The public is invited to the Dedication and Grand Opening of the Alex E. Booth, Jr. Center on Sunday, January 13, 2008, at 2:00 p.m. The Booth Center is located on the campus of the Appalachian School of Law at 1195 Edgewater Drive, Grundy, Virginia.
The 60,000 square foot Booth Center is being described as a “mini” higher education center where students can eventually come and select from classes offered by a number of higher education institutions, in addition to classes already offered through Southwest Virginia Community College. This will allow students to achieve different levels of academic credentials.
The Center is being named for Mr. Alex E. Booth, Jr., a native of the coal area, and a philanthropist who has given much back to the region. He is the son of Roxanna Yoho Booth and Alex E. Booth, a coal operator, of Huntington, West Virginia.
Alex E. Booth, Jr., followed in his father’s footsteps as a coal operator. He was co-owner of the Southwest Virginia Coal Corporation. Booth also operated several mines in Buchanan County from the late 1940s to 1980. Although his roots run deep in this region, Booth traveled and garnered impressive academic credentials during his college years.
He was valedictorian of his class at Kentucky Military Institute. He is also a graduate of the University of Chicago, completing his PHB degree in one year while maintaining a 4.0 grade point average. Booth believes in the power of higher education and what it can do to change the lives of those who are fortunate enough to have access to a community college or university.
He is a proven supporter of education. Booth is devoted to making educational opportunities available to others in this region and well beyond.
“It is my intention to make it possible for Buchanan County residents to gain access to whatever college education they desire.
It is my hope that the administration and staff of the Booth Center will make it as easy as possible for residents to gain admission to its programs.
It is my wish that the measure of success of the Center will be the highest possible percentage of admitted students who successfully complete their college education,” said Booth.
He is the founder and president of Booth Foundation, Inc. and the Alex and Roxanna Booth Foundation Inc., which are dedicated primarily to supporting nursing education in the Big Sandy Valley of Virginia, Kentucky, and West Virginia and two community colleges in Florida. He provided the funding to establish the Occupational Therapy Assistant Program at Southwest Virginia Community College (SVCC). Booth has founded three seminary colleges in Africa, as well as donating to a number of colleges in the U.S. He also generously gives his time by serving on a number of boards.
“We (SVCC) are extremely fortunate to have the support of Mr. Booth in making this much needed center a reality,” said Dr. J. Mark Estepp, president of SVCC.
Dr. Charles King, president emeritus of SVCC, concurs, “Mr. Booth has been a major donor and force in moving the project forward. Without his assistance, this new educational opportunity would not be available to the people of this region.”
An open house, reception, and self-guided tours of the Booth Center will conclude the Grand Opening and Dedication program. The reception is sponsored by the Street Law Firm, LLP. Call 276.964.7348 for more information.