Southwest Mississippi Community College - Whispering Pines Yearbook (Summit, MS)

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Freshman class decorations Homecoming decorations in front of the Brumfield Building. HQNQ8THE PRSti 1 ‘ l ' - S ' A V ik . V ' ' ♦. y m JP » CELEBRATE THE FUTURE .2 Opening

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1979-80 WHISPERING PINES Southwest Mississippi Junior College Summit, Mississippi 39666 Volume 48 Title Page 1

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October 13, 1979 marked the fiftieth, golden anni¬ versary of Southwest Mississippi Junior College. Only 50 years ago, SMJC was a small agricultural high school. Since then, we have become more than a small-town school in southern Mississippi. We have grown and expanded and are now a highly re¬ spected member of the community and of the state. Pike County Agricultural High School was built on the site of Godbold’s Mineral Wells, a national re¬ sort. Classes were held in the “Old Hotel” building. It was decided in 1929 to add first year college courses and gradually discontinue high school work. There were fifty-six freshmen and six in¬ structors that first year. Nine college level courses were offered. This sounds elementary compared to the curriculum today. SMJC now offers 118 college level courses, 25 technical courses, and 15 terminal vocational courses. In 1934, Pike County Agricul¬ tural High School officially became Southwest Mis¬ sissippi Junior College, as its second year of college work was added. A returning alumnus from those days would scarcely recognize the look of the campus. Thirty- one buildings have been constructed since that time. There have been six presidents of Southwest: J.M. Kenna, H.D. Pickens, C.H. nell, C.C. Moore, H.T. Huddleston, and of course, Horace C. Holmes. Two other counties now join in the support of SMJC. Amite began support in 1940, and Walthall joined in 1964. With the help of those in the past, present, and fu¬ ture, Southwest will surely continue to stand proud and be recognized as one of the best junior colleges in the South. Charlie Bear, our present mascot, joined us in 1972. Our bear is a symbol to be proud of and should be treated with dignity. For this reason, in October, plans were made to renovate Charlie’s cage; enlarging it to twice its present size and mounting his name on it. The un¬ dertaking was known as-“Project Charlie”. The Student Government Association sponsored “Project Charlie” and held many events to raise money for this worthy cause, including a disco dance at Halloween. “Project Charlie” got under way after home¬ coming and completion was to be by spring. John I. Hurst breaks ground for new chapel. Opening 3