MCCers saluted as Hall of Fame honorees
On the McCain Theater stage are James Carter, left, Dick Dixon, Marmion Francis, Lee
Francis, and Alice James.
Meridian Community College honored four exceptional MCCers during its annual Hall of Fame ceremony, recognizing their outstanding contributions to the institution and the wider community.
The MCC Foundation hosts the annual event.
Inaugurated in the Hall of Fame Class of 2024 were James Carter, Wanda Dixon (posthumously), Marmion Loving Francis, and Alice James. Carter is executive director of the Meridian-based Carter Foundation; Dixon was chairman of the math and science and mathematics instructor at MCC; Francis is a retired Lifetime Quest co-coordinator; and James is a retired accounting instructor.
“Taking the time to reflect on the achievements of those who have made significant contributions to our institution and community is so very important,” said Dr. Tom Huebner, MCC president, when he opened the celebration ceremony which was held in the McCain Theater.
In saluting the honorees, he said their dedication and hard work have enabled them to achieve their goals and, “positively impact the world.”
Giving credit to God and his family, Carter said it was an honor to be inducted into the Hall of Fame – an event he predicted would happen. Carter was a former MCC employee who told a then colleague as they were setting up the McCain Theater stage for a resource fair that he would be on that stage in the future. He shared that he bought the green jacket he wore on stage at the induction ceremony in anticipation of the event. “Even years back, I said, ‘I’m going to wear this to Hall of Fame.’”
Receiving the Hall of Fame plaque for his late wife was Richard “Dick” Dixon. The Dixons were married for 63 years and have children, grandchildren, great and great great-grandchildren. Dick shared with the audience his wife’s sense of humor and added, “I really loved the lady.”
Francis thanked MCC and the MCC Foundation for the honor. “Being an alum of MCC is one of the proudest accomplishments of my life along with my three sons, Lee, Martin, and Jason, and they have created beautiful families of their own.”
James said, “I never thought I would stand on this stage again, but here I am and I will also remember and cherish this occasion forever.”
Also during the ceremony MCCers who have passed away since last year's ceremony were remembered by the tolling of bells. They included Matt Matteson, Elliott Street, Vinnie Gutierrez, Mona Pritchett, the Rev. John Wayne Edwards, Libby Boling Bounds, Carol Robbins, Mark Rainwater, Lynn Turner-Smith, Linda Cooper, Ralph E. Young Jr., and David Giles.
For more information, visit meridiancc.edu/halloffame.