EARLY KILGORE COLLEGE/A&M MEETINGS CLEAR PATH FOR KC FARM;

40^th ANNIVERSARY/1^st STUDENT REUNION MAY 8

For Immediate Publication

CONTACT: Dr. Bill Holda (Subject) 903-984-3422

Ralph Ward Jr. (Writer) 903-834-3148

OVERTON, TX --- Opportunities occur when you push the right buttons.

Kilgore College officials found that to be true when, in March 1963, they met in College Station with the leaders of Texas A&M College’s renowned School of Agriculture, the first of three such meetings. The purpose of these high-level get-togethers: a proposed program in agriculture for Kilgore College, the first of its kind in East Texas.

Such legendary names in Kilgore College history as Cruce Stark, Donald Leverett, A.G. Morton, and Randolph Watson met with A&M notables Earl Rudder, R.C. Potts, R.E. Patterson, R.D. Lewis, Morris Bloodworth, and John Hutchison. These meetings were designed to determine the need for a full-service agriculture program at Kilgore College. Up to that time KC only offered lecture courses in agriculture, but no facilities for proper laboratory exercises existed.

During the course of the meetings, Kilgore College officials apparently liked what they heard and A&M officials approved the proposal they saw. It all came together as Kilgore College officials later approached the Bruce McMillan, Jr. Foundation of Overton for grant money and land use. Once the paperwork was worked out, Kilgore College had a 308-acre farm (with access to another 140 acres) less than nine miles from campus.

“We really have to salute Dr. Stark, Mr. Leverett, Mr. Morton, and Dr. Watson for their efforts to convince the people at A&M that Kilgore College wanted to establish a quality agricultural program that would produce superb graduates who would excel in any four-year program,” said Dr. Bill Holda, current KC president. “In return, A&M pledged to help KC develop a plan with long-term strategies.

“These KC officials saw the need for a high-quality agriculture program and sought out ways to make that program a reality. The series of meetings with A&M officials and later the Bruce McMillan, Jr. Foundation board members turned out to be very opportunistic. Donald Leverett became, perhaps, the catalyst for moving the program forward, serving simultaneously on both KC and McMillan boards and being intimately familiar with the desires and wishes of Bruce and Mary Moore McMillan. Because of those pioneers, today we have a program that consistently outperforms similar programs anywhere and one of which we can be extremely proud.”

Now, four decades since its founding, Kilgore College is preparing to celebrate the farm’s 40^th anniversary and the first reunion of alumni of the department, considered one of the best among community colleges in the nation.

That anniversary will be celebrated Saturday, May 8, at the farm northeast of Overton on State Hwy 135. Registration and farm tours begin at 10 a.m., followed by a hamburger lunch at noon. At 1 p.m. Dr. Holda will welcome those present and give an update on the state of the college.

Next is a panel discussion by the three agricultural instructors who have been associated with the program, describing additions, contributions, and successes during their respective eras. The three are Wayne Lacy (1963-1980), Jeff Grote (1980-1992), and Bob Young (1992-current). Of particular interest will be Wayne Lacy’s recollection regarding how he transformed 308 acres of worn-out oilfield property into one of America’s most respected community college farms and agricultural programs.

Marcus Hill, president of Agricultural Workers Mutual Auto Insurance Company, is the keynote speaker. A strong proponent of higher education in agriculture, Hill and his son, Brandon, have the distinction of being the only father and son to be elected president of the Texas Association of FFA.

The speaking program is expected to conclude about 3 p.m., leaving ample time for visitation and farm tours. Casual attire is suggested since the entire speaking part of the program will be held under a large tent immediately north of the classroom building due to the large number of former students, visitors, and supporters anticipated in attendance.

Former students of the Kilgore College agricultural programs who plan to attend the festivities are encouraged to phone 903-834-6255 so a count can be made for the meal. More information is available on the department’s independent web site (www.kilgorecollegeagfarm.org). Hosts for the entire event are members of the perennial award-winning Kilgore College Agriculture Club which recently received the Texas Junior College Agriculture Association (TJCAA) 2003-04 “Chapter of the year Award,” the 10th time in the past 13 years that the club has received this prestigious honor..

--- Kilgore College Agriculture ---