stepping stone toward my future, and I could not be more appreciative.

Are there any instructors or people who have been particularly helpful to you during your time at Northwest so far?

I have had many amazing teachers at Northwest, but to highlight a few, I would say that Mrs. Willis, Mr. Ferguson, Mrs. Shaw, and Ms. Wigley were all extremely helpful. Although the content of their classes is difficult, they go above and beyond to assist students in any way possible.

You are a student at DeSoto Center. Can you talk about your experiences as a student there?

It has been an absolute joy to come to school at the DeSoto Center. I have been able to take interesting classes, make new friends, and join clubs. I was also elected into the Homecoming Court this year, which was a fun event. Overall, I would consider the DeSoto Center a second home that provides exciting and new experiences.

Tell us about being a full-time student, working and the volunteer work you do.

I try to be as productive as possible. I have been taking 19 hours this semester as well as working 20 hours a week at my part-time job in Tanger Outlets.

I am also a Sunday School teacher at my church and the current president of the DeSoto Center's Phi Theta Kappa chapter. With the different types of settings, I am able to communicate with all different types of people from around the community, and I love utilizing the traits I have obtained through my different roles in my daily life.

What would you like people to know about Northwest and your experience here?

Northwest is a great start for a future career. There are great teachers willing to work with you and great people to meet. I truly believe that Northwest has www.northwestms.edu changed me for the better.

Photo by Julie Bauer

What are your future plans?

I plan to transfer to the University of Mississippi to finish my bachelor's degree in accounting and eventually to work for a local corporation as a CPA.

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president's reflections It has been an amazing first semester at Northwest for my family and me. We have been welcomed with open arms into the Northwest Family and into all of the great communities Northwest serves. I am particularly pleased with all of the wonderful accolades our students, faculty, administration, and staff have garnered throughout the 2018 fall semester.

Some items of particular note are: • A 98.5 percent job placement rate for students who graduate from our career and technical programs. This rate surpasses all of the community colleges in the state.

• Our Funeral Service Technology program went through a re-accreditation review by the American Board of Funeral Service Education and was re-accredited for another seven years.

• Our nursing program engaged in a re-accreditation review by the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN), and the review went very well. Final notification from ACEN is forthcoming in the new year.

• The College received the Halbrook Award, which recognizes institutions that achieve and maintain high academic standards among their student athletes. Additionally, the award recognizes graduation rates of student athletes. With a 99 percent completion rate, Northwest won this prestigious award this year and the college was recognized in Jackson for the achievements of our student athletes.

• Successful program reviews of Aviation Maintenance Technology, Agriculture Business & Management Technology, Agricultural Technology, Automotive Technology, Civil Engineering Technology, Heating, Air Conditioning & Refrigeration Technology, and Precision Manufacturing & Machining Technology took place this fall. These programs are high-skill programs that lead to high-paying jobs for graduates.

• The Ranger football team went to the state playoffs and at one point in the season was ranked No.2 in the nation.

• In addition to the faculty convocation meeting, two staff convocation meetings took place this fall which allowed all college employees to engage in important professional development training.

• The College participated in the first-ever P2P—Pathways to Possibilities DeSoto County Career Expo—where 8th grade students in the DeSoto County School District took part in hands-on learning in careers clustered into nine career paths. Many of these careers require minimal training from our college and lead to great paying jobs.

• The Foundation had a record number of endowed scholarships this year with 24 endowed scholarships for 2018. Also, the endowment amount that resides in the Foundation continues to grow and exceeds $11 million currently. Thanks to Sybil Canon, Patti Gordon, and Marla Kennedy for their tireless work in helping the Northwest Foundation make a significant difference in the lives of students.

• We had a successful inaugural Ranger Bluegrass Festival which showcased some of the finest talent in the nation! Over 300 student, faculty, staff, and community volunteers helped make this event a great success. Funds raised from the festival will help assist in needed student scholarships.

Northwest is a very special place with a strong tradition of excellence in education and excellence in athletics. Thousands of students have benefitted and have availed themselves of life-changing careers as a result of the educational opportunities they received while attending Northwest. Our administration, faculty, and staff are committed daily to this mission. They are committed to our students to help them realize their full potential so that their lives may be changed and their families might be changed as a result!

It is indeed a great day to be a Ranger!

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Dr. Michael Heindl

alumni president's notes Mike Boren It has never been a better time to be a Ranger! It was my privilege to lead the annual meeting of the Northwest Alumni Association at Homecoming. We have representatives from each of the 11 counties that our college serves, and they were approved to serve for 2019.

The Alumni Association also hosted the annual Alumni Reception at Homecoming honoring the Alumna of the Year and Sports Hall of Fame Inductees. Deserving athletes reconnected with coaches and teammates while alumni reminisced about their days at Northwest. It was an event filled with Ranger spirit with approximately 200 alumni and friends in attendance.

We have a distinguished team of alumni leading our association! Please do not hesitate to share comments or suggestions to your county representative.

Currently serving on the Alumni Board are: Mike Boren, president; Jackie Myrick, vice president; Bonnie Burkes, secretary/treasurer; Brenda Holmes, Lafayette County, Don Randolph, Marshall County; Betty Kilgore, Quitman County; Marvelene and Paul McCullar, Tate County; Linda Maynor, Yalobusha County; Jerry Lightsey, Panola County; Celeste Wilson, DeSoto County; Sylvia Evette Clark, At-Large; Jeff Horn, Tunica County; Angela Ormon, Benton County; Steve Box, Calhoun County; Robert Salmon, Tallahatchie County and representing Northwest: Samanthia Bradley, staff, Leah Arrington and Dr. Amy Stewart, faculty and Anna Cannon, student.

I encourage you to always be a positive voice for Northwest and to come visit campus when you have the opportunity. You will be encouraged by the Ranger energy you will experience!

Always a Ranger! www.northwestms.edu

around campus Alumnus receives national lifetime achievement award Dr. Ron Chance, a 1968 alumnus of Northwest, was advisor emeritus at ExxonMobil from 2006-2009.

He is currently executive vice president of Engineering recently named the recipient of the 2018 Lawrence B. Evans Award in Chemical Engineering Practice by the Amer- for Algenol Biotech. His primary current research interests ican Institute of Chemical Engineers (AIChE). AIChE is the center around CO2 capture and utilization in algae-based world’s leading organization for chemical engineering pro- biorefineries. He has organized a number of international fessionals, with more than 60,000 members from over 100 scientific meetings, served on numerous industrial and academic advisory boards, and is a fellow in the American countries.

The Evans Award recognizes an individual for substantial Physical Society. He has published more than 200 papers lifetime achievement in one or more aspects of industrial and patents, with over 20,000 citations.

Chance recalls his time at Northwest as being a positive chemical engineering practice. The award citation for Dr. influence on his life.

Chance reads: “For life“I am grateful for the time achievements in instruction I received at chemical engineering Northwest, especially, research, management from science instructor, and process develBobby King. Mr. King opment in chemical, gave me a great founphotochemical and dation for my future renewable energy innostudies and career in vations, including busichemistry,” Chance ness development.” said.

He was formally preChance was named sented with the award the 1998 Alumnus of at the institute’s Honthe Year at Northwest ors Ceremony during and has been a genthe 2018 AIChE Annual erous contributor to Meeting in Pittsburgh. the Northwest FoundaChance, who curtion, establishing The rently serves as AlgeChance Family Endownol’s executive vice ment in 1998. president of engineer ing, grew up in Panola County and graduated from North Panola High Dr. Ron Chance School.

After attending Northwest, he earned his Bachelor of Science from Delta State University in 1970 and his doctorate in Physical Chemistry in 1974 from Dartmouth College.

Chance began his career with Honeywell Corporation in 1974, where he served in a number of research positions including research manager for Electronic Materials. In 1986, he joined Exxon Corporate Research as the director of their Polymer and Fluids Laboratory, later serving as division manager for the Paramins Technology division of Exxon Chemical, and as distinguished scientific advisor in ExxonMobil’s Corporate Strategic Research Laboratories, the highest technical position at ExxonMobil.

Chance retired from ExxonMobil in 2006 and joined the Georgia Institute of Technology as associate director of Dr. Ron Chance, right, was named the 1998 Alumnus of the their Strategic Energy Institute with a joint appointment as Year. Here he reminisces with Robert King, who was division professor of the Practice in the School of Chemical and director of Science at that time.

Biomolecular Engineering and the School of Chemistry and

Photo Northwest Now archives Biochemistry. He also served as distinguished scientific www.northwestms.edu

Fall 2018

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around campus DC faculty award presented to Allen

Rebecca Allen, psychology instructor at Northwest (center) was the 2018 recipient of the DeSoto Center Excellence in Teaching Award. Presenting the award were President Dr. Michael Heindl (left) and Dr. Jeremy Isome, former dean of DeSoto Center (right).

Photo by LaJuan Tallo

Northwest psychology instructor Rebecca Allen was presented the DeSoto Center Excellence in Teaching Award at the college’s opening Faculty Convocation on Aug. 13.

The DeSoto Center Excellence in Teaching Award was established to recognize one DeSoto Center faculty member each year. Both academic and career–technical faculty are eligible for the award.

The award was voted on by the entire DeSoto Center faculty, and the recipient receives a plaque and a cash award, which is part of a growing endowment through the Northwest Foundation, according to Dr. Jeremy Isome, former dean of the DeSoto Center.

Allen began her association with Northwest over 12 years ago when she was hired as an adjunct instructor. In Fall 2011, she was hired as a full-time faculty member. Allen earned her bachelor’s degree from the University of Mississippi and her master’s degree from the University of Memphis. Prior to her career at Northwest, Allen taught at a high school.

In his remarks at the ceremony, Isome described Allen as a teacher who exudes great passion for teaching which is evident by her dedication to the field. “Her students recognize

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her passion for the subjects she teaches. She makes the class interesting and learning enjoyable. Even her 8 a.m. class meetings are full of energy,” Isome said.

He said that Allen goes beyond the call of duty and is always the first to volunteer. She serves as chair of the safety committee, serves on the retirement and eBook committees, and helped establish and advises the new Autism Support Club.

“There is never a question when deciding who to ask when a new initiative arises. When the DeSoto Center needed a point of contact for Project Gateway, she was the first person to come to mind. She is always willing to help students and colleagues in any way possible,” Isome said.

Isome concluded that DeSoto Center simply would not be the same without Allen. “She has an incredibly uplifting spirit, always putting others before herself. Her treats during registration and orientation help to make stressful days more bearable. Christmas wouldn’t be the same without her homemade jelly that she takes the time to make for every employee at the DeSoto Center. Her positive energy truly is contagious,” he said.

—LaJuan Tallo

www.northwestms.edu

around campus Donahou wins Grisham Excellence in Teaching award Charles (Bud) Donahou, a biology instructor at Northwest, was presented the Sandy Grisham Excellence in Teaching Award at the college’s opening Faculty Convocation on Aug. 13.

This award is given to an academic faculty member on the Senatobia campus in honor of Sandy Grisham, a retired instructor in the Social Science Division.

The selection is made by the Academic Division directors on the Senatobia campus. The award winner receives a check in the amount of $1,000 from the Northwest Foundation, which represents earnings on the endowment

established by faculty and staff.

Donahou received his bachelor’s and master’s degrees from Delta State University. He has been teaching full time at Northwest since August 2000, after having taught part time from 1997-2000.

Sybil Canon, associate vice president of Development and Special Projects described Donahou as a hard worker who is well respected by colleagues and students alike. “He is the first to arrive and the last to leave each day, always going the extra mile to help everyone in the division, encouraging colleagues

and helping all of them to become better teachers,” Canon said.

Donahou is also known for his work with Baddour residents, teaching them a science or self-defense course, and at the end of the course he confers them with a certificate so that they can “graduate.” Canon said, “Bud loves Northwest, he loves teaching and he has a heart for service. Because of this, the entire community has respect and admiration not only for him, but for the college he loves.”

— LaJuan Tallo

Dr. Michael Heindl (second from left) presents Bud Donahou, biology instructor (second from right) with the Sandy Grisham Excellence in Teaching Award for his work on the Senatobia campus. Sybil Canon, associate vice president of Development and Special Projects (far left) and Sandy Grisham, retired social science instructor (far right) joined Dr. Heindl for the presentation at the college’s Faculty Convocation on Aug. 13.

