SANFORD - Martha Underwood, of Sanford, was honored for her service to Central Carolina Community College's Board of Trustees before the Trustees' meeting on Wednesday, July 20.

Underwood, who just concluded a four-year term of board service, said that she had enjoyed working on the Trustees' board. "You're a fabulous bunch of people. You're a patient bunch of people. And I'm very, very proud to have been with a good Trustee board that works together with excellent personnel at the school and a corporate culture that is very, very positive and strong here," said Underwood.

Julian Philpott, Chairman of the CCCC Board of Trustees, said that Underwood has been an extremely active participant from day one of her trusteeship. "She was a sponge for information. She wanted to know what was going on and what she could do to make Central Carolina Community College better," said Philpott, noting that Underwood had worked diligently for salary increases for college personnel.

"We appreciate all the effort that you've put in to make Central Carolina Community College the great institution that it has become and will continue to be," said Philpott.

Dr. T. Eston Marchant, CCCC President, said that Underwood is the epitome of a dedicated board member. "She is inquisitive. She's smart. She's dedicated. She's all the things you would want in a board member," said Marchant. "She has been a regular at all the board meetings. She's come to all the special events. She's also the epitome of it doesn't matter what county you're from. Martha cares about students in every single county."

Also singing her praises was Dr. Linda Scuiletti, CCCC Associate Vice President of Student Learning and Strategic Planning. "Trustee Underwood, we are so very grateful to you. She believes in what we do," said Scuiletti. "She believes in the importance of what we do. She wants to see every student who wants an education lifted up and see them attain their goals. And she has pursued that with passion."

Scuiletti presented Underwood with a signed card from faculty and staff. "We want to thank you so much for all your efforts on behalf of faculty, staff, and especially students," said Scuiletti.

"You talk to other people and you find out we really have a good school here. And I'm very proud to have been part of it," said Underwood, as she thanked the Trustees for allowing her pursue the faculty and staff salary improvement issue. " I thank you. I have thoroughly enjoyed the four years. God bless you all, and God bless Central Carolina Community College."

Marchant concluded his remarks by saying to Underwood, "You're part of the CCCC family and you will be from now on."

For more information on Central Carolina Community College, visit www.cccc.edu.