News & Updates

JOIN RCC FOR ‘PASSPORTS AND PASTRIES’ SEPTEMBER 19

RCC’s First Casino Night raises $7000 for student success

LUMBERTON — The Robeson Community College Foundation said its First Casino Night fundraiser “was a great success, netting $7,000,” money that will be used toward helping students achieve their goals, according to a prepared statement.

“We are pleased with the results,” said Heather Seibles, who serves as interim executive advancement officer of the Foundation. “This was our inaugural casino night and we hope to raise even more as we plan for the second event.”

The money raised will assist students who need help financially, according to school officials. Seibles said that $7,000 can help a number of curriculum and continuing education students, making a big impact in the lives of those attending Robeson Community College.

“This money will help many students who need assistance paying for tuition and books, and that’s why we are so grateful to our corporate sponsors and those who purchased a ticket to attend this event,” Seibles said. “Without your support, those students may not have been able to continue on with their education.”

The night featured a variety of games, similar to what you would experience while at a casino, but without any exchange of actual money. It was what Seibles referred to as “gaming for a cause.”

As the RCC Foundation — a 501(C)(3) Non-Profit — prepares for the next Casino Night and other fundraising events, Seibles is thankful for the support they have received.

“We would like to express our gratitude to everyone, from our corporate sponsors to the members of our community, we could not have done this without you,” Seibles added. “So, on behalf of our students, thank you, thank you, thank you.”

Sponsors for the Casino Night Fundraiser included Joker Sponsors SouthEastern General Contractors and Robeson County; Ace Sponsors Person Toyota, United Bank, and Southeastern Integrated Care; King Sponsor Columbus Regional Healthcare System; and Queen Sponsors Nissan of Lumberton, Wixie Stephens Insurance and Wixie’s Bailbonding, Black’s Tire and Auto Service, and Oliver’s Oil Company.

In the statement released Thursday, officials said, “Special thanks go out to Black’s Tire and Auto Service, Lu Mil Vineyard, Hunt’s Tire, Ace Hardware of Lumberton, Washington Men’s Store, Belk, Maurices, Outback Steakhouse, Ruby Tuesday, Texas Steakhouse & Saloon, Critchfield’s Grill, NRL Desginz Vinyl Wraps, Fairmont Golf Club, Pinecrest Golf Course, Townsend’s Car Wash, City Tire Service, Sign City, Julie Baxley, Betsy Cummings, Generational School of Defense.”

RCC FOUNDATION SEEKING SPONSORS FOR 39TH ANNIVERSARY CLIFFORD BULLARD MEMORIAL GOLF TOURNAMENT IN HONOR OF CLIF BULLARD, JR.

Preparations are underway for the 39^thAnniversary Clifford Bullard Memorial Golf Tournament. The tournament, which raises money for the RCC Foundation to support student success and the mission of Robeson Community College, will be held October 5, at Pinecrest Golf Course in Lumberton. It will feature two shotgun starts, one at 8:30am and the other at 1:30pm. The event is projected to be one of the largest golf tournaments in Robeson County.

“This tournament will be special due to the fact that we lost one of our champion supporters, Clifford Bullard, Jr,” Heather Seibles, the interim executive advancement officer stated. “Robeson Community College meant a lot to Mr. Bullard; he believed in education and was a philanthropic giant who supported our students. We want to make sure his legacy lives on.”

Last year, Bullard set a new goal for the tournament. It was his hope and dream the 39th tournament would raise more money than ever before.

“I’m just fired up… I want to net $100,000 for the tournament and the college,” Bullard said in an interview last October. “Let’s all in the county get together and make this goal happen… it’s all for a great cause. If we all get together, we can make it happen.”

“I’m happy for the college and happy to see the tournament grow, we need to start at the Foundation,” Bullard said during the interview. “We have a lot of talented students, and we’re helping make a better life for so many smart kids, but many just need some financial assistance…who knows what they can accomplish.”

The tournament was started by Clif’s father, Clifford Bullard.

“My father used to work at Robeson Community College, he was a farmer but he also worked at RCC. He founded the tournament and he just loved the school, and he knew that we were helping folks in Robeson County that needed assistance to go to college,” Bullard told us.