Photo by LaJuan Tallo

www.northwestms.edu

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around campus Cleveland, Rich receive 2018 Faculty, Staff Customer Service awards

At the Aug. 13 opening day Faculty Convocation, Dr. Michael Heindl (left photo, right) presented the 2018 Faculty Customer Service Award to Dr. Carol Cleveland (center) biology instructor at Lafayette-Yalobusha Technical Center. Congratulating Cleveland is Vice President Richie Lawson (left). Heindl presented the 2018 Staff Customer Service Award to Melissa Rich (right photo), human resources/payroll assistant. Cleveland and Rich were recognized for outstanding customer service above and beyond their normal duties.

Photos by LaJuan Tallo

MCCB holds October meeting at Northwest Northwest hosted the Mississippi Community College Board’s October meeting. Northwest President, Dr. Michael Heindl (center) welcomed (l-r) Luke Montgomery, first congressional district; Henry Hudspeth, third congressional district; Cheryl Thurmond, first congressional district; Dolly Marascalco, second congressional district; Dr. Andrea Mayfield, executive director; Lee Bush, chair, fourth congressional district; John Piggott, vice chair, fifth congressional district; Dr. Dianne Watson, fourth congressional district and Johnny McRight, second congressional district to the campus. MCCB board and staff members toured the campus after their board meeting.

Photo by LaJuan Tallo

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www.northwestms.edu

around campus President welcomes legislative visitors

Dr. Michael Heindl (left photo) welcomed U.S. Senator Roger Wicker (right) to the Senatobia campus on Aug. 24. Heindl (right photo) welcomed U.S. Rep. Trent Kelly, Mississippi District 1 (left) to the Senatobia campus on Aug. 29.

Photos by LaJuan Tallo

Board of Trustees members recognized for service

Bill Dawson of Byhalia (center)0 was honored for 30 years of service on the Northwest Board of Trustees at their May 10 meeting. Congratulating Dawson (l-r) are Northwest President Emeritus Dr. Gary Lee Spears and Dr. Adam Pugh, Northwest Board of Trustees chairman.

Photo by Julie Bauer

www.northwestms.edu

Northwest President, Dr. Michael Heindl (far left) presents a plaque of appreciation to John G. Burt of Calhoun County (center right) for 30 years of service to the Northwest Board of Trustees. Congratulating Burt is his wife Frances Burt (center left) and Dr. Adam Pugh, board chairman (far right). Burt was also recognized for 30 years of service from the Mississippi Association of Community and Junior Colleges (MACJC) at the MACJC Trustees Conference in July.

Photo by Julie Bauer

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2018 Foundation Scholarship Ceremony

Donors, students celebrate giving at annual ceremony

Sybil Canon, associate vice president of of Development and Special Projects (right) greets Kathryn Parker of Calhoun City, who is a recipient of the endowment established in Canon's honor.

Photo by LaJuan Tallo This year's Annual Scholarship Ceremony was a first for Northwest's new president and first lady, and many of those who have established endowments and annual scholarships got a chance to meet them for the first time.

This annual event has become much like a reunion, and this year's event attracted more than 700 scholarship sponsors and students.

The two-day event, held Oct. 2 and 3, also recognized newly-established scholarships.

This included new endowments that were established between October, 2017 and September, 2018. The Foundation awarded over 500 scholarships for the 2017-18 academic year for a total of over $500,000.

The current Northwest Foundation Endowment Fund is valued at approximately $11.1 million, and Northwest has awarded $5 million in scholarships since 1997. All students, regardless of income, are encouraged to apply.

Applications can be found at www.northwestms.edu under “Financial Aid� and are due April 1.

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Northwest President Dr. Michael Heindl talks with scholarship recipients before the ceremony starts on Monday. This was Heindl's first scholarship ceremony to attend.

Photo by LaJuan Tallo

www.northwestms.edu

Belinda Morris (left) visits with Meredith Tidwell of Batesville, the recipient of the Leonard Morris Endowment.

Photo by LaJuan Tallo

Sybil Canon talks with the student panel during the question and answer session.

Photo by LaJuan Tallo

New Endowments The Charlotte Annice Alexander Endowment The Joe and Mary Louise Wynne Broadway Endowment The Dr. Ray Cox Endowment The Dr. John and Mrs. Jessie Flowers Endowment The Don and Charlotte Johnston Endowment The Marcia Louise Kreunen Endowment The Edna Mae Wright Miles Endowment The Joan Harris Pierce Endowment The J.D., Gladys, David Michael and Lee Ross Endowment The Beverly Skipper Endowment The Ella Wilbourn Endowment

www.northwestms.edu

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2018 Foundation Scholarship Ceremony

Dr. Heindl (left) and Patti Gordon, director of Alumni Affairs and Development Operations (right) show Dr. William D. Longest the plaques commemorating the two endowments he recently established at Northwest. Longest established the Dr. William D. and Catherine Taylor Longest in memory of his wife and the Joe W. Longest, Jr. Endowment in memory of his father. Longest attended Northwest in 1946, and later taught at Northwest.

Photo by Julie Bauer Jimmy Venable (left) and Martha Venable (Center) visit with Erica Bradford of Charleston, recipient of the Venable-Cummings Endowment.

The endowment was established

by Mississippi State Representatvie Tommy Reynolds and his wife, Liz. Photo by LaJuan Tallo

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www.northwestms.edu

cover story

Presenting the traditional proclamation to Holmes is Dr. Michael Heindl and Northwest colleague, Dr. Michael Butts.

Photo by LaJuan Tallo

Longtime employee named Alumna of the Year

By LaJuan Tallo

Longtime Northwest employee Brenda Gentry Holmes of Oxford has been named Northwest ’s 2018 Alumna of the Year. Holmes was honored on Sept. 27 during Homecoming festivities on the Senatobia campus.

Holmes grew up in Tallahatchie County, the daughter of Nolan and Clara Gentry. The fifth of the Gentrys’ six children, she became the first in her family to graduate from college.

After graduating one year early from Crowder High School in 1970, she came to Northwest to begin her formal education.

Holmes attended Northwest from 1970-1972, graduating with an www.northwestms.edu

Associate of Arts. While she was at Northwest, she was a member of the Northwest Misses, a precursor of today’s Rangerettes, was on the President’s List and was a member of Phi Theta Kappa. She lived in Taylor and Bobo dorms while at Northwest.

She and Scott Holmes, her husband of 44 years, began dating her senior year of high school and continued dating during college. They were married after graduating from Delta State University.

Holmes has fond memories of their time at Northwest. “My favorite instructors had to be Jerry Stigler, Mrs. Nell Tipton, Miss Rosemary Simmons

and Mrs. Anita Wilborn. I really enjoyed those classes,” Holmes said. She remembered that times were different at Northwest then. “We couldn’t wear jeans, have rollers in our hair or be in the car with a boy back then. You had to sign in and out wherever you went,” Holmes said.

She went on to receive her Bachelor of Science in Education (1974) and her Master of Education (1976) from Delta State University. She earned the AAA certificate in Education from Delta State University in 1981 and completed a second master’s degree in Educational Guidance and Counseling continued on next page ➤

that now honor Dr. Michael Butts and Mike Dottorey. in 1988 from the University of Mississippi.

She has been active in the churches she has attended by Before coming to Northwest as an employee, Holmes taught at Crowder Elementary School from August 1974 serving on the mission, nursery, floral and baptismal comto May 1983, serving as a reading instructor for one year, mittees, teaching Sunday School classes and helping with and a fourth grade teacher and assistant principal before Vacation Bible School. She has been on two mission trips moving to Greenville. She taught fourth grade at Webb Ele- to Togo, Africa.

Her civic duties include being a former member of the mentary School in Greenville from August 1983 to January Exchange Club, Junior Auxiliary and Pilot Club and she cur1985, before taking rently serves as the vice a job at Northwest’s president of the Woman’s Lafayette-Yalobusha Forum, a professional Technical Center woman’s group. She (LYTC) in February has participated in fund1985, when she and raisers for the March of her husband, a fedDimes and for awareness eral probation officer, of Lou Gehrig’s disease relocated to Oxford. and assisted in the NorthHolmes’ first job at west Practical Nursing LYTC was as a JTPA program’s fundraisers Youth Employment/ over the years.

GED program instrucShe and her husband tor and counselor. enjoy traveling and are When funding for planning a trip to Israel that program lapsed this fall and a Christmas in December 1988, cruise. They also enjoy Holmes returned to spending time with their Northwest in a differgreat-nephew, Mac. “He ent capacity. keeps us hopping. Our Holmes was hired great-nieces Graylee back at LYTC as and Emily are also bright Career-Technical Education (CTE) support Holmes visited with longtime employer and friend, Dr. Jack Butts, retired lights in our lives. We are so proud of all of them,” services coordinator dean of the Lafayette-Yalobusha Technical Center during Homecoming in April 1989, fol- festivities.

Photo by LaJuan Tallo Holmes said. lowing the untimely death of Jonelle Wells. She retired from that position in May 2016. Holmes describes her job as “anything I could do to take care of the students to ensure their success.” She counseled, tutored and registered students, taught classes when needed, served as the ADA compliance officer and worked as the center’s testing coordinator. “I basically just mothered and guided our students. It was like teaching fourth grade again, except my kids were just bigger,” Holmes said, smiling.

“It was a big deal for me to come back and work at Northwest, because I was back where I had started from.

I am so thankful to Dr. Jack Butts. He was my mentor and taught me so much during our many years together. He expected us to work hard, and we did. I am also grateful to Northwest. I want to see the college continue to thrive and the Oxford Center to shine,” Holmes said.

Holmes served on several committees at Northwest including the admissions, scholarship, activities, homecoming and cookbook committees. She represents Lafayette County on the Alumni Association board of directors and has been honored with the President’s Customer Service award. Some of her proudest accomplishments were initiating the naming of the Jack Butts Building on the Holmes talks with legendary actor Morgan Freeman, who provided more Oxford campus, and starting the Foundation scholarships than half a million dollars in matching funds to help establish new scholar-

ships, in the fall of 2002, when she accompanied Foundation scholarship recipients to meet Freeman.

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Five inducted into 19th Sports Hall of Fame Northwest inducted five former student-athletes into its Sports Hall of Fame during Homecoming ceremonies on Sept. 27 at the David M. Haraway Center.

Two former men’s basketball teammates, Wilbert Beard and Willie Brown, NJCAA women’s soccer All-American Elyse Lovelace, standout second baseman David Moss and the school’s alltime leader in interceptions, Vandell Grigsby, were all inducted into the prestigious hall.

Wilbert Beard Beard helped propel the Northwest men’s basketball program to success in the early 1970s under head coach Henry B. Koon.

Beard guided Northwest to backto-back winning seasons in 1970-72, serving as team captain. The Rangers finished as division runners-up his freshman year before responding the next season with a 25-5 overall record, 12-0 division mark and the program’s firstever MACJC Championship.

The Holly Springs native developed into one of the top scorers in Northwest history as a two-time All-MACJC selection, finishing ninth on the Rangers’ alltime scoring list with 1,011 points. He ranks fifth all-time in scoring average, sixth in free throws made (197) and seventh in field goals made (407). Beard was credited with numerous 30-point games, including a 39-point effort against Northeast in January 1971.

Beard played at Southeastern

The 19th Northwest Sports Hall of Fame class includes (l-r) Vandell Grisgby, football, 1991-1992; Wilbert Beard, men’s basketball, 1970-1972; Elyse Lovelace, women’s soccer, 2006; David Moss, baseball, 1983-1984 and Willie Brown, men’s basketball, 1970-1972.

Photo by LaJuan Tallo

Louisiana University from 1972-74, where he helped the Lions to a 21-7 record, Gulf South Conference Championship and NCAA Tournament appearance in 1973. While in Hammond, Beard played in the Strawberry Classic and was named the game’s Most Valuable Player.

Beard graduated cum laude from Mississippi Industrial College with a Bachelor of Science in health, physical recreation and dance in 1976.

He served as the athletic director and head coach of the boys’ and girls’ basketball programs, guiding them to five conference championships and garnering five Coach of the Year honors.

Beard served from 1986-99, as the athletic director and head boys’ basketball coach at H.W. Byers High School. Beard guided the Lions to 12 district appearances and Newly-inducted Sports Hall of Famers Willie Brown and competed for six north half Wilbert Beard show off their awards. The longtime friends championships, all while played basketball together both at Northwest and South- serving on the executive eastern Louisiana University.

Photo by LaJuan Tallo board for the Mississippi

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High School Activities’ Association (MHSAA).

Beard continued his education through the University of Mississippi, receiving certification in Drivers’ Education in 1987 and a master's degree in extended studies in 1991.

In 1999, Beard moved to South Panola High School, helping the Tigers win four district appearances as well as berths into the north half and Class 5A Championships. He was honored with a Coach of the Year award during his tenure in Batesville after guiding his team to a No. 5 state ranking. Additionally, he was promoted to the MHSAA’s Legislative Committee, was honored with a 25-year service award by the Mississippi Association of Coaches (MAC) and was appointed as coach for the north team during the MAC North-South All-Star Game.

