Honors Plaza

In the same way the Wall of Honor Campaign was conducted to build a scholarship endowment, the Honors Plaza Endowment was envisioned as a continuing source of support for learning programs. The endowment will ensure that all students are educated using state-of-the-art instructional material, especially the technological advancements that are redefining our workplaces and our lives.

Dr. Robert L. McSpadden, president of the college, and Karen Hanes, campaign chair and a past president of the Foundation, steadfastly and capably led the GCCC Foundation campaign with other visionary, dedicated leaders in the community serving as members of the Steering Committee. The effort was launched in 1997 on the occasion of the college's celebration of 40 years of service and in anticipation of a new millennium.

The $2.3 million endowment which resulted will grow in value while providing an annual source of support. Many friends, alumni, businesses, organizations, and college employees stepped forward to make contributions to the endowment, and several estate gifts were significant in surpassing the campaign goal. These gifts were matched by the Academic Improvement Trust Fund, resulting in a Foundation fund that will have a lasting impact on the future of the Gulf/Franklin Center of Gulf Coast Community College.

Major donors of $6,000 or more are recognized on the Honors Plaza at either the Panama City Campus or the Gulf/Franklin Center. Many other donors purchased commemorative bricks that are part of the Heritage Paths located on each campus.

The dedicated leadership of the Gulf Coast Community College Foundation Board of Directors was pivotal to the success of the project. Each Foundation president during the campaign brought his own commitment and unique talents. They were Andrew Stein - 1997, Bill Cramer - 1998, Richard Dodd - 1999, and David Walby - 2000. As chair of a subcommittee of volunteers, Olivia Cooley was an integral part of the campaign's success.

At the dawn of this new millennium, Gulf Coast Community College remains committed to excellence in serving the needs of a changing community. The people of this community have demonstrated that they share the college's vision through support of the Honors Plaza Endowment project. It's a promise to the future that we have all made together.

Dedication

This Honors Plaza monument is dedicated to the citizens of Bay, Gulf, and Franklin counties for their boundless generosity to the Gulf Coast Community College foundation and the students it serves. This profound commitment to the Honors Plaza Endowment Campaign during the years 1997 to 2000 ensures that every future generation of Gulf Coast Community College students will benefit from a modern learning experience. Earnings from this endowment will enable students, faculty, and staff to use and understand evolving technologies essential to success in both classroom and workplace.

The inspired leadership of Karen Hanes, chair of the Honors Plaza Steering Committee and the dedication of the eight individuals who served with her were vital to the success of this landmark campaign. the guidance of the District Board of Trustees and the unswerving commitment of the Foundation Board of Directors were indispensable to this achievement as well.

Promise to the Future

This community's belief in Gulf Coast Community College has again been made tangible through the successful culmination of the Honors Plaza Endowment Campaign. Through private gifts and state matching funds, the Gulf Coast Community College Foundation has raised more than $2.3 million for an endowment to support instructional technology, to further faculty and staff development, and to create the best possible learning environment for current and future students. Gulf Coast Community College's long tradition of commitment to student success will be enhanced substantially by the advanced instructional technology made possible by the Honors Plaza Endowment.