Class of 2022 Hall of Fame honorees express their gratitude
Honorees Dr. Tajudeen Soyoye, Anne Dowdle, Wilhelmine Damon and Dr. Ray Denton are
members of the Meridian Community College 2022 Class of Hall of Fame.
Thankful. Grateful. Appreciative.
That’s how the Meridian Community College’s 2022 Hall of Fame recipients, Wilhelmine Damon, Dr. Ray Denton, Anne Dowdle, and Dr. Tajudeen Soyoye, repeatedly summed up their acknowledgments as they spoke during the ceremony that applauded them.
The honorees are alumni or former employees who have excelled in their careers and life missions. They have elevated MCC’s esteem through their achievements, service, and association with the higher educational institution.
“I consider myself very fortunate to have spent so much of my life working, learning, and growing at this community college where big dreams can indeed come true,” said Dowdle. She retired from MCC in 2000, serving as the director of institutional advancement.
Damon, who is 95, said, “I’m so thankful at this age, and at this stage, I’m able to say a public thank you for letting me be connected to this college. It’s been indeed a pleasure, and I’m most appreciative.” Damon, an alumna of MCC, served as a physical education instructor for more than 30 years.
Dr. Denton, an alumnus who retired from the College as the dean of learning resources, acknowledged his MCC colleagues for his success.
Dr. Soyoye, who graduated from MCC in 1999 and is today an emergency room doctor and family physician who holds licensures in Georgia, Missouri, and New York, said, “most of the dreams that are brought to this campus are being fulfilled. And I have to be very, very grateful for that.”
Hosted by the MCC Foundation, the induction ceremony was held in the McCain Theater. It also honored MCC housekeeping staffer Larry Martin for his 30 years of service to the institution, and he was named to the Talon Club.