Week of Giving Thanks: Day 1
The MDCC Development Foundation Announces its “Week of Giving Thanks” by Highlighting Newly Endowed Scholarships
MOORHEAD, MS — As Thanksgiving approaches, the Mississippi Delta Community College (MDCC) Development Foundation and Alumni Association is proud to announce its Week of Giving Thanks, a celebration highlighting the remarkable generosity that has shaped 2025 into a very successful fundraising year for MDCC.
Throughout the week leading up to Thanksgiving, we will share stories of impact, gratitude, and transformational support from donors, alumni, and community partners. On Thanksgiving Day, the Foundation will conclude the week with a special announcement outlining its plan and goal for National Giving Day.
To begin this weeklong celebration, we are honored to highlight several new or newly endowed scholarships completed in 2025—lasting gifts that will support students for generations. Endowed scholarships serve as a permanent funding source for MDCC students, allowing donors to leave a lasting legacy that strengthens the institution, the Delta region, and the communities MDCC serves.
The Smith Family Endowed Scholarship
Originally established in 2021 with a pledge that was completed in 2025, the Smith Family Endowed Scholarship is funded by brothers David, Brady, and Martin Smith—lifelong supporters of MDCC and the Delta. The scholarship supports students demonstrating financial need while pursuing a Career-Technical program such as Construction Equipment Operation, Drafting and Design, Electrical Technology, Welding, or HVAC.
Brady Smith, a former member of the MDCC Alumni Board, shared the deep personal meaning this scholarship holds:
“When I hear somebody speaking about Mississippi Delta Community College, it brings back MANY fond memories of growing up in and around the community of Moorhead… When I was approached about doing this Smith Family Endowment Scholarship, I was for sure on board! I wanted to help somebody have that same experience I did… I’m hoping the student(s) who earn our scholarship truly will use it as a learning tool and embrace the whole college experience.”
Martin Smith, who continues to serve on the MDCC Alumni Board, added:
“The Smith family is proud to be able to provide this scholarship as a token of gratitude for all MDCC has done for our family and community. It is our sincere hope that this endowment can assist the next generation of Trojans as they continue their education.”
The Smith family’s continued involvement in the alumni community underscores the power of alumni giving in creating life-changing opportunities for future Trojans.
The Mitchell-Delta Endowed Scholarship
First established in 2016, the Mitchell-Delta Endowed Scholarship reached full endowment in 2025. This scholarship supports high-achieving students with financial need who reside within MDCC’s seven-county service district.
Lisa Cowart of Mitchell-Delta emphasized the company’s commitment to the Delta’s future:
“Investing in education is not just about the future of the student—it’s about the future of our community. Mitchell Beverage is investing in our future.”
MDCC Foundation Board Chair Randy Randall praised the company’s long-standing generosity:
“Mitchell-Delta Distributing is one of the most viable companies in our region… This endowed scholarship will have lasting meaning and is a solid reflection of the value which Mitchell-Delta perceives in MDCC. We are most grateful.”
The Curtis & Kaye Buchanan Endowed Scholarship
Mr. Curtis Buchanan with the inaugural recipient of this scholarship, Cameron Bedell.
Established in 2024 by longtime Washington County residents Curtis and Kaye Buchanan, the Curtis & Kaye Buchanan Endowed Scholarship was awarded for the first time annually in 2025. Curtis Buchanan has served faithfully on the MDCC Foundation Board for many years, and he and Kaye created this scholarship to support students with financial need from the MDCC service area.
Alan Crews, Interim Director of College Advancement and Alumni Affairs, shared his gratitude and the impact behind this kind of support from a member of our board:
“I am beyond grateful to Mr. Curtis for his generosity and commitment to MDCC and our students. His gift is more than financial support, it is an investment in opportunity and the future of the Mississippi Delta. When our board members give back in this way, they do more than fund a scholarship—they affirm their belief in the power of our institution and students. Their commitment sets the tone for our work, strengthens our credibility with donors, and ensures that every student we support knows they have a community invested in their success. Board buy-in isn’t just important; it’s foundational to fulfilling our mission.”
The Patti Parker Livingston Endowed Scholarship
First founded in 2013, the Patti Parker Livingston Endowed Scholarship honors Mrs. Patti Livingston, an MDCC retiree who served the college for more than 37 years. A former nursing faculty member and longtime Health Sciences Division Chair, Livingston’s legacy continues to impact the lives of students pursuing careers in healthcare.
In 2025, Mrs. Livingston completed the final steps to fully endow the scholarship, which awards two annual scholarships:
one to a student enrolled in one of MDCC’s nursing programs, and
one to a non-nursing health sciences student.
Patricia Kelly, Dean of Health Sciences, reflected on Livingston’s influence:
“On behalf of the College of Health Sciences at Mississippi Delta Community College, I extend my deepest gratitude to Mrs. Patti Livingston for creating this lasting line of support for our students. Her legacy as a former Health Science Director and ADN Chair has shaped generations of nurses and healthcare professionals, and her generosity will continue to uplift and inspire future students. The Patti Parker Livingston Endowed Scholarship is a true reflection of her unwavering compassion, dedication, and commitment to those entering the healthcare profession. We are profoundly grateful for her generosity and her continued service to MDCC.”
A Legacy of Generosity
MDCC extends its deepest gratitude to all donors who have invested in the future of MDCC students. Endowed scholarships provide a permanent source of financial support and ensure that students in the Delta have access to life-changing educational opportunities for generations to come.
If you would like to find out more about our endowed scholarship process, please contact Alan Crews at acrews@msdelta.edu or by calling 662-246-6274.
As we continue our Week of Giving Thanks, we invite you all to follow along each day as we highlight more stories of impact. Stay tuned for our Thanksgiving Day announcement, when we will share exciting plans for National Giving Day.