WESSON — Copiah-Lincoln Community College officials Thursdayhonored two supporting counties during dedication ceremonies forLawrence Hall and Lincoln Hall, the school’s new men’s honorsdormitories.

Co-Lin officials thanked supervisors in the school’s sevensupporting counties for their contributions to the $1.24 milliondorm project. Construction funds for the dorms came from Co-Lincounties and no state money was used in the project.

“Without their support, these dorms would not have been built,”said Co-Lin President Dr. Howell Garner during ceremonies that weremoved to Rea Auditorium due to inclement weather.

The dorms, located on the northern part of the campus, willhouse a total of 64 honors students.

Eugene Bates, chairman of the school’s board of trustees, saidit was fitting to honor counties when naming school buildings.

“It was not difficult for the board to arrive at that decision,”Bates said.

With Thursday’s action, five of the seven supporting countieshave dorms named in their honor.

Others include Copiah Hall, Simpson Hall and Franklin Hall.Adams County, home to Co-Lin’s Natchez campus, and Jefferson Countydo not.

Garner said the idea for the new dorms arose three years agoduring a President’s Cabinet meeting.

Officials began pursuing the project and a ground breakingceremony for the new dorms was held in February 2002. Garner saidofficials were ambitious and hoped to have the dorms ready by thespring 2003 semester.

“We’re here today because we’ve reached that goal,” said Garner,adding that students moved in over the Christmas holidays.

Garner also commended Co-Lin employees and various projectcontractors for their efforts. Bates expressed added appreciationto Lincoln, Lawrence, Franklin and Copiah officials for their sitework help on the project.

Lawrence County Supervisor Billy Joe Boutwell said it was agreat privilege to see the dorm named after his county.

“We’re proud of Copiah-Lincoln. I think it’s one of the bettercommunity colleges I’ve been around,” Boutwell said.

Lincoln County Supervisor Nolan Earl Williamson expressedsimilar sentiments. He said the board appreciated the opportunityto be involved in the project and to be able to help fund it.

“It’s a good feeling,” Williamson said.

While Thursday’s dedication recognized Lawrence and Lincolncounties, Copiah County Supervisor Terry Channel said all areacounties had benefited from Co-Lin’s presence.

“It’s been an honor to be part of Co-Lin,” Channel said. “Co-Linis very great to have in our community.”

During their remarks, Boutwell and Channel remembered long-timeCo-Lin Physical Plant Director Troy Douglas. Douglas, who died inDecember 2001, was instrumental in getting county assistance onsite preparation work prior to the start of dorm construction.

“I’m sorry he’s not here to see this,” Channel said.

Channel indicated that projects like the new dorms are a resultof a wonderful relationship between Co-Lin and its supportingcounties.

“I hope it lasts for many, many year,” Channel said.

Garner echoed those comments in touting the completion of thenew dorms and thanking supervisors for their past efforts onprojects such as the Thames Center. Through savings and countysupport, Garner said school has no debt on those projects.

“They’re all paid for because we’ve got some great support, andwe appreciate that,” Garner said.