ECCC to Host Homecoming on Sept. 25; Alumni Honorees Announced

East Central Community College invites alumni and friends to Homecoming on Thursday, Sept. 25, on the Decatur campus.

Festivities are planned throughout the week, highlighted by a 3 p.m. alumni reception in Brackeen-Wood Gymnasium where four distinguished alumni will be honored and reunion groups will be recognized. The reception is free and open to the public. Tickets for the football game are $15 at the gate or $13 if purchased online in advance.

Alumnus of the Year: Larry Blackburn has spent more than four decades serving the college and his community. From his start as a carpentry and cabinetmaking instructor to his leadership as director of Workforce Development, Blackburn’s career has impacted generations of students. A lifelong servant, he has also supported mission efforts, church leadership, and East Central baseball projects. “Mr. Blackburn has given of his time unselfishly, not expecting anything in return. He loves this college and is most deserving of this award,” said Artie Foreman, ECCC director of special projects.

Alumna of the Year: Dr. Esther Bailey Smith represents a legacy of leadership and community commitment. As head of Decatur Telephone Company, she carried forward the vision of her late parents, Bill and Louise Bailey, helping transform local communications from switchboards to fiber internet. A devoted supporter of ECCC, Smith has provided both personal and professional support to the college. “Esther embodies everything East Central Community College stands for as a community partner,” said former head football coach Ken Karcher.

Two standout athletes will also join the ECCC Athletic Hall of Fame:

Jake Yarborough was a record-setting baseball player for the Warriors in the early 1990s before returning as head coach, leading the team to its first NJCAA Division I Region 23 Championship in 2005. He later built a successful high school coaching career, guiding teams to 15 playoff appearances. “This recognition wraps up my baseball career as a player and coach on the highest level for me,” Yarborough said.

Shannon Cooley, another Decatur native, left his mark as a two-time All-State player in the early ’90s. After excelling at Northeast Louisiana University and spending time in professional baseball, he went on to serve more than 20 years in the Army National Guard, including deployments to Iraq and Kuwait. “This recognition does not belong to me alone,” Cooley said. “It belongs to the coaches who believed in me, the teammates who pushed me, and my family who supported me every step of the way.”

“These four honorees represent the very best of what it means to be part of the East Central family,” said Maria McLeod, director of alumni relations. “Their stories of service, leadership, and perseverance continue to inspire, and we encourage everyone to attend the awards ceremony as we recognize them.”

Members of the following groups will meet at 3 p.m. in Brackeen-Wood Gymnasium for a time of fellowship and reminiscing prior to being recognized at the 3:30 p.m. ceremony.

A tentative schedule for ECCC’s 2025 Homecoming celebration which is themed “Rock and Roll with Black and Gold” is listed below. (Please note: Outdoor activities may be altered or canceled depending on weather conditions.)

Fried Chicken Thursday – cash/debit/credit accepted

Wall O’ Sound Band, Cheerleaders, Centralettes, and Warrior football team

Self-guided tours of the recently renovated facility from Noon–2 p.m

(Tailgating spots are available in the South End Zone area each home game on a first come, first served basis. No alcoholic beverages or tobacco products (including vapes) are allowed on campus, in the stadium, or within tailgating areas. Fans are welcome to bring their own food and drinks, but no outside food or drinks can be brought into the stadium after 30 minutes before kickoff. All tailgaters must purchase a game ticket to enter the stadium and participate in the tailgating experience. No vehicles/ATVs/golf carts will be allowed inside the stadium. Fans are welcome to drop off tailgating supplies at the gate for setup.)

Class of 1975-Golden Anniversary

The Collegians

2015 National Finalist Softball Team,

Academic Hall of Fame,

50-Year Club-New this year! We welcome back all those who graduated 50 plus years ago. Help us welcome the Class of 75 to the Club.

South End Zone (Join the Alumni Association or set up your own)

The Homecoming Queen and her court will be presented during halftime followed by the Wall O’ Sound Marching Band which will present its halftime show.

For more information or to update your contact information, contact Maria McLeod, director of alumni relations, at 601-635-6303 or call toll-free 877-462-3222, ext. 303. Her email address is mmcleod@eccc.edu.