News
Study lounge named for literacy leader
March 05 2010
Courtesy of LaGrange College, By: Debby Durrence
Debbie Burdette created the character of Mama Jama 16 years ago to help teach Bible studies for her son’s Vacation Bible School at First Presbyterian Church. Since then, Mama Jama has become a beloved storyteller and champion for literacy.
One of the first floor study lounges in the Frank and Laura Lewis Library at LaGrange College was lively on Super Bowl Sunday as it was dedicated in honor of Troup County literacy advocate Debbie Burdette.
She is well known locally as storyteller Mama Jama, appearing to groups and on local access television, telling stories and promoting reading. She also is the executive director of the Troup County Certified Literate Community Program.
“Debbie Burdette has made a profound impact on so many children and has raised the issue of literacy in our area,” said Loren Pinkerman, Library Director.
The dedication was made possible through a donation by Ricky and Lynn Wolfe to the Defining Moment campaign. Ellen Hudson Harris, former college trustee and a member of the campaign’s steering committee, thanked the Wolfes for their leadership and support of the college.
Ricky Wolfe said he was surprised to learn he and his wife had the opportunity to name something at the college. But deciding who to honor was an easy one.
“It took us a total of two minutes,” he said. “The college has always been dedicated to inspiring people and helping them reach their finest potential. And that is exactly what Debbie Burdette has always done, too.”
Burdette was overwhelmed.
“Who would have thought 16 years ago, when I created Mama Jama, that together with the generosity of my friends and this wonderful facility, we would all be here today?” she asked, choking back tears. “To be honored here in my hometown is truly special. Because of this, Mama Jama will be here, in the words of Buzz Lightyear, ‘to infinity and beyond.’”
Before unveiling the plaque at the lounge, President Dan McAlexander congratulated Burdette.
“Debbie, we all know it begins at the beginning, this love of reading and searching for discovery,” he said. “You have instilled that in so many of our community’s youth, and you have changed this community for the better. We thank you.”
She is well known locally as storyteller Mama Jama, appearing to groups and on local access television, telling stories and promoting reading. She also is the executive director of the Troup County Certified Literate Community Program.
“Debbie Burdette has made a profound impact on so many children and has raised the issue of literacy in our area,” said Loren Pinkerman, Library Director.
The dedication was made possible through a donation by Ricky and Lynn Wolfe to the Defining Moment campaign. Ellen Hudson Harris, former college trustee and a member of the campaign’s steering committee, thanked the Wolfes for their leadership and support of the college.
Ricky Wolfe said he was surprised to learn he and his wife had the opportunity to name something at the college. But deciding who to honor was an easy one.
“It took us a total of two minutes,” he said. “The college has always been dedicated to inspiring people and helping them reach their finest potential. And that is exactly what Debbie Burdette has always done, too.”
Burdette was overwhelmed.
“Who would have thought 16 years ago, when I created Mama Jama, that together with the generosity of my friends and this wonderful facility, we would all be here today?” she asked, choking back tears. “To be honored here in my hometown is truly special. Because of this, Mama Jama will be here, in the words of Buzz Lightyear, ‘to infinity and beyond.’”
Before unveiling the plaque at the lounge, President Dan McAlexander congratulated Burdette.
“Debbie, we all know it begins at the beginning, this love of reading and searching for discovery,” he said. “You have instilled that in so many of our community’s youth, and you have changed this community for the better. We thank you.”