After the death of his father, Clif and his brothers carried on the tradition of the tournament, tirelessly raising money for students year after year. Now, with one son gone, the torch will be passed on to the remaining children, and others in the community, who believe in the mission of improving access to education in Robeson County, which as Clif believed, “will help to improve the quality of life for all of us.”

“As we continue with the tradition and approach the tournament this year, we are inspired by Clif’s vision and that’s why we are motivated to reach his goal of raising 100,000 this year,” Seibles said. “It will be an honor to reach this goal, we are rallying support from the community and the surrounding areas to reach this initiative.”

“Every gift counts and every gift makes a difference,” Seibles stated. “Together we can reach this goal of raising $100,000 in honor and remembrance of Clif Bullard.”

The tournament touts “amazing gifts and raffle prizes,” a catered lunch, 50/50 board, and a $5000 putting challenge.

“Our golf tournament is like a homecoming for many,” RCC President Melissa Singler stated. “It’s a lot of fun and a great way to spend the day raising money to help students at Robeson Community College… we thank all of our sponsors who have generously given in the past, and all that have already partnered with us this year in honor and memory of Clif Bullard, and we continue to thank the Bullard Family for their unwavering support of the tournament, Robeson Community College, and the RCC Foundation.”

If you are interested in being a supporter of this noteworthy cause, please contact Heather Seibles to discuss sponsorship opportunities at 910-272-3235 orhseibles@robeson.edu.

Women’s group gives back, paying it forward for students

LUMBERTON — A local women’s group, 4×4 Perfect Timing, is giving back by paying it forward for students at Robeson Community College.

The organization recently donated $500 to the RCC Foundation to create a scholarship for young women.

“We decided as college-educated women to provide an opportunity for young women on an annual basis to help with paying for books, tuition and to help her in her college journey,” stated Valerie Comrie, one of the founders of the organization. “We all understand how difficult college can be and we wanted to help someone else. It can be very difficult to find help these days, and we thought the best way to use our resources was to come together and provide this scholarship for a young woman in need.”

Her daughter, Sabrina Comrie, who serves as the leader of the association, echoes those sentiments.

“We wanted to help empower and inspire young women of color,” Sabrina Comrie said. “This is our opportunity to give a helping hand. There are a lot of stressors in life, but finding money for college shouldn’t be the biggest stress a young woman has… this is a small part of the solution.”

“It is extremely rewarding for us to have this opportunity to do something for someone else,” Valerie added.

The RCC Foundation is thankful for the donation, saying this will help a student achieve their dreams of becoming a college graduate.

“This scholarship will help cover a portion of the costs of attending Robeson Community College and will help supplement other financial aid allowing a student to attend class and buy the necessary supplies required for their program of study,” stated Lisa Hunt, the assistant vice president of grants and foundation at RCC. “We are so appreciative of 4×4 Perfect Timing and their generosity, thought, and consideration of our students and their desire to help pay it forward to others.”

Endowment established at Robeson Community College honors former Columbus County teacher

ROBESON COUNTY, NC (WWAY) — An endowment has been established at Robeson Community College in honor of Christopher Walker, an English Instructor who died in 2022 at the age of 35.

In 2018, Walkerwas recognizedas WWAY’s “Teacher of the Week” when he taught Language Arts and Social Studies at Acme Delco Middle School in Columbus County.

“To know him, was to love him,” said Kim Spivey, Christopher Walker’s mom, during a private ceremony to honor her son on Monday, Jan. 30 at Robeson Community College. “If you did know him, I’m sure that he left a positive imprint.”

Walker was an English instructor at RCC, working there for almost two years before his sudden death. Even in a short period of time, his impact was profound.

“He was always leaving people with words of encouragement, no matter who they were or what their walk-in life was,” his mother said. “He always saw the glass as half full no matter what.”

To honor Walker, Spivey established an endowment in his name through the RCC Foundation, giving $10,750 to support students seeking a better life through education.

“This is an opportunity for Christopher’s love for education and desire to make a difference in the lives of young people to continue on,” Spivey said. “He saw things through a different lens and was never satisfied with the status quo. He always searched for a deeper meaning and it was always his desire and goal in life to make a difference.”

The endowment established will be used towards supporting scholarships for those in financial need who are first-generation college students and who are working a job to support themselves and pay for their education. Full Story.

