Wilkes Community College Honors 2022 Volunteers

Wilkes Community College Honors 2022 Volunteers

Mrs. Betty Thompson presented with Lifetime Volunteer recognition

Wilkesboro, N.C. – On Thursday, March 2, 2023, Wilkes Community College presented the 32^nd Annual Volunteer Recognition Reception to celebrate the contribution volunteers make to the success of the college. Approximately 130 guests enjoyed the food, fellowship, and festivities of the evening. Volunteers assist in many areas of the college including various departments, serving on various boards, golf tournaments, MerleFest, and the Walker Center.

WCC President, Dr. Jeff Cox was unable to attend the reception, but offered the following remarks through a video, “I want to thank you all for the valuable service you provide to Wilkes Community College. In 2022, we had over 2,700 volunteers who gave over 29,000 hours of service to the college, which in terms of value equates to over $750,000 in savings in hourly wages. Or the equivalent of 15 full-time employees working 40 hours a week, all year long. We literally could not do what we do without you.”

Cox added, “I want to offer a very special congratulations to Mrs. Betty Thompson for her achievement of earning the Lifetime Volunteer Recognition. You have done so much for the college and continue to do so.  It’s always a pleasure to see your smiling face.”

The following WCC Administrative Council members were in attendance and thanked the volunteers for their dedication and service to the college: Michael Wingler, VP of Information Technology and Operations/CIO; Nicole Fogle, Executive Director-Institutional Research, Planning and Effectiveness; Jody Call, Executive Director of Strategy; Allison Phillips, VP of Institutional Advancement; and Zack Barricklow, VP of Rural Innovations.

l-r: Tabitha Hudler, Betty Thompson, and Allison Phillips

The event culminated with Allison Phillips, VP of Institutional Advancement presenting the Lifetime Volunteer Recognition Award. Phillips stated, “In the words of Marjorie Moore Volunteering is the ultimate exercise in democracy. You vote in elections once a year but when you volunteer, you vote everyday about the kind of community you want to live in.”

She added, “The heart of a volunteer is not measured in size, but by the depth of the commitment to make a difference in the lives of others. For selflessly serving others with your time and talent. I am proud to present the Lifetime Volunteer Recognition to Mrs. Betty Thompson. We are truly grateful for your support and dedication.”

Tabitha Hudler, Walker Center director stated, “Mrs. Betty has changed Wilkes Community College. Over 40 years ago, she and others had the vision to create a community center that had a huge focus on the arts. Because of her vision, we can sit together in this room tonight to celebrate. Because

“The Chloe Sturdivant Award of Appreciation for Volunteer Excellence is named for Chloe Sturdivant, who volunteered faithfully at WCC approximately 20 years. She served as the first MerleFest volunteer coordinator, and her impact at the college was felt from every corner of the campus,” says WCC volunteer coordinator Denna Foster Parsons. “She volunteered for Walker Center season and school shows, gave tours of the WCC gardens, helped with the annual golf tournament, and did anything else that she saw needed to be done to make Wilkes Community College a better place. She volunteered with enthusiasm and grace.”

The NonProphets, consisting of Billy Gee, Randy Gambill, Don Story, and Mel Jones, volunteered their time and talents to provide live musical entertainment throughout the night’s event.

WCC extends special thanks to our presenting sponsor, Atrium Health – Wake Forest Baptist Health Wilkes Medical Center. Special thanks were also extended to the WCC Foundation and Walker Center staff and hospitality staff for organizing and staffing the event.  Recognition was also given to the following businesses and individuals: Carolina West Wireless, dreamwalls/Gardner Glass Products, Wilkes Community College Absher Bookstore, Michael and Jenni Wingler, Angela Bond, The Walker Center, Ashe County Cheese, Third Day Market, The Tavern Restaurant, and MerleFest for their ongoing support of our Volunteer Recognition Reception with the donation of door prizes.

For information on volunteer opportunities with Wilkes Community College, The Walker Center and MerleFest, contact Denna Foster Parsons at 336-838-6262.

Wilkes Community College, a member of the North Carolina Community College System, is a public, two-year, open-door institution serving the people of Wilkes, Ashe and Alleghany counties and beyond.  Established in 1965, WCC continues to build on a strong history of meeting the educational needs and cultural interests of our students, community and workforce. WCC prepares learners for success in a dynamic world.