Spartanburg Community College (SCC) inducted five individuals to the SCC Wall of Fame for their distinguished service and contributions to the College.
To be considered for the Wall of Fame, individuals must have made significant accomplishments on behalf of the college and either have been a faculty or staff member, or a member of the Spartanburg County Commission for Technical and Community Education, SCC Foundation Board, SCC advisory committee or a retired employee.
SCC faculty and staff inducted the following individuals to the Wall of Fame:
SCC Community Supporters – Mr. Oscar M. Fuller & The Honorable Ponda A. Caldwell
SCC Faculty – Ms. Mary H. Belcher
SCC Staff – Dr. Para M. Jones & Dr. Dan L. Terhune
“SCC’s continued impact on this community is possible because of leaders and individuals that go above and beyond to uphold the College’s mission of providing affordable access to high quality education and training to Spartanburg, Cherokee and Union residents and to serve as a catalyst for economic development,” said Henry C. Giles Jr., SCC president. “We are very appreciative of the efforts and support of these individuals, and we’re proud to honor them on the SCC Wall of Fame.”
Mr. Oscar Fuller is a champion of educational attainment in Cherokee County. His efforts as project director for Know2 Cherokee has resulted in thirty thousand dollars worth of scholarship funds to cover tuition for students enrolling in SCC’s industrial programs, an expansion of the Cherokee County Campus to house workforce training programs, and a dual-enrollment program where Cherokee County Adult Ed students can earn a GED while completing a degree program at SCC.
The Honorable Ponda A. Caldwell has served the citizens of Spartanburg County for 39 years, and has shown strong support for SCC’s Administrative Office Technology (AOT) Legal Program since its inception, serving as an advisor to the program and mentor to the students. Caldwell personally conducts in-depth and personal tours of the Spartanburg Judicial Center for AOT students during field trips. Her staff members have served as trainers for these students, providing internships and co-operative work experiences. Caldwell is an inspiration to SCC’s AOT Legal students who aspire to become legal assistants and paralegals, instilling the value of the legal process and her commitment to this community.
Ms. Mary H. Belcher was employed as an administrative assistant with SCC for 23 years, having worked in the Adult Education, the Corporate & Community Education and the Vice President’s office during her tenure. In this capacity, she assisted with grants, public relations and the development of the SCC Foundation.
Dr. Para M. Jones was SCC’s first female president, serving the college from 2009 to 2012. Under her leadership, she focused on strategic planning and providing better services to students through educational programs and support services. She was instrumental in the purchase and development of the SCC Downtown Campus, and established a chapter of the national technical college honor society, Phi Theta Kappa, to recognize the academic achievements of SCC students.
Dr. Dan L. Terhune served as SCC’s president from 1996 until 2009. Of the many accomplishments during his tenure, the College’s student enrollment doubled in size, the central campus expanded with the construction of three new buildings, and the Tyger River Campus and Cherokee County Campus were opened. Terhune also fostered the vision for the new SCC Downtown Campus. In addition, Terhune spearheaded the College’s name change from Spartanburg Technical College to Spartanburg Community College to better reflect all of SCC’s offerings and its role in the community.
Photos from the Wall of Fame Induction Ceremony can be viewed or downloaded from Flickr at: https://www.flickr.com/photos/sccsc/sets/72157644943494385