BPC trustees learn of gifts, approve audit and budget

By Terry Gaston
BPC Public Relations

MOUNT VERNON -- The Brewton-Parker College Board of Trustees were informed of nearly $3 million in gifts received by the college in the past three months and made a recommendation on one bequeathed gift during the board's quarterly meeting Jan. 15 in the Student Activities Center.

David R. Smith, the college's president, told trustees that gifts received since Oct. 16 had totaled more than $2.8 million.

Smith praised the college advancement staff, directed by Mr. Jay Orr, vice president, for their productive efforts, and he commended the trustees for their part in bringing these contributions to the college.

Among its action items, the trustees also made recommendations to the executors of the estate of Dr. Frank D'Amico, a former Brewton-Parker Spanish professor who bequeathed a cash gift and property in Lyons to the college. The recommendations were made based on the requests left in the D'Amico will.

Other action items included the trustees' approval of an annual budget of nearly $13.2 million for 2004-05 and a schedule of tuition and fee rates for the 2004-05 academic year, and approval of an independent audit report for 2002-03 that revealed no qualified exceptions.

Six new trustees were welcomed to the board by Dr. Allen Hughes, board chairman from Dacula. Beginning their five-year terms were: Rick Brown of Macon, Fred Gilder of Glenwood, Dr. Donald Hattaway of Kingston, W. Doyle NeSmith Sr. of Lyons and Dr. Charles Strickland of Warner Robins.

Osal Evans of Sylvania began his service to the board in filling an unexpired term through 2007. The new trustees underwent orientation Jan. 14.

In light of the college's Centennial Celebration on April 28, the 100th anniversary of the signing of the institutional charter, trustees approved a request to change their April meeting date to April 29. The trustees also received commemorative centennial pennants, which also were presented to students, faculty and staff during the Centennial Heritage Chapel service on Jan.13.

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Dr. David Smith (front row, left), president of Brewton-Parker College, welcomes five new members of the BPC Board of Trustees during the board's Jan. 15 meeting on the campus in Mount Vernon. New trustees include (front row, from center) Osal Evans of Sylvania, Dr. Charles Strickland of Warner Robins, (back row from left) Dr. Donald Hattaway of Kingston, W. Doyle NeSmith Sr. of Lyons and Fred Gilder of Glenwood. Another new trustee, Rick Brown of Macon, was unable to attend the meeting.