Painting remembrances: Friends, students gather for fundraiser
Friends have been described as here-on-earth angels.
During one special gathering at Meridian Community College’s Smith Hall, friends and former students of Tanya Ocampo paint brushed the wings of angels.
The paint party served as a fundraiser for the Tanya Renia Ocampo Memorial Endowment. Ocampo, an alumna of MCC who later became a Medical Office Management Technology Program instructor, died in November 2021. She is remembered for her enthusiastic spirit for teaching and believing in her student’s success. The endowment, which is funded through the MCC Foundation, is being established to honor Ocampo.
MCC colleague Flora Sumrall, coordinator and instructor for Business Office Management Technology Program, said the two-and-a-half-hour painting party with its angel wings theme garnered $450 toward the endowment.
“We used angels and angel wings because of Ocampo’s great love for those. She was known for finding murals of wings on buildings and posing in front of them,” Sumrall said.
She added, “everyone had such a great time; we’re planning another one. Many students – past and present – want to participate.”
Another fundraiser for the endowment, a memorial walk, is planned for April 2. To contribute to Tanya Renia Ocampo Memorial Endowment, contact the MCC Foundation at 601.484.8612 or visit meridiancc.edu/giving. Designate to Tanya Ocampo.
The College will host a memorial tribute to Ocampo on March 4.