Party-goers dance to the sounds of "Dream Street."
More than 400 alumni, faculty, staff, and friends gathered on June 6 to dedicate the Jane P. Batten Student Center and recognize the outstanding efforts of both Frank and Jane Batten. The black tie optional dinner affair was the culminating event of the College's 40th anniversary celebration. President Billy Greer called the event "any college or university president's dream." The master of ceremonies for the evening was Robert R. Valvano '79, host of an ESPN Radio program and college basketball analyst for ESPN TV. The formal dedication of the facility included remarks by Trustees Henry Watts and Richard Roberts, Billy Greer and Jane Batten.
"As magnificent as this building is, it is just a building. It only comes to life when the staff, the faculty, and the community come into it and bring it to life. That's what this college is all about: People. We call ourselves a family. Having the chance to know those bright-eyed, eager students, the dedicated staff, the wonderfully gifted faculty, our hardworking and generous trustees, our loyal alumni; that's what has given me such joy." --Jane Batten