Mississippi Gulf News

Pearl River Community College Development Foundation will be hosting the annual Alumni Awards Banquet on Thursday, May 11. The event provides the opportunity to celebrate alumni and community partnerships that support PRCC. 

The banquet will be held at the Lake Terrace Convention Center in Hattiesburg. A social hour will begin at 6 p.m. with dinner and the program starting at 6:30 p.m. 

“The Foundation receives the opportunity to host a variety of events throughout the year,” said Executive Director of Development Foundation/Alumni Association Delana Harris. “The Alumni Awards Ceremony is a very special night for our Wildcat family and friends. The evening allows alumni, supporters and community partners to celebrate the success and accomplishments of some of the very best that started their journey at PRCC.  

“We have a wonderful group to celebrate this year. Each award recipient has accomplished outstanding personal and professional goals, but each has also served as great examples of the Wildcat Way displaying Pride, Respect, Class and Character in all that they do.”   

Tickets are $100 and can be purchased by visiting our website at prcc.edu/alumni/foundation-and-alumni-awards/ or by calling the PRCC Development Foundation at (601) 403-1193. Tables may also be purchased directly from the Foundation for $750 each and include 8 individual tickets. 

Corporate sponsorship opportunities are also available.  Sponsorship levels begin at $500 (Bronze Level), $1,000 (Silver Level) and $2,500 (Gold Level). Please contact the PRCC Development Foundation at 601-403-1193 or email Mary Chandler at mchandler@prcc.edu. for sponsorships and packages. 

HONOREES FOR 2023 
The individuals and companies being honored are: 

Young Alumnus of the Year: Dr. Kellye Bolar, Mathematics Instructional Coach for Bailey Education Group, Founder and Consultant at KB Education, Author, and Founder/CEO of The Cool Kidz Club, Inc. (a non-profit dedicated to empowering students through STEAM)  
Alumnus of the Year: Mr. Todd Jackson, Executive Vice President, Economic Development and Chamber of Commerce for the Area Development Partnership of Hattiesburg  
Distinguished Service Award: Mrs. Carol Williams, retired PRCC instructor and marketing professional, Founder of Backpack Buddies of Poplarville, and Founder of the PRCC Station (food pantry and professional dress closet for PRCC students)   

Outstanding Partnership: 2nd Chance Mississippi, a non-profit organization supporting adult education and workforce skills training in Mississippi   

Lifetime Achievement Award: Mr. Joel Carver, President and CEO of The Carver Companies, a hospitality industry-leading sales, marketing, e-commerce, and revenue management resource that focuses on meeting the needs of hotels and their portfolio   

“We are excited and proud to honor these individuals and organizations that help make our communities and college better every day,” said Harris. “Former Wildcats and supports are encouraged to attend the event and to celebrate with the Foundation.” 

Original source can be found here.