“We’re proud to honor Erick Kirkman for his unwavering support for Three Rivers and our community,” said Dr. Wesley Payne, President of Three Rivers College. “Because of the time and effort put in by people like Erick, Three Rivers can continue to educate our community and help it grow.”
Kirkman, who graduated from Three Rivers in 1994, was selected for the award by a committee of Three Rivers faculty, staff, and community members. Kirkman, who is co-owner and co-founder of Kissinger & Kirkman Investment Centre, LLC, serves on the college’s Business Management Advisory Committee, is frequently a guest speaker for Three Rivers’ business classes, and is a major supporter of the Patrons of the Arts Society.
“We had several outstanding nominations this year, but Erick’s stood out due to his achievements in his profession and the community,” said Michelle Reynolds, Director of Development for Three Rivers. “He’s given back to the college in so many ways, and we’re honored to have him as a true partner in the Poplar Bluff community.”
In addition to receiving the Distinguished Alumni Award, Kirkman has been selected as the Keynote Speaker at Three Rivers’ 2016 Commencement ceremony on May 20 at the Black River Coliseum.
Along with his degree from Three Rivers, Kirkman holds a B.S. in Finance from Arkansas State University. He is a Certified Financial Planner and is Dave Ramsey’s Endorsed Local Provider for Southeast Missouri. He resides in Poplar Bluff with his wife, Dr. Martha Kirkman, and their twin daughters.
Those wishing to attend the May 9 recognition reception should RSVP with Michelle Reynolds at michellereynolds@trcc.edu or 573-840-9077. Kirkman has designated enhancements to the lobby of the Westover Building for any gifts made in his honor.
“We’re proud to honor these teachers, these educators who prepare the leaders of our community,” said Steve Halter, President of the Greater Poplar Bluff Area Chamber of Commerce. “We believe it’s important that education and business work together to train the future workers for our businesses.”
The chamber traditionally honors seven teachers at the banquet: a full-time faculty member and an adjunct instructor from Three Rivers, three Poplar Bluff R-1 district and grade level teachers, and two teachers from local parochial schools.
Music professor William “Buddy” White was named Teacher of the Year for Three Rivers. White has been teaching at Three Rivers for 25 years, alongside his wife Cindy, who is Chair of the Three Rivers Music Department. White specializes in instrumental music education, and leads the Three Rivers College Symphonic and Jazz Bands.
“I’m proud of the work we’ve done over the years to build up the Music Department at Three Rivers, and make it a place where local musicians can come and hone their craft,” said White. “In addition to our Three Rivers students, we’ve also been fortunate enough to host music festivals and events that helped educate and inspire thousands of local high school musicians throughout the last two decades.”
Mathematics adjunct Harvey French received the Adjunct Teacher of the Year award for Three Rivers. French has 47 years of experience teaching mathematics, six of which he has spent at Three Rivers. In addition to his work at Three Rivers, French has taught at high schools across the region, including Doniphan, Corning, and Naylor.
“I enjoy teaching mathematics in general, and teaching at Three Rivers in particular. My coworkers are a pleasure, and the students are remarkably hard-working,” said French. “I believe teaching math is important because you’re teaching more than just equations—you’re teaching how to think analytically. It helps people learn to make good decisions in life, not just in the classroom.”
“We’re extremely proud of the work that Buddy White and Harvey French have done in our classrooms,” said Dr. Wesley Payne, President of Three Rivers College. “They’re just one example of the excellence all of our instructors display, and the kind of high quality education that our students receive.”
Three Rivers College is committed to contributing to the quality of life in Southeast Missouri with quality, affordable higher education opportunities and community services that support and encourage the economic, civic, and cultural vitality of the region. For more information about college and workforce programs and upcoming events, visit trcc.edu.
Shown in the photo are the Greater Poplar Bluff Area Chamber of Commerce Teacher of the Year award recipients for 2016 are (from left), Fawn Luecke, Jan Gray, Buddy White, Harvey French, Amy Byrne, Gretchen Pendley, and Michael Berry.
Poplar Bluff, Missouri - Three Rivers College closed its “Changing Lives, Building Futures” fundraising campaign with a “Victory Celebration” held at the college’s Poplar Bluff campus on April 1. The multi-year campaign was focused on raising donations for the college’s major building projects in Sikeston and Poplar Bluff.
“This isn’t a victory just for one person, but for everyone who has worked hard to support the college and make this campaign a success,” said Dr. Wesley Payne, President of Three Rivers College. “And while we are closing the capital campaign, we’re going to continue to move the college forward.”
Over the course of the “Changing Lives, Building Futures” campaign, Three Rivers raised approx. $7.5 million through over 400 private donations. The funds raised supported three major capital projects for the college: the construction of a major instructional facility in Sikeston; the Robert W. Plaster Center for Free Enterprise on the Poplar Bluff campus; and the Libla Family Sports Complex, also on the Poplar Bluff campus.
