Talladega College held two outdoor dedication ceremonies as part of its 145th commencement weekend activities, honoring the school’s president and a city official for their contributions.
The first ceremony was at the main entrance of the college in honor of Horace Patterson, a Talladega College alumnus who is pastor of Mt. Canaan Baptist Church and a member of the Talladega City Council.
Friends, family and city and college officials witnessed the unveiling of Horace Patterson Drive, formerly Gertrude Street, which connects West Battle Street and North Street West and runs beside the new William R. Harvey Museum of Art.
“Dr. Patterson has exemplified extraordinary dedication and leadership in assisting Talladega College with making much-needed improvements of the streets and sidewalks,”T said Talladega College President Billy C. Hawkins. “For over 39 years, Dr. Patterson has diligently served our entire city in various capacities.”
Patterson said he was humbled by the honor.
“l have had a lot of cooperation and collaboration in any and every project that contributed to the recent progress made by the college, and it is especially humbling to me because this street is next to the museum that houses the Amistad Murals.”
In the past 18 months, Talladega College has held ribbon-cuttings for three buildings, including a 47,000-square-foot student center that features a 2,000-seat arena, banquet hall, concession stand, coffee lounge, computer lab and health care clinic.
The second dedication ceremony on Friday was to officially present the new student center as the Dr. Billy C. Hawkins Student Activity Center.
The arena is the first campus facility named in honor of one of the institution’s black presidents.
Board of Trustees Vice Chair Tracy Morant Adams was one of several speakers, and she recalled the goals Hawkins had for the college when he was named to the president’s position Jan. 1, 2008.
“He said, ‘I am bringing some new initiatives and programs. There are new academics I want to put in place. I want to talk with the board of trustees. I look forward to coming in and trying to increase enrollment by partnering with surrounding communities.”
She said he reached every goal, and then some.
“He led the college in implementation of the Fast Track program, instituted a criminal justice major and a Master of Science in Computer Information Systems. In addition to championship basketball teams, we have soccer, golf and baseball,” she said.
“We are recipients of much-needed funds from the state of Alabama and the National Park Service, and we’ve collaborated successfully with the Alabama Department of Corrections, Alabama Institute for Deaf and Blind, the Chamber of Commerce and the city of Talladega.
“When he stated those goals, we couldn’t even get utilities or any other repairs for the college because we were deeply in debt to all our vendors, including the federal government. This college was in trouble.
“But here we are in 2020. Not only have we not had to close our doors, we have a lot of new doors. And ribbon-cuttings on a college campus for three buildings within 18 months is unheard of. But here we are. Thank you, Dr. Hawkins, for caring enough to give your very best.”
This story originally appeared in The Daily Home.
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Talladega College names student center, street in honor of Hawkins, Patterson - Alabama NewsCenter
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