BY KAREN MANNING

Sandhills Community College

Sandhills Community College President John R. Dempsey and a gathering of other administrators, faculty, staff, students and friends recently opened the new McKean Hall Campus Services Center in a dedication ceremony.

McKean Hall, located on the college's main campus on Airport Road in Pinehurst, is made up of three buildings.

"McKean Hall replaces a building built over 30 years ago that was less than one- third the size of this new space," said Dempsey. "This services center consolidates in one place a number of campus services which had been spread over several locations throughout the campus."

With 24,000 square feet, McKean Hall houses the college's motor pool, print shop, mail room, shipping and receiving, carpentry shop, storage and physical plant offices. Facilities include automotive and small engine service; a wash bay for vehicles; a large covered parking area for fleet vehicles; a welding station; a wood shop; and a conference room for meetings and staff training.

Construction was made possible with funds from the 2007 Moore County bond issue to benefit Sandhills Community College.

The building is named for Pinehurst resident and attorney John W. McKean.

"John McKean has been a good friend to Sandhills and its students for over 20 years, giving generously of his time and resources," Dempsey said.

"In recognition of his service and contributions to this college and the community it serves, the board of trustees is pleased to name this building in his honor."

McKean joined the Sandhills Community College Foundation Board in 2000 and served as its chair from 2006 to 2009. He currently is a member of the Investment Committee.

His donations support The McKean Financial Assistance Program, which gives grants to needy students in emergency circumstances; the McKean Child Care Fund, providing child care assistance for students; and the McKean Fellowship for Leadership in Service to Students, awarded annually to an outstanding member of the Student Services professional staff.

McKean was a charter member of the Guarantors Program and has been a Guarantor every year since. He is also a generous supporter of other worthy causes in the community, including the Sandhills Children's Center.

"We're happy that for over 60 years, John has called Pinehurst home, where he lives on a farm that his parents bought in 1953," Dempsey said. "He has been passionate about preserving the longleaf pine forests and supporting conservation in the area.

"John McKean is an outstanding member of the community, and we're quite pleased to honor him by using his name for the newest addition to our campus."