Beard came to Holly Springs High School in 2004, where he was appointed as the coach of both basketball programs and physical education instructor.

He was promoted to the role of athletic director in 2008, a role he remained in until 2010. continued on page 33 ➤

Fall 2018

13

2+2 Scholarship Golf Tourney winners announced

Winners have been determined for the annual BancorpSouth/Northcentral Electric Power Association (NCEPA) 2+2 Scholarship Golf Tournament, benefitting students from Northwest Mississippi Community College and the University of Mississippi at DeSoto Center.

The event was held on Thursday, Sept. 20 at Cherokee Valley Golf Course in Olive Branch. A total of 40 teams competed.

Taking first place in the contest representing Cline Tours were (top photo, l-r) Gerald Beard, Matt Sellers, Jake Long and Scott Crockett.

Second place winners, representing Sycamore Bank, were (middle photo, l-r) Ken Purvis, Gerald Chatham, Jr., Marty Garrard and Todd Quinton.

The third place winners, representing Lenny’s Sub Shop, were (bottom photo, l-r) Mark Rowan, Greg Courts, Jimmy Hill and Ned Shorr.

Closest to the pin were Blayton Kettler and Kris Brasher. They each received a gift card for the golf shop at Cherokee Valley Golf Course. Winners of the putting contest were Sam Perry, Wayne Williamson, Perry Arrington and Tommy Spencer, who each won $50 cash.

The money raised from the tournament will go to the 2+2 Scholarship Initiative for scholarships to both colleges. Since its beginning, the tournament has generated over $200,000 toward scholarships.

For more information visit northwestms.edu/desoto.

—LaJuan Tallo

Photos by Jennifer Corbin

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Northwest Now

Volunteers from Northwest and Ole Miss worked together to make the tournament a success. Pictured (l-r) Nici Hill, Angie Stuart, Kim Steinman, Susan Sinquefield, Patti Gordon, Debra Herrington, Erin Garrett, Marla Kennedy, KayLeigh Mitchell, Jennifer Corbin and Angel Campbell. Photo submitted

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Giving

Celebrating

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year. What an July 1 of this e nc si ge lle lcome we have munity Co elmed by the we ississippi Com M wh er st sov we th en or be N too love the ho ys have esident of and my two bo they visit, they r, en I have been pr ife wh nn t, Je , bu fe a, wi tobi months! My t move to Sena incredible five grandson did no d an er ht ug da received. Our . g, We Are orthwest family ts, Homecomin er nc co s, ay pl pitality of the N ating, a pleasure --- football tailg has been such It es . nc al iv rie st pe Fe ex s l gras many wonderfu the Ranger Blue We have had so ctive students, pe os pr e om lc s to we team!

Northwest expo t a magnificent gnition of the and staff. Wha lty cu fa e two days of reco th t e es Th to mee s. ie on Cerem impressive. ive them were the Scholarship ce s re wa o e wh nc ts ca ifi en stud rticular sign rships and the One event of pa ents endowed schola d he is bl ta These 10 stud es ve student panel. e th people who ha on ed rv ng. students who se lling and inspiri s listening to 10 wa t ar he y m ories are compe d st r ei th d an , What grippe rships and she is undation schola tack this year, at t ar he a are receiving Fo of enly One was a sband died sudd ree daughters. th hu r e he os of wh r, re he ca taking e the Nursing g wife and mot ile working and out to complet wh ab st w we no One was a youn th is or d N over her life at thwest an ford campus of th enthusiasm ficate from Nor wi rti er ce ov g g attending the Ox in lin ld bb we y bu o received his who was simpl young man wh school graduate gh hi nt ce re a . program. One is nger cheer team t bulb” came on ember of the Ra m a as st y that the “ligh we sa th to Nor holve ha I s, y year them. These sc ge work for man ps have helped lle hi co rs ugh la ro ity ho th un sc d m n an m tio en in co e Founda assistance th ok w bo ho xt tly te h ac While I have be ex ug thro plain s our students ese students ex Foundation help when I heard th e th at th ys wa rence. other ly make a diffe arships and the llege Foundais situations tru is cr in lp he Community Co y pi ip ss si is emergenc M st es directly to e Northwe your support go at ider a gift to th th ns u co yo se re ea su pl I can as Merry Christmas , I ask you to r students, and st wishes for a ou be to ry For that reason ve ng y hi m et m pt ce ally means so quest. Please ac tion. Your gift re nsidering my re co r fo u yo k an our students. Th Sincerely yours, ew Year.

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Dear Friends of

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Hw 75 n. io Foundation, 49 online contribut e” to make an Fall 2018 15 www.northwestms.edu click on “Donat

The Legacy Continues

Legacy

the

It is, indeed, both a pleasure and an honor to announce new scholarship endowments, the beginning of a new legacy for those being honored by these scholarships and for the students who will be assisted for generations to come.

The beauty of an endowment is that it will continue to help students for as long as this college exists.

It is also wonderful to think of how these students will use their education to make better lives for themselves, for their families and for the communities in which they will live. Thus, it is appropriate to name these pages, “The Legacy Continues,” because the effects of these extraordinary

continues

acts of generosity will last forever.

The Northwest Foundation was fortunate to have a matching gifts program from 1997 through 2013. While the program is no longer in place, we want to continue to express appreciation to those who provided these funds to help our scholarship endowment grow at such a rapid pace.

At the end of October, the value of the endowment was $10.8 million.

Morgan Freeman, the acclaimed actor and producer of national and international fame, was the largest benefactor of the matching gifts program, providing $515,000.

In addition, we received a generous gift

from the Estate of Clarence Thomas Hill, Jr., in the amount of $180,000.

Other matching gifts sponsors included Horseshoe Casino and Hotel, the Youth Progress Association, Sycamore Bank, Gateway Tire, Coca-Cola Bottling Company, Williams-Sonoma, Inc., Sam’s Town Hotel and Gambling Hall, ThyssenKrupp Elevator, and Schulz Xtruded Products.

Through the generosity of so many, the endowment continues to grow. As it grows, so does the realization of the hopes and dreams of our students as well as the legacy of the special people who are honored by these endowments.

—Sybil Canon

The Charlotte Annice Alexander Endowment

Northwest Mathematics Division began.

A highlight of her career at Northwest was working as co-chair with Dr. Gwen The Charlotte Annice Alexander Aldridge on Northwest’s first Quality Endowment was established by her Enhancement Plan (QEP) as part of colleagues in the Mathematics Divithe Southern Association of Colleges sion of Northwest as a tribute to her and Schools Commission on Colleges 39 years as a stellar educator in the (SACS-COC) requirement for reaccredfield of mathematics. itation. The Math Department led colAlexander graduated from Senatolege-wide efforts to strengthen math bia High School, where she was an learning. Along with other members of honor graduate and selected to the the leadership team, Alexander preHall of Fame. She was also a memsented at the 2007 SACS convention. ber of the band, Beta Club, Drama She also led a roundtable discussion on Club, newspaper staff, and yearbook tips for encouraging college-wide particstaff. She attended what was then ipation and marketing a QEP. Northwest Mississippi Junior College Alexander served on the Northwest on a mathematics scholarship. At Northwest President Emeritus Dr. Gary Lee Spears building committee that helped plan Northwest, she was a member of the (right) presented Alexander with the Faculty Customand design the addition to the Physical Ranger Band and was selected as er Service Award in 2009.

Science Building, later named the Math Outstanding Mathematics Student and Science (MAS) Building. Alexander new at that time. Alexander’s initiative produring her sophomore year. was presented the President’s Award for She earned a Bachelor of Arts in Educa- vided students in a rural area with exposure to computer programming, something community service in 2009, an honor tion in secondary mathematics from the reserved for one faculty member each that was not common at the time.

University of Mississippi where she was Alexander continued to further her edu- year. In early 2010, the administration a member of Pi Mu Epsilon Mathematics cation, earning a Master of Education in separated the Mathematics Department Honor Society. from the Science Division. Alexander Her first teaching position was with secondary mathematics from Delta State the East Tallahatchie School District in University and a Master of Science in became the first director of the Division of Charleston. At Charleston High School, mathematics from Ole Miss. She gradu- Mathematics at Northwest serving in that Alexander convinced her principal of the ated with honors and is a life member of position until her retirement in June 2018.

“Charlotte has a God-given calling to need for computer education beyond a Phi Kappa Phi National Honor Society.

Encouraged by former instructor Anita encourage students who come into a business education emphasis. She develmathematics classroom with a pre-conoped and taught computer programming, Wilborn, Alexander applied for a position at a technological innovation that was fairly Northwest in 1989, and her career in the ceived notion that they cannot succeed.

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Northwest Now

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of the division.

Cox graduated from high school in Colquitt, Georgia and earned a bachelor’s degree from Berry College and a master’s degree and a doctorate in biochemistry from Auburn University.

As a part of his research for his doctorate, he worked under the renowned cancer researcher, Dr. Manny Farber, which led Dr. Cox to his own work as a researcher with the Veteran’s Hospital in

Dr. Ray Cox Memphis until his retirement at age 50.

After leaving the Veteran’s Hospital, Dr. Cox taught for one year at Crichton College in Memphis and then began teaching chemistry at Northwest on the DeSoto campus.

He and his wife, Angela, have two children, Kent, who died four years ago, and Ashleigh. They are the grandparents of five grandchildren, Caden, Grace, Houston, Nelson, and Kayla.

An avid outdoorsman, he is an expert fisherman and hunter.

“Dr. Cox is regarded with the utmost esteem by everyone, instructors and students alike,” Robison said.

Dr. Michael Heindl, president of Northwest, commended Dr. Cox and the Natural Sciences Division. “It is difficult t0o put a measure on the accomplishments of the life of Dr. Ray Cox. The names of researchers who toil away in laboratories all across our nation rarely become household names. Yet, the work that Dr. Cox and thousands of others have done have a profound impact on all of us. In addition, he has been an asset to our students studying chemistry. The Natural Sciences Division is to be commended for recognizing this fine instructor in such a meaningful tribute,”

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The Legacy Continues

She has provided encouragement and respect, and she has given them confidence to master a complex subject. Of course, not every student has mastered mathematics, but even those who did not master it, did not leave Charlotte’s class feeling defeated. Rather, they were resolved to try again. How wonderful it will be to have this endowment to honor this awesome teacher for generations to come,” Sybil Canon, associate vice president of Development and Special Projects at Northwest said.

The scholarship will be awarded Joe and Mary Broadway on their daughter Beth's wedding day.

Photo submitted to students who have chosen mathematics as their career pathway.

Beth completed the nursing program at Northwest. Chance has a bachelor’s degree The Joe and Mary in criminal justice and is also in the U.S. Louise Wynne Broadway Marine Corps Reserve. He is currently an Endowment In 2003, following the death of Mary officer with the Ocean Springs Police DepartLouise Wynne Broadway, her husband, Joe, ment. Katie Beth has a bachelor’s degree in and her family established a scholarship business and manages a Malco theater.

Broadway began as a student at Northto honor her memory. When Joe Broadway died in 2016, friends and family contrib- west in 1963 and he retired from Northwest uted the funds to establish a scholarship after a 40-year career in Career-Technical honoring his memory. The two endowments Education. At the time of his retirement, have been joined to create the Joe and Broadway was dean of Career-Technical Mary Louise Wynne Broadway Endowment. Education and executive assistant to the The son of Howard and Maggie Broad- President. He served under the administraway, Joe Broadway was one of 12 children. tions of Henry B. Koon, Dr. David M. HarHe first went to school at Olive Branch, and away, and Dr. Gary Lee Spears.

“Mr. Broadway was passionate about then transferred to Coldwater High School, where he was voted “Most Handsome” and Career-Tech and promoted this important part of the Northwest curriculum throughplayed football.

“Joe spoke to me fondly of his Coldwater out the state, serving on many regional and High School days and credits one of his statewide boards. He understood from his teachers with being the encouraging force childhood the importance of giving every that kept him on the right path. That was young boy and girl the opportunity to be Senatobia’s dear Mariglyn Mayfield Mea- trained and educated so that they can have meaningful and good-paying jobs,” cham,” Canon said.

Broadway attended Northwest in 1963 Canon said.

Proceeds from the Joe and Mary Louand 1964. He received a bachelor’s degree from the University of Mississippi ise Wynne Broadway Endowment will be and a master’s degree from the University divided in half, with half of the proceeds awarded to students majoring in education of Southern Mississippi.

