Bobcat Bulletin
e-Newsletter  bobcat
        A publication of the JCJC Alumni Association & JCJC Foundation
                                                                     May, 2011 - Vol 1, Issue 9
In This Issue
Clays for Cats
Alumni Accomplishment-Dr. Jesse Smith
Bobcat Baseball
Spring Events
Gardening Symposium
JCJC Alumni Facebook Page
Wanted!
Favorite JCJC Memory
Sign up to receive JCJC Alumni News & Info Here!
 Quick Links
Hello! Alumni and Friends, 
  We'd like to Congratulate the newest alumni members to the JCJC Alumni Association.  On gradsWednesday, (May 11) more than 700 students began a new phase in their journey with Jones. The new graduates are officially new Bobcat Alumni.  
  About 550 students were expected to partake in commencement cermonies in the A.B. Howard/Bobcat Gymnasium with more than 700 eligible for that new status. 

  The 10 a.m. ceremony was broadcast on the web page and JCJC.TV, as well as simulcast in the Fine Arts Auditorium to accomodate the overflow crowd.  

Dr. Rod Risley

Dr. Rod Risley

   Keynote speaker, Phi Theta Kappa Executive Director, Dr. Rod Risley spoke about his admiration for completers.  He is an advocate for the C4 project which stands for the Community College Completion Challenge.  The purpose of this national initiative, led by the international two-year honor society is to evoke a change in philosophy in order to meet some lofty goals by 2020.

karen lott graduating

Karen Lott '11 and Dr. Smith

The project hopes to double the number of 'completers'. 

  For more information about the ceremony and keynote speaker, Dr. Rod Risley, read the story here

JCJC 2011 Spring Graduation.

 

 Congratulations!  from the JCJC Alumni Association & Foundation

Clays for Cats

  The 2011 JCJC Alumni Association Officers are inviting everyone to the first "Clay for Cats" Skeet Shoot on Thursday, May 26, 2011 at Boots Smith Ranch in Laurel, MS.  Proceeds will benefit the JCJC Alumni Association Scholarship fund, held within the JCJC Foundation.
  clay shootFive-man teams of up to forty, for a total of 200 shooters will compete for trophies and door prizes.  An entry fee of $600 per team, includes challenge of 100 bird sporting clay course, lunch and refreshments.  If you are interested in joining us for this event, or would like to be a sponsor, click on the link, Clay for Cats , to learn more about the event, or email Amie at amie.mcqueen@jcjc.eduor call the office at 601-477-4145.  

Alumni Accomplishment-Dr. Jesse Smith

   A humble Dr. Jesse Smith '87 received an honor that only seven other college presidentsDr. Smith awarded medallion nationwide accepted this year. Hundreds of Phi Theta Kappa Honor Society chapters nominated their college president or CEO for the Shirley B. Gordon Award of Distinction which was awarded at the PTK Annual Convention in Seattle, WA in April.Shirley B. Gordon Award

 

  The executive director of Phi Theta Kappa, Dr. Rod Risley said he was honored to present the award twice to Smith. He presented the medallion to Smith at a post-graduation luncheon with family, friends, faculty, and guests of the college in attendance.   

 

  Risley shared with the audience just how special Gordon was in his life and how proud he was to be able to present the award to Smith in Ellisville.  Click the link to read the entire story, JCJC President awarded national PTK honor

Bobcat Sports Update

   JCJC athletes are wrapping up a successful spring. The baseball team won the South Division and will host the MACJC State Tournament May 12-14

Bobcats celebrating

"Bobcats Celebrating" by Shawn Wansley

at Community Bank Park.  They also qualify for the Region 23 Tournament if they win one game in the state tournament.  The 14th ranked Bobcats are currently 35-14.  If the Bobcats win the regional tournament, they will head to the NJCAA Division II World Series May 28-June 4 in Enid, OK.

softball regionals

"Poised for Play" by Shawn Wansley

     Also victorious this spring is the softball team, with the most wins in the history of fast-pitch at the college.  The Lady bobcats advanced to the semifinals of the MACJC State Tournament at Gulf Coast on April 28-29 and competed in the Region 23 Tournament May 5-7 in Clinton.  The Lady Bobcats went 2-2 in the regionals and finished fourth. They ended the year with a 35-15 record, a season-record for victories.

mens tennis

Mens Tennis Team by Shawn Wansley

   Jones is also doing well in tennis.  The men's tennis team finished second in the state, third in the regionals and will compete in the NJCAA National Tournament May 15-20 in Plano, Texas.  The Lady Bobcats finished in a tie for third for the state, just one point out of first place. They missed out on qualifying for the Nationals because of a tie-breaker. 

