Special to Iredell Free News
Mitchell Community College welcomed alumni, employees, students, and the community to its Statesville Campus on May 20 during Alumni Day 2023. Attendees toured campus, learned about the college’s history, and enjoyed a concert featuring a 1990s cover band complete with food trucks, yard games, and Mitchell-themed prizes.
An annual part of Alumni Day is the college’s acknowledgement of an alumni for success in their field, service to the college and the community, and the recognition brought to Mitchell through their actions and good deeds. During the 2023 event, President Tim Brewer awarded the 2023 Distinguished Alumni Award to Linda McCoy Stikeleather, a 1962 graduate.
“We do not know many individuals who have a higher opinion of Mitchell or who have done more volunteer work on behalf of our college,” Brewer said during the presentation. “Mitchell continues to benefit from the work that Linda has done and the relationships that she has kept warm throughout the decades.
“Her impact is an inspiration to us all, and one that we are infinitely grateful for.”
During her time spent as a student at Mitchell, Linda was the Valentine Queen, served on the May Court, and was dedicated to her studies. Along with her husband Johnny, she spent many hours on campus with classmates who became lifelong friends. Her classmates said that Linda “was very well liked by all for her friendly personality and welcoming manner.”
Over the decades, Linda has been a tireless volunteer for the Class of 1962; she is described as the glue keeping her class together.
Linda’s active dedication to her community includes working as an elementary school teacher, a part-time community service coordinator in Mitchell’s Continuing Education division and volunteering at multiple Mitchell events. She consistently encourages and promotes Mitchell as a higher education opportunity for prospective students, not only supporting Mitchell through her tireless volunteer efforts, but also through her financial contributions. Linda has been a steady financial supporter of Mitchell and its Foundation for 28 consecutive years.
Additionally, Linda has been an active member in the Mitchell Alumni Association and previously served as co-chair of the committee that raised funds to refurbish the Alumni Lobby in the Main Building on the Statesville Campus. She has also served on Mitchell’s Endowment Board, Board of Visitors, and as a member of the Special Events Committee.