Dyersburg State Community College invites alumni, friends, businesses, and community members to attend a historic evening celebrating the College’s athletic legacy and launching a campaign designed to create new opportunities for student-athletes, fans, and the entire region.
The inaugural Dyersburg State Athletic Hall of Fame Dinner and Community Celebration will take place Tuesday, September 22, at 5:30 p.m. at Jeff Agee Baseball Field on the Dyersburg campus. Ticket options include $35 for an individual ticket, $65 for a couple’s ticket, and $250 for a reserved table accommodating up to eight guests. Tickets may be purchased online at https://dscc-hall-of-fame-dinner.eventbrite.com. The deadline to purchase tickets is September 15.
Guests will enjoy a meal prepared by Dyersburg State’s new Culinary Arts program while celebrating the outstanding individuals who have shaped the College’s athletic tradition. Proceeds from the dinner will support the “Lighting the Future” Campaign and the installation of permanent lights at Dyersburg State’s baseball and softball fields.
The inaugural Hall of Fame induction will serve as the highlight of the evening, recognizing former student-athletes, coaches, faculty, and College leaders whose accomplishments and service have strengthened Eagle athletics. The event will also formally introduce the community-driven “Lighting the Future” Campaign and recognize founding corporate sponsors and campaign partners.
The inaugural Dyersburg State Athletic Hall of Fame Class includes:
Danny Walden, Class of 1971
Jeff Agee, Class of 1981
Sarah Alley, Class of 1995
Heather Vaughn-Stanfill, Class of 2001
Cole Shelton, Class of 2007
William Woods, Class of 2017
John “Jack” Overbey, Faculty Member/Coach (1976-1983 and 1987-2002) and TCCAA Hall of Fame member
Dr. Karen Bowyer, DSCC President Emerita and TCCAA Hall of Fame member
The “Lighting the Future” Campaign is a strategic investment in the future of Dyersburg State athletics and the economic vitality of Dyer County and Northwest Tennessee. The planned field-lighting project will transform the College’s baseball and softball facilities into more flexible, accessible, and competitive venues.
Permanent lights will allow Dyersburg State to host more evening competitions, youth camps, alum events, community activities, and regional tournaments. Expanded scheduling capacity will also help position the College to pursue Tennessee Community College Athletic Association baseball and softball championships, bringing teams, families, coaches, and fans to Dyersburg from across the state.
Visitors attending tournaments and other events can contribute directly to the local economy through overnight lodging, dining, shopping, transportation, and other services. By attracting additional events and extending the hours of use for the athletic facilities, the project can generate sustained economic activity for area hotels, restaurants, retailers, and small businesses while creating new opportunities for community engagement.
The campaign dinner will offer businesses and organizations the opportunity to become founding partners. Sponsorship levels include Gold Corporate Sponsor ($5,000), Silver Corporate Sponsor ($2,500), and Bronze Corporate Sponsor ($1,500). Each level includes recognition in each field during the event and a reserved table for up to 8 guests.
Founding sponsors will be recognized for supporting a project that benefits student-athletes while helping build a regional destination for competition, recreation, and community events. Corporate sponsorships, alum gifts, and contributions from community members will be essential to reaching the College’s fundraising goal of approximately $800,000.
“The inaugural Athletic Hall of Fame allows Dyersburg State to honor the people who help build the tradition of Eagle athletics, while the ‘Lighting the Future’ Campaign gives our community an opportunity to invest in what comes next,” said Dr. Scott Cook, President of Dyersburg State Community College. “Adding lights to our baseball and softball fields will enhance the student-athlete experience and make it possible to host more events that bring visitors and economic activity to Dyersburg, Dyer County, and the surrounding region. We invite alumni, businesses, and community members to join us in celebrating our past and lighting the path to our future.”
The campaign theme, “Honor the Past. Lighting the Future,” captures the College’s commitment to recognizing historic athletic achievements while creating opportunities for current and future Eagles. The gifts made today will help illuminate the fields, expand community use, and strengthen the region for years to come.
Former student-athletes, alumni, community leaders, businesses, and friends are encouraged to attend this first-ever Hall of Fame celebration and become part of the “Lighting the Future” Campaign. Everyone has an opportunity to make a difference through event attendance, sponsorship, or a personal contribution.
For information about dinner tickets, sponsorship opportunities, or ways to support the “Lighting the Future” Campaign, contact Dr. Amanda Walker, Vice President of External Affairs, at 731-286-3346.