POPLARVILLE – A grant from the Lower Pearl River Valley Foundation will allow Pearl River Community College to present two free programs to students and the public during the 2017-18 year.
The $30,000 grant funds the Dr. William A. Lewis Honors Institute Lyceum Lecture Series, beginning with an Oct. 17 presentation by undersea explorer Dr. Robert Ballard.
“The Lower Pearl River Valley Foundation has provided outstanding opportunities for our faculty, staff and students over the years,” said Dr. Adam Breerwood, PRCC president. “The Dr. William A. Lewis Honors Institute lecture series is one of the most anticipated events on our campus each fall and would not be possible without the support of the LPRVF.”
Ballard, best known for his discovery of the wreckage of the Titanic, is also an author and college professor. He was featured in a National Geographic television program chronicling discovery of the Titanic and also discovered the wreckages of the German battleship Bismarck, the American aircraft carrier Yorktown, John F. Kennedy’s PT-109 and the lost fleet of Guadalcanal.
“Those who are aware of Dr. Ballard know of his significant contributions to the oceanography world,” said Dr. Jennifer Seal, dean of the Honors Institute on the Poplarville campus and vice president for planning and institutional research. “Those who are unaware of Dr. Ballard’s contributions will be amazed at his underwater explorations and their impact on society.
“Dr. Ballard is a truly passionate explorer and motivates others to ask questions in order to open doors to the unknown.”
The lecture series, which has featured physicist Michio Kaku, ABC news anchor John Quinones and British actor David Payne, is free and open to the public. A second program will be held during the spring semester.
“The foundation is pleased to partner with the college in bringing educational enrichment to both students and adults in our region,” said Clyde Dease, foundation president. “Through the lecture series, a variety of talented individuals who have national acclaim can be brought to campus and expose our students to the best in the arts, scientific, technical and academic accomplishments. This exposure may be the spark that motivates one of our students to achieve greatness.”
Clyde Dease, president of the Lower Pearl River Valley Foundation, presents a grant to Dr. Jennifer Seal, dean of the Honors Institute at Pearl River Community College, and PRCC President Dr. Adam Breerwood for the Lyceum Lecture Series.
PRCC Public Relations photo
