Parkman, Walters co-chair first Annual Fund Campaign
Published or Revised March 29, 2013
Paris Junior College is launching the first Annual Fund Campaign, and well-known community leaders Bobby R. Walters and Mrs. JoAnn Parkman have agreed to co-chair the initiative. Mrs. Parkman, a 1951 graduate of PJC, is the 2001 Distinguished Alumna. Walters, a 1956 PJC graduate, is president emeritus and the 2003 Distinguished Alumnus.
Two respected Paris business and community leaders will lead the inaugural Annual Fund Campaign benefitting Paris Junior College.
Jo Ann Parkman, former district manager of Texas Utilities, and Bobby R. Walters, PJC president emeritus, are co-chairs of the effort, which kicks off April 15. It continues through May 31.
"Jo Ann and I are excited to be part of the first PJC Annual Fund," said Walters. "With the assistance of our community and all former PJC students and graduates, friends and the business and industry that have benefitted from PJC, I know this initial campaign will begin a Tradition of Giving and it will be a success."
"This is a first in PJC's 89-year history," said PJC President Dr. Pamela Anglin. "The Annual Fund will be the core of PJC's philanthropic program to meet the many needs of our students and faculty."
While the drive has a set start and stop time for local contacts, the opportunity to support the Annual Fund will continue year-round.
Parkman and Walters are known for their extensive community involvement. Both have been recognized by PJC as Distinguished Alumni, Parkman in 2001 and Walters in 2003. Parkman is a 1951 graduate, and Walters finished in 1956.
Parkman initially joined Lone Star Gas Co. as a home economist, then later worked for Texas Power and Light Co. in the Paris District. At TP&L she advanced to home service director in Dallas from 1972-1980, then was named assistant district manager in Sherman. She later was named district manager of Commerce and then held the same post in Grapevine. She returned to Paris in 1989, working for Texas Utilities until her retirement. She remains extremely active with many organizations and initiatives in Paris.
Walters' career spans more than 40 years at PJC. He retired from the College in August 2003; serving the last 15 years as its president.
He began teaching chemistry at PJC, and held the positions of Math and Science Division chairman, dean of academic studies, and vice president of instructional affairs before moving to the president's office in 1988. Walters is also heavily involved in the community.
"We are grateful for the leadership Mr. Walters and Mrs. Parkman are providing for this initial campaign and appreciative of their love for PJC and what it meant to them during their careers," said Derald Bulls, PJC director of Institutional Advancement and Alumni Affairs.
The Annual Fund Campaign focuses on three areas giving: unrestricted gifts, scholarships, and the master plan for construction and renovation.
While PJC has expanded in recent years, adding new housing for 124 students, the 42,000-square-foot Math and Science Building, a new parking lot and exterior lighting, there are still many needs unmet.
Funding for the college comes from the state (36 percent), property tax (13 percent from the Paris city limits, plus the former Cunningham School District), and tuition and fees (51 percent). Especially due to expected changes in state funding, PJC hopes to be better prepared through gifts in the three areas.
Unrestricted gifts allow the college to address many broad needs and are of critical importance because they allow PJC flexibility to meet unanticipated expenses. These gifts can also be used to leverage grants.
At PJC, 83 percent of first-time students receive some type of aid, such as scholarships. With reduced federal funds for grants, more and more students need this assistance.
The college's long range Master Plan addresses construction and renovation needs for all three PJC locations. PJC needs upgraded facilities and new buildings to keep pace with academic and workforce education demands. Donations may specify use for Paris, Sulphur Springs or Greenville.
"In the next few weeks, members of the Annual Fund team will make personal calls to a number of area businesses and industries seeking their support," Parkman said. "The impact PJC has made in small and large businesses in our community is significant. Whether through academic, workforce or continuing education, many have been touched by the efforts of faculty and staff of the College."
A mailer will be sent out the week of April 15 to provide more information about the PJC Annual Fund.
Those interested in assisting or making a donation to the PJC Annual Fund Campaign may contact Bulls at (903) 782-0276 or dbulls@parisjc.edu.
All donations should be mailed to: PJC Annual Fund, 2400 Clarksville St., Paris, TX 75460-6298.
