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Grenada Campus dedicates Phillips Hall
There was no shortage of faculty, staff, students, friends, and family members present to wish the honoree well during the dedication ceremony for Donald E. Phillips Hall held at the Grenada Campus of Holmes Community College November 6. Not surprising, considering the dedication and love Dr. Don Phillips has for Holmes.
As the crowd gathered inside Donald E. Phillips Hall, Michelle Burney, vice-president of the Grenada Campus, gave welcoming remarks and jokingly recalled, "This building has been called the new building, the East building, and the building across from the ITC Building. We are now very glad to have an official name for this building."
Holmes Community College President Dr. Jim Haffey then took the podium, stating that "Dr. Phillips has been a champion of education and a tireless fundraiser for the schools he's loved for decades. The success of the Holmes Community College Foundation lies at his feet. Dr. Phillips has voluntarily led our foundation over the years, and I suspect that his level of volunteerism is unprecedented in the nation. I think he derives his passion from his years as a student, teacher and coach at Holmes."
Addressing Dr. Phillips directly, Dr. Haffey said, "I thank you personally because my family and I have benefited from the very scholarships you helped to create".
Dr. Phillips, a native of Gore Springs, is a 1952 graduate of Holmes. He played baseball and basketball, both teams winning a state championship title during his years on the squads. Dr. Phillips was also voted Mr. Holmes Junior College by his peers in 1952. After completing his degree from Mississippi College, he returned to Holmes for four years as an accounting instructor and men's basketball coach.
Dr. Phillips has been the president of the Holmes Development Foundation for 25 years. During his tenure, more than $12 million has been raised for the college's Capital Campaign, Chapel on the Hill, and the Cook Foundation fund. In fact, he's helped generate more than $100 million for his alma maters, Holmes Community College and Mississippi College as well as other Mississippi non-profit organizations. Dr. Phillips was inducted into the Holmes Sports Hall of Fame in 2011, named Holmes' Alumnus of the year in 1978, and received the Holmes Distinguished Service Award in 2010.
"Dr. Phillips' strong commitment to Holmes Community College paired with his vast knowledge and involvement with our fundraising efforts has been invaluable to the college for over 25 years," said Dr. Lindy McCain, Executive Director of Holmes Development Foundation.
As Dr. Phillips addressed the crowd he commented, "It is a true privilege to receive this honor. Holmes holds a dear place in my heart."
Dr. Haffey and Dr. McCain presented Dr. Phillips and his wife, Sue, with a beautiful portrait of the couple to conclude the dedication ceremony.
IN THE PHOTO: Dr. Lindy McCain, left, Executive Director of the Holmes Development Foundation, Dr. Jim Haffey, second from left, President of Holmes, Dr. Don Phillips, second from right, President of the Holmes Development Foundation and Sue Phillips, right, Holmes Legacy Club member.
