PANOLA COLLEGE HONORS EMPLOYEES

On Wednesday, May 9, Panola College held a retirement ceremony to honor long time employees Mr. Carl Hedges, Mrs. Elizabeth Hedges, Mr. Louis Johnagin, Mr. Johnny Johnson, and Mr. Philip Verhalen.  The contributions of employees who have dedicated 10 or more years of their lives to the College were also recognized during the ceremony.

Panola College has a tradition of allowing retirees to select one or two persons to speak on their behalf at the ceremony. Each speaker is introduced by Dr. Gregory Powell, President of Panola College, before they begin telling those assembled about the accomplishments of each retiree.

The first speaker was Professor Chuck Moore. He told the audience that Professor Carl Hedges started working for Panola College in 1985 and that he is currently the Chair of Developmental Studies. Moore went on to say, “Carl, you have given much added value to the countless students that you have taught and mentored over the years.  As you’ve helped these students, you’ve shown that it is surely true that the greatest good you can do for another person is not just to share your talents, but to reveal to him, his own unique abilities and talents.”

Professor Elizabeth Hedges has worked at Panola College since 1978. Professor Hedges teaches drama and speech. Professor Freddy Mason spoke on her behalf. He told the crowd of almost 150 guests how Liz had established a thriving drama program and made live theatre popular in the area. He spoke of the lives she had touched over the years and how her knowledge and abilities had prepared her students to win drama competitions at the local, state, and national level.

Mr. Louis Johnagin is Panola College’s Vice President of Fiscal Services. He began working at Panola College eleven years ago. Mr. Mike Edens, Director of Administrative Services, spoke on behalf of Mr. Johnagin. Mr. Edens mentioned that under Mr. Johnagin’s direction, the Business Office had consistently been awarded The Certificate for Excellence in Financial Reporting by the Government Finance Officers Association of the United States and Canada for its comprehensive annual financial report. He also spoke of the numerous projects that had been completed under Mr. Johnagin’s tenure. They include over seeing the installation of a new phone system, the replacement of roofs, heating, ventilating, and air conditioning systems, improvements to the College’s landscape, creation of the “Spirit of Panola” fountain, and the most current project, renovation of the Merle Glass building.

Retired professor Bruce Richmond spoke about Professor Johnny Johnson’s career at Panola College. Richmond told the group how he had been involved in hiring Professor Johnson 18 years ago. He explained that to be a good welding instructor  takes more than the ability to weld. It requires someone who truly wants to teach students the skills they will need to succeed in the program and in life. Richmond stated that he believed that Mr. Johnson was just such a teacher and in his opinion “Johnson was probably the best welding instructor the College had ever employed.”

Professor Philip Verhalen was hired in 1996. He currently teaches chemistry and government courses. Professor Becky Gullete speaking on his behalf stated, “Philip Verhalen is a dedicated scholar and teacher. His dedication extends well beyond the hours for which he is paid.  No one can count the hours he has spent on his own time helping students.  His support is always provided with an eye to helping students learn how to learn. He is patient and kind with his students while holding them to standards that would prepare any student for more advanced studies.  Those of us who have been privileged to know him have witnessed his compassion, his ability to still troubled waters, his open mindedness, his level-headedness, his reasoned counsel, his loyalty, his faith and his dedication.”

During the ceremony, fifteen employees were also recognized for their years of service to Panola College. Each was thanked for contributing their talents and skills to the institution. Mary Johannessen, Joe Pate, and Louis Johnagin, were recognized for 10 years of service. Chris Blair, Dwayne Ferguson, and Mary Homer were thanked for 15 years of service to Panola College as were Sharon Hill, Thresa Ridgeway, and Mrs. Evelyn Sharp. Dr. Lillian Cook, Judy Dunn and Becky Gullette distinguished themselves by serving the College for 20 years while Dazell Hicks and Dr. Bob Wilkins shined as they were each presented a service award for 25 years. Among all of the College’s employees there is one that has seen the most change during her tenure. She is Professor Norma Lawless who received a service award for 35 years of continuous employment at Panola College.