He and Mary married on July 30, 1965. who have attended Horn Lake High School Mary also attended Northwest and com- and half of the proceeds awarded to stupleted her Bachelor of Science in Educa- dents who are enrolled in Career-Technical tion and her Master of Science in Educa- Education programs. tion degrees at Ole Miss. She taught at Horn Lake High School for her entire teachThe Dr. Ray Cox Endowment ing career of 35 years. She died in 2003 The Dr. Ray Cox Endowment has been at the age of 48. established by his colleagues in the NatThe Broadways have one child, Beth, and ural Sciences Division at Northwest under two grandchildren, Chance and Katie Beth. the leadership of Robin Robison, director

The Legacy Continues

pastor of First Baptist Church, McComb, and then as pastor of First Baptist Church (FBC) Senatobia for over 33 years where he retired in 1992 and was The Dr. John and named Pastor Jessie Flowers Emeritus.

Endowment Jessie Babb The Dr. John and Dr. John and Mrs. Jessie Flowers Flowers was born Jessie Flowers December 9, Endowed Scholarship has been recently established by friends 1928 in Sand Springs, Oklahoma and died in September of this year. The effects of and loved ones.

Dr. Flowers was born Nov. 29, 1923 in the Dust Bowl forced her family to move Magnolia to Harmon S. Flowers and Annie west and relocate to California. She gradRoe Flowers. He died at the age of 94 in uated from high school in San Luis Obispo April of this year. Flowers grew up near and began her college career at the Bible McComb and early in his life felt the call- Institute of Los Angeles.

She continued her education at Missising into pastoral ministry. After graduating from Fernwood High School, he joined the sippi College in Clinton and then received U.S. Army in 1942 and served in the Euro- her Bachelor of Religious Education degree pean Theater. While stationed in San Luis from New Orleans Baptist Theological Obispo, California in 1945, right before his Seminary.

Dr. Flowers had a God-given talent for discharge home to Mississippi, he met Jesreaching out and caring for people of all sie Babb.

They got married in August 1948 and ages.

“Through the years, he became a regular moved to Mississippi to build their ministry together. At the time of his death, they had at Walmart when he decided that walking been married just a few months short of multiple laps around the interior of the building could help him stay in shape. He 70 years.

Dr. Flowers graduated with a Bachelor of knew employees by name and greeted Arts from Mississippi College in Clinton and them as he walked, asking about family Heindl said.

The Dr. Ray Cox Endowment will be awarded to students pursuing any of the Natural Sciences pathways.

was a member of the Rotary Club, Civitan Club, Tate County Soil and Water Conservation Society, Tate County Ministerial Alliance, was honored as “Citizen of the Year,” served on the Mississippi Baptist Convention Board and was a member of the Historical Society of Mississippi Baptists. He also taught philosophy courses at Northwest.

Mrs. Flowers used her talents over the years to touch all ages. She taught the fourth grade Sunday School class for many years, and sang for years in the choir at FBC and could also play the flute and piano.

Mrs. Flowers was a member of the Cosmopolitan Club for over 50 years and has served as an officer for that organization.

She worked part-time in Senatobia at B/C Printing Co. and Tomlinson’s Fabric Store before fully retiring.

Dr. and Mrs. Flowers are the parents of daughters, Becky Wallace (Charles) of Brandon, Rachel Roberts (Steven) of Cordova, Ruth Patch of Rutland, Massachusetts and Philip Murrell Flowers, who died in infancy.

They are the grandparents of John Wallace (Hannah), Elizabeth Wallace Moore (Chris), Daniel Roberts (Emily), Olivia Roberts; Tim Patch (Alexandra) and Amy Patch; and the great grandparents to Ivy Wallace, Zeritu “ZZ” Wallace, Emerson Moore and Evangeline Roberts.

The scholarship is to be awarded to students who have demonstrated through their service and volunteer activities that they have a sincere desire to help people. Preference is given to students who are members of First Baptist Church, Senatobia.

A large number of family, friends and Senatobia First Baptist Church members were on hand when the Flowers were recognized at the Scholarship Ceremony in October. received a Bachelor of Divinity, a Master of Religious Education and a Doctorate of Religious Education from New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary.

He was ordained at Navilla Baptist Church on July 7, 1947 and went on to serve as pastor of Shady Grove Baptist Church in Lincoln County, Mississippi, as associate

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Northwest Now

and keeping up to date with people. Those trips were usually followed daily by greeting every patient in the nursing home and those who worked there. He was indeed a lover of people,” Rev. Clay Moore, retired FBC music minister recalled.

Dr. Flowers was also an accomplished poet and writer and a master gardener. He

Charlotte and Don Johnston

www.northwestms.edu

The Don and Charlotte Johnston Endowment was established by Charlotte’s colleagues in the Northwest Business Division.

Don Johnston grew up in Waynesboro, the middle child of three boys. He played football at Jones County Junior College and at Mississippi College. He was in the Marine Reserves and was on standby during the Korean War. Charlotte Johnston grew up in Coldwater, graduating from Coldwater High School. She received both her bachelor’s and master’s degrees from the University of Mississippi.

Charlotte taught for eight years part time at Northwest before she was hired to teach full time. Earline Cocke, her office mate for 14 years said that Charlotte would never take a day off.

“If a computer needed repairing, she would take out her trusty screwdriver and fix it. Whatever needed done, Charlotte would do it, and how her students loved her,” Cocke said.

Don and his brother opened a full-service station, wrecker service, and truck shop in Tate County. Both Don and Charlotte operated a farm where they grew blueberries and other crops.

Charlotte died in 2005 at the age of 55.

Don died in August of this year at the age of 84. They are survived by their daughter, Lora DePriest and her husband Chris and their son, Perk and his wife Alaina along with seven grandchildren, Anna Clair, Mary Gracin, Abby, Carter, Carlee, Brooklynn, and Karis, and one great-grandchild, Carolina.

As a tribute to Don, who was fondly referred as the “mayor” of the Greenleaf community, to recognize his service to the community and the volunteer fire department for 23 years, a plaque has been placed on a newly acquired 3000-gallon Pumper/Tanker Fire Truck to honor Don’s service.

The children of Don and Charlotte, Perk Johnston and Lora DePriest, are pleased and grateful for these honors given to their parents, saying that their parents would be so happy to know that her memory was being used to help the students at Northwest.

“This scholarship was established because instructors in the Academic Business Division contributed monthly for several years to honor their colleague,

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Charlotte, and her husband, Don. Both Charlotte and Don exemplify the very best in integrity and service. We are glad that Perk is teaching at Northwest just as his mother did. Our Foundation is honored to have a scholarship that bears the names of two very fine people,” Heindl said.

The Don and Charlotte Johnston Endowment will be awarded to students pursuing a career pathway in academic business.

The Marcia Louise Kreunen Endowment The Marcia Louise Kreunen Endowment has been established by Kim and Tina Kreunen of Southaven in memory of Kim’s mother, Marcia Louise Kreunen, as a trib-

Tina, Marcia and Kim Kreunen ute to her life of loving service to her family and to her ministry with Holt International Children’s Services.

Born in 1932 in Kansas City, Kreunen lived in Southaven for the last 21 years.

She died at the age of 85 in May of this year.

As a Holt board member for 24 years, she escorted children from their country of birth to the United States, placing these children in the arms of their awaiting adoptive family. This ministry was an important part of her life, and she often reminded parents that “adoption isn’t second best.”

Kreunen was devoted to her family of five children, Kim (Tina) Kreunen, Krista Lynn (Andreas) Schauffler, Suzie Michelson, Connie (Gin) Beck, Dodie Kreunen, eight grandchildren; four great-grandchildren, and other extended family members.

She was preceded in death by her daughter, Kathryn Anne Kreunen who died at the age of five. She described Kathryn

as “a precious gift that God shared for awhile.” A scholarship to honor Kathryn’s memory was established at Northwest in 2005.

A member of Christ United Methodist Church in Memphis and later Maples Memorial Methodist Church in Olive Branch, she enjoyed the bus trips with her church friends. She was also an avid gardener, enjoying planting, tending, and sharing.

In establishing the endowments, the Kreunens described Marcia as a lady with a caring and generous heart who always placed the needs of others above her own.

Kim remembers bringing her to the annual scholarship ceremonies so that she could meet the students who were receiving Kathryn’s scholarship, “It was the highlight of her year. She also enjoyed receiving the thank you notes from the students.”

“We at Northwest understand that while the main purpose of establishing a scholarship is to help students, there is another very important reason and that is to honor people who have made a difference in our lives. It is obvious that Mrs. Marcia Kreunen was a truly remarkable lady of compassion, grace, and service. It is our honor to have a scholarship that bears her name, and we thank Kim and Tina for this generous gift," Heindl said.

The scholarship will be awarded to students who have chosen nursing and construction-related pathways in their studies at Northwest.

The Edna Mae Wright Miles Endowment The Edna Mae Wright Miles Endowment was established to honor this lady of distinction who served her Lord with gladness, who demonstrated all that is good and noble to her family, and who displayed compassion, knowledge and professionalism in her career as a nurse.

The scholarship was established by her daughter, Jacqueline Wright Reed and sonin-law, John Wesley Reed, and by her granddaughter, Kristi Lynnette Reed Pigott and her grandson-in-law, Pastor David Bryan Pigott.

A lifelong resident of Panola County, her parents were Army Veteran Andrew Barnes and Ethel Mae Payne Barnes. Her mother died when she was an infant, and her maternal grandmother cared for her until the age of eight, when her maternal

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The Legacy Continues

The Don and Charlotte Johnston Endowment

The Legacy Continues Edna Mae Wright Miles grandfather, Tom Payne and his wife, Eugenia Payne, became her parents. Ms. Edna was reunited with her father when she was 15 and maintained a close relationship with him until his death.

Her grandfather made sure she was in church and enjoyed a family dinner every Sunday after church, a tradition that has continued in the Barnes family members to this day. She became a Christian at the age of 12 at Walton Chapel Methodist Church.

Ms. Edna met an Army veteran named William Hudson Wright when she was 15 and he was 20. Knowing that her grandfather would not give permission for the marriage because she had not finished school, they eloped and married on Christmas Day. After working in the cotton fields, selling Avon, and taking care of children without a gas or electric stove and no washer and dryer, she was hired to clean the office of Dr. and Mrs. Lunceford. This kind couple offered to pay for Ms. Edna to attend a one-year LPN program at Mississippi Valley State College in Itta Bena. This act of Christian love made Ms. Edna’s nursing career possible.

Ms. Edna was the first school nurse in the North Panola School District, and she ministered to children by teaching them good health practices and even showing up at basketball games in case someone was hurt.

Because of a divorce, she became a single parent with five children, so she took a second job at North Panola Regional Hospital.

At the age of 50, Ms. Edna took classes

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Northwest Now

at Northwest and then transferred to Itawamba where she graduated from their Associate Degree Nursing program and became a registered nurse. She was hired as the health care manager with the Batesville Job Corps and promoted health awareness at companies such as Fruit of the Loom.

While Ms. Edna’s daughters were focused and quite determined, the only son was a different story. Her daughter Jackie remembers that her brother, David, did not want to go to college but that her mother was determined that he would.

“David didn’t take her seriously until one day, she asked him to ride to Memphis with her and the next thing he knew, she pulled into the Air Force Recruitment Office. David was shocked, but Ms. Edna was adamant and said, ‘I want you to go to college, but if you don’t, you can join the military like my father, like your father, and like your uncle, but you will not walk the streets."

David is now Retired Senior Master Sargent William David Wright, having retired after 25 years of service to his country, and he credits his mama with making sure that his life was on the right path.

Ms. Edna’s second daughter, Ethel, left her factory job to follow in her mother’s footsteps. “If my mama can study hard and earn her GED and study harder and pass her nursing board exams, then so can I,” she said. And she did. She graduated from the Northwest Practical Nursing program in Ox-ford and has been in the nursing profession for 39 years.

Another daughter, Jackie, graduated in 1974 from the Methodist Hospital School of Nursing, and she also received her Bachelor of Science in Nursing and became an OB-GYN nurse practitioner, all while serving in the U.S. Air Force. Jackie retired in 1994.

Although Ms. Edna never knew the love of her own mother, she instilled God’s love in each of her five children, and they have been able to pass that love on to 55 branches of descendants.

The last inpatient nursing job for Ms. Edna was at a nursing home in Batesville where she quickly learned the use of the computer and even taught others. Her co-workers were absolutely adamant that they could not have learned those computer skills without Ms. Edna, and she was

much older that they were.