Robeson Community College Foundation plans scholarship fundraiser

LUMBERTON — The Robeson Community College Foundation has planned a Ladies Night Out Fundraiser to establish a scholarship called Elevating Women in Leadership. The event will take place 5-10 p.m. on Feb. 2 in the Student Center in Building 13.

“We are utilizing this fundraiser in order to create scholarships for RCC students,” stated Heather Seibles, donor and major gift specialist. “The Elevating Women in Leadership scholarship will be for females who want to be leaders in their field and have career goals of being future entrepreneurs, working in business or for a corporation.”

Seibles says she hopes that the RCC Foundation will be able to create two scholarships from the earnings of this event.

The RCC Foundation is offering two different package deals for this Valentines celebration.

General admission is $20. This covers craft and food vendors, Locklear’s award-winning wines, light refreshments, a chance to win door prizes, and the King’s 360 photo booth.

The VIP All Access Pass, open to people over the age of 21, costs $50 and includes the general admission package, paint and sip with private group instruction, two complimentary glasses of wine, charcuterie boards, hot oil hand massage or paraffin wax, and an entry to VIP raffle for exclusive prizes.

“It’s something fun to do as a collective and it’s for a good cause,” said Seibles. “It’s a great way for women to celebrate the Valentine’s Day season.”

Vendors are also encouraged to reach out to the RCC Foundation. For $25 vendors can get one six-foot table and have an opportunity to sell items during the event.

For more information or to purchase a ticket contact Heather Seibles at 910-272-3235 orhseibles@robeson.edu. Story.

RCC Foundation unveils Veteran’s Wall of Honor

LUMBERTON — The Robeson Community College Foundation unveiled its Veteran’s Wall of Honor Friday during a special tribute featuring the Lumbee Warriors and the Robeson County Honor Guard.

RCC President Melissa Singler welcomed everyone to the event.

“We are so excited to see everyone come out today to honor our nation’s finest,” Singler said. “Thank you for joining us, this is a great day for Robeson Community College and for our active-duty military students, our veterans, and our military families, and I am just so happy that we are able to celebrate the highly anticipated unveiling of the Veterans Wall of Honor today.”

The ceremony began outside with retired Master Sgt. Raymond Hunt and retired Command Sgt. Maj. Gary Deese raising the flag representing all branches of the military. The flag was donated by the Lumbee Warriors to the college and the flagpoles were donated by Woodman Life.

Councilman Eric Chavis sang the National Anthem, followed by Sgt. 1st Class Eric Lofton who spoke on “what the flag means.”

Heather Seibles, the donor and major gift specialist, organized the event and told those gathered that the RCC Foundation had exceeded all expectations in raising funds for the newly established scholarship for military-affiliated students.

“The scholarship had now been fully endowed,” Seibles announced as applause erupted. “But this will be an ongoing endeavor; we still have over 500 slots available for purchase on the Veterans Wall of Honor.”

RCC Instructor and SPC Sherry Lofton with the DAVA Unit 7 announced the winner of the 2022 RCC Veteran’s Day Writing Contest.

“There were so many great submissions,” Lofton said. “The DAVA members actually judge the writings and they had a really hard time this year picking a winner, so we are going to recognize the winner and several honorable mentions…I was so proud to get such writings from our students.”

The winner of the contest was Ellie Baker, the wife of a veteran, who wrote the poem “Veterans’ Isolation.”

“The family gathers, but where are you, isolated in your room… isolated from your family, not a smile on your face,” Baker read aloud. “You cannot find a way to forget your plight, the wall that you have, that kept your loved ones out… try to push through it, love surrounds you every day… we are here to support you, for we know how…isolation go away, let him have peace and enjoy being home.”

Teddie McCain, Regina Walters, Jessica Perez-Rojas, and Roger Williams were recognized for their submissions and received a certificate for honorable mention.

MSG Walter Smith, Quartermaster with the VFW Post 8969 made a tribute to fallen soldiers, followed by a 21-gun salute and playing of Taps by the Robeson County Honor Guard, ending with the grand reveal of the Veterans Wall of Honor.

“Get your cameras ready, there can only be one unveiling,” Singler said with excitement as she got ready to pull the curtain down.

It only took a few seconds for the Veterans Wall of Honor to be uncovered, but once it was visible, everyone started looking for the names of loved ones.

