“It’s been a privilege to represent LBW and this community as a state senator . . . and to take part in this wonderful fellowship tonight.” Those were the words of Senator Wendell Mitchell as the conference center named in his honor observed its grand opening on LBWCC’s Greenville campus Thursday night.

Approximately 250 attendees enjoyed a steak and chicken dinner catered by The Chef’s Table, followed by musical entertainment provided by a talented quartet of young violinists, the Lamb Family of Tuscaloosa.

The Lambs – Karis, 20, Kiemel, 18, Kolson, 15 and Caleb, 13 – have trained as classical violinists since the age of five. They proved their diversity by performing everything from bluegrass favorite “The Orange Blossom Special” to holiday classic “Sleigh Ride,” along with traditional hymns and something quite unusual – the Alabama and Auburn fight sings played on violin.

They even brought Jeddo Bell, mayor pro-tem, into the act by having him perform a solo part in “Pop! Goes the Weasel” on one of the tiny violins once used by one of the Lambs.

The Lambs received a standing ovation for their performance.

The gala occasion brought in funds that will be used to complete the building’s needs.

“Between ticket sales and sponsorships, we have raised $88,000 – and those dollars will be used to furnish this facility,” said Dr. Ed Krudop, director of the Greenville campus.

Longtime LBWCC faculty member and administrator, Dr. Jean Thompson, who presented a dual-enrollment scholarship in the name of her late husband, Dr. Seaborn Thompson to the school, declared the night “awesome.”

“It is due to all of you and your support of LBWCC that we had this grand opening . . . we’ve had the dream, now we can share in the reward this facility will bring to the college and the community,” she said.