In 1993, Ms. Edna married Deacon Robert Miles. Miles was a civil rights advocate who once marched with Dr. Martin Luther King and opened his home to house some of the brave marchers during the 1950s, 60s, and 70s. Ms. Edna had always been a very talented soloist, and she continued to use those talents in the choir and in organizing young adults for ministry outreach opportunities. They enjoyed traveling and they enjoyed three happy years together before his death.

Ms. Edna developed Parkinson’s Disease and other health issues in her mid70s, and Jackie and her husband, John, graciously brought Ms. Edna to their home for the last 18 years of her life as a way to give back to her as she had given to each member of her family.

She died in 2017 at the age of 86, leaving behind her five children, Patricia Ann Wright Lamar, Ethel Mae Wright (Lawrence) McKinney, Lorraine Wright (Terrance) Dykes, Jacqueline Wright (John Wesley) Reed, and William David Wright (Darla), along with 15 grandchildren, 26 great-grandchildren, and 11 great-great-grandchildren.

One daughter, Lorraine, remembers, “In Ms. Edna’s house, you had to go to church, and then came Sunday dinner and family time where we played family games and listened to Mama and Daddy tell us about the old times. We were poor, but we didn’t really know it,” she said.

“She knew she was meant to do more, and she didn’t want her children to think that the cotton field was all we had to look forward to in life. She just knew God would work it out and send help somehow and through someone. And He did,” said oldest

Joan Harris Pierce

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ing in Levittown. She devoted a total of 31 years to the field of higher education.

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two-time All-MACJC selection, Van Every also holds the single-season record for total bases at 132.

In 1994, after retiring, —Joan and Tallo Bob

LaJuan

returned to Hernando making it their home.

She loved her two Shih Tzu who were her constant companions. Joan also spent her time being involved with her church and other community activities.

She was preceded in death by her parents and her husband.

Canon speaks fondly of Joan and her family. “In 2004, this sweet family honored their parents by establishing the Pete and Pauline Harris Endowment. Over the years, they have remained interested in this scholarship and have continued to contribute. Now, with the passing of their beloved sister, they have returned to the college that all nine siblings attended to establish yet another endowment to honor Joan’s memory. Joan was a brave and valiant educator, and we are honored to have this endowment,” Canon said.

The scholarship will benefit a student who is pursuing a career in education and maintains a 3.0 grade point average.

The J.D., Gladys, David, Michael and Lee Ross Endowment In 2005 , Dr. J.D. Ross and his wife, Gladys established an endowment with the Northwest Foundation to honor the memories of two of their three sons and to honor David, their remaining son. Michael was killed in a plane crash at age 30. Lee was killed in a car accident at age 11.

David worked for the Scottish Rite Hospital for Crippled Children in Dallas, where he developed a bone lengthening device to stimulate bone growth.

The love story of Dr. and Mrs. Ross spanned a total of 66 years. Dr. Ross was in the Navy during World War II, and they were married in 1945, shortly before his service as a sailor ended.

Mrs. Ross received her degree in education from Delta State University in 1945, and Dr. Ross received his bachelor’s and master’s degrees from Ole Miss, where he also taught.

Mrs. Ross taught at Crowder and Lock Station and, while teaching, took graduate- level classes from the University of Alabama and the University of Southern Mississippi.

The couple moved to South Carolina where he worked for the Savannah River Project concerning atomic energy. He acquired his doctorate in physics from the University of Virginia, and his research

Dr. J.D. and Gladys Ross work was featured in National Geographic.

He was employed as chief of Engineering for Honeywell and then was chief engineer at LTV Corporation in Texas. He was then hired by President Henry B. Koon to be the director of the Science Department where he worked for 20 years.

Up until the move to Senatobia, Mrs. Ross had been a stay-at-home wife and mother to their three sons. At Northwest, she taught GED classes for over 20 years.

Mrs. Ross taught language and reading through a Time to Read program. Northwest received a grant for the program, “Each One, Teach One,” and she set this up while continuing the Time to Read program. She worked tirelessly with the Tate County Literacy Council, a strong organization still today whose purpose is to recruit and tutor non- or low-level-reading adults in reading and writing and to inspire lifelong learning. She also taught ceramics both to students and to the community.

J.D. and Gladys shared the very same passion for teaching and learning. While he was excellent in teaching physics and chemistry, at the same time, he loved joining Gladys in teaching students how to read.

Mrs. Ross was instrumental in encouraging the Tate County Literacy Council to start an endowment to honor one of their founding members, Sue Wilson. That scholarship is awarded to students who are in the Adult Education program.

She also helped to raise the funds to place a computer in the Senatobia Regional Library. She was an active member of the Faith Sunday School class at First Baptist Church.

Now, she divides her time with her son David and his family in Texas and her home in Senatobia.

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The Legacy Continues

Northwest inducted two former stu. dent-athletes and one coach into its Sports Hall of Fame on Sept. 21 during daughter Pat. festivities.

Homecoming Jackie remembers her mothera traveling Dr. Gerald J. Hasselman, former all the way to North Carolina to Seymour All-MACJC center, Don Edwards, the Johnston Air Force Base.basketball “Having mycoach mom win-ningest women's travel so far to help adjust all-confer. to being a in school history, andme two-time mom meant the world to me.

Years later, ence third baseman Marcus Van Every she would travel to Pensacola to see were inducted into the 17th Northwest Sports Hall of Famereceive class. a high school that granddaughter As a member the Rangerand men's basdiploma and laterofbachelor’s master’s ketball team from 1964-66, Hasselman degrees,” Jackie said. finished eight 30-point good “Whatwith a distinct honor to games, have a scholfor second all-time pro.gram arship that bears the in name of this history, remarkand concluded Northwest basketball able lady! How his I wish every young person careerhear by being named in the could the story of All-MACJC her extraordinary spring of 1966. Off the court, he was life of courage, determination, success, also selected to both the President's and service,” said Canon. and Dean's Lists.

The scholarship will be awarded to any Edwards enters his 31st season as serious-minded student with a financial Northwest's head women's basketball need whosethe goal is to complete the coachand entering 2017-18 season and nursing program. has been a part of the staff for the last 34 years, starting in 1983 as an assis.

The the Joan Pierce tant under lateHarris Harry Adair.

During hisEndowment tenure as head coach, The Joanhas Harris Endowed ScholarEdwards ledPierce the Lady Rangers to ship was established at Northwest in loving 17 NJCAA Region XXIII and three NJCAA tribute to her life of service and distinction National Tournament appearances, as wellher as brothers a pair ofand MACJC championships by sisters, Jimmy Harris in 1995 andBilly 1996.

HisNella career recordBarat (deceased), Harris, Wicker, Northwest at 447-310 (.590), bara Wright,stands Doc Harris, Zada Malouf, Lola posting 22 overall and Robison andwinning Wayne seasons Harris, all of whom four seasons with 20 or more wins. attended Northwest.

With was all born his success, has Joan in 1937 toEdwards parents, Pete received numerous of the Year and Pauline Harris, inCoach the small commurecognitions. He was named Region nity of Pinedale which is located in Union XXIII and District 16 Coach of the Year in County. In 1952 her family made their 1990, 1996, 1998 and 2005, MACJC home in Hernando. At the age of eight, Coach of the Year in 1989 and 1990 she became ill with Scleroderma which and was MAC Women's Basketball resulted a serious, on- going physical Coach ofinthe Year in 1990, 1995 and challenge for her.

In spite of this serious 1996. condition, she had baseball a “can-do”team attitude that The Northwest experi. would not allow her to quit.

Her fight and enced the best offensive season in team determination to succeed motivated her history in 1999, and Senatobia native to graduate from Hernando High School in Marcus Van Every was a big reason why.

1956.

She then attended and graduated After originally signing with Gulf Coast from State (Fla.), Northwest Van Everyfollowed returnedbytoDelta Senatobia after one where semester was a inprimary University she and graduated 1960 contributor during his two seasons with receiving a B.A. in education. theJoan Rangers. began her teaching career in MisThe catcher/third finished sissippi and continued baseman teaching after movhis to career with a .432 batting ing Jacksonville.

In 1965, whileaverage in Jack(third all-time), on-base percentage of sonville, she metanher husband, Bob Pierce. .508 several (second) andin24 home runsshe (third).

After years Jacksonville, and In 1999, VantoEvery in his soph.

Bob decided movehitto.453 his hometown in omore campaign, and alongside team.

Levittown, Pennsylvania, where he worked mate Eduardo Pena, the duo led the for US Steel and she continued teaching.

NJCAA with 17 homers, which remains Joan finished her teaching career while livthe Rangers' single-season record. A

The Legacy Continues

Beverly Skipper “I find it touching to learn that someone with a Ph.D. in physics, someone whose engineering skills were recognized throughout this country, would join his wife in teaching people, many of whom were adults, how to read, how to obtain a high school diploma. This couple reached out to those who had slipped through the cracks and perhaps had thought this world would not give them another chance. While Dr. Ross was teaching future doctors, scientists and engineers, Mrs. Ross was loving and teaching the forgotten back into a world that needed them,”Canon said.

The J.D., Gladys, David, Michael and Lee Ross Endowed Scholarship will be awarded to students with a demonstrated financial need with preference given either to science or fine arts majors.

The Beverly Skipper Endowment The Beverly Skipper Endowment was established by the Nursing Division under the leadership of director, Dr. Denise Bynum, with funds that were raised from the annual “Shoot for the Heart” fundraiser.

In 1967, Skipper graduated from W.A. Higgins High School, with both a high school diploma and licensed practical nurse endorsement. She and several other students had taken advantage of the local hospital’s LPN training program in which they were able to complete during the school day over a two- or three- year period.

After high school, she attended Tuskegee University and received the Bachelor of Science in Nursing in 1971. She then attended the Frances Payne Bolton School of Nursing at Case Western University and received the Master of Nursing Science degree in 1973.

Skipper married Cornelius Skipper, whom she affectionately called “Neli” in 1973 and they have four children, Warren,

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married to Corey, Kimberly, David, and Brian.

In the fall of 1973, she joined the nursing faculty at the University of Tennessee Health Science Center as the youngest member. Because of her excellent job performance at the university, she earned tenure with the rank of assistant professor.

Some of her UT students later became members of the Northwest nursing faculty.

Beverly was a supportive alumna of Case Western Reserve University, and she was a member of the Tuskegee University National Nursing Association. In addition, she was very active with the Tuskegee University National Alumni Association.

After 11 years, she left UT and worked in the nursing in-service department at Baptist Memorial Hospital. After two years, she missed teaching and joined the Northwest Nursing Division. She loved her Northwest family and never regretted her decision to join the Northwest faculty.

She was active in her church, Metropolitan Baptist, serving with the health ministry. She was also a member of the Pastor’s Sunday School class for many years and was very supportive of Neli’s involvement with the music ministry at church. She served the Girl Scouts as cookie chairman of her daughter’s troop for several years.

She possessed a love of learning and encouraged her children to be lifelong learners. She died in July of this year at the age of 68.

Her husband expressed gratitude for this tribute to his wife, “Few things would please Beverly more than knowing that her legacy will help future nursing students realize their hope of becoming nurses of the future.”

Bynum remembers Skipper as someone who was “intelligent, compassionate, professional, and beautiful, someone who fit the Proverbs description of the very best kind of wife, mother, instructor, and person.

The Beverly Skipper Endowment will be awarded to students pursuing a career in nursing.

The Ella Wilbourn Endowment The Ella Wilbourn Endowment was established by the faculty and staff of the Natural Sciences Division under the leadership of Robin Robison, director, and the Mathematics Division, under the leadership of Wayne Ferguson, director.

Ms. Ella died in 2016 at the age of 45.

She was engaged to Lamar Cobb, with whom she worked at Northwest.

She left behind four daughters, Dikisha, Amber, Jacquline, and Marquita.

These daughters fondly remember their mother as being totally devoted to them.

One daughter, recalls, “As a single parent, she provided for us, she loved us, and she gave us the very best she had to give. She had high hopes for us and urged each of us to dream big dreams.”

Ms. Ella was a member of the housekeeping staff, but she was much more than that to those who worked in the Science and Math Divisions.

Melissa Greene wrote this to describe what Ms. Ella was to all of them: Ms. Ella was our friend. She worked with us in the Burks Building, and we requested that she come with us to the new Math and Science Building when we moved in

Ella Willbourn because we wanted our friend with us every day. Every day, she had a smile on her face. She knew our families through stories and pictures, and we knew hers. She was so excited to be getting married. She would always come in and show me her new hairdo and her new nail polish, and we would talk about trips we wanted to take.

