MCC Hall of Fame ceremony celebrates alumni who turned opportunity into impact
Gratitude, faith, and the power of opportunity were common themes as Meridian Community College honored four alumni during its annual Hall of Fame Induction ceremony.
The MCC Foundation hosted the annual event in McCain Theater to recognize alums who have excelled in their professions and communities. This year’s class included Lane Burroughs, the Hon. Larry Gill, William “Skip” Scaggs, and Sela Ward.
Burroughs is the baseball coach for Louisiana Tech University; Gill is the mayor of Marion and a businessman; Scaggs serves as the executive director of the North Mississippi Industrial Development Association; and Ward is an award-winning actress.
Many of the remarks focused on how MCC helped shape the honorees’ lives.
For Burroughs, being selected for the Hall of Fame recognition was humbling. In a video message, he said, “I’m truly honored and, quite frankly, it’s surreal.”
Burroughs was the first person in his family to attend college. After completing high school, Burroughs joined the Eagles baseball team and said his time playing under legendary coaches Corky Palmer and Scott Berry changed his life’s direction.
“That’s where I decided I wanted to become a coach,” he said.
Burroughs also credited others. “The professors, the instructors, the staff, the coaches, and the fellow students at Meridian Community College made me the man I am today,” he said.
Gill, the Mayor of Marion, spoke about the importance of faith and community support. “None of this would be possible without God’s grace, mercy, and favor over my life,” Gill said.
He pointed out that recognition belongs to those who helped him along the way. “This award is not about me,” he said. “It belongs to the people in this room.” Gill also thanked Meridian Mayor Percy Bland for allowing him to job shadow when Gill was a student at Meridian High School.
“When one person opens a door, and a community walks through it together, amazing things can happen,” Gill said.
Scaggs said the recognition meant a great deal because of his connection to MCC; his father, Dr. Bill Scaggs, was the first president of Meridian Community College.
“This is a humbling opportunity,” Scaggs said. “It’s rewarding to know my alma mater thinks enough of my efforts to award me with such recognition.” He noted that MCC has always been part of his life and shares many of the same values he believes in, including opportunity and growth.
Ward, who also shared a message by video, encouraged current students to take advantage of the opportunities in front of them and the college that offers a sense of community.
“You’re in a place that believes in your potential,” she added. “Never underestimate what somebody from Meridian, Mississippi, can do.”
The ceremony also recognized longtime employee Sandy H. Clark, who was inducted into the college’s Talon Club for 30 years of service, who described working at MCC as a blessing. “It’s such an honor to work at such a great place,” Clark said.
For more information, visit meridiancc.edu/halloffame.