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director of the ECCC Foundation, said, “Many of us at the college had been thinking of ways to honor the Vick- ers and to celebrate all that they have meant to us. I was so thankful when the family contacted the college about plan- ning a memorial event on campus giving us all an opportunity to remember them together.” Vickers Honored B eloved I nstructors O vid and C arol V ickers R emembered at G ala

because of the many memories they created there, whether it was celebrat- ing the annual May Day festival, attend- ing a homecoming dance, or watching a Warrior basketball game.” Ovid Vickers, who died March 31, 2020, joined the then East Central Junior College faculty in 1955 when he was just 24 years old and would later serve as chair of the English Department for many years. Throughout his career, he was not only a teacher, but was also a published poet, newspaper columnist, public speaker, playwright, practicing folklorist, and a collector of antiques. Carol Vickers, who died August 19, 2020, was a well-known quilter and author, whose professional talent and greatest career achievement were as a classroom English teacher in the Deca- tur public schools from 1966-1982 and as an instructor at East Central from 1983 until her 1992 retirement. Dr. Stacey Hollingsworth, executive

East Central Community College, along with the family of the late Ovid and Carol Vickers, hosted “Gladly Would They Teach, Gladly Would They Learn” in April, a legacy fundraiser honoring the lives of the Vickers who were two of the college’s most beloved and influen- tial educators. The event was held in the Brackeen- Wood Physical Education Building and included a plated luncheon and special program featuring former students and co-workers of the Vickers. Proceeds, which are already more than $17,000, are being designated to renovations of Founders Gymnasium on campus. Daughter Nona Vickers of Trussville, Ala., said, “Our parents’ goal as educa- tors was to make sure that every stu- dent they encountered had opportunity for success. That passion for education is summed up in this quote—‘Gladly would they learn and gladly teach’— which they chose from The Canterbury Tales for their headstone. We’re proud their legacy lives on through lessons we and others learned from their teaching, and that it will be passed down from generation to generation.” Daughter Harriet Vickers Laird of Starkville agreed. “They always showed an excitement for helping improve the lives of others and had an enthusiasm for doing that at East Central. We know that choosing to build on their legacy by supporting the renovation of Found- ers Gym would have thrilled them A few of the Vickers family members in attendance included (from left) Jim Laird, Harriet Vickers Laird, Becky Farish Smith, Nona Vickers, Brooks Pierce, Carol Ann Pierce, Hannah Laird, and Harper Laird. “

For more information or to donate to the Vickers Legacy Fund benefiting Founders Gymnasium, contact Hollingsworth at 601-635-6327 or e-mail sholling@eccc.edu. Online donations can be made at www.eccc.edu/ foundation.

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W e ’ re proud their legacy lives on through lessons we and others learned from their teaching , and that it will be passed down from generation to generation . - N ona V ickers

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