She was kind and thoughtful, and she was a hard worker. She worked an additional job to provide for her daughters. She was so proud of them, and she wanted to take them on trips to see the world. She prayed for my family, and she would ask me to pray for hers. She would always check in and let me know she had been praying. continued on page 33 ➤

www.northwestms.edu

Hail to the

Chief

Heindl inaugurated as ninth president of college Sept. 21 was a historic day at Northwest as Dr. Michael J. Heindl was inaugurated as the college's ninth president.

Two retired presidents, former and current college administration, former colleagues, faculty, staff, alumni and students participated in the event, to which the public was invited.

The Northwest Singers and Wind Ensemble provided the entertainment for the occasion. Attendees were welcomed to a reception following the ceremony.

Dr. Heindl was pleased to have local officials, members of the Northwest Board of Trustee, former colleagues, family and friends present at this momentous occasion. —LaJuan Tallo

Dr. Michael J. Heindl, the ninth president of Northwest is pictured holding the college's new mace, which stands as a symbol of educational leadership. The mace features the college's seal, a banner commemorating Tate County Agricultural High School and the names of the 11 counties served by Northwest. The mace will be carried on special occasions such as graduation, and the mace bearer will be selected by the president as an honor.

Photo by Justin Ford

First Lady Jennifer Heindl poses with the new president on his special day.

Photo by Justin Ford

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Dr. Heindl prepares to greet his family directly following the ceremony.

Photo by Justin Ford

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View the Presidential Inauguration at this link: https://youtu.be/W3vE5qMqiyU

Dr. Michael J. Heindl, the ninth president of Northwest (center) poses with former presidents (l-r) Dr. David M. Haraway (1985-2005) and Dr. Gary Lee Spears (2005-2018). Both participated in the inaugural ceremony.

Photo by Justin Ford

Dr. Heindl was honored to have two of his former employers (l-r) Dr. Mary Graham, president of Mississippi Gulf Coast Community College and Dr. Clyde Muse, president of Hinds Community College speak at his inauguration.

President Emeritus Dr. Gary Lee Spears confers the presidential Chain of Office on the new president.

Photos by Justin Ford

Speakers at the event included (l-r) retired Mississippi Supreme Court Justice and Northwest alumna Ann Hannaford Lamar and Senatobia campus Student Government President Adam Conner, a sophomore from Southaven.

Photos by Jennifer Corbin and LaJuan Tallo

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www.northwestms.edu

Homecoming 2018

The 2018 Homecoming Court is (l-r) from the DeSoto Center, Ashton Sparks, sophomore, Olive Branch; Dana Wong, sophomore, Southaven; Bailey Gray, freshman, Hernando and Shakorie Norwood, freshman, Senatobia. From the Senatobia campus, Queen Brianna Butler, sophomore, Clinton; Landyn Hoover, sophomore, Holcomb; Presley Farr, freshman, Olive Branch; and McKenzie Riley, freshman, Hernando. From the Lafayette-Yalobusha Technical Center in Oxford, Ruth Hogue, sophomore, Oxford; Emily Scott, sophomore, Paris; Katie Wise, freshman, Pontotoc and Mia Shepherd, freshman, Oxford. Escorts were Julian Gray (far left) cheerleader of Marks and Tanner Booth (far right) Ranger baseball player of Southaven. The court was presented during halftime festivities on Sept. 27.

Photo by LaJuan Tallo

Northwest President, Dr. Michael Heindl (right) congratulates 2018 Northwest Homecoming Queen Brianna Butler of Clinton. Butler is a sophomore studying physical therapy on the Senatobia campus. She is the daughter of Marcus and Felicia Gentry and Horace and Ayanna Butler from Clinton.

Photo by LaJuan Tallo

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Homecoming 2018

the sporting life

Students at the Lafayette-Yalobusha Technical Center enjoyed a picnic on campus during Homecoming Week. Health Care Assistant students (l-r) Jessica Ford of Charleston, Asialyn Bean of Bruce and Tasha Andrews of Abbeville get into the Homecoming spirit.

Photo by KayLeigh Mitchell

Above, Sports Hall of Fame inductees and Alumna of the Year, Brenda Holmes joined the president and football captains on the 50-yard line for the coin toss. Below, the maids wait for the game to begin.

Photos by LaJuan Tallo

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Northwest Now

Above, the bungee was a carnival favorite. Below, DeSoto Center Practical Nursing students Christopher King and Anna Kathryn King, both of Southaven enjoyed the Homecoming Barbecue on their campus.

Photos by Dillon Day and KayLeigh Mitchell

www.northwestms.edu

the sporting life Ranger football posts fourth straight winning season Opening the preseason ranked sixth nationally, the Northwest football program concluded the 2018 regular season still ranked within the top 10 at No. 8, after posting an 8-2 record in Benjy Parker’s third season at the helm.

Northwest opened the season with a close 28-24 victory at Bobby Franklin Field against East Central.

Trailing 24-14 with less than four minutes left, the Ranger defense kept ECCC out of the end zone on 1st-and-goal from the 7-yard line and got a huge goal line stand on 4th-and-one to force a turnover on downs. The Rangers would then find the end zone with Vanderbilt transfer Jacob Free’s 26-yard touchdown pass to sophomore Javonta Payton, pulling the Rangers within 24-21 at 3:12 remaining.

After successfully converting an onside kick, Northwest took over on offense yet again and took the lead with 1:27 left to go, as Free hit Braden Smith for a 10-yard touchdown pass.

Cam White would then seal the Ranger victory, picking off ECCC quarterback Mario Asagunla with less than a minute to go.

From there, the Rangers embarked on a three-game road trip, defeating Southwest Mississippi (51-6), Mississippi Delta (59-16) and Copiah-Lincoln (23-14) to improve to 4-0 on the season. Northwest would finally return to the friendly confines of Bobby Franklin Field on Sept. 27, defeating 14th-ranked Holmes 27-14 for a solid Homecoming victory.

Despite suffering a 34-6 loss to topranked East Mississippi, the Rangers www.northwestms.edu

rebounded with wins at Coahoma, against Northeast and at Itawamba to finish second in the MACJC North Division. Northwest also captured its eighth straight road victory at the time, a streak that began during the 2017 season, and earned its fifth straight playoff berth, the 29th in the last 37

seasons.

Much like the season began, the No. 5 Rangers would also find themselves in a battle in the MACJC Semifinals at sixth-ranked Jones College on Nov. 3.

Trailing 17-7 early in the second half, Northwest rallied with back-to-back receiving touchdowns to Smith and Monterio Hunt to take a 21-17 lead.

After a field goal and touchdown put Jones back ahead by two, Northwest responded with a 31-yard touchdown to Demarcus Jones, closing the third quarter up 28-23.

Jones would go on to score two touchdowns in the fourth quarter, retaking a 36-28 lead. The Rangers responded with a 17-play, 75-yard drive that lasted nearly seven minutes and ended on Chris Calvert’s 2-yard touchdown run to pull the Rangers within 36-34 with 1:04 to play,

despite failing to convert the two-point attempt.

With the season on the line, Chris Taylor and the Rangers executed a perfect onside kick that was recovered by Jayce Rogers at Northwest's 47-yard line with under a minute to go. Northwest drove it to the Jones 37-yard line before four straight incompletions turned it over on downs and allowed the Bobcats to take a knee and run out the clock, ending the Rangers’ season.

A total of seven Rangers finished with All-MACJC honors, including three first team selections in sophomore cornerback Brandin Echols, offensive guard Lavante Epson, Jr. and tight end Jack Hendershot. Defensive end D.J. Reed, receiver Demarcus Jones, linebacker Brandon Pierre and quarterback Jacob Free received second team honors.

Although the Rangers snapped a three-year streak of bowl appearances, Northwest still posted its 35th winning season in the last 38 years and its fourth in as many years. Of that total, the Rangers have collected eight wins or more in 20 of the last 38 seasons. Parker also improved his career coaching record at Northwest to 25-8 overall (.758 winning percentage) with two bowl appearances, while moving to fourth in all-time victories, just one win shy of tying A.J. Kilpatrick (1975— Brian Lentz 78) for third.

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the sporting life Northwest wins prestigious Halbrook Award in academics Northwest President, Dr. Michael Heindl (left) recognized Athletic Academic Coordinator Jake Long (center) on receiving the college’s first David M. Halbrook Award. Northwest saw 99 percent of its student-athletes graduate or complete all necessary courses during the 2017-18 academic year. The state award is given to colleges and universities with the highest percentage of graduating student-athletes. Congratulating Long is Dr. Adam Pugh, board chairman.

Photo by Julie Bauer

Hailey, Hayes garner All-Conference soccer honors Northwest sophomore goalkeeper Angel Hailey and men’s midfielder Joseph Hayes were rewarded as the Rangers’ only All-Conference representatives for the 2018-19 season.

In her two seasons with the Lady Rangers, Hailey finished as the Lady Rangers’ all-time leader in saves, collecting 255. The new school record barely edged the previous total of 252, set by Ashley Nelson during the 201415 seasons. Her 9.11 saves/game also ranks first all-time at Northwest, while her .870 save percentage and 1.85 goals against average ranks third and fourth, respectively.

A product of Southaven High School, Hailey led the NJCAA and MACJC this season with 190 saves to go along with an .848 save percentage and 2.49 goals against average in nearly 1,230 minutes. She started 19 of 28 career matches in net, posting a 10-10-1 record with nine combined shutouts in 1,850 minutes of action. She added her lone assist of her career in a 4-2 win over East Central this season.

"Angel does everything right on and

off the field," head coach Levi Nunnally said. "She had a great year in goal for us this year and is very deserving of this honor. I'm extremely blessed to have coached Angel over the past two years.

I wish her all the best at the next level of her soccer career."

On the men’s side of things, Hayes earned All-Conference honors by leading the Rangers with seven goals as a freshman. A product of Olive Branch High School, Hayes started all 13 matches for Northwest this season and notched a season-high two goals in a 7-1 victory against Holmes, while also scoring the game winner in a 2-1 early season victory against Andrew College.

"Joseph has been a leader for us on and off the field," head coach Mark Hogan said. "He's an extremely hard worker. Every coach hopes to have a kid like him on their team."

While battling the injury bug this season, the Northwest Lady Rangers finished at 4-10-1 overall and 2-6 in the MACJC North Division. The men’s program finished with two wins on the season.

—Brian Lentz

Northwest sophomore Angel Hailey and freshman Joseph Hayes were selected to the 2018 MACJC All-Conference team, highlighting the season for the Rangers.

Photos by Brian Lentz

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Northwest Now

www.northwestms.edu

Foundation/Alumni

News

Heindl makes first visit to Foundation Board

Dr. Michael Heindl (center front), president of Northwest was greeted by the Northwest Foundation Board of Directors at its recent quarterly meeting. Heindl praised the Foundation board and staff for having the largest endowment of any community college foundation in Mississippi.

Photo by LaJuan Tallo

Band, Rangerette, cheer alums gather for East game

Clockwise from top left, Ranger cheerleaders from as far back as the 1960s gathered for the event. Rangerette alumni participated in the pre-game show. Ranger drum majors (l-r) Brynden Foster and Summer Watson welcome former drum major Marilyn Lawson Beardain back to campus. Band alumni pose after participating in the pre-game show.

Photos by LaJuan Tallo www.northwestms.edu

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Ranger Bluegrass Festival Community embraces first event held at NW Farm

Northwest President, Dr. Michael Heindl and First Lady Jennifer Heindl rang the opening bell to kick off the inaugural Ranger Bluegrass Festival.

Photo by Julie Bauer

The Northwest Foundation co-sponsored the first Ranger Bluegrass Festival presented by Gateway Tire at the Northwest Farm on Saturday, Oct. 13, from 9 a.m.- 9 p.m.

The event was a one-day music festival featuring nationally-recognized, award-winning bluegrass bands. The primary goal of the event is to raise funds for scholarships to benefit Northwest students, while sharing an appreciation of bluegrass music and culture.

Musical acts who appeared at the festival were Mike Compton and Joe Newberry, Missy Raines and the New Hip, Barefoot Movement, Alice Hasen and Andy Ratliff.

In addition to the musical acts, there were local craft, merchandise and food vendors, a children’s area, a bluegrass competition and areas for local musicians to “jam” with other musicians. —LaJuan Tallo

The opening act at the Ranger Bluegrass Festival was Andy Ratliff and the Wirewood Ramblers (left photo). Ratliff (far right) is a PC technician who works at the DeSoto Center. Other mainstage acts were Alice Hasen, Missy Raines and the New Hip, the Barefoot Movement and Compton and Newberry. Activities in the children’s area (right photo) included leather tooling, cowboy hat making and pumpkin painting crafts, a scavenger hunt, corn hole and horseshoes.

