LINCOLN — Honda Manufacturing of Alabama and Talladega College teamed up Monday to provide members of the community with a free meal and an opportunity to give.The company hosted the Greater Talladega Community Outreach Luncheon at the Honda Welcome Center from noon to 1:30 p.m.
Representatives from Talladega College joined Rick Schostek, senior vice president of Honda and a member of the Talladega College Board of Trustees, in sharing the college’s history and its plans for the future.
Schostek said Honda, which sponsored the event, has a strong relationship with the college.
“Honda and Talladega College have had a partnership since we’ve been here in Talladega County,” he said. “The college is a community treasure, and it’s right in our own backyard.”
Schostek, who gave the opening remarks, was followed by Talladega College President Dr. Oscar Prater; Dr. Erline Patrick, vice president of Institutional Advancement and director of Alumni Affairs; Joseph Mengo, a recent graduate of Talladega College; and current biology major Cassie Portefield. Each spoke highly of the institution and described their personal involvement with Talladega College.
This is the second luncheon the college has organized in recent months. The institution partnered with AT&T in May in an attempt to reach out to the Birmingham area.
Patrick said they use the luncheons as an outreach and a fundraiser.
“We want to attract new donors,” she said. “We also want to strengthen our relationships with current partners.”
Patrick said she believes it’s important that donors know their relationship with the college would be mutually beneficial.
“The institution is indeed an asset to the community,” she said. “We can enhance you, as you can enhance us as our supporters.”
Not only does the college receive money from donors such as Honda and AT&T, it also receives money from the state.
“Talladega College is the only private school that receives direct appropriation from the state,” Prater said.
The college, which is listed on the National Historic Register of Historic Places, recently received a 2007 Campus Heritage Grant from the Getty Foundation in the amount of $90,000.
According to a Talladega College press release, the grant will be used for the preparation of a preservation plan to begin restoration of four key historic campus buildings: Foy Cottage (1901), Foster Hall (1869), Fanning Refectory (1928), and Derricotte House (1941).
Two Atlanta architects assigned to the project were recognized at Monday’s event.
Arthur Clement of Clement & Wynn Program Managers said he is happy to work with Talladega College on the project.
“They put together a compelling proposal,” he said. “There were hundreds of submissions and Talladega College was a finalist.”
Clement, whose wife and father are both Talladega College alumni, said he feels it’s important for historically black colleges to be restored.
“We not only want to restore them,” he said, “but we want to give them a new purpose.”
Schostek said the grant was great news, but the college still needs help from the community.
“It’s a difficult time for colleges, with the economy the way it is,” he said. “Talladega College does need your support.”
Patrick said she and the OIA staff are working diligently to raise funds for the college.
“The OIA is the outreach and marketing arm of the college,” she said. “We receive all forms of contributions. Bonds, gifts … grants is a huge area.”
Patrick said she doesn’t have another luncheon planned yet, but anyone interested in giving to the college can contact her at OIA, or Prater in the Talladega College president’s office.
