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The second new building for the Dyersburg campus in two years, the Student Center is a 14,000-square-foot facility combining the latest in energy conservation, technology and "one-stop" student aid. Wireless Internet, a deli and plenty of space to study and hold meetings will provide the perfect space for students to relax and connect with counselors.
On Thursday afternoon, members of the Tennessee Board of Regents joined local and state officials, area businessmen, community donors, faculty and alumni to celebrate the completion of the second state-of-the-art addition to the Dyersburg campus in two years. The Student Center and the LRC were both projects that had been approved but not funded for over a decade.
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The celebration kicked off with the presentation of the Regents Award for Excellence in Philanthropy. The award was presented to First Citizens National Bank by Chancellor Charles W. Manning and Regent Howard W. Roddy, who chairs the TBR committee on Public Affairs.
"It is appropriate to begin (this event) with our most generous donor," said Bowyer. "I really appreciate everyone's support to get to this day. Our largest donor, the State Assembly, the Board of Regents, our local mayors."
First Citizens National Bank provided the leadership gift in the college's first major gifts campaign, a pledge of $250,000 from the bank and $250,000 from its directors. The total payment toward that pledge was $562,123.75.
Total gifts from the bank since formal fund raising began in 1985 is $1,026,737.75.
"I humbly accept this award," said First Citizens National Bank President and CEO Jeff Agee, a graduate of the DSCC Class of 1981. "We really emphasize being involved. We look at Dyersburg State, not as an expense, but as an investment. (And) the true value of that asset appreciates."
Additional donations and service from First Citizens National Bank and its directors, provided by the DSCC public information office, include:
* Seven First Citizens officers and directors currently serve on the Foundation Board. Six additional First Citizens officers and directors have served on the Foundation Board.
* Ten First Citizens officers or directors have served as Annual Fund chairs. Numerous First Citizens employees have served as Annual Fund volunteers.
* First Citizens affiliated Annual Fund chairs have raised a total of $5,699,668.13 for the college.
* Each of the 300 employees of First Citizens National Bank is expected to participate in at least two community organizations each year.
* President and CEO Jeff Agee spearheaded the approval of the Dyer County Promise scholarship program by Dyer County Government and the Dyersburg Mayor and Board of Aldermen. This program for Dyersburg and Dyer County High School graduates provides $675 per year toward post-secondary expenses at DSCC or TTC-Newbern. The program is funded by the city of Dyersburg and Dyer County.
* First Citizens National Bank has supported DSCC's annual scholarships, the presentation of the Memphis Symphony Orchestra Holiday Pops concert, the annual golf tournament, athletics, and endowment.
* First Citizens employees serve on Administrative Office Support, Business Management, and Computer Information Technology Advisory Committees.
State Rep. Craig Fitzhugh and State Sen. Mark Norris were each acknowledged by Bowyer for their contributions to the project and their support of the college in the State Legislature.
"It was certainly that money from the State Legislature with Representative Fitzhugh and Senator Norris leading the way (that led to this building,)" said Bowyer. "It's splendiferous."
"Dyersburg State is the epitome of a good community college," said Fitzhugh. "It really is what the community colleges are all about - an accessible, affordable education. I am very proud to represent this community, this part of the state, this (facility), and most of all, the students of this fine community college."
"It's a big deal," said Norris. "It's a beautiful building and it's a beautiful day. This is a success because of you. I love what you are doing and I love your results."
A ribbon cutting was held for the facility with college officials, Chamber Ambassadors and students participating. DSCC Phi Theta Kappa International Society for Community Colleges President Rachel Clark and DSCC Student Government Association President Josh Caviness cut the ribbon.
"This new student center is a wonderful addition to this campus, but places another financial burden," said Bowyer, introducing Wendell West as the head of this year's Annual Fund. "It adds utilities and maintenance. We don't have another building to fund or furnish, but we've got a lot of students who need help and a lot of programs to fund."
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But will Dyersburg lose part of its patrimony if its name is sadly and insultingly removed from the name of this institution for which a huge spectrum of Dyersburg people have worked so hard over many years to establish?
On March 28, 2008, the Tennessee Board of Regents without discussion approved leaving "Dyersburg" out of the DSCC name.
Only legislative action can effect the name change.
There is time to stop this. The legislature is yet to act.
But will Dyersburg lose part of its patrimony if its name is sadly and insultingly removed from the name of this institution for which a huge spectrum of Dyersburg people have worked so hard over many years to establish?
On March 28, 2008, the Tennessee Board of Regents without discussion approved leaving "Dyersburg" out of the DSCC name.
Only legislative action can effect the name change.
There is time to stop this. The legislature is yet to act.
But will Dyersburg lose part of its patrimony if its name is sadly and insultingly removed from the name of this institution for which a huge spectrum of Dyersburg people have worked so hard over many years to establish?
On March 28, 2008, the Tennessee Board of Regents without discussion approved leaving "Dyersburg" out of the DSCC name.
Only legislative action can effect the name change.
There is time to stop this. The legislature is yet to act.
But will Dyersburg lose part of its patrimony if its name is sadly and insultingly removed from the name of this institution for which a huge spectrum of Dyersburg people have worked so hard over many years to establish?
On March 28, 2008, the Tennessee Board of Regents without discussion approved leaving "Dyersburg" out of the DSCC name.
Only legislative action can effect the name change.
There is time to stop this. The legislature is yet to act.
But will Dyersburg lose part of its patrimony if its name is sadly and insultingly removed from the name of this institution for which a huge spectrum of Dyersburg people have worked so hard over many years to establish?
On March 28, 2008, the Tennessee Board of Regents without discussion approved leaving "Dyersburg" out of the DSCC name.
Only legislative action can effect the name change.
There is time to stop this. The legislature is yet to act.
But will Dyersburg lose part of its patrimony if its name is sadly and insultingly removed from the name of this institution for which a huge spectrum of Dyersburg people have worked so hard over many years to establish?
On March 28, 2008, the Tennessee Board of Regents without discussion approved leaving "Dyersburg" out of the DSCC name.
Only legislative action can effect the name change.
There is time to stop this. The legislature is yet to act.
But will Dyersburg lose part of its patrimony if its name is sadly and insultingly removed from the name of this institution for which a huge spectrum of Dyersburg people have worked so hard over many years to establish?
On March 28, 2008, the Tennessee Board of Regents without discussion approved leaving "Dyersburg" out of the DSCC name.
Only legislative action can effect the name change.
There is time to stop this. The legislature is yet to act.
But will Dyersburg lose part of its patrimony if its name is sadly and insultingly removed from the name of this institution for which a huge spectrum of Dyersburg people have worked so hard over many years to establish?
On March 28, 2008, the Tennessee Board of Regents without discussion approved leaving "Dyersburg" out of the DSCC name.
Only legislative action can effect the name change.
There is time to stop this. The legislature is yet to act.
But will Dyersburg lose part of its patrimony if its name is sadly and insultingly removed from the name of this institution for which a huge spectrum of Dyersburg people have worked so hard over many years to establish?
On March 28, 2008, the Tennessee Board of Regents without discussion approved leaving "Dyersburg" out of the DSCC name.
Only legislative action can effect the name change.
There is time to stop this. The legislature is yet to act.
But will Dyersburg lose part of its patrimony if its name is sadly and insultingly removed from the name of this institution for which a huge spectrum of Dyersburg people have worked so hard over many years to establish?
On March 28, 2008, the Tennessee Board of Regents without discussion approved leaving "Dyersburg" out of the DSCC name.
Only legislative action can effect the name change.
There is time to stop this. The legislature is yet to act.