Dear Editor:

Most of our citizens are aware of the contributions that Bobby Ray Porter made to education here in Sampson County during his life, both as a trustee on the Sampson Community College board and on the county Board of Education. What they may not know is his contribution to the entire N.C. Community College System.

Bobby served several years as an officer and on the Executive Committee of the N.C. Community College Trustees Association. Even more important was that during a critical time in our system’s history, when we were suffering from severe shortage of physical resources, Bobby served as chairman of the state community colleges’ legislative committee. He knew the legislators and was a close friend of most of them. He was so successful at the job that they kept reappointing him in this capacity. He would have made a great lobbyist!

His relationship with the legislators benefited our college. The five building built during my administration as president of the college were financed with almost all state funds, which is unusual. Most state community college building are primarily financed with county funds. Bobby spent several days in Raleigh working on the passing of the state bond legislative package that was passed during my administration and provided $4.5 million for the Occupational Building built under Dr. (William) Aiken’s administration

. Six buildings can be contributed to Bobby’s lobbying efforts!

In addition to being a friend to education, Bobby was a friend to the Sampson County taxpayers, helping bringing state funds to Sampson County. We will miss him. And I will miss a wonderful friend!

Sincerely

Clifton W. Paderick,

Past President, SCC

Clinton