D.G. “Sonny” Fountain
A feature story in the spring 2008 issue of the Hindsight alumni magazine revealed the character of Sonny Fountain with these words: “To him, building a firm foundation of faith is essential to withstanding the trials of life. Sonny Fountain is a man loyal to people, committed to persevere in the face of hardships and prayerful in all circumstances.”
He started his first business, Chaney-Fountain Electrical Company, with a friend and a $200 used truck. The business grew to become the family-owned Fountain Construction Company. For more than 30 years, Fountain offered his time, talents and resources to help Hinds Community College. For many years, he chaired the board’s building committee, using his expertise to help the college get the best project and price for its construction dollars. That service came at a cost. Because he was a college trustee, state ethics laws would not allow his company to compete for any of the multi-million dollar construction projects at the college.
Fountain and his wife, Margaret, lived out their Christian faith every day. Their gracious hearts extended to the Fountain children. The Fountain Family Foundation gifted $100,000 to the college Foundation to establish the Sonny Fountain Endowed Scholarship and continues to make generous contributions each year.
D.G. “Sonny” Fountain Hall – an impressive two-story building housing administration, enrollment services and alumni/foundation offices – sits at the main entrance of the Raymond Campus. Fountain was also the recipient of the Alumni Service Award and the 3E Award – all as a tribute to his leadership and generous heart.
He represented Hinds County on the Board of Trustees from 1977 to 2008, serving as president from 2000 to 2008.