The wall features all six branches of government – the United States Army, United States Marine Corps, United States Navy, United States Air Force, United States Coast Guard, and the United States Space Force.

Giving levels for plaques on the Veterans Wall of Honor include $250 for white stripes, $500 for red stripes, $750 for middle red strips, and $1000 for stars. Donors can provide text for 2 lines per plate, 21 characters each. Story. 

Grand reveal of RCC’s Veterans Wall of Honor to take place Jan. 13

LUMBERTON — The RCC Foundation will unveil its Veteran’s Wall of Honor on Friday, January 13 at 10:00 a.m. with a special tribute.

The ceremony will begin outside by the new flagpoles between Building 13 and Building 14 with Lumbee Warriors MSG Raymond Hunt and CSM Gary Deese raising the flag they donated to the college. The National Anthem will be sung by Councilman Eric Chavis, followed by Sgt. 1st Class Eric Lofton who will speak on “what the flag means.”

There will be a special presentation by RCC Instructor and SPC Sherry Lofton with the DAVA Unit 7 in which the winner of the 2022 Veteran’s Day Writing Contest will be announced. The winner will read their poem aloud and give their thoughts on “what is a veteran.”

A tribute to fallen soldiers will be made by MSG Walter Smith, Quartermaster with the VFW Post 8969, followed by a 21-gun salute and playing of Taps by the Robeson County Honor Guard, ending with the grand reveal of the Veterans Wall of Honor, featuring all six branches of government – United States Army, United States Marine Corps, United States Navy, United States Air Force, United States Coast Guard, and the United States Space Force.

“We are so excited to finally be able to unveil this amazing work of art for our Military Affiliated Resource Center,” stated RCC President Melissa Singler. “This shows the outpouring of support for our active-duty military students, our veterans, and military families, and I am just so happy that this day is here.” Full Story. 

RCC FOUNDATION RECEIVES $25,000 GIFT FROM JULIAN T. PIERCE MEMORIAL INITIATIVE

The Robeson Community College Foundation has received a $25,000 gift from the Julian T. Pierce Memorial Initiative on Wednesday, December 14. The check was presented at theLegal Aid Office in Pembroke. The money donated will go towards scholarships for students, in continuing the legacy of Julian T. Pierce to “keep the vision” in supporting education and equality for all people. The donation was raised during the 9th Annual Julian T. Pierce Memorial Art Dinner held earlier this year.

“Julian T. Pierce had great vision and he wanted to continue to ‘balance the scales’ of justice for all” said Lisa Hunt, the assistant vice president of foundation and grants at RCC. “The money raised will help continue his legacy through students at RCC who receive scholarships in his name.”

Pierce was a lawyer and civil rights activists, fighting for equality for the Lumbee Tribe of which he was a member, and for all individuals. In 1988, he ran for Superior Court Judge, a new judgeship created by the North Carolina General Assembly for Robeson County. In March 1988, just a few weeks before the election, Pierce was tragically killed in his home. Pierce won the election that year, posthumously, by more than 2000 votes.

The memorial dinner was started by Harvey Godwin, the former Lumbee Tribal Chairman and owner of Two Hawk Employment Service. Godwin served as the campaign manager for Pierce during his run for Superior Court Judge, as a way to honor the man, whom many would attest had made such a difference in his community.

“Julian was an activist for all people,” said Hunt. “He believed in equality for everyone and advocated for others so they could have access to resources needed, whether that was education, legal assistance, or healthcare.”

“He really believed in the power of education,” Lisa said. “It is fitting for this scholarship to be in his name.”

Pierce left a lasting impact upon his community that can still felt to this day. For example, he was instrumental in integrating Robeson County’s schools into one school system to provide quality education for all. He founded the Lumbee River Legal Services and Robeson County Health Care Corporation, two organizations that still exist to this day and are in operation helping those in need.

“This Julian T. Pierce Memorial Art Dinner continues to grow each year, it is wonderful to see the support of the community towards this great cause and we are so thankful for everyone who has been a part in contributing to the success of this initiative,” said Hunt. “This gift received will assist in funding multiple scholarships to students in need, fulfilling Julian’s vision and legacy.”

To date, Robeson Community College has received more than $135,000 in scholarship funds from the Julian T. Pierce Memorial Initiative.