“Because of this campaign, where six years ago there was just a corn field, today there is one of the most modern education facilities in Missouri,” said Scott Matthews, a major donor to the Three Rivers – Sikeston project. “Three Rivers, at all of its locations, embodies the dreams of the area, and is truly changing lives and building futures.”
Construction on Three Rivers – Sikeston completed in 2014, while the Robert W. Plaster Center for Free Enterprise opened for classes in 2015. The final project supported by the “Changing Lives, Building Futures” campaign, the Libla Family Sports Complex, began construction in 2016, with an official groundbreaking on April 1 prior to the Victory Celebration.
In addition to financial donations, the campaign also generated numerous donations of property and equipment. Major property contributions included a 68-acre donation of land from the Matthews family, which made possible the Three Rivers – Sikeston building; and a significant land donation from Dr. Richard Camp, which was used to complete the college’s Main Entrance project.
While Three Rivers has completed the “Changing Lives, Building Futures” campaign, the college is still seeking donations for multiple initiatives, including one-time and endowed scholarships, the college’s “Excellence Fund,” and continuing support of Three Rivers’ capital projects. For more information on how you can make a difference at Three Rivers, or to make a donation, contact Director of Development Michelle Reynolds at 573-840-9077, or michellereynolds@trcc.edu.
Three Rivers College is committed to contributing to the quality of life in Southeast Missouri with quality, affordable higher education opportunities and community services that support and encourage the economic, civic, and cultural vitality of the region. For more information about college and workforce programs and upcoming events, visit trcc.edu
Shown in the photo is Scott Matthews, a Sikeston resident and major donor to the “Changing Lives, Building Futures” campaign at Three Rivers College, speaks at a Victory Celebration held April 1 to commemorate the completion of that campaign.
Poplar Bluff, Missouri - Three Rivers College has released its Dean’s List for the Fall 2015 semester. The honor is awarded to students taking 12 or more credit hours in a semester, who achieve a grade point average of 3.5 or above. Dean’s List honors are also used at graduation to help determine eligibility for honors or highest honors.
Three Rivers College is committed to contributing to the quality of life in Southeast Missouri with quality, affordable higher education opportunities and community services that support and encourage the economic, civic, and cultural vitality of the region. For more information about college and workforce programs and upcoming events, visit trcc.edu.
Advance
Brandon E. Allen, Adam M. Cato, Brittney N. Cato, Kelcee M. Davault, Erin S. Robison, Jason W. Smith
Bell City
Miranda C. Hairston
Bernie
Kaitlyn B. Blanchette, Racheal N. Bryan, Billie J. Slusher, Cybil L. Voss
Bloomfield
Donita R. Birk, Justin C. Cowart, Tabatha N. Felker, Laura K. Harlan, Olivia V. Robey, Jesse T. Watson
Dexter
Brooke D. Anderson, Alexa L. Ash, Hali B. Bahner, Dalton M. Bean, Taylor J. Cecil, Bonnie G. Clark, Shyann N. Clifton, CeAnn N. Clubb, Heather E. Davis, Melissa D. Dean, Stephani D. Fulford, Nathan A. Garner, Justin W. Godwin, John R. Helton, Kayla J. Hester, Lisa A. Holt, Corey L. Hottinger, Sherry L. Humphrey, Taylor B. Hutchcraft, Jacob L. Hyten, Ashley M. Jackson, Michelle A. Jacques, Miranda K. Johnson, Jessica L. Ladd, Madison J. McGowan, Natalie P. Midgett, Kimberly D. Midkiff, Emily D. Milam, Taylor N. Owens, Danielle R. Palmer, Emily N. Peters, Hannah L. Petty, Michelle R. Rusher, Charles L. Sanders, Michaela R. Shafer, Matthew A. Sims, Lisa A. Smith, Melissa L. Smith, Vanessa D. Stephens, Ashley V. Taylor, Breanna M. Walker, George M. Warren, Makayla B. Watkins, Kali M. Watson, Heather M. Whittington, Login S. Wood, Mackenzie B. Young
Essex
Paula L. Thompson, Ashley M. Tilley
Puxico
Ethan G. Adams, Taylor K. Baker, Laine V. Friedrich, Michelle D. McTurnan, Trentan B. Rogers
Shown in the photo are Matt Sims and Brooke Anderson of Dexter, Missouri.
Ozark Border Electric Cooperative officials recently visited the Poplar Bluff Middle School to help wrap up with fifth graders a science unit on electricity.
The presenters, Josh Vishe and Charles Hefner, demonstrated how electricity is produced, how Poplar Bluff generates its power and the dangers of getting electrocuted, according to science teacher Melissa Lovette.
Josh Vishe (standing) and Charles Hefner (seated) use models to illustrate how electricity is conducted, including cooking a hotdog with a fork in an outlet to warn about shock hazards.
Photo and article submitted by Tim Krakowiak, Communications/Marketing Coordinator, Poplar Bluff R-I School District
