2016-2017 President's Report

Community Partnerships

PTK SUPER STELLAR PROM – East Central Community College’s Theta Xi Chapter of Phi Theta Kappa, the international honor society for two-year colleges, hosted “Super Stellar Night,” a prom for special needs students in the five-county district, Oct. 21 in Mabry Memorial Cafeteria. Theta Xi, which was recently named a Top 25 chapter in the nation, sponsored the prom as part of its ‘Honors In Action’ project, which included the theme ‘Myth vs. Reality.’ While working at the college, Theta Xi advisors noticed how some people view those with special needs as different, which is a myth. The group decided to do something to make them feel special and thought they would enjoy a prom. The project received second place at the regional PTK conference. ECCC student-athletes and Student Body Association officers served as dates for the participants and prom dresses were donated.

AN EVENING WITH CS LEWIS – East Central Community College hosted “An Evening with CS Lewis” in Huff Auditorium in March. A Tea Time immediately followed in the Gold Room of Mabry Cafeteria. British actor David Payne provided an enthrall ing theatrical experience and a fascinating insight into the life of a man whose collected works made him one of the literary giants of the 20th Century. The setting was 1963 and the famous British au thor is seated in his living room as he recalls the people and events that inspired his thought and shaped his life; of his friendship with J. R. R. Tolkien; why he nearly abandoned the Narnia Chronicles; and how he came to embrace Christianity. This free event was made possible through the financial support of the Oliphant-Mar tin Faculty Excellence Endowment.

WILANDER ON WHEELS – Seven-time Grand Slam Tennis Champion Mats Wilander brought his Wilander on Wheels tennis experience to East Central’s new Tennis Complex in April. Wilander and fellow professional Cameron Lickle spent over two hours on the courts giving instruction and tips to local tennis players. Wilander also spoke to the crowd gathered and handed out autographed photos. Wilander was highly complimentary of East Central Community College and the new Tennis Complex. Meridian television station WTOK interviewed Wilander and others and also did a live remote from the campus during its newscast.

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