Not only did the rain stay away but the sun made an appearance the morning of October 17th as groundbreaking ceremonies were held for the new Alumni Center at Texas A&M University-Commerce. Click on the mp3 icon to hear what was said during groundbreaking ceremonies.http://stream.publicbroadcasting.net/production/mp3/national/local-national-640397.mp3
Not only did the rain stay away but the sun made an appearance the morning of October 17th as groundbreaking ceremonies were held for the new Alumni Center at Texas A&M University-Commerce.
The crowd was protected in case it rained, which it didn't.
On the platform, left to right, were Anthony Cullins, President of the A&M-Commerce Student Government Association, State Representative Dan Flynn, University President Dr. Keith McFarland, Alumni Relations Director Derryle Peace, Commerce Middle School Assistant Principal and A&M-Commerce alumnus Patrick Just, and Alumni Association President Mick Trusty of Sulphur Springs.
The University Chorale, who led the crowd in the A&M-Commerce Alma Mater, applauded after President McFarland made reference to next year's groundbreaking of the University's new Music Building.
Four groups participated in the groundbreaking. In the front row, left to right, are Alumni Association board members Renee Castilla and Bill Crabtree, Alumni Relations Director Derryle Peace, board member Faye Williams, University President Dr. Keith McFarland, and board members Jerry Hyde, Mike Oglesby, and Marion Houff. In the back row, behind Dr. McFarland, is Alumni Association President Mick Trusty.
A&M-Commerce administrators also had the opportunity to "turn the dirt". Left to right are Vice President of Institutional Advancement Sylvia Kelley, Derryle Peace, Mick Trusty, President Dr. Keith McFarland, Interim Provost & Vice President for Academic & Student Affairs Dr. Mary Hendrix, and Vice President for Business and Administration Bob Brown.
This group, from left to right, includes Mick Trusty, Alumni Relations Assistant Director Jane Martyn, Alumni Relations Administrative Assistant Amy Bassham, Dr. McFarland, Alumni Relations Special Events Coordinator Stephanie Peebles, and Derryle Peace.
This group got in the groundbreaking spirit! Along the front row using those shovels, from left to right, are Alumni Association board members Rheba Icenhower, Dixie Turman, and Ben King, State Representative Dan Flynn, Dr. McFarland, board members Janet Peek and Beverly Pirkey, and Derryle Peace. Behind them, from left to right, are board members Harry Power, Mick Trusty, Randy McBroom, and Winston Williams.
A year from now, the $1.2 million dollar alumni center will be completed.
The architect's drawing is below.
Thanks to the A&M-Commerce Alumni Relations Office for the architect's picture. KETR General Manager Bill Oliver produced the photos and audio of the groundbreaking program.