Photos by Jennifer Corbin and Julie Bauer

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Northwest Now

www.northwestms.edu

The Northwest Singers joined Compton and Newberry to perform songs from “O Brother, Where Art Thou.� The Singers are under the direction of Susanne Spencer VanDyke.

Photo by LaJuan Tallo

The petting zoo was popular among children and adults alike.

Photo by Jennifer Corbin

Employees of Gateway Tire enjoyed visiting with Dr. Heindl and Sybil Canon during the sponsors dinner Oct. 12. (top) The Tate County Master Gardeners were one of several local groups to host a booth during the festival. (above) Local pickers were welcome to come and play at the Bread and Jam Tent at the festival. The Collierville Bluegrass Pickers were one of the groups on hand to provide entertainment to those outside the arena.

Photos by LaJuan Tallo & Julie Bauer

www.northwestms.edu

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Nursing Division hosts accreditation visitors

Northwest administration and nursing faculty posed for a quick photo with site visitors from the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN). The Division of Nursing hosted a site review for continuing accreditation of its Associate Degree (RN) program October 15-17. The division will hear final results from the visit in the spring.

Photo by LaJuan Tallo

Save the Date !

March 22, 2019 Fundraising Dinner honoring Coach Jim Miles Coach Donny Castle

Members of the 1982-83 baseball teams gathered for a fish fry in Eads, Tenn., with coaches Jim Miles and Donny Castle in October. Front row are (l-r) Bob Hunter, Coach Castle, Coach Miles, Jack Peel and Scooter King. Back row (l-r) Lou Corral, Scott Treadway, Richie Cravens, Chris Lindsey, Jeff Frossard, Don Embrey, Steve Kidd, Mark Schulz and Ricky Sommer.

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More details to come!

www.northwestms.edu

➤ Sports Hall of Fame from page 13

Willie Brown

After a standout career with North Calhoun High School in Bruce, Brown came to Northwest and guided the Rangers to backto-back winning seasons under coach Henry B. Koon from 1970-72.

Northwest totaled a 13-9 overall mark and finished as division runners-up in 1970-71, before responding the next season with a 25-5 overall record, 12-0 division mark and the program’s first-ever MACJC Championship.

Brown ranks eighth in Northwest school history with 1,073 career points and is also first in field goals made and attempted, fourth in scoring average and 10th in rebounds/game. He finished as the MACJC’s top scorer as a sophomore, averaging 25.8 points and 9.4 rebounds per game.

Like his teammate, Wilbert Beard, Brown also played at Southeastern Louisiana from 1972-74 and helped guide the Lions to the Gulf South Conference title and a second place finish in the NCAA Division II Tournament in 1973.

He completed his B.S. at Mississippi Industrial College in Holly Springs before receiving additional degrees in physical education, social studies and special education from Ole Miss and MSU. Brown held several coaching and teaching positions after his playing career. In 1978, he was hired by President Koon at Northwest and served in a variety of roles, including physical education instructor, director of intramural sports and assistant men’s and women’s basketball coach under the direction of legendary head coaches Harry Adair and Kenneth “Cat” Robbins.

Brown was hired by Calhoun City High School in 1990 as the head basketball coach, achieving his best season in 199394 when his Wildcats finished as the Region 4-2A and Class 2A North Half champions.

For his efforts, Brown was awarded Coach of the Year honors by the Northeast Mississippi Daily Journal.

In 1994, Brown departed for the same role at Bruce High School where he coached both high school and junior high basketball, in addition to his duties as head track coach and a three-year stint as assistant football coach from 1994-96. He coached until his retirement in 2010.

He now enjoys retirement with his wife, Shirley, and his family, including his great-grandsons, Cori and Caysen. He’s currently an active member and deacon at Jackson Chapel Church in Bruce.

Elyse Lovelace

Although she spent just one season in a Lady Ranger uniform, Elyse Lovelace’s impact on the Northwest women’s soccer program is undeniable. Lovelace was an NJCAA All-American Honorable Mention selection for Northwest in 2006, where

www.northwestms.edu

she helped Peter Jarjoura’s team to a 13-4 overall record and a 7-1 north division mark.

She led the nation with 37 goals in her lone season, which still remains intact as Northwest’s single-season record today.

Nine of her goals came in a 16-0 victory over Southwest Mississippi on Sept. 26, 2006.

After graduating in the spring of 2007 with an associate degree from Northwest, Lovelace went on to play in 29 games for Austin Peay State University from 2007-08.

She graduated with a Bachelor of Science in health and human performance in 2009 and now serves as employee benefits wellness coordinator for government employees in Shelby County, Tennessee, where she manages wellness programs for over 5,000 employees.

When her collegiate soccer career ended, Lovelace began competing in 5K and marathon races, placing first in several local 5K events. She is also a professional elite powerlifter and is ranked in the top two percent in the world for two weight classes. Additionally, she placed first in the Arnold XPC Finals Championships in 2017 and 2018, holding the Tennessee record for amateur and professional in all three lifts.

David Moss

A three-sport athlete at Evangelical Christian School in Memphis, Moss came to Northwest and guided the Rangers to a pair of MACJC championships in 1983-84 under the direction of legendary skipper Jim Miles.

Moss held down second base for the Rangers during his two seasons, batting .373 with eight homers as a freshman before following up with a .402 batting average and seven home runs during his sophomore campaign. He added 16 career doubles and 54 RBIs to go along with a .749 slugging percentage. He was equally as impressive off the field, where he maintained a 3.5 GPA as a pre-med major.

Following his stint with the Rangers, Moss went on to play at the University of Memphis in 1985-86, playing a vital role in guiding the Tigers and coach Bobby Kilpatrick to back-to-back winning seasons.

Moss was named All-Metro Conference both seasons with the Tigers and led the team in hitting at .356 as a junior and .382 for his senior season. He led the team in several other categories, including hits (52 in 1985; 73 in 1986), doubles (17 in 1986) and slugging percentage (.589 in 1985).

After his playing career, Moss graduated in the top 10 percent of his class from Southern College of Optometry in 1990.

He has owned and operated the Eye Care Center of Memphis for 28 years and currently has four adult children and one grandson.

Vandell Grigsby

As a member of two of the greatest

Northwest football teams in program history, Vandell Grigsby’s mark on the record books still stands today.

In his two years here, the Rangers went a combined 24-1-1 under coach Bobby Franklin, and finished as the national runners-up in 1991 before winning the NJCAA National Championship in 1992.

Grigsby intercepted 19 passes over his Northwest career, a record that remains intact. He also holds records for the most interceptions in a game (4 vs. Northeastern Oklahoma, 1992) and most interception return yards in a season (198 yds. 2002), along with 320 career interception return yards which ranks second all-time.

Since leaving Northwest, Grigsby has been employed with the Franklin Special School District in Tennessee for 19 years, serving as the junior high football and girls’ basketball coach, along with assistant coaching stints with boys’ basketball, softball and varsity football.

He has been inducted into the Franklin High School Sports Hall of Fame for his contributions to basketball.

Grigsby and his wife, Ivaney have 10 children.

—Brian Lentz ➤ Legacies from page 22 Ms. Ella's death was a shock and so hard.

Those who knew her well have cried many times talking about our precious memories of her. She was quite simply our kind, thoughtful friend. All of us who worked with her every day truly love Ms. Ella.

Brian Hale was a student at Northwest, and he now works at the college's Help Desk. He said, “When I was a student, Ms. Ella would stop me in the hall and just have a conversation with me. I didn’t know her, and she didn’t know me, but we became friends. I left Northwest, and when I came back as an employee, Ms. Ella took the time to welcome me back.”

Heindl understands that every person who works at Northwest has an important role to play in the life of our students. “I wonder just how many students were encouraged by this grand lady, students who might have been having a terrible day, only to have Ms. Ella with that extraordinary smile of hers, take the time to speak to them, to get to know them, to let them know that somebody cared. We are grateful for the faculty in the Math and Science Divisions who have honored her with a tribute that will be here as long as this college exists,” Heindl said.

The scholarship will be awarded to students who are pursuing a mathematics and/or natural sciences career pathway.

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memorials/honorariums

The Legacy of Memorial and Honorarium Gifts A great many of the gifts that are received by the Northwest Foundation are given to pay tribute to the men and women who have profoundly impacted the lives of others—parents, siblings, teachers, sons and daughters. Some gifts are designated for permanently endowed scholarship funds, which means the gift “keeps on giving” forever. The memorial and honorarium gifts listed were given between June 1, 2018 and Oct. 31, 2018, in appreciation both to those who gave the gifts and to those who have lived extraordinary and inspirational lives. If you wish to make a memorial or honorarium gift, please contact the Foundation Office at (662) 560-1103.

MEMORIALS Hattie Lee Akins

by Mr. Steve Cummings Sam Allison

by Mr. Marty Allison Brian Austein

by Mr. N.C. (Tom) Ferguson Jr. Diane Biffle

by Mrs. Julie Bauer Ms. Toni Barden Mrs. Pam Briscoe Dr. Denise Bynum Ms. Lacey Gentry

Ms. Charisse Reed Mr. and Mrs.

Keith Williams

Northwest

Nursing Division Tommy and Paula Brown

by Tatum Brown

Hugh Brown Robbie H. Butts

by Mr. Joe Elliott Howard and Edna Carpenter

by Mr. and Mrs.

Herman Coats Tommy Carpenter

by Mr. and Mrs.

Randy Chesney Mr. and Mrs.

Herman Coats Bela J. & Ruby Black Chain

by Dr. and Mrs. Buddy Chain Jr.

34

Northwest Now

Dr. John and Mrs. Jessie Flowers

by Mr. and Mrs.

Riley Brooks Mr. Perrin

Caldwell Jr.

Mr. and Mrs.

Walter McKellar Regina Clark

Mrs. Frances

by Dr. Darrell Barnes

C. Perkins Mr. Richie E. Lawson Mr. and Mrs. Mr. John David Randall

Clay Moore Dr. and Mrs.

Mr. and Mrs. Larry Sylvester

Jerry Stigler

Mr. and Mrs. Brownie Crawford

Rufus Warren

by Reedy Acres

Petits Details Foundation dba Gather Here Alan Crockett John Fulcher

by Ms. Alley Ballard

by Mr. Steve Cummings Mr. and Mrs.

Glynn Bouchillon Anita Stratton Mrs. Angel Nickens Wilborn Graham Mrs. Cayce Starr

by Mr. and Mrs.

Ken Dossett Allene Crockett Mrs. Mary

by Mr. and Mrs.

Elizabeth Gill Kenny Puryear Betty Chance

by Algenol Biotech, LLC Ms. Ann S. Byrd Ms. Alison Fielo Mr. and Mrs.

Steve Levitan

Jane Davis

by Mr. Jerry Davis Holli Pond Day

by Mr. Zabron A. Davis IV Johnny Deaton

by Ms. Sylvia Hickey Larry E. Dhority

by Mrs. Patricia

B. Dhority

John Greer

by Mr. and Mrs.

William Correro Matt Gregory

by Mr. and Mrs. Steve McClellan Joyce Halfacre

by Dr. and Mrs.

Larry Sylvester Pete and Pauline Harris by their family

Tommy Hogan

by Mr. and Mrs. Ken Harris Lucille T. Hollister

by Dr. Denise Bynum Walter Huffman

by Mr. N.C. (Tom) Ferguson Jr. Robert Hyde

by Mr. and Mrs.

Allen McKinney James Jackson

by Mr. Dennis Cobb Bert Johnson

by Ms. Trudy Hall

Col. Sam Johnson Charles R. Johnson

by Mr. and Mrs. Donald Amorosi Ms. Trudy Hall

Col. Sam Johnson Tri-County Council Vietnam Era Veterans Charlotte Johnston

by Ms. Earline Cocke Mr. Wayne Ferguson Ms. Bettye Johnson Mr. and Mrs. Clay

Moore Mr. Marcus Perkins Mr. and Mrs.

Greg Steinman Dr. Amy Stewart Dr. Bill Sumrall Don Johnston

by Ms. Earline Cocke

www.northwestms.edu

memorials/honorariums Khalid Khouri

by Mr. Bud Donahou Marcia Louise Kreunen

by Mr. and Mrs.

Kim Kreunen Paul W. Lawrence, Jr.

by Mrs. Barbara

Lawrence Joy Stallings Lott

by Ms. Sylvia Hickey Barbra W. Manning

by Ms. Catherine

Cashion Mr. and Mrs.

