Coahoma Community College News October 10, 2011 CLARKSDALE - It was an elegant, glittering affair that raised more than $90,000 for scholarships and special retention programs for Coahoma Community College's at-risk students. Speaking at the first Presidential Gala on the eve of Homecoming, Dr. Vivian Presley welcomed 300 formally attired guests who donated from $100 to more than $1,000 to the CCC Foundation to attend the posh seated dinner with entertainment by Latimore, the Silver Fox. "This fall we have our largest enrollment - more than 3,000 students - including a 34 percent increase in our male student population; we want to keep them here through graduation," she said. Dr. Greg Hudson, vice president of student affairs who organized the gala, said U.S. Rep. Bennie Thompson, provided $50,000 from the U.S. Department of Education for scholarships, and $40,000 was donated by area companies, alumni, and supporters. With hundreds of white candles magnified in crystal stemware and clusters of crystal raindrops over black linen cloths, the cool setting contrasted with Latimore's steamy vocals and keyboard magic ending with his popular hit, "Let's Straighten It Out." SANDRA M. PHOENIX Program Director HBCU Library Alliance sphoenix@hbculibraries.org<mailto:sphoenix@hbculibraries.org> www.hbculibraries.org<http://www.hbculibraries.org/> 404.592.4820 Skype:sandra.phoenix1 1438 West Peachtree Street NW Suite 200 Atlanta, GA 30309 Toll Free: 1.800.999.8558 (Lyrasis) Fax: 404.892.7879 www.lyrasis.org<http://www.lyrasis.org/> Honor the ancestors, honor the children.