Ribbon Cutting Held for RMCC’s New Ouachita Center

Rooms Officially Dedicated to Foundation Contributors

BY MELANIE BUCK –

Rich Mountain Community College held an Open House event for its newest campus addition. The 13,600 sq. ft. Ouachita Center houses a grand hall, retractable walls, a warming kitchen and more, and can hold up to 900 people, allowing for a multitude of events. It also features 2-large screen monitors, and a massive roll-up door large enough to bring in vehicles, making it ideal for trade shows, etc.

The formal event, held on Thursday, November 13, was used to dedicate rooms and halls to recognize donors to the facility. The following lists the dedications given by RMCC President Phillip Wilson:

A Dedicatory Plaque unveiling for new construction of the Ouachita Center; Thrailkill Veranda, made possible through the generosity of Danny and Krystal Thrailkill; Beck Lobby, in honor of Elvis & Betty Beck, made possible through the generosity of Mark & Kathy Adams; Washburn Foyer, in honor of Omar & Julia Washburn, made possible through the generosity of Sue Maddox & Debby Eisele;

Dick and Frances Carver Grand Hall, made possible through the generosity of the late Robert “Bob” Carver to honor his parents, Dick and Frances Carver; Stevenson Gallery, made possible through the generosity of Ed & Dorothy Ann Stevenson; Garza-Rocha Foyer, in honor of Emiliano C. Garza and Dr. Carlos F. Rocha, made possible through the generosity of Carlos, Norma, Alex and Max Rocha; Wilson Room, in honor of Marc and Sue Wilson, made possible through the generosity of their children; Aleshire Electric Room, made possible through the generosity of Greg and Melissa Aleshire; Arvest Bank Room, made possible through the generosity of Arvest Bank; Beam Veranda, made possible through the generosity of Bill and Joyce Beam; Nidec Room, made possible through the generosity of Nidec Motor Corporation; First National Bank Room, made possible through the generosity of First National Bank; Eisele Room, made possible through the generosity of Gar & Debby Eisele; Wennberg Wall, in honor of Dick Wennberg, RMCC Building Trades Technology Instructor; Union Bank Plaza, made possible through the generosity of Union Bank;

Dedicatory Plaque unveiling for Learning Commons and Student Union Renovations; Max Pearson Broadcasting Program, made possible through the generosity of Max H. Pearson; Edward and Deedie Johnson Learning Commons, made possible through the generosity of the late Edward and Deedie Johnson; Harold Coogan Special Collections Room, made possible through the generosity of family and friends.

“This venture was the single largest building project in the history of Rich Mountain Community College. Your never-ending support, patience, and vision makes RMCC special and the Ouachita Mountain region the best place in the world to live,” stated Wilson.

RMCC’s Board of Trustees and Foundation Board were recognized for their support and vision of the project. Also, Joe Rogers of SAIC, a former Mena resident who designed the building, and Jake Nabholz, of Nabholz Construction, were recognized for their work on the project. Event attendees were also able to tour the new developments and attend the official ribbon cutting ceremony.

Tammy Young, Director of Development and Community Relations, stated recently, “Rich Mountain Community College is committed to organizations, schools, businesses, and the community to encourage the creation, appreciation, and pursuit of mutual goals and richer cultural experiences. The Ouachita Center is the premier place to facilitate such events and activities that include the celebration of community traditions and engagement in new experiences.”

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Jeri Pearson

Jeri is the News Director for Pulse Multi-Media and Editor of The Polk County Pulse. She has 10 years of experience in community focused journalism and has won multiple press association awards.

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