Foundation

Brunswick Community College officially dedicated the Alan Holden Public Safety Center on June 11, marking a significant investment in public safety education, workforce development, and the future of emergency response throughout Brunswick County and southeastern North Carolina.

Community leaders, public safety professionals, elected officials, BCC trustees, faculty, staff, students, and supporters gathered for a special ribbon-cutting ceremony celebrating the opening of the state-of-the-art facility and recognizing the service and leadership of its namesake, Alan Holden.

Designed to meet the growing demand for highly trained first responders, the Alan Holden Public Safety Center provides cutting-edge learning environments for students pursuing careers in emergency medical services, law enforcement, fire and rescue, and other public safety professions.

The facility features specialized classrooms, advanced simulation technology, tactical training spaces, and flexible instructional areas that mirror real-world emergency response environments. These innovative training resources will help students develop the skills, confidence, and experience needed to serve their communities from day one.

“Public safety professionals are among the most essential members of any community, and they deserve access to the very best training environments available,” said BCC President Dr. Gene Smith. “The Alan Holden Public Safety Center will have a lasting impact on our students, our public safety partners, and the communities they protect.”

The center will serve not only new students but also current public safety professionals seeking continuing education, advanced certifications, and specialized training opportunities. Through its innovative design and training capabilities, the Alan Holden Public Safety Center positions BCC as a regional leader in public safety education and reinforces the College’s mission to provide workforce training that meets critical community needs.

The facility is named in honor of Alan Holden, whose decades of public service and leadership have made a lasting impact on Brunswick County and Brunswick Community College. Holden has served on the BCC Board of Trustees, as well as on the Foundation Board. His service to the Town of Holden Beach includes roles as mayor, commissioner, and emergency director, and he is a former firefighter with the Tri-Beach Volunteer Fire Department.

Following the ceremony, guests toured the facility to experience firsthand the technologies and training environments that will prepare future generations of first responders.

As Brunswick County continues to grow, the Alan Holden Public Safety Center will help ensure that local communities are served by highly trained emergency responders equipped with the knowledge, skills, and hands-on experience needed to answer the call when it matters most.

June 2026

Congratulations to BCC Director of Nursing Programs Shaylene Ball for being honored by 40&8 during this year’s Associate Degree Nursing Pinning Ceremony.

A longtime supporter of BCC Nursing students, 40&8 created the special recognition award to honor Shay’s dedication, leadership, and lasting impact on nursing education at BCC.

For more than 17 years, Shay has served BCC with compassion and commitment, including more than five years as Director of Nursing Programs. Her leadership has helped guide countless students as they prepare to serve their communities as skilled and caring healthcare professionals.

Congratulations, Shay, on this well-deserved recognition, and thank you for the incredible difference you continue to make in the lives of our students and throughout our region.

May 2026

Brunswick Community College officially dedicated the Dan and Linda Lynes Health Sciences Center during a special ribbon cutting ceremony held on campus on May 19. More than 100 family members, friends, community leaders, faculty, staff, and supporters gathered to celebrate the Lynes family’s longtime commitment to student success and healthcare education at BCC.

The ceremony featured remarks from BCC President Dr. Gene Smith, Dan and Linda Lynes, and former nursing student and Lynes Scholarship recipient Dr. Katie Caison. Guests also enjoyed a reception, facility tours, and demonstrations inside the Health Sciences Center.

Although the facility has served students for several years, the ceremony formally recognized the Lynes family’s lasting generosity and impact on Brunswick Community College.

“A building dedication is far more than placing a name on a structure,” said Dr. Smith. “It is about recognizing a legacy of generosity, vision, and belief in education that has changed lives and strengthened our community for generations to come.”

Dan and Linda Lynes have supported BCC for more than a decade through scholarships, mentorship, and investments that help students pursue healthcare careers and other workforce pathways.

“We are incredibly honored by this recognition,” said Linda Lynes. “We believe education changes lives, and supporting students at BCC has been one of the most rewarding experiences of our lives.”

Today, the Dan and Linda Lynes Health Sciences Center houses programs preparing students for careers in Registered Nursing, Practical Nursing, Dental Assisting, Clinical Medical Assisting, Phlebotomy, and other healthcare professions. The facility includes classrooms, simulation labs, and hands-on learning environments that prepare graduates to serve healthcare organizations throughout Brunswick County and beyond.

