From Beaufort County Community College

Beaufort County Community College will dedicate a new tree on campus in memory of Dr. Charles Otis Boyette on May 25 at 10 a.m. Members of the public are invited to the dedication ceremony in front of Building 12, which will feature singing from Rebecca Adams. Among his many roles in the community, Dr. Boyette served as chair of the BCCC Foundation for 31 years. He was one of the original members of the board. He attended many Foundation events, including a trip in 2016 to see “The Lion King” at the Durham Performing Arts Center.

“He was a very intelligent man and he loved the college. He was always working for its advance,” said Helen Sommerkamp Inman, vice-chair of the Foundation.

When the college wanted to buy a parcel of land east of campus near Singleton Street in 2006, Dr. Boyette pushed until the sellers relented, earning him the nickname “bulldog.” Inman called him “a wonderful leader who never forgot the mission of the Foundation.”

“The red maple is a hardy tree that will thrive in difficult times,” said Serena Sullivan, executive director of the BCCC Foundation. “Its early blossoms rejoice the arrival of spring and drive away the gloom of winter. Its brilliant red and yellow fall colors command our attention, much like Dr. Boyette did. When the waters rise, it perseveres.

In the drought of summer, it casts an imposing shadow. Dr. Boyette was with the Foundation through the lean times and the good times.”

The memorial tree is located in front of Building 12, close to U.S. Highway 264, where it will be visible to visitors, students, staff and faculty.

Activities of the Foundation are overseen by a 24-member board of directors comprised of civic and business leaders from BCCC’s four-county service area. The BCCC Foundation is a 501(c)(3) organization and all contributions are tax deductible. The Foundation has provided educational opportunities this year to 112 deserving BCCC students by awarding more than $85,000 in scholarships. Greg Coltrain was elected the new board chair this April.

For additional information on contributing to the BCCC Foundation or applying for scholarships, contact BCCC Foundation Director Serena Sullivan at 252-940-6326 or serena.sullivan@beaufortccc.edu.