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March 26, 2008

Calhoun Foundation to Host College's 60th Anniversary Gala

During the past year, Calhoun Community College has conducted a number of  events in celebration of its 60th birthday.   The year-long celebration of Calhoun's 60th  anniversary began last fall with an out-door concert featuring American Idol Ruben Studdard, continued into the academic year with the official dedication of the College’s Health Sciences Center, and will culminate on April 19, 2008, when the College and the Calhoun Foundation host the  60th Anniversary Gala.

The event is scheduled to be held in the area in front of the College’s new Math and Science building.  The elegant evening of celebration will honor retired physician, long-time community supporter and one of Calhoun’s greatest advocates, Dr. George Hansberry.

A Pennsylvania native, Dr. Hansberry made Decatur, Alabama, his home in June 1965, when moving to the city to open his medical practice.  In 1966, he began practicing at the Decatur Clinic and continued to do so until his retirement in 2005.  Dr. Hansberry also served a term as Chief of Staff at Decatur General Hospital and from 1968 to the present, has received the American Medical Association’s Physician Recognition Award.

Dr. Hansberry was among the earliest founding board members of the Calhoun Foundation, serving the college since 1978.  He served as the Foundation’s president from June 1985 through June 1987.  During that time, Dr. Hansberry partnered with other board members to raise funds for the Foundation’s first permanently endowed scholarships.

As one of the strongest supporters and advocates for Calhoun, Dr. Hansberry along with his wife, Cathy (former executive director of the Calhoun Foundation) have given thousands of hours of time and talent to many deserving causes throughout the community.  Today, five different endowments at Calhoun commemorate the Hansberrys and their commitment to education. 

Throughout his career, Dr. Hansberry also served the medical community on a variety of committees and boards.   Truly dedicated to the medical profession, he personally mentored over 50 third-year preceptors for the University of Alabama System Medical Colleges.

According to Terri Bryson, Calhoun’s director of development, the Gala event will feature dinner and dancing, with entertainment by the world-famous Doo-Wop group, Herb Reed and The Platters.  The evening will begin at 6:00 p.m. with a ribbon-cutting ceremony and official dedication of the Calhoun’s new Math and Science building. A live auction will also take place during the evening and will feature a number of high-ticket items for competitive bidding. Funds raised from the event will go toward new scholarships at the college.

In the first 60 years of its existence, Calhoun has witnessed a number of significant milestones.  Since its founding, the College has been led by four outstanding presidents:  Dr. Carlton Kelley, who served the institution for over 34 years; Dr. James Chasten; Dr. Richard Carpenter; and current President Dr. Marilyn Beck, the College's fourth and first woman president.  During the fall of 2007, the College reached a record enrollment of over 9200 students.

For more information about the Gala, contact the Calhoun Foundation office at 256/306-2579.

Janet Kincherlow-Martin
Director of Public Relations
(256) 306-2561

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