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Realizing Dreams
Founders Honored
By Rhonda Oaks Donaldson
Angelina College celebrated its 36th anniversary Nov. 11 by honoring two men instrumental in making it possible for the dreams of many to become reality.
Hosted by the Angelina College Alumni & Friends on Veterans’ Day, the Second Annual Founders’ Luncheon recognized former Congressman Charlie Wilson and U.S. District Judge John Hannah. They spoke to a crowd of nearly 200, reminiscing about the college’s early years.
“It is amazing to note that Stephen F. Austin University has more than 12,000 students enrolled this year, and Angelina College has almost half that many,” Wilson said. “That indicates excellent leadership here, past and present.”
Wilson, a Navy veteran, spoke of the highlights throughout the college’s history and also took the opportunity to recognize the sacrifices made by so many area veterans.
“I have said many times East Texas has been over-represented in bloodshed on behalf of our state and country. I want to say thank you to all of our veterans who have given all they had to give,” he said emotionally.
Hannah praised the founding fathers of the college, saying most of them could have sent their children away to any college or university anywhere in the country.
“Why did the founders tax themselves for area children to go to college, when most of theirs could have gone to a university?” he asked. “They wanted children, no matter what their circumstances, to have a chance to achieve a dream. God bless our community college founders, and God bless America.”
Hannah praised the legislators who, before him, worked for the original $172,670 that was appropriated by the Texas Legislature in 1967. It was ultimately Wilson and Hannah who announced the budgeted amount for the newly created college in January, 1967.
Dr. Larry Phillips, AC president, announced that more than 100,000 East Texans had enrolled during the college’s 36-year history, and had it not been for the insight of a few, the impact of a small community college felt by many East Texans would have been greatly diminished.
Ann Allen and Arthur Temple arranged the donation of the original 140 acres for the college, and in November, 1967, ground-breaking ceremonies were held.
It was in September, 1968, that the first scheduled classes began with an enrollment of 514 students in spite of plywood sidewalks and unfinished buildings.
A patriotic musical program by Rosemary Swetland, AC graduate and music instructor, honored the veterans at the luncheon.
The celebration began with Dr. Elaine Jackson, director of Marketing, Communication and Development, recognizing the veterans who attended the event. She announced four new scholarship endowments through Angelina College Alumni & Friends.
They include the Dr. Ernest Seitz Memorial Scholarship for radiography students, the Charles P. Stephens Memorial Scholarship for AC Singers or choral music students, the Charles Hogan Scholarship for outstanding second-year music majors and an endowment from an anonymous donor for the general scholarship fund.
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