Mark your Calendars for these upcoming Events

February 14, 2012 

Valentine's Banquet - Jones Hall-Tullos Suite 

March 30, 2012

 JCJC Alumni Association Golf Tournament

April 5, 2012

JCJC Gardening Symposium

April 20-21, 2012

Jones On Stage Reunion  

May 11, 2012

                                                         JCJC Graduation

For more information call the office at 601-477-4145 or email: jcjcalumniinfo@jcjc.edu

  A common story amongst many JCJC alumni, is a story of love and romance. Hundreds, maybe thousands haven fallen to Cupid's spell over the 100 years. 

  In this month of love, one such victim of love, Rebecca Ratcliff Patrick shares the love story she witnessed between two Jones alumni, Erin Rasberry and Ben Napier.

  As the yearbook advisor, Patrick didn't know she was actually an integral part in the budding romance between the two during the fall semester of 2004.   

  She recently had the pleasure to learn of her role and to hear the Napier's story as the two reflect on the integral part Jones played in their eventual marriage.

  To read the story, click on the link: The Jones Love Story of Erin and Ben Napier

  Don't forget to reserve your place for the Valentines Day Dinner at Jones.  Hosted by the JCJC Alumni Office and one of the many couples who fell in love on campus, JCJC President, Dr. Jesse and Jennifer Smith.         

   Please join us on Tuesday, February 14, at 6:30 p.m., at Jones Hall - Tullos Suite.  The cost for a couple is $75. Reservations are required to enjoy the five-course meal prepared by the JCJC Culinary Arts Department. (Click the link to see the menu: Menu - Valentine's Day Dinner) 

  Space is limited.  Contact the Alumni and Foundation Office at 601-477-4145 or email: sarah.jones@jcjc.edu. (Please make checks payable to the JCJC Alumni Association.)

   It was an historical day for JCJC as various dignitaries cut the ribbon which officially announced the opening of the Greene County Center. 

  This is the first time JCJC built a permanent educational facility outside of its Ellisville campus. 

   In 2008 a Center was opened in Bay Springs using existing space.  Plans to build a permanent Center in Bay Springs were announced last summer, along with a similar Center in Waynesboro. 

  In Greene County, pipefitting, welding, computer software training and Adult Education classes will be offered in a new 17,440 square foot facility.  Previously, classes were held in individual manufactured homes, a shed and in the Vo-Tech. 

  To read more about the Greene County Center opening click the link: Expansion into Greene County is "Historical"

    Mississippi's economy is heavily rooted in agriculture.  If you attended the seventh Economic Symposium hosted by the JCJC Foundation, you learned that despite a sluggish economy, agriculture related businesses didn't take a blow like other industries in Mississippi. 

   The newly elected Agriculture Commissioner, Cindy Hyde-Smith commended JCJC for offering an opportunity for everyone to learn about the importance of this industry. If you would like to read more about the Symposium, click on the link: Agri-Business Symposium.

JCJC's 7th Economic Symposium featured several speakers including: (Pictured left to right) JCJC President, Dr. Jesse Smith; JCJC Ag-Science, Tim Ishee; JCJC Foundation President, Robin Robertson; MSU Dean, College of Agriculture & Life Sciences, George Hopper; President of MS Economic Council, Blake Wilson; Ex. VP MS Forestry Association, Tedrick Ratcliff, Jr.; Sanderson Farms President & COO, Lampkin Butts; MS Ag Commissioner, Cindy Hyde-Smith; and JCJC VP of Advancement, Caroline Ramagos. Photo by: Ryan Phillips.

Basketball Reunion

  The JCJC Alumni Association hosted about 150 former basketball players before the February 2, basketball game against Hinds.  It was a fantastic time of visiting, feasting and remembering what it was like to be coached by one of the men's basketball and football coach's, and athletic director, A. B. Howard. 

  The Ladies had fun reminiscing with former coach Katie Herrington and Sandra Sumrall. 

   Former players had the chance to see the improvements in the gym, including a new banner hanging in the stage area, and they were honored during halftime. Winning both games made the night extra special!  

Some of the Lady Bobcat Basketball members catch up with Sarah Jones.  Photos by: Ryan Phillips

   Did you know the Foundation awards more than 400 scholarships each year?  If you know someone who is planning to attend Jones during Fall 2012-Spring 2013 as a full-time student, they can apply online. 
 
Here's how...
 
1. Go to the JCJC Foundation Web page: JCJC Foundation
2. Click on "Scholarships" and then "Sophomore" or "Freshman" Scholarships.
4. Read carefully about applying.  You may also review a list of the scholarships that may be available and their criteria before beginning your application process.  Be sure to apply for ALL scholarships for which you might qualify.
 
APPLICATION DEADLINE: Friday, March 9, 2012

  Last month we congratulated JCJC alum Marcus Boyles for his

Photo by Steve Sanders

move to Petal and this month we congratulate his successor, JCJC alum and former football player, Todd Mangum on his new job!         

  Mangum was introduced as the new Wayne County High School head football coach January 23, which is a familiar place for him.  He was the defensive coordinator at WCHS from 2001-2005. 

  This past football season, Mangum was the defensive coordinator at Madison Central High School which made it to the North State Class 6-A championship game. 

  To read more of the Laurel Leader Call's story on Mangum, click on the link:  Mangum returns to Wayne County or check out the Wayne County News' story: Mangum to lead WCHS football. 

   Congratulations!

 Congratulations!  to Donna Simmons, South Mississippi State Hospital's director of public relations and a JCJC graduate.  She recently received the Junior Professional of the Year Award and was recognized by the Mississippi Hospital Association's Society for Health Care Marketing and Public Relations for her outstanding work. 

  To read more about her honors click on this link: 

South Mississippi State Hospital's Newsletter  

  If you are interested in some of the interesting and inspiring people JCJC President, Dr. Jesse Smith meets on campus or works with, you now have the opportunity to meet some of them.

  Dr. Smith has begun posting a video blog about some of the people doing great things on campus.  We invite you to check his series of JCJC video blogs by clicking on the link:  President's Video Blog.