“Julian T. Pierce was remarkable man, and we are so honored to have an opportunity to pay it forward through this gift given to Robeson Community College in his name,” said RCC President Melissa Singler. “This money has helped students from all walks of life over the years and will continue to assist students in obtaining a quality education, as they pursue their hopes and dreams.”

“I believe that Julian would be proud to know of the difference he has made in the lives of so many through education at Robeson Community College,” Singler said. “We are so thankful for this donation and we are thankful for the opportunity to be a part of Julian’s legacy.”

The 2022 Julian T. Pierce Memorial Art Dinner raised over $80,000 in support of scholarships. The University of North Carolina at Pembroke, where Pierce received his bachelor’s degree, received $25,000, and North Carolina Central University School of Law, the institution where Pierce earned his juris doctorate, was the recipient of $10,000.

Robert P. Holding Foundation gifts RCC Foundation $20,000

The Robeson Community College Foundation was recently given a $20,000 check from the Robert P. Holding Foundation, and was presented by First Citizens Bank.

This is the second donation that Robeson Community College has received from the organization. Last year the college received $30,000, bringing the total for the First Citizens Bank Endowed Scholarship to $50,000.

The endowment was established by the Robert P. Holding Foundation to support the programs of the North Carolina Community College System and to help provide scholarships to students in need to promote the education and welfare of the people of North Carolina.

Full Story. 

Robeson Community College pleased with first-ever telethon

ROBESON COUNTY, N.C. (WPDE) —Robeson Community College Foundation held its first-ever telethon Tuesday on the National Day of Giving to raise money for the foundation.

Officials said the telethon raised $13,700.

“It feels amazing. The community support has been phenomenal. We are so fortunate,” said Lisa Hunt, the assistant vice president of foundation and grants.

The telethon raised money for the Military Affiliated Resource Center Scholarship and the Veterans Wall of Honor at the college.

“We are so delighted that so many people thought to support the RCC Foundation today for this worthy cause,” said Heather Seibles, donor & major gift specialist for the foundation.

The Military Affiliated Resource Center opened its doors in April.

The center “helps support student veterans as they work to achieve their academic goals. It also provides valuable information and resources from local veteran organizations, the federal government, and the Veterans Crisis Line. It will be a safe place where veterans can get away from distractions and focus on schoolwork.”

Officials said a new scholarship is being established to help military-affiliated students realize their dream of becoming a college graduate.

“Not all military-affiliated students have funding available to attend college,” said Hunt. “So, it is vital that we help secure scholarships for those who have served in the Army, Navy, Marines, Air Force, Coast Guard, and Space Force, and for their dependents.”

The telethon also benefited an endowment in honor and memory of fallen North Carolina Trooper Kevin Conner, which will go to support students in the Basic Law Enforcement program.

If you would like to donate to another worthy cause at Robeson Community College, you are still encouraged to participate in the telethon, no donation will be turned away.

You can also drop off your Giving Tuesday donation at the RCC Foundation Office which is located in Building 13. Donations can be made online atwww.robeson.edu, through the RCCFacebook pageor mailed to the attention of the RCC Foundation at PO Box 1420, Lumberton, NC 28359. Full Story.

RCC eating well for a good cause

LUMBERTON — Robeson Community College’s plate sale in observance of the National Day of Giving gathered proceeds to be used for the construction of the Veterans’ Wall of Honor and the Military Affiliated Resource Center Scholarship.

By 12:17 p.m., according Donor and Major Gift Specialist Heather Seibles, the school was already halfway to the goal of $10,000. She also stated that the Right of Way group and Wirth-Taylor were matching every $1,000

Full story here. 

RCC FOUNDATION PLANS NATIONAL DAY OF GIVING TELETHON NOV. 29 – November 17th, 2022

RCC Foundation Open House, Ribbon Cutting planned for Nov. 9 – November 1st 2022

Robeson Community College extends an invitation to everyone in the community to attend an open house and ribbon cutting ceremony for the RCC Foundation. The RCC Foundation Office recently moved from Building 2 and is now located within Building 13.

With the new location of the RCC Foundation being closer to financial aid and admissions, the move was made to better accommodate students. It also gave the Foundation some much needed space, including a conference room for meetings and more storage capacity for items needed for fundraising events.

