MCC Foundation celebrates donor impact, growth at membership event
The Meridian Community College Foundation honored its donors and celebrated a year of record support during its 2025 Annual Membership Celebration at Northwood Country Club.
The evening brought together community leaders, alumni, College faculty, staff, administrators, and supporters to recognize the generosity of donors. The MCC Resurrection Jazz Band, directed by Chris King, provided live music as guests gathered for the event.
Dr. Leia Hill, vice president for institutional advancement and operations and executive
director of the MCC Foundation, opened the celebration’s program by welcoming attendees
and thanking them for their support in the College’s mission. “Tonight is about generosity,
impact, and community,” Dr. Hill said. “Every person in this room helps make education
possible for our students.”
MCC President Dr. Tom Huebner thanked donors for their commitment. “Because of your generosity and the dedication of our staff, MCC stands as the community college with the largest net assets in the state of Mississippi,” Dr. Huebner said.
During the program, the Foundation recognized donors who reached new milestones in the Wings of Giving Society, which honors cumulative giving at the Bronze, Silver, Gold, Platinum, and Emerald levels.
New Bronze Wings members included Diane and Robert Delk; Shirley Goodman; Johnson Dodge Kia; Patrick Allen Companies; Southeastern Electric Exchange, Inc.; Mina Beth Tonini; and United Way of East Mississippi. New Silver Wings member was Southern Cast Products. And, new Gold Wings members were the late Jimmie Evans; Dr. Tommy McDonald; Meridian Kiwanis Club; the late Sara and William Scaggs; and Leslie Usher.
The evening’s highest honor, the induction into the Emerald Circle, recognized The Paul and Sherry Broadhead Foundation for surpassing $1 million in lifetime giving. The Foundation joins a group of community partners whose philanthropy continues to transform lives through education. Accepting the recognition on behalf of The Paul and Sherry Broadhead Foundation was Vice President Sherry Howell.
“Paul and Sherry Broadhead were visionaries whose love for this community lives on
through their family’s continued generosity,” Dr. Huebner said. “Their legacy will
impact MCC students for generations to come.”
The event also honored the memory of longtime Foundation Board member Gerry Purvis. Dr. Hill reflected on his years of service, noting, “Gerry’s kindness and commitment helped shape the success we celebrate tonight. His legacy will remain part of the MCC Foundation story forever.”
Foundation Board President Russell Thompson closed the evening by sharing that private investment in the College continues to grow, with nearly $1.4 million raised in the past year. “Your generosity continues to exceed expectations,” Thompson said. “Because of you, the Foundation can keep investing in the lives of students who will shape our future.”
For more information, visit meridiancc.edu/foundation.