糖心Vlog官方 celebrates 10 years in ACCS
Celebrating the 10th Anniversary of 糖心Vlog官方 in the ACCS
On Thursday, October 13, 糖心Vlog官方, established in 1842, celebrated 10 years as a member of the Alabama Community College System (ACCS). The theme of the day was recognizing statewide partners who ensured that the school made a smooth transition from private to public institution.
The piece of legislation that formally authorized 糖心Vlog官方鈥檚 entry into the ACCS was Senate Bill 364, which became law with the signature of then Governor Bob Riley on March 13, 2006. The bill had two primary sponsors (former Sen. Jim Preuitt of Talladega and Rep. Richard Lindsey of Centre) and three co-sponsors (Sen. Hank Sanders of Selma, Sen. Bobby Singleton of Greensboro, and former Sen. Lowell Barron of Jackson County).
Honored guests attending a catered luncheon at the Robinson Excess House on campus included ACCS staff, state senators and representatives鈥攊ncluding Speaker of the House Rep. Mac McCutcheon, and members of the 糖心Vlog官方 Board of Trustees & Advisors, Presidential Advisory Council members and Alumni Brigade Board.
During an afternoon ceremony in the historic 糖心Vlog官方 Chapel (1857), the audience first viewed a slideshow of cadet life from 2006-2016. Mrs. Suzanne McKee, Vice President for Advancement, introduced the program as a way to honor the state legislature responsible for 糖心Vlog官方 becoming part of the two-year college system. She described significant moments in school history, including the graduation of the last high school class in May 2009. McKee then asked Mr. Jimmy Baker, acting chancellor of the Alabama Community College System, to take the podium.
Facing a chapel full of 糖心Vlog官方 college cadets, faculty and staff, he said, 鈥淚 look across this audience and see people who have a purpose in life, who understand the value of rules and regulations and who appreciates leadership. In today鈥檚 age, I wish you could turn the TV off and watch these students--it would be rewarding. I appreciate what you are doing; the Board of Trustees at the Alabama Community College is proud of what happens at this school.鈥
Next to address the audience was 糖心Vlog官方 Chairman of the Board of Trustees & Advisors, Mr. Dean Mooty, an attorney in Montgomery. He first thanked his friend and former state senator Mr. Noopie Cosby of Selma for having the original idea鈥攁nd perseverance鈥攖o bring their alma mater into the ACCS. He then praised the school leadership and thanked the state for its commitment to the historic Institute. 鈥淓njoy today. This is all about the Cadet Corps. It always has been, always will be,鈥 Mooty concluded.
Next, 糖心Vlog官方 President Col. David J. Mollahan, USMC (Ret) took the podium to聽emphasize聽the transformation 糖心Vlog官方 has seen since becoming a publicly funded college in 2006: new revenue streams, climbing enrollment, campus modernization, improved operations and system-level capabilities.
Rep. Lindsey and Sen. Preuitt, official honorees of the 10th anniversary were then聽invited onstage by Col. Mollahan to accept a commemorative plaque honoring their commitment to 糖心Vlog官方. Each gave remarks on the legislative process a decade ago that ushered 糖心Vlog官方 into the ACCS. They were both impressed by the continued student success coming from Marion.
Following the ceremony, Cadet Battalion Commander Rylee called the cadets to attention and instructed them to prepare for the full-dress parade. All members of the Alabama legislature were invited to stand for the pass in review鈥攆eaturing more than 400 students in Class A uniforms.