“With all the transition, the staff in the RCC Foundation want to welcome everyone to our new headquarters on campus as our office moves forwards with new initiatives and campaigns,” stated Lisa Hunt, the assistant vice president of grants and foundation.

The Open House is scheduled for Wednesday, Nov. 9 from 9:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m., with a special ribbon cutting ceremony taking place at 11 p.m.

“We will be giving away door prizes, including Amazon gift cards and there will be light refreshments available,” said Hunt. “You’ll also be able to sign up for Amazon Smile during this time, we will help you designate the RCC Foundation as your charity of choice, and also provide more information about this great opportunity.”

“It’s a floating event, just stop by anytime,” Hunt said. “We would love to meet you and have you be our guest.”

Robesonian article here.

TOWNSEND GIFTS $25K TO FOUNDATION; TOURNAMENT RAISES OVER $80K – October 6th, 2022

The 38th Anniversary Clifford Bullard Memorial Golf Tournament raised over $80,000 during the record-breaking event held on Thursday, October 6 at Pinecrest Country Club in Lumberton.

The 2022 tournament will go down in history as one of the best, raising 60% more than the previous year, in which the college raised just over $50,000 in 2021. Since the beginning of the tournament in 1984, the Bullard Tournament has raised more than $730,000.

Adding to the substantial increase was a generous donation of $25,000 from Lumberton native John L. Townsend III.

“This event was amazing and we are so thankful that it continues to grow each year. This year we have exceeded all fundraising goals and expectations, we have shattered records, and for that, we are forever grateful to our sponsors, our faculty and staff, and our volunteers,” stated RCC President Melissa Singler. “We could not do any of this without all of you.”

“We thank John Townsend for his amazing gift to the RCC Foundation,” said Singler. “We are so appreciative of this donation; it will make a tremendous impact upon our students, as well as upon our community.”

Singler adds, “We are also very thankful for our continued partnership with the Bullard family, who has worked tirelessly to help raise money for our students year after year.”

These monies raised will go towards supporting the RCC Foundation and the mission of Robeson Community College through providing scholarships for students, as well as funding faculty/staff initiatives that support student success.

“The Foundation would like to extend thanks and appreciation to the Bullard family for continuing to support Robeson Community College, our mission, and our students, and for helping us to make each golf tournament bigger and better each year,” stated Lisa Hunt, Assistant Vice President of Grants and the RCC Foundation. “We also thank John Townsend for his donation, as well as our many other sponsors and volunteers who made this year’s tournament possible.”

LOWES OF LUMBERTON DONATES REFRIGERATOR TO RCC FOOD PANTRY

When the pandemic hit, it not only shut down businesses and organizations, but also caused the food pantry at Robeson Community College to shut down temporarily as well.

“We rely on donations, and with the pandemic and with a limited number of people on campus, we decided to give all the food we had away during a food distribution,” said Dr. Phoebe Chavis-Harris, director of education programs at Robeson Community College. “We did not want the food to just sit here and go bad.”

The pantry reopened last fall, being fully restocked thanks to monetary donations from faculty, staff, and community members, which afforded RCC the opportunity to purchase items from the 2^ndHarvest Food Bank of Southeast North Carolina.  

“The Food Bank mentioned that we could purchase items like yogurt, but we did not have a refrigerator,” said Harris. “So, we had to pass up on those items.”

Harris mentioned it to her team when she got back to the office, she knew that a refrigerator would greatly help in assisting students in need.

“Our student worker said she had a contact at Lowes and so she reached out to him,” said Harris. “They told us to send a letter stating our needs, which I sent one in right away.”

After about a month and a half of waiting, Harris received the call she had been waiting for.

“I was so excited, Lowes called and said that they had a refrigerator but that we would have to go over and get it today,” said Harris. “Thankfully our maintenance staff was able to go over and get the refrigerator while we consolidated our space to make room for it.”

“I’m just tickled pink about the donation from Lowes, we are really excited, we had never been able to offer cold items before,” said Harris. “I’m so thankful for Lowes, this donation will help so many of our students, and we are just so fortunate to have this available.”

The food pantry started years ago after Debbie Lowry, who was an instructor at RCC, witnessed one of her students digging through the trash to find food. Lowry later found out that the student was homeless.

Lowry, determined to make a difference, went to administrators to see if she could have an empty space close to her office to establish the pantry.

Lowry has since passed away, but her legacy continues to live on.