To learn more about Health Sciences programs at BCC, visit brunswickcc.edu.

May 2026

Big moments and bright futures for BCC students.

BCC recently celebrated student success and community partnership during a special scholarship ceremony with State Employees’ Credit Union (SECU) Foundation.

Trudy Tryas and Caroline Ruth Bailey, recognized for their leadership, service, and commitment to others.

We also honored eight students receiving SECU Bridge to Career Scholarships: Aziyah Bryant, Lizeth Campos, Brenda Gutierrez, Zion Hankins, Adamari Lopez, Melinda Ore, Maryory Rodriguez-Mejia, and Kathryn Williams.

To top it off, SECU presented an $18,000 check to support workforce training at BCC!

These investments are opening doors and helping students build meaningful, in-demand careers right here in our community.

April 2026

Brunswick Community College (BCC) has been awarded a $25,000 Workforce Development Grant from the Duke Energy Foundation as part of a statewide $600,000 investment to strengthen North Carolina’s energy workforce.

BCC is one of 20 community colleges across the state selected to receive funding, which supports hands-on training, equipment, scholarships, and program enhancements aligned with the growing energy sector.

“We are deeply grateful to the Duke Energy Foundation for this generous $25,000 investment in our Electrical Technician program,” said Dr. Gene Smith, President of Brunswick Community College. “Their support allows us to provide scholarships that open doors for students and to enhance our training with a state-of-the-art industrial wiring capstone system. This partnership strengthens our ability to prepare highly skilled technicians who are ready to meet the workforce needs of our region. We appreciate Duke Energy’s continued commitment to education, workforce development, and the future of Brunswick County.”

Duke Energy’s investment reflects a growing need for a skilled workforce as North Carolina continues to experience rapid population and economic growth, driving increased demand for energy infrastructure and services.

BCC’s Electrical Technician program equips students with the skills and real-world experience needed for careers in the installation, maintenance, and repair of electrical systems. With support from the Duke Energy Foundation, the college will continue expanding access to these opportunities while helping meet regional workforce demands.

This partnership reflects a shared commitment to education, workforce development, and building a strong talent pipeline to support the future of Brunswick County and beyond.

Photo Caption: L to R: Greg Bland, VP Continuing Education Economic & Workforce Development; Marilyn Graham, Director Multicultural, Workforce Development, and Outreach; Bettina Davidson, Director, Workforce Development; Pam Hardy, Duke Energy District Manager, Government & Community Relations; Dr. Gene Smith, President, Brunswick Community College

April 2026

The BCC Dolphins Men’s Basketball program celebrated a milestone night filled with teamwork, generosity, and a hard-earned win on February 5, 2026. As the Dolphins defeated Cape Fear Community College on the court, longtime supporters Joe and Moe Stanley announced the success of a new $80,000 fundraising effort that pushes their total support of the program to an extraordinary $343,000.

Brunswick County natives and owners of Joe and Moe’s Automotive, the Stanley brothers presented their latest contribution to The Foundation of Brunswick Community College, continuing years of steadfast investment in Dolphins basketball. Their support has helped provide critical resources that allow student-athletes to grow academically, athletically, and personally while representing BCC.

“What Joe and Moe have built here goes far beyond financial contributions,” said Dr. Gene Smith, President of Brunswick Community College. “Their dedication to these student-athletes transforms lives and elevates our entire program.”

Former players themselves, Joe and Moe Stanley understand the power of basketball to shape young lives. Each year, they lead a focused fundraising effort that brings together community members, business partners, and basketball supporters from across the region. Beginning in mid-December, the brothers rallied nearly 400 donors in just a month and a half, a clear reflection of the strong community belief in BCC and its student-athletes.

The Stanleys are also a constant presence on game nights, cheering from the sidelines and building genuine relationships with players. That connection was honored during halftime, when BCC officially dedicated the Joe & Moe Stanley and Community Basketball Locker Room. The upgraded space represents the collective generosity of hundreds of donors and provides student-athletes with a welcoming, team-centered environment to prepare, reflect, and grow.

The Foundation of BCC and the entire campus community extend heartfelt appreciation to Joe and Moe Stanley and to every donor who helped make this moment possible. Their continued commitment is building a strong, lasting foundation for Dolphins basketball and setting a powerful example of community leadership in action.

February 2026