(PADUCAH, Ky.) — West Kentucky Community & Technical College and the Paducah Junior College Foundation gathered Wednesday to celebrate their ongoing partnership and recognize two board members whose combined service spans more than four decades.
The joint board meeting, held Nov. 20 on the WKCTC campus, brought together leaders from both organizations for a luncheon prepared by culinary arts students in Anderson Bistro. WKCTC Board Chair Barry McDonald opened the session by highlighting progress in student access, workforce partnerships, and community engagement.
WKCTC President Dr. Anton Reece addressed the group, outlining efforts to strengthen regional educational pathways and expand affordability.
The meeting’s emotional centerpiece came when both boards paused to honor two longtime PJC Foundation trustees.
Lorraine Schramke, who retired earlier this year after serving from 2002 to 2025, was recognized for more than two decades of leadership. A community fixture who retired from a local auto dealership, Schramke was among the first members to transition to the Foundation board when technical and academic programs consolidated. She became known as a steady advocate for technical programs and a thoughtful voice on scholarships and long-term planning.
“Her legacy includes being among the first group of consolidated board members during the merger of the then Paducah Community College while also serving on the West Kentucky Technical College Board,” Dr. Reece said. Sid Hancock accepted a commemorative plaque on her behalf.
The boards also remembered John D. Williams, a lifetime Foundation member who died Nov. 10 after more than 20 years of service. Williams, the longtime general manager and news anchor at WPSD-TV, served five years as board chair and guided the Foundation through significant financial and governance decisions. Last year, the Challenger Learning Center classroom on campus was named the John D. and Brenda Williams Briefing Room in honor of his family’s contributions.
“John possessed a unique set of skills as a master communicator with his background in broadcasting and his support of student access to the college,” Dr. Reece said. “He will be sorely missed.”
Chris Black accepted a plaque on behalf of the Williams family.
Andy Wilson, WKCTC vice president of institutional advancement and executive director of the PJC Foundation, called the gathering “a powerful reminder of what collaboration can accomplish.”
The PJC Board of Trustees held a brief individual meeting following the joint session before both boards adjourned.