“We wanted to keep the pantry going and continue with it,” said Harris. “It was important to her; she didn’t want to see any more students going hungry.”

“It is run completely by donations, and we have been really blessed with donations from our faculty, staff, and community to be able to keep the pantry up and running.”

Harris says that foot traffic to the pantry has picked up since it was replenished, stating that she sees about 3-5 students visiting weekly.

“We take so much for granted,” said Harris. “Sometimes we just don’t know what others are going through, so being able to provide students with nutritious food is what it is all about.”  

The food pantry is located in Building 8, Room 804.

 “If the door is locked, please come by my office and we will let you in… It’s open. It’s available. It’s here.”

Like the county song by Alabama, Robeson Community College is getting ready to “Roll on” by training individuals how to drive an eighteen-wheeler with new trucks donated by Mountaire Farms.

MOUNTAIRE FARMS DONATES TRANSPORT TRUCKS

Mountaire Farms donated two trucks, a 2015 and a 2016 Kenworth T680, valued at $45,966 and $49,646 respectively, making the donation a total value of almost $100,000.

“We wanted to start a truck driving program,” said Eric Freeman, Vice President of Workforce Development, Continuing Education, and Institutional Services. “But to start one, you need to have trucks for students to train on and they are an expensive commodity.”

Once Mountaire Farms heard of the need from Robeson Community College, they were ready to step in and help make the new truck driving academy a reality, so much so that leaders from the corporate office in Delaware flew in to hand over the keys.

“The decision to donate the trucks was instant,” stated JR LaPearl, Director of Mountaire Cares. “This is where our feed mill and processing plant is, it’s where our employees work, live, play, go to church and it’s our chance to play a small part in something cool, it makes my heart zing.”

And it made the hearts of leaders at RCC zing, too.

“We are excited, so excited to get these trucks. The partnership that we have with Mountaire has been instrumental in getting this program off the ground and running,” said Freeman. “We are so thankful for their support of this program and for this awesome donation that we have received.”

“This gift from Mountaire Farms will help pave the way for Robeson Community College to make a difference in our community by supplying the pipeline of truck drivers,” said Lisa Hunt, Assistant Vice President of Foundation and Grants. “We are thrilled about what the future holds for RCC and our partnership with Mountaire Farms. We expect this program will transform lives and provide employment opportunities for many in our community.”

RCC President Singler is also thrilled about the arrival of the new trucks.

RCC RECEIVES EMS STRETCHER FROM MOUNTAIRE FARMS

Robeson Community College received a much-needed donation from Mountaire Farms on Friday, March 11. The fast-growing agricultural food processing company donated a Stryker EMS stretcher, a gift valued at $5,000.  

If the college had purchased this equipment brand new, it would have cost approximately anywhere between $12,000-$13,000.

You might ask, why would Mountaire Farms have a stretcher traditionally used in hospitals and ambulances?

“We have an entire nursing station, where we have RNs and LPNs, who are there just in case anything happens,” explained Jarrod Lowery, the community relations manager for Mountaire Farms.

“Throughout the years we have bought different equipment, but as time goes along, there is some equipment that you just don’t need any more and this was one of those, and that’s why it is practically brand new. If we are not going to use it, what better place to give it to than Robeson Community College to train the next generation of first responders,” stated Lowery.

Lowery says that Mountaire Farms is dedicated to the community and is always seeking ways to assist its partners.

“We want to continue to grow our partnerships in the area, every chance that we get…that’s why we reached out to Robeson Community College first to see if this was something that they would need,” said Lowery.

Brad Lawson said that the equipment was definitely something that they needed.

“We will get this ready to put out on the truck,” Lawson told Lowery, referring to the ambulances the college uses for training students. “Anytime you want to give us something, we will find a good use for it.”

During the donation, Lawson and Lowery spoke of a new hire at Mountaire who helped make the connection to RCC. The new hire has completed the BLS Instructor course through RCC’s Continuing Education program.

“Mountaire Farms employs our students, so this donation is representative of how Mountaire has come full circle by not only providing valuable resources for our classrooms but also offering jobs to our graduates,” said RCC President Melissa Singler. “We are so appreciative of the partnership with Mountaire. It is evident that Mountaire is invested in Robeson Community College and the community.”

