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Tom Dowling
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Ernie Pinner, Charles McPherson & Bob Becker Lead Major Gifts Campaign
2/27/02:
The Polk Community College Foundation, Inc. launched the public phase
of its $4 million to $6 million Major Gifts Campaign with the announcement
of the three individuals who will chair the campaig
n,
known as Partners in Securing Futures.
Heading the campaign are three prominent Polk County businessmen: Bob Becker, retired business executive and Past Chairman of the Lakeland Economic Development Council; Charles McPherson, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of SunTrust Bank Mid-Florida; and Ernie Pinner, President of CenterState Banks of Florida.
“We are fortunate to have our campaign led by these individuals,” commented PCC President J. Larry Durrence. “They are all widely respected for their vision and successful leadership in business, civic affairs and economic development. Their leadership will be invaluable to this major fund raising effort. The monies raised will have a positive impact on PCC and our community,” said Dr. Durrence.
William Ryan, Executive
Director of the PCC Foundation, also applauded the tri-chairs. “Great
things happen because of great people,” Ryan said. “Bob, Charles and
Ernie are three great leaders with proven track records. I’m excited that
they are strongly behind this campaign and are committed to its success.”
Bob Becker is the retired owner and president of Leisure Way, Inc.,
a Lakeland 
manufacturer of paper plates. The Michigan native earned his BA
from Michigan State and worked in sales with a paper company for 15 years.
He traveled around the country and that eventually led to the formation of
Leisure Way, which he owned for 30 years.
He is a member of the PCC Foundation Board and is
committed to PCC’s educational mission. “This campaign is the largest
fund raising effort in the college’s 37-year history. It will provide the
necessary funds to develop new programs and scholarships and will also
enhance the facilities and technology on both PCC campuses,” Becker said.
The initial, internal phase
known as the family campaign has been very successful. “Over 88 percent of PCC’s faculty
and staff gave. This during a year when PCC employees didn’t get pay
raises. It’s evident that those most involved with PCC believe in the future of Polk Community College so strongly they decided
to invest in this campaign,” Becker said.
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Charles
McPherson
is well aware of the educational benefits provided by PCC. He is the 
former
chair of the PCC Foundation and continues to serve on the Foundation Board.McPherson
was raised on a tobacco farm and is a product of Florida’s community
college system. He knows first hand how a college education opens doors.
“My parents always wanted me to have better opportunities,” McPherson
said. His baseball talents opened the way for him to attend Chipola
Junior College. After graduating from CJC, McPherson attended Florida State University and
earned a degree in marketing and finance. He later graduated from Louisiana
State University’s School of Banking. McPherson has served 31 years as a
bank executive with Flagship, which later was merged into Sun Bank, which
metamorphosed into SunTrust.
“The community college system is the best buy in America when it comes to higher education. It’s very reasonable,” McPherson said. “I know, because of my own experience, and I’ve seen it at the bank. A lot of people have the ability; all they need is the opportunity and Polk Community College provides that.
“I’m totally behind Polk Community College’s campaign and I’m certain Polk County’s community will also support it. It makes sense! It’s an investment in the county’s economic future,” McPherson said.
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Fellow
banker, Ernie Pinner
is a Distinguished Alumnus
of PCC. He was a member of Phi 
Theta Kappa Honor Society
before he graduated with an Associate of Arts (A.A.) degree in business. The
Polk County native went to the University of Florida and earned his B.S. in
banking and finance. Like McPherson, he also graduated from LSU’s School
of Banking. He’s been president of
several Polk County banks, including Flagship Bank, First Bankers and First
Union.
“I'm
a strong believer in the community college system,” Pinner said. “There
is smaller class size and professors take more of an interest in you.”
Pinner
has been a PCC supporter for many years. He is a former PCC Foundation Board
member and currently serves on the PCC District Board of Trustees. “I'm a
strong believer that you get out of something what you put into it. PCC has
been very good to me. In return I want to do what I can to help others get a
good education,” he continued. “Serving on the PCC Foundation Board
I’ve seen first hand how many students benefit from funds raised by the
Foundation. This campaign will expand the opportunities available to Polk
County citizens. Donating to it is a special investment in individual
futures.”
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Anyone interested in further information about the Major Gifts Campaign can call 297-1010, ext. 5230 or send an e-mail.
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