MCC Foundation Celebration honors donors
For more than three decades, J. Robert “Bob” Malone helped guide the Meridian Community College Foundation through his service and leadership. His gifts of property also helped shape the college’s campus.
The MCC Foundation recognized that support by welcoming Malone and his wife, Gloria, into its Emerald Circle during the 2026 Annual Membership Celebration at Northwood Country Club.
The honor recognized lifetime giving of $1 million or more. The Malones joined individuals, families, businesses and organizations celebrated for reaching new giving milestones and supporting MCC students.
“His gifts haven’t just supported the growth of MCC; they have quite literally helped
shape our campus,” said Dr. Leia Agnew Hill, secretary of the MCC Foundation Board.
Dr. Hill is also chief of staff, vice president for institutional advancement and
operations and executive director of the MCC Foundation. 
Malone joined the Foundation Board in October 1993 and served in several leadership roles, including two terms as board president. He was named an emeritus board member in 2014. Most of his contributions came through property gifts.
Addressing the celebration audience, Malone said he and his wife “have always believed in the value that the foundation and the college brings to quality of life in our hometown.
“Throughout my lifetime, MCC has been an example and a leader within our community. This is true because of the work the college does in educating people, but it is also due to the trust that the college and the foundation have earned,” Malone said.
Dr. Hill thanked Malone for the leadership, friendship, and support he shared with the college throughout those years.
MCC President Dr. Tom Huebner spoke about how donors’ gifts helped MCC students. He pointed to scholarships that helped students stay in school and access to equipment, facilities, and experiences that prepared them for careers.
“And it matters to our community because every student whose life is changed through
education has the potential to change the lives of others,” Dr. Huebner said.
The celebration recognized donors at four lifetime giving levels.
Bronze Wings honorees, recognized for giving $25,000 or more, were Meridian Mutual Federal Credit Union, Lauderdale County Tourism Commission, the Tim Hogan family and First State Bank.
Silver Wings honorees, recognized for giving $50,000 or more, were 1st Mississippi Federal Credit Union and Howard Sanderford, who was honored posthumously. Butch and Diane Shannon accepted the recognition on Sanderford’s behalf.
The Mississippi Board of Nursing and the White Family Foundation received Platinum Wings recognition for lifetime giving of $250,000 or more.
The Malones joined seven other Emerald Circle honorees: Tommy and Rebecca Dulaney and Structural Steel Services; David Quave; Ochsner Rush Health; The Riley Foundation; The Phil Hardin Foundation; Baptist Anderson Regional Medical Center; and The Paul & Sherry Broadhead Foundation.
The evening also highlighted growth in the Foundation’s annual campaign and Tuition Guarantee endowment.
For the fiscal year that ended June 30, the Foundation received more than $1.4 million in contributions, grants and gifts in kind, an increase of more than 8 percent over the previous year. Dr. Hill also reported growth in restricted giving and contributions to the Tuition Guarantee endowment, which had surpassed $7 million.
For more information, visit meridiancc.edu/foundation.