Tribe Supports New Educational Center at IRCC

By Emma Brown

OKEECHOBEE, FL — Indian River Community College (IRCC) has launched a $2.5 million fund-drive to build the Williamson Conference and Educational Center for economic, community, cultural and business development at its Dixon Hendry Campus in Okeechobee. The new center is being named after long-time Okeechobee residents, Frank “Sonny” Williamson, and his wife, Betty, for their support of the new facility.

On April 13 , The Seminole Tribe of Florida presented the college with a donation in the amount of $50,000 to help support this project. IRCC President Dr. Edwin R. Massey accepted the check on behalf of the college and expressed his deepest gratitude for the continued support shown by the Seminole Tribe.

A portrait of the Education Director Louise Gopher, that has been mounted on the wall served as the backdrop for the presentation. Gopher is a graduate from IRCC and went on to become one of the “Outstanding Alumni” of the school.

Referring to the portrait, Louise said, “I don’t know how old this picture is but I vaguely remember posing for it. It is great to be a part of this organization.”

This portrait of a young Louise in traditional dress will remain mounted on the wall at the Okeechobee Dixon Hendry campus to honor her many years of dedication to the school.

Brighton Council Representative Andrew Bowers’ assistant Michele Thomas attended the presentation on behalf of Bowers who fell ill and was unable to attend. Thomas expressed Bowers’ regrets for being unable to attend the presentation and went on to share that Bowers is very excited to support this project because he feels that Brighton’s educational roots are tied to the Okeechobee community and that education for his people is one of his top priorities.

President Moses Osceola also attended the presentation and shared the following, “It gives us pleasure to present this check to Dr. Massey and IRCC. The Seminole Tribe is very supportive of education for our people and Indian River College is one of the institutions of higher education that many of our tribal members have attended and still attend. We are pleased to support this new center.”

It is obvious that the Seminole Tribe supports education by the support they have shown to the local college that has provided higher education to many Seminoles. Every dollar donated for the new center will be matched by state facilities matching funds. We hope to have many Seminole students benefit from this new state of the art facility.