David Stevens Pennie McKinney

by Ms. Toni Barden Edna Wright Miles

by Mrs. Jacqueline

Wright Reed

Mr. John Wesley Reed

Mrs. Khristi

Reed Piggott

Rev. David Pigott Dot Mitchell

by Mrs. Sue Lowe

Jeffrey Nichols

by Mrs. Elizabeth

Dickerson Mr. Wayne Ferguson Ms. Glynda Hall Mr. and Mrs. Todd Latham John S. Orrell

by Mr. Carson Hughes

www.northwestms.edu

J. D. Ross

by Mr. and Ms.

Heath Cannon Mrs. Gladys Ross

Joan Harris Pierce

by Mr. N.C. Ferguson (Tom) Jr. Her family

Robert Sanders

by Mr. and Mrs. Paul Brown Mr. Jerry Clark

Scott Potts

by Ms. Mary Ellen Baker Mr. and Mrs.

Ken Harris Mrs. Marla Kennedy Mr. and Mrs.

Todd Latham

Tim Shorter

by Ms. Kathy Buchanan Mr. Joe Elliott Mr. Matthew Johnson Ms. Suzette Logan Ms. Lisa Russell

Guy Purdy

by Mr. Taylor D. and Dr. Bonnie Buntin Mr. and Mrs. Robert M. Lee Mr. and Mrs.

Robbie Merrick Mrs. Mary E. Purdy Stephen Purdy

by Mr. and Mrs. Robbie Merrick Mrs. Mary E. Purdy Marie Ann Ray

by Mrs. Mary E. Purdy

Chief Bill Moore

by Mrs. Becky Moore

C. W. Parker

by Mr. and Mrs. Darrell Livingston

Ethel Hathcock Peters

by University of Mississippi School of Nursing

Laura Reed

by Mr. and Mrs. John Wesley Reed

Beverly Skipper

by Ms. Josephine Bailey

Ms. Debra Rankin

Ms. Beverly

F. Smith-Drake Mr. and Mrs. David Stevens James L. (Trey) Sylvester

by Dr. Darrell Barnes Dr. and Mrs.

Larry Sylvester Lauren Elizabeth Tallo

by Mr. and Mrs.

Austin Smith Ms. Sondra Holliday Charles Taylor

by Mrs. Ella Wilson

Augustinus Rinaldy

by Dr. Darrell Barnes

Glenn Triplett

by Mr. Jeff Triplett Mr. Daniel P. Waller

Robert Thomas and Norma Shuford Riser

by Dr. and Mrs.

Ray Thweatt

W. L. & Lula Brooks Wallace

by Harry and Rachel Starnes

Annette Rogers

by Ms. Sylvia Hickey

Connie Wells

by Mr. and Mrs.

Ken Dossett

David, Michael, Lee Ross

by Mrs. Gladys Ross

Ella Wilbourn

by Dr. Carol Cleveland

Northwest Division

of Mathematics Northwest Divison of Natural Sciences

C. Chad and Reba Williams

by Mr. and Mrs.

Steve Sturgeon Bo Young

by Mrs. Sue Lowe Calvin Grover Youngblood

by Mrs. Ruth

Williams-Hooker

HONORARIUMS

Charlotte Alexander

by Mr. and Mrs. Steve

Sturgeon

Northwest Division of Mathematics Ruth Ann Allison

by Mr. Marty Allison Dr. Marilyn Bateman

by Mr. and Mrs. Sidney

Johnson Mr. and Mrs. Walter

T. Scott Dr. Bonnie Buntin

by Mr. Robert Kelly Dr. Jack Butts

by Mr. Joe Elliott Mr. and Mrs. Raymond Rogers

Dr. Michael Butts

by Ms. Darlene Greenlee Mrs. Elizabeth Harvey Sybil Canon

by Dr. and Mrs. Gary Lee Spears Earline Cocke

by Mr. and Mrs. Perry

Arrington Ms. Glynda Hall

Fall 2018

35

memorials/honorariums Kenneth Cummings

by Mr. Steve Cummings Mitchell and Donnielle Dhority

by Mrs. Patricia B. Dhority Rachel Dhority

by Mrs. Patricia B. Dhority Mike Dottorey

by Mr. Charles B. Adams Dr. Matthew Domas Mrs. Jere Herrington Mr. Richie E. Lawson Mrs. Betty Spence Dr. Chuck Strong

Bobby King

by Ms. Roberta Mayfield Ms. Shirley McCormack Mr. and Mrs. Dan Minnick

Paul and Carla Fly

by Mr. Steve Cummings

Patricia Miller

by Dr. Carol Cleveland

Bill and Sara Foster

by Mr. Steve Cummings

Jodie Moore

by Mrs. Mary E. Purdy

Grant R. Gill

by Mrs. Mary Elizabeth

Gill

Jonathan Nichols

by Mrs. Elizabeth Dickerson Mr. Wayne Ferguson Ms. Glynda Hall Mr. and Mrs. Todd Latham

Dr. Jerry Hollis

by Dr. Darrell Barnes Mr. Bud Donahou Linda Hollis

by Mr. and Mrs. Walter

McKellar Brenda Gentry Holmes

by Mr. Joe Elliott Cathryn Hyde

by Mr. and Mrs. Allen

McKinney

36

Northwest Now

Marilyn Spears

by Mrs. Carol Peterson Dr. Ellen Williams

by University of Mississippi School of Nursing

John T. Lamar

by Mrs. Patricia B. Dhority

John Edward

by Mr. Steve Cummings

Sandy Grisham

by Mr. Bud Donahou Ms. Susanne VanDyke

Dr. Gary Lee Spears

by Dr. Darrell Barnes Mr. and Mrs. Al Canon

Trudy Hall

by Tri-County Council Vietnam Era Veterans

Richie E. Lawson

by Dr. Darrell Barnes Dr. and Mrs. Gary Lee Spears

Keith Godbold

by Mr. and Mrs. Sidney

Johnson Mrs. Dawn Stevens

Mary Ellen Sewell

by Mr. Steve Cummings

Joe Johnson

by Mr. and Mrs. Donald

Amorosi

Amy Patch

by Petits Details dba Gather Here Russell and Anabelle Paulk

by Ms. Yvonne Hosler Jayne River

by Mr. Joe Elliott Gladys Ross

by Mr. and Ms. Heath

Cannon Mr. and Mrs. Al Canon Mr. Woodrow

W. Golden Ms. Pam Hawks

www.northwestms.edu

Northwest

Now

Fall 2018

A publication of Northwest Mississippi Community College President Dr. Michael J. Heindl Vice President for Administration & Finance Jeff Horton Vice President for Student Services/Chief of Staff Dan Smith Vice President for Academic Instruction & College Parallel Programs Dr. Matthew Domas Vice President for Workforce Solutions & Career-Technical Education Dr. David Campbell Chairman, Northwest Board of Trustees Dr. Adam Pugh Northwest Foundation Associate Vice President of Development & Special Projects/Associate Editor Sybil R. Canon • srcanon@northwestms.edu Director of Alumni Affairs & Development Operations Patti Gordon • pgordon@northwestms.edu Scholarship Coordinator & Foundation Assistant Marla Kennedy • mkennedy@northwestms.edu Communications Director of Communications/Editor Julie R. Bauer • jrbauer@northwestms.edu Assistant Director of Communications/ Graphic Designer LaJuan Tallo • ltallo@northwestms.edu Assistant Director of Marketing & Digital Media KayLeigh Mitchell • kmccool@northwestms.edu Graphic Designer Jennifer Corbin • jcorbin@northwestms.edu Coordinator for Sports Information Brian Lentz • blentz@northwestms.edu For address changes, please contact Alumni Affairs at (662) 560-1112.

Northwest Now is published bi-annually as a joint effort of the Northwest Foundation and the Office of Communications.

AFFIRMATIVE ACTION Please visit the Northwest website at www.northwestms.edu/affirmativeaction to view the College’s Notice of Non-Discrimination, Equal Opportunity and Affirmative Action.

features

3 8 11 23 30

contents recognizing excellence Northwest alumnus receives national lifetime achievement award.

celebrating our donors Two-day scholarship ceremony celebration honors donors, recipients.

cover story: supporting role Longtime Oxford employee Brenda Gentry Holmes recounts her days as a student and staff member.

hail to the chief Dr. Michael Heindl is inaugurated as the college’s ninth president.

picking and grinning First Ranger Bluegrass Festival at the Northwest Farm hailed a community success.

departments 1 2 3 16 27 37

student snapshot/dana wong president’s reflections/dr. michael heindl alumni president’s notes/mike boren around campus the legacy continues the sporting life from the heart of northwest/sybil canon alumni news/patti gordon

On the cover: Longtime Northwest employee, Brenda Gentry Holmes (class of 1972) was honored as Alumna of the Year.

Photo by Julie Bauer

from the

heart

of Northwest

Sybil R. Canon I am retiring at the end of December.

Just typing these words brings a flurry of emotions that include sadness and apprehension and, at the same time, excitement and possibility. The overwhelming emotion that I feel is gratitude. What an exquisite experience it has been for me to serve this wonderful college and its students for 22 years!

While I cannot possibly name each and every person who has had an impact on my life at Northwest, I would be quite remiss if I did not mention the person who hired me, Steve McClellan. Steve gave me this opportunity, he believed in me, and he understood the world of fundraising in a truly insightful way, especially, for someone who is a chief financial officer.

My colleague, Dolores Wooten walked every step with me for these 22 years. She retired last year, and she has assured me that there is life after retirement.

My current colleagues, Patti Gordon and Marla Kennedy, who will continue the important work of the Foundation, are exceptional. Patti has been named executive director of Institutional Advancement and will assume leadership responsibility for the Northwest Foundation in the new year. Marla will assist all of those students who are applying for Foundation scholarships and will work with the more than 500 students each year who receive scholarships. A third person will be hired to assist with accounting and donor management. After a few months of complete retirement, I will return to serve on a part-time basis as an off-site advisor and will assist with special projects as requested by the president.

I wish there was a way that I could go to every single donor and every single member of the Northwest faculty and staff and shake your hands and give you a hug. I cannot do that, but I can offer these words: What was the desire of my heart from the moment I started working at Northwest was to provide a permanent source of funding for our students to receive scholarships. There are times when the only source for assistance for students is a loan, which is a burden many simply cannot handle. The stories are numerous of the Foundation providing that lifeline so that a student can pay tuition, buy textbooks, buy gas for the car, and simply hang on until completion. We increased our endowment from $250,000 in 1996 to $11.1 million in 2018, all because of many, many generous and compassionate people. That source of funding will be here FOREVER! To each of you, I am thankful.

While this is my last article for Northwest Now, you shall forever be in my hearts as “I press forward toward the goal for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus” (Philippians 3:14).

Thank you all for showing me “the heart of Northwest.”

alumni news Patti Gordon Fall Semester 2018 has been filled with much excitement, events and Ranger spirit! Tailgating, the 2 + 2 Golf Tournament, Homecoming, and Ranger Bluegrass Festival have proven to be catalysts in generating Ranger enthusiasm.

If it has been a while since you have been involved with your Alumni Association, please allow me to share a few things you are missing out on!

• Northwest alums have joined the tailgating and lively atmosphere where the Ranger energy is felt more than ever before; • Many NW friends and alumni are enjoying a day of golf at Cherokee Valley Golf Club, a tournament that is recognized as one of the best in the area and raises money for scholarships; • The Homecoming Alumni Reception is a festive event where well-deserving alumni are honored and the Ranger tradition is evident; • The inaugural Ranger Bluegrass Festival was a tremendous success in providing entertainment for all ages from music, to crafts, to all types of vendors.

It is the right time to join the Ranger Gang and experience this for yourself! Send us an email and give us an update on YOU! Let us know what events you are interested in, and I promise you will enjoy the reconnection with your alma mater!

Contact me at pgordon@northwestms.edu or call me at 662-560-1112.

Alumni Board members Brenda Holmes (Lafayette County) and Robert Salmon (Tallahatchie County) assist with the alumni tent at the Ranger Bluegrass Festival.

Northwest

N o r t h we s t M i s s i ss i p p i C omm u n i t y C o l l eg e F o u n d at i on P.O. Drawer 7015 • 4975 Highway 51 North Senatobia, MS 38668

NORTHWEST MISSISSIPPI COMMUNITY COLLEGE

Now

FALL 2018

Parting

shot

The Northwest Foundation “Dream Team” (l-r) Marla Kennedy, Sybil Canon and Patti Gordon stop for a quick photo after the November Foundation board meeting.

Canon is retiring from her position as Associate Vice President of Development and Special Projects in December.

Photo by Julie Bauer

Alumna of the Year: Brenda Gentry Holmes

Longtime employee honored at Homecoming INSIDE: Presidential Inauguration • 2+2 tourney • Legacies • fall sports