ELLISVILLE – Jones College president, Dr. Jesse Smith officially named the lobby of the M.P. Bush Fine Arts Building the Patti Callaway Young Gallery in honor of the wife of Jones College’s second president, Dr. J.B. Young. At a private dedication ceremony, Smith shared that it was important to remember the lady who was the “genesis” of the music programs at JC.
“She served wherever she was needed and filled roles as band and choral director, as well as a piano and organ teacher. Patti did whatever was needed to ensure music was accessible and enjoyed,” Smith shared at the ceremony. “Patti was a loyal and faithful wife and a great First Lady to Jones County Junior College, but that was not all. She also knew how to love people, and she knew how to be friends with everyone.”
Patti Callaway Young’s passion for music and education inspired many as a teacher across Mississippi. She also impacted hundreds of JC students and its employees when she returned to teach at JCJC in 1939. While serving as the First Lady of Jones County Junior College, beside her husband, President J.B. Young for 30 years, Patti is credited with establishing the high musical standard in the JCJC music department. In addition to inspiring her great niece, Kathie Gunn Lott who became a piano teacher in Ellisville, Mrs. Young befriended two influential ladies who provided a firm foundation in various ways for the college: Margaret Ann Pickering as the Jones College Foundation President from 2007 to 2010, who also serves with her husband in various ways, the Honorable Charles Pickering and Martha Tisdale, as the First Lady of JCJC from 1970-1997, beside her husband, the third president of JCJC, Dr. Terrell Tisdale, and as a former music instructor.
“To know Patti Callaway Young was to admire, appreciate and love her,” said Tisdale, who met Mrs. Young as a student at JCJC from 1961-1963. “Beautiful and always dressed to perfection, she was a gracious hostess for many events in the president’s home…. Terrell was always grateful for the many kindnesses and opportunities they showered on him. Patti Young was the epitome of what a First Lady should be, serving as a role model for me. It was a privilege to know her.” Tisdale shared on one of the five panels in the Gallery which displays excerpts of how Young influenced the lives of many.
The Patti Callaway Young Gallery dedication ceremony also provided the opportunity for the Young’s daughter, Dr. Beverly Langford and her husband, Charlie Boyd to share how they hope their gift to the college will continue to inspire more people. The couple donated the funds for Jones College to purchase a Spirio ǁ r Steinway Grand Piano.
“The main thing I want to do is to thank you. I want to thank President Smith. I want to thank Dean Bruce Smith, Sabrina Young and all the people that worked with all of you, to make this happen. What a wonderful occasion, in Mother’s memory. I want you to know how much she loved the students, the faculty, the administration and all the workers at all levels, no matter what they did, she had a special interest in them. I want you to also know how much I appreciate all of you supporters and the alumni, all of you who are here tonight, and all the people who’ve been a part of this. Her memory will go on thanks to you and please know how much I value you, and how much we all appreciate you,” Young’s daughter, Dr. Beverly Langford gratefully shared.
With the Langford-Boyd’s donation, and the joint effort in fundraising between the College and the Foundation, including proceeds from the Ellen Young Gunn fundraisers over the last few years, Jones College is now an All-Steinway Piano School.
“We received the 100th Steinway Spirio ǁ r, which means it will record, allowing our faculty and students to record on it. We can use it for performances and analyze the performance. Also, we can use the Spiriocast or listen to a live performance in Carnegie Hall or a recording. Our music appreciation students can experience a live concert from the past and present,” an excited Dean of the School of Art, Music and Performance, Bruce Smith shared.
The addition of the Spirio ǁ r Steinway Grand Piano at JC is only the third such piano in the state. It offers JC students additional opportunities to produce more musical legacies.
“We are not just teaching them notes in rhythm. We’re cultivating the artists, educators, and leaders of tomorrow. We’re honoring the tradition of celebrating music, the tools and the people who make it possible. Together, we can ensure the melodies of the past inspire the dreams of our future,” said Dean Smith.
Demonstrating the richness and function of the new Steinway Grand Piano the college received, JC piano instructor, Dr. Theresa Sanchez performed Nocturne in E flat major, by Chopin. Then, she and fellow piano instructor at Jones College, Dr. Victoria Johnson were each recognized with a special award. Steinway representatives, Chris and Christy Myers capped off the evening by acknowledging JC’s two piano instructors with the Top Piano Teacher Award for their excellence in music education and for their contributions to the community.