On Thursday, March 9, Chattahoochee Valley Community College (CVCC) inducted three outstanding alumni into the CVCC Hall of Fame during the 9th annual event held at the National Infantry Museum in Ft. Benning, Georgia. Approximately 300 people gathered for an evening of fun and fellowship, highlighted by a toast to the College’s 50th Anniversary. Entertainment was provided by the CVCC Choir, the Russell County High School Jazz Band, and saxophonist Warren Thornton.

The Hall of Fame awards acknowledge individuals who, through their exceptional work and achievements, have made significant contributions to their professions, communities, and CVCC. These inductees embody the highest standards of excellence and are recognized by the Chattahoochee Valley Community College Foundation. This year’s honorees were Leigh Ann Barbaree, Distinguished Alumnus; Peggy Martin, Distinguished Service; and Phil Stillwell, Distinguished Athlete.

CVCC President Jackie Screws recognized this year’s recipients and noted that this year is unique in that all three are graduates of CVCC. Two of the honorees, Peggy Martin and Phil Stillwell, were among the first class of students enrolled at the College.

“You have all demonstrated exemplary servant leadership professionally and personally,” said Screws. “You have generously given your time and talents and have represented the College well. I want to congratulate you all on this honor and welcome you to the CVCC Hall of Fame.”

Screws also recognized three individuals who have been loyal supporters of the college and have made significant impacts through their service, dedication, and generosity. A special President’s Award was presented to each of the following: Lise Patterson (not in attendance), Susan Wiggins, and Arthur “Fort” Elliot.

The Hall of Fame event has been the CVCC Foundation’s largest fundraiser since 2014, and this year was no exception, with over $120,000 being raised for the Student Scholarship Fund.

“We are so grateful for the support from our community, our sponsors, and the Foundation board members who all helped to make this our most successful Hall of Fame to date,” said David Fletcher, Institutional Advancement Coordinator and liaison to the CVCC Foundation. “I want to thank the 80 corporate and individual sponsors we had this year and all of the businesses who donated to our silent auction. Special thanks to Rusty Gorman from Custom Jewelers for the beautiful diamond earrings he donated to our Raffle.”

President Screws thanked everyone for their support and led the celebratory toast to honor CVCC’s 50th year. “Proceeds from tonight’s event will provide scholarships to deserving students in our region. They are the reason we do everything we do here at the College, and thanks to all of you, many more will be able to succeed on their educational journey. Please raise your glass with me as we celebrate 50 years of excellence and service and 50 more years to come!”

For information on the CVCC Hall of Fame or how to support CVCC, contact David Fletcher at [email protected] or 334.291.4938.