Jackson Community College
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Dungy family announces campaign to establish first endowed chair for Jackson Community College
The Jackson Community College Foundation is pleased to announce the donation of $100,000 from the Dungy family to kick off a family campaign to establish the College's first endowed chair in honor of their father, Dr. Wilbur L. Dungy. Known for his devotion and commitment to students and a passionate love for learning, Dr. Wilbur L. Dungy was a professor of biology and anatomy at Jackson Community College from 1953-69. A Jackson native, he attended Jackson Junior College, graduating with his associate degree in 1948. He received his bachelor's and master's degrees from The University of Michigan, and his doctorate from Michigan State University. He passed away in June 2004 following a battle with leukemia. To remember their father's love for and dedication to learning with a living legacy, the Dungy children - Tony, Lauren, Linden and Sherrilyn - have announced a campaign to fund this faculty chair position to promote excellence in teaching and education for future Jackson Community College students. Today, Tony Dungy is the head coach for the NFL's Indianapolis Colts, Lauren is a physician, Linden a dentist, and Sherrilyn, a nurse. "The Dungy family's generosity is truly heartwarming. The College is grateful for this gift. Dr. Dungy will not be forgotten, and this endowed chair will assist future generations of students by encouraging excellence among faculty," said Cindy Allen, vice president for institutional advancement. Jackson Community College will provide The Dr. Wilbur Dungy Endowed Chair with resources for professional development, purchase of equipment, promotional development, and development of a conference or colloquium or similar educational opportunity for students. The appointed representative will not only provide key leadership to their department, but will ultimately facilitate discussion and reflection by students, faculty, and the broader community. This is the first endowed chair for JCC. According to Tony Dungy, "Our parents' passion was education. They were also committed to the City of Jackson. Jackson Community College allowed my dad to live out that commitment by serving his community for over 20 years. Our family feels that by endowing a permanent chair at JCC in his name would be the most appropriate way of honoring him and continuing their legacy of commitment to education in the Jackson area. We are spearheading this campaign because we are optimistic that we can raise the funds needed through family, friends and colleagues." The campaign is expected to reach the $1 million dollar goal in two years, through the Dungy contacts and extended family members of the NFL. The Jackson Community College Foundation is an independent, non-profit foundation established to support the College's mission by providing the additional resources necessary to ensure success. The Foundation administers and provides a number of scholarships from private donors, and awards grants to various college faculty and staff for special projects and events.
(If you would like to contribute to the Dr. Wilbur Dungy Endowed Chair Fund, click the link below, print out the donation form, and write "Dungy Endowment" in the Restricted Gift box at the bottom of page 1. http://www.jccmi.edu/foundation/Gift_Giving_Form.pdf) -30- |
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