Looking over plans to renovate East Central Community College’s Founders’ Gym are Alumni Association board member and project contributor Ann Burkes (left) of Decatur and ECCC President Dr. Phil A. Sutphin, who are shown in front of the historic structure.  A fundraising drive is currently under way to renovate the facility, recognized as one of the oldest buildings on the Decatur campus and the oldest standing brick gymnasium in east Mississippi. From 1930 to 1970, Founders’ Gym played host to hundreds of basketball games including local, regional and state championships for both high school and college level teams. The gym was also used for May Day programs, proms, dances, plays, musicals, graduations and many community events. Founders’ Gym is named in honor of Dr. Benjamin Franklin “Frank” Hunter, Burkes’ grandfather; James “Jim” McDonald Thames and others instrumental in establishing the College. Dr. Sutphin said the renovation project includes four phases at an estimated cost of $8 million. He said the College is also pursuing grant money to assist with the renovation. Contributions may be made to the ECCC Foundation, Inc., P.O. Box 129, Decatur, MS 39327. For more information contact Stacey Hollingsworth, executive director, Foundation and Alumni Relations, 601-635-2111 or call toll free, 877-462-3222, ext. 327. Her e-mail address is sholling@eccc.edu.