RCC RECEIVES $25,000 FROM JULIAN T. PIERCE ENDOWMENT Jeremiah Locklear and 吀栀e RCC Foundation received a $25,000 dinner fundraiser as a way to honor the Angel Santiago place 2nd gi昀琀 from the Julian T. Pierce Memorial man whom many attest had made such a in National SkillsUSA Initiative today, bringing the all-time to- di昀昀erence in his community. Two recent graduates have helped to put tal to $160,000 in scholarship funds over Robeson Community College’s Mechatron- the last ten years. “I’m very thankful to the people who ics program on the map. contributed to this,” Godwin stated. “All Jeremiah Locklear and Angel Santiago “We are truly grateful for the support the people who bought art or bought a brought home silver from the National from the Julian T. Pierce Memorial Initia- sponsorship or even purchased a tick- SkillsUSA competition held in Atlanta, tive,” stated RCC President Melissa Sin- et, they are the ones who are making a Georgia in June, placing second in Mecha- gler. “吀栀is money received will continue di昀昀erence.” tronics with a high score of 95.8. 吀栀e duo to honor the legacy of this remarkable competed against students from across man, to “keep the vision” in supporting “Julian would be proud to know the dif- the country and were 昀椀nalists again teams education and equality for all people.” ference he has made and how his life has from Tennessee, who took 昀椀rst place, and helped change the trajectory of so many Georgia, which placed third. Pierce was a lawyer and civil rights activ- lives over the years,” stated Lisa Hunt, the 吀栀e team was led by RCC Mechatronics ist, 昀椀ghting for equality for the Lumbee director of grants and sponsored pro- Instructors Joseph Nation and Heath Wor- Tribe of which he was a member, and for grams at RCC. “It is wonderful to see the riax, who attended the competition with all individuals. In 1988, he ran for Supe- growing support from the community for the students. rior Court Judge, a new judgeship created this initiative and we are so thankful for by the North Carolina General Assembly everyone who has helped to make this At the North Carolina SkillsUSA compe- for Robeson County. In March 1988, just possible.” tition in Greensboro, RCC competed in a few weeks before the election, Pierce three separate competitions – Mechatron- was tragically killed in his home. Ironi- As Hunt stated, the memorial dinner ics, Electrical Systems, and Cosmetology. cally, Pierce won the election that year, does indeed continue to grow each year, RCC had several teams in the mechatron- posthumously by more than 2000 votes. something that continues to make God- ics competition, taking 1st, 2nd, 3rd, and win and others excited about the future 4th place, ensuring a seat at the national 吀栀e money was raised during the 10th of the Julian T. Pierce Initiative. competition in Atlanta. In the electrical Annual Julian T. Pierce Memorial Art systems category, Robeson Community Dinner held earlier this year. 吀栀e event “We are close to the $100,000 event,” College was represented in two categories, raised more than $94,000. 吀栀e University Godwin said. “In the future, I believe taking 4th, 5th, and 6th place. Several cosmetology students created ‘fantasy of North Carolina at Pembroke, where this is going to expand to the point that displays’ to showcase their talent in hair Pierce received his bachelor’s degree, we’re able to support programs for our and makeup artistry. RCC took 4th and 5th and the institution where he studied law, communities… indigenous people, pov- place in the cosmetology category. North Carolina Central University, also erty, food insecurities and have a bigger both received a donation of $25,000. impact… we’re going to be able to move “吀栀is is the happy part of it, where the into those areas in the future.” work pays o昀昀, where you’re able to pres- Pierce was instrumental in integrating ent these checks to three institutions that the Robeson County schools into one Julian was involved in,” stated Harvey school system to provide quality educa- Godwin, the former Lumbee Tribal tion for all. He also founded the Lumbee Chairman and owner of Two Hawk Em- River Legal Services and the Robeson ployment Service. County Health Care Corporation, two organizations that still exist to this day Godwin served as the campaign manager and are in operation to help those in for Pierce during his run for Superior need. Court Judge. He started the memorial