CCCCD ANNOUNCES 2004 'LIVING LEGENDS'

Sept. 10, 2004 - Collin County Community College District (CCCCD) is announcing the 2004 Living Legends for Collin County-Professor John and Dr. Myrtle Hightower of Plano, Gerry Ruschhaupt of McKinney and Dr. Erwin and Elisabeth Pink of Frisco.

The college will formally recognize these individuals on Nov. 13 at a ceremony underwritten by Baylor Regional Medical Center of Plano at the college's Spring Creek Campus in Plano. The tribute not only salutes the pillars of the community but also paves the way for the future leaders of Collin County through a scholarship endowment fund for outstanding students.

Living Legends debuted in 2003, and the late Gladys Harrington, credited for starting Plano's first library, was the first recipient. In its second year, the tribute has expanded to include five honorees from throughout Collin County.

According to Cindy Bauge, with the college's Board of Trustees and Foundation, the selection committee chose the individuals who best exemplified the college's core values of Learning, Service and Involvement, Creativity and Innovation, Academic Excellence, Dignity and Respect, and Integrity. "The honorees have truly had a profound impact on Collin County. All five of them have volunteered in their communities for more than 50 years, and they show no sign of stopping. They are exceptional people and great examples for our young scholars."

Cary Israel, the college's president, encouraged friends, family and colleagues of the honorees to join in the celebration of these Living Legends. "Recognition is probably not what motivated these individuals to give so much of themselves, but they certainly deserve to be acknowledged. We could not possibly count all of the people they have inspired and affected. They truly are legendary."

The community is invited to participate and may purchase tables of eight for $400 or individual tickets at $60. In addition, corporations and/or families are encouraged to express their appreciation of the 2004 Living Legends by becoming Humanitarian Sponsors through a special $5,000 contribution.

For more information about Living Legends, call the CCCCD Foundation at 972.881.5611.

For more information concerning the CCCCD Foundation, contact the Foundation Office at (972) 881-5611 or visit the CCCCD website at http://foundation.ccccd.org.