Friday, February 26, 2010

PRCC to dedicate Moody, Holden residence halls

    POPLARVILLE - Pearl River Community College will dedicate two residence halls on March 9 to women who helped make the college what it is today.
    Ceremonies at 10:30 a.m. will dedicate the Kathryn Bass Moody Student Residence Hall and the Earlora Chapman Holden Student Residence Hall.
    Mrs. Moody, who died in December 2008, served on the PRCC Board of Trustees for 10 years, and Mrs. Holden taught at the college for 21 years. Both women also were active in the PRCC Development Foundation and the establishment of the PRCC Museum.
    "Pearl River Community College is proud to honor two ladies who have contributed greatly to the success of our institution," said PRCC President William Lewis. "Kathryn Moody and Earlora Holden are two of the matriarchs of the college family. Their devotion and allegiance to the growth and success of our institution have stood the test of time. Their unselfish contributions to the success of our historic institution have made a positive difference in the development of the institution."
    Mrs. Moody will be represented by her children, Buddy Moody of Poplarville and Miriam Perry of Middlebury, Vt., and other family members.
    "She would be so hopeful that this would inspire others," Perry said of her mother.
    Mrs. Holden, who turns 101 in April, is expected to attend the dedication along with her children, Dr. Carole Lund of Mandeville, La., and Dr. Tom Holden of Grenada.
    "This is the best thing that ever happened to me," she said. Her late husband, Dobie Holden, led the Pearl River football team to a 140-43-7 record and a national championship during his 18 years as head coach.
    The public is invited to attend the ceremony at 10:30 a.m. March 9 in front of the buildings on River Road.