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Panola College Receives Historic $1 Million Dollar Donation

Today Dr. Greg Powell, President of Panola College, announced the largest donation to Panola College in its 67 year history. The Charles C. Matthews Foundation has generously awarded 1 million dollars to Panola College to equip fully the new Student Center currently in the construction phase. The Matthews Foundation has previously shown its support of Panola College through the creation of the Charles C. Matthews Endowed Scholarship in 2010 to assist eligible Panola County students with tuition and fees.

 

The Trustees of the Charles C. Matthews Foundation believe this historic gift will benefit and impact the lives of students and the community for the present and future. “We are pleased this opportunity is available for us to take part in the improvement of Panola College,” said the Trustees.

 

The announcement was made during a reception at the college to recognize and honor the Matthews Foundation for their substantial donation to Panola College. Members of the Board of Trustees, Faculty, and staff of the college, and Panola College Foundation members were present to extend their appreciation and gratitude. 

 

“This is an extraordinary commitment from the Charles C. Matthews Foundation. This latest gift is truly magnificent and we are deeply grateful. It sets a marvelous standard of generosity” said Dr. Powell.

 

The current trustees of the Charles C. Matthews Foundation include Robert Underwood, Jim Payne, Vern Reeder, John Conway, Richard Ballenger, David Bush, and Raymond Schieffer.

 

Charles Carpenter Matthews was born on November 24, 1930 in Beckville to Samuel Ellis and Bennie Lucille Carpenter Matthews. He graduated from Carthage High School and attended Southern Methodist University and Stephen F. Austin State University. Mr. Matthews served his country in the United States Air Force in Germany and was honorably discharged. He was a local rancher, businessman, and was a longtime director of Shelby Panola Savings and Loan. He enjoyed bird hunting, his cows, the outdoors, and had a keen interest in fire arms. Mr. Matthews lived most of his lifetime in Carthage and was a member of the First United Methodist Church. The Matthews Dress and Gift Shop was a 51 year family tradition in Carthage instilling that Mr. Matthews grew up understanding the importance of community and family. The Matthews Foundation has continued Mr. Matthews legacy of community support and involvement through the continuous contributions to Panola College.

 

“The Panola College Board of Trustees greatly appreciates the Charles C. Matthews Foundation. The confidence that their donations demonstrate in the college is invaluable,” said Board Chair, William Goolsby.

 

Pictured L to R: Raymond Schieffer, Jim Payne, Robert Underwood, Richard Ballenger, Vern Reeder, David Bush, and Dr. Greg Powell Not Pictured: John Conway

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