SANFORD - Central Carolina Community College has dedicated its Veterinary Medical Technology program Cat Colony Room in memory of Jill Gillette.

In addition, a scholarship has been established in memory of Gillette, who worked at the college as an administrative assistant from February 2011 through March 2019.

Jill Gillette was known for her kindness, great conversations, and being a friend for life. She passed away in July 2021 after a long and courageous battle with cancer.

"Jill enjoyed working at CCCC and would talk about all the great people she would meet and work with. Her love of animals led her to visit the VMT program. She would spend some of her lunch and break time visiting the VMT school and animals," said Frank Gillette, Jill's husband.

Mr. Gillette said his wife never met a stranger. "She made friends wherever we lived or wherever she worked. Once Jill was your friend, you had a friend for life. She was the same way with animals; she loved them," he said.

Dr. Emily C. Hare, Executive Director of the CCCC Foundation, said she is grateful for the generosity of the Gillette family. "Jill Gillette was one of the most incredible, amazing and kind ladies that I knew. She always had a smile on her face and pair that with her loving spirit, she was dynamic. Jill loved with all her heart, especially her animals and all the animals of this world," said Dr. Hare.

The CCCC Foundation is a 501(c)(3) charitable organization affiliated with, but independent of, the college. It receives donations of money and equipment on behalf of CCCC and uses them to promote the educational mission of the college and assist students through scholarships and grants.

For information on giving to the CCCC Foundation, contact Dr. Emily C. Hare, Executive Director of the CCCC Foundation, 919-718-7230, or ehare@cccc.edu.