By Scott Alsobrooks

Guest Columnist 

One of the many important functions carried out at Pearl River Community College (PRCC) is to communicate with and recognize alumni. This entity, formally entitled the PRCC Development Foundation and Alumni Association, but most often referred to as the Foundation, is governed by an independent board. The Foundation recognizes any former student that enrolled at PRCC for one semester as alumni. The staff of the Foundation makes a broad effort to organize alumni.

PRCC has four geographically organized alumni chapters representing various counties served by the college. These include the Marion – Jeff Davis, Forrest – Lamar, Hancock and Pearl River County Chapters. Each chapter is made up of faithful Wildcat alum that organizes fundraisers to provide scholarships and other funding. For example, the Pearl River County Chapter is hosting a fund raiser at Southern Char in Picayune on March 27.

A few years back the Foundation formed the Pearl River Community College Lifetime Achievement Hall of Fame. The Hall of Fame recognizes PRCC Alum that has gone on to be difference makers in their community or industry. The 2014 class will be recognized April 17 and includes a great group of dis-tinguished people, including Jimmy Buffett!

On Saturday, April 26, 2014 the Foundation will host the “Little Black Dress” Charity Luncheon at the President’s Home of Dr. & Mrs. Lewis on PRCC’s Poplarville campus from 11:00 am to 1:00 pm to raise money for the PRCC Development Foundation Student Needs Fund. In the recent past, there has been an increase in the need to assist students with basic necessities such as winter coats, shoes, food, clothing, and more. All proceeds raised will benefit this great cause!

Another important part of the Foundation is the Wildcat Club, which maintains a focused effort on raising funds for PRCC Athletics. Pearl River is known for its competitiveness in intercollegiate athletics. PRCC competes in football, men’s and women’s basketball, baseball, women’s softball or men’s and women’s soccer. Through the support of the Wildcat Club, PRCC athletes are guaranteed an opportunity to not only participate in a quality intercollegiate athletic program, but to receive an excellent education during the process.

Through the hard work and dedication of the Foundation Board and Staff, alumni chapters, the Wildcat Club and of course PRCC alum, a portfolio of over $4.5 million dollars has been raised and set aside to fund scholarships and other collegial activities!

You can learn more about the PRCC Development Foundation and Alumni Association and become a member of the PRCC Alumni Association by visiting www.prcc.edu/alumni.