  The golf team fared well too, finishing fifth in the state.  Two golfers, Mitchell Smith and Braxton Spiers, qualified for regionals. 

 

  Stay tuned to JCJC.TV for all of your sports programming and information and JCJC Sports Information Director, Shawn Wansley's stories found on the web and in print.

 

Special thanks to Shawn, who attended JCJC '81-82, for contributing to this story and providing pictures all year long!

Spring Events

  Upcoming events we hope you and your friends will want to participate in this spring include: 

   

   * Clays for Cats, Thursday, May 26, at Boots Smith Ranch, Laurel

 

   * Summer Classes start Wednesday, June 1.

 

Call the Alumni/Foundation Office for more information at 601-477-4145 or email jcjcalumniinfo@jcjc.edu for more information about these events.    

Gardening Symposium

  Fun floral decorating and whimsical gardens were topics that anchored the JCJC's fifth annual Gardening Symposium held at the Whitehead Advanced Technology Center April 28.

William Brewer

William Brewer

   More than 130 people enjoyed a day filled with new ideas and helpful tips to beautify their home gardens.  The JCJC Foundation, Inc. sponsors the event with proceeds going toward scholarships for students in the JCJC Horticulture Program.  

     "Having worked with this event for five years now, I can truly say the Gardening Symposium is entertaining, informative and inspiring," said Caroline Ramagos, JCJC vice president of advancement and executive director of the JCJC Foundation. 

Plant Sale

"Plant Sale" by Rebecca Patrick

"Every year

our speakers and presenters bring in new and exciting ideas that our participants can take with them to try at home."

  Following the symposium, the JCJC Horticulture students held a plant sale with proceeds going towards scholarships.  These students also decorated the Advanced Technology Center for the Symposium.  Additionally, Lisa Little's culinary arts students prepared and served lunch.

    Story written by: Rebecca Patrick , JCJC Public Relations/Lair Advisor '78.

JCJC Alumni Facebook Page

jcjc alumni association facebook page  The JCJC Alumni Association now has an official  Facebook Page.  We would love to have you sign up or just 'like' us at JCJC Alumni Association Facebook Page.

  We'll be posting announcements and upcoming events. If you are looking for 'lost' friends, teachers, or former employees, feel free to reconnect, or just post and share your thoughts on this page.  If you have any suggestions please contact us in the office or email at jcjcalumniinfo@gmail.com.

Wanted! 

    If you were a member of the Maroon Typhoon, the football team, or cheerleading squad we need you!

   In an effort to prepare for Centennial celebrations we would like to involve as many alumni as possible.  Please send us your contact information, which team/organization you were a member of, and the years you played. 
  We are also looking for those of you who met your spouse here at Jones. The "Love Stories of Jones" is being compiled, so submit your story!
   Volunteers are also needed to help locate and compile the information collected. If you have the time to help, please email us at jcjcalumniinfo@jcjc.edu or call the office at 601-477-4145.

Favorite JCJC Memory

    jcjc cardinal seal Please send us your favorite JCJC or JCAHS memory or event and we will share them in our upcoming editions.  Include pictures, contact information, and date of attendance, with your special memories.  Please be brief so we can include everyone's favorite Jones moment! You can mail the information to Amie McQueen at the Alumni-Foundation Office or email jcjcalumniinfo@jcjc.edu

*************************************************************************************************************
Some succeed because they are destined to, but most succeed because they are determined to. 
Unknown Author
*************************************************************************************************************
Remember When...
                                 in 1965, for the first time, the powerful, 54-member JCJC band's membership was comprised of only college students and they wore new maroon blazer jackets?
***************************************************************************
Sincerely,
Amie McQueen 
JCJC Alumni Coordinator