College sells
former store

By FULLER ROYAL

The Southeastern Community College Foundation received its second largest gift last month when the building it owned in White’s Crossing Plaza was purchased for $600,000.

The building, the former Piggly-Wiggly grocery store, was donated to the SCC Foundation by Ward Sylvester of Richlands.

Young and Shin Pyon, owners of the Chase Store in White’s Crossing, purchased the building for future development.

SCC Foundation Dean for Advancement Sue Hawks said the store was held by the Foundation for two years at Sylvester’s request before putting it on the market.

“They have purchased this to expand their business,” Hawks said. “That was the only offer we received.

“This frees us up to have programs for faculty and staff, but most importantly, for our students,” Hawks said. “We can assure financial assistance for them and ensure professional development for the faculty and staff.”

Hawks said the money helps the Foundation go above and beyond what it can do with state funds.

“These dollars are absolutely critical,” said SCC President Dr. Kathy Matlock. “More and more people are needing to learn new skills and learn new things for the future jobs. I think it’s critical for the health of our region that we provide those types of educational opportunities. Unfortunately, the majority of our students are the working poor.”

The Pyons and Norman Beck, who is helping develop the property, have not yet announced their plans for the building.