Construction of PCC’s future Eddie & Jo Allison Smith Center for Student Advancement is nearing completion. The 28,000-square-foot structure, which will open sometime in early 2023, will house PCC’s Institutional Advancement Division, which includes the PCC Foundation, VISIONS, and the college’s marketing and media relations departments.
The Smith Center will also be home to various student services, including the Slocum-Bunch Veterans Center to meet the needs of Pitt’s student veterans and their dependents. Former PCC employee Nancy Bunch made a significant contribution to the PCC Foundation to secure naming rights for the veterans center. We caught up with her recently to learn more about the motivation behind her support for the college’s student veteran population for this month’s “Donor Spotlight.”
Why do veterans hold such a dear place in your heart?
Because we need to honor and respect our men and women who have served our country through the years. All gave some; some gave all.
What led you to contribute toward the creation of a Veterans Center in PCC’s future Eddie & Jo Allison Smith Center for Student Advancement?
To honor the service and sacrifice of my father, William Slocum, my father-in-law, Walter Bunch, and my husband, Kenneth Bunch.
What do you want future generations of PCC student veterans to know about the Veterans Center’s namesake?
These men were proud to serve their country in the U.S. Navy. My father and father-in-law fought in World War II as members of the greatest generation, and my husband served in Vietnam. We honor my husband, Kenneth, for his service and give him the welcome home he and his fellow Vietnam veterans never received but certainly deserved.
How do you hope the center serves veteran students?
I hope it will be a stress-free informative area that provides services that meet the needs of veterans while they are attending PCC.
Anything you’d like to share about yourself, veterans or the value of a PCC education?
I am a registered nurse, originally from Sandy Hook, Conn., who retired in 2018, after a 10-year employment at PCC. I’m a proud daughter, daughter-in-law and wife in a family of veterans. We can’t thank our veterans enough for their service.
As for education, it is a key in life. PCC provides a supportive environment for people to obtain a degree and truly educates and empowers all students for success, including veterans.