Jessica Bullard with the RCC Foundation agreed, saying, “We are grateful for the continued support of Mountaire Farms to Robeson Community College. They have been instrumental in partnering with the Foundation on donations that will assist us in providing state-of-the-art training for our students.”

 

DONOR ESTABLISHES RALPH JACOB CLARK JR. MEMORIAL ENDOWMENT

The RCC Foundation has received an anonymous donation in the amount of $10,000. The donor came forward earlier this month to create a memorial endowment in honor of Ralph Jacob Clark Jr.

Clark was tragically killed in a car accident this past March. He was a senior at Lumberton High School and would have graduated later this month.

“The passing of Ralph Jacob Clark, Jr. has left our community brokenhearted,” said RCC President Melissa Singler. “This generous gift will help many students fulfill their academic goals and will keep Ralph’s memory alive for generations to come. We are grateful to our anonymous donor for this wonderful tribute to Ralph Jacob Clark, Jr.”

The endowment was established for students enrolled in the welding, industrial systems, or mechatronics program at Robeson Community College.

“Our students are the future of our community and the Ralph Jacob Clark, Jr. Memorial Endowment will enable Ralph’s legacy to live on and change lives for many years to come,” said Jessica Bullard, the RCC Foundation Director.

The donor stated that this gift would help promote higher education in Robeson County to those who may not have the means to pay.

“This scholarship will give young men an opportunity to attend college,” said the donor. “It will give them the opportunity that Ralph did not have.”  

If you would like to contribute to the Ralph Jacob Clark Jr. Memorial Endowment, you can do so by contacting Jessica Bullard at (910) 272-3235 orjbullard@robeson.edu.

RCC FOUNDATION RECEIVES $24,000 DONATION FROM JULIAN T. PIERCE MEMORIAL INITIATIVE

Julian T. Pierce Memorial Endowment 

The Robeson Community College Foundation was bestowed with a $24,000 gift from the Julian T. Pierce Memorial Initiative on Thursday, October 28. The money donated will go towards scholarships for students, in continuing the legacy of Julian T. Pierce to support education and equality for all people. The money was raised during the 8th Annual Julian T. Pierce Memorial Art Dinner held earlier this year in August.

“We are thankful for the continued support in honor of Julian,” said Lisa Hunt, assistant vice president of foundation and grants at RCC. “He was a remarkable man with great vision, and the money raised will help to continue his legacy for generations to come.”

Pierce was a lawyer and civil rights activists, fighting for equality for the Lumbee Tribe of which he was a member, and for all individuals. In 1988, he ran for Superior Court Judge, a new judgeship created by the North Carolina General Assembly for Robeson County. In March 1988, just a few weeks before the election, Pierce was tragically killed in his home. It was determined that Pierce actually won the election that year, posthumously, by more than 2000 votes.

The memorial dinner was started by Lumbee Tribal Chairman, Harvey Godwin, who served as the campaign manager for Pierce during his run for Superior Judge, as a way to honor the man, whom many would attest had made such a difference in his community.

“Julian was an activist for all people,” said Jessica Bullard, foundation director at RCC. “He advocated for others to receive resources they needed, whether that was education, legal assistance, or healthcare.”

Pierce is remembered for his work to inspire great social change in the community. He founded the Lumbee River Legal Services and Robeson County Health Care Corporation. He was instrumental in integrating Robeson County’s schools into one school system to provide quality education for all.

“Having been involved with the Julian T. Pierce committee for several years, I appreciate the work and support that goes into the Julian Memorial Initiative,” said Jessica Bullard. “Now that I am the new Foundation Director at RCC, I know this donation will assist in funding multiple scholarships to students in need, fulfilling Julian’s vision and legacy.”

In the years since his death, many people have been inspired by his life to enter the professional fields where minorities have been historically underrepresented.

Two students at Robeson Community College receive $5,000 scholarship from SECU

MOORE CONTINUES TO PAY IT FORWARD WITH $1500 SCHOLARSHIPS

FORMER FOSTER KID PAYS IT FORWARD TO TWO DESERVING RCC STUDENTS

Read the story by clicking here.

Amanda Meares, an associate of arts student
& Riley Scott, surgical technology student both presented with a $1500 scholarship check from
Darlena Moore, founder of The Gilbert Scholarship, for former foster children.

Testimony from Riley Scott