Family members of Betty Fitzsimmons-Sloan recently donated several unique art books to the H.F. Davis Library at Colby Community College. In addition, the library received memorial donations in Sloan’s name to purchase other materials.

Betty and her husband Jack Fitzsimmons were a driving force behind the creation of CCC in the 1960s. She was on the Colby School Board and was one of the members who made the decision to support the creation of the college. Fitzsimmons-Sloan also was one of the first instructors at CCC. She began teaching speech and drama in 1964. Her drama students presented the first two CCC stage productions held in the Community Building.

Fitzsimmons-Sloan resigned from her teaching duties but continued to work part-time in the CCC library for over 10 years.

Jack also was involved with the inception and governance of CCC. He served on the first elected Board of Trustees.

In recognition of their commitment to the college, Jack and Betty were selected to receive an honorary degree in May 1998.

Jack and Betty were married in 1944. He preceded her in death on Oct. 14, 1999. Betty was married to Harlan Sloan on Sept. 20, 2003. He preceded her in death on July 22, 2004.

Betty died on Sept. 24, 2010. She is survived by a sister-in-law, three daughters, five grandchildren and one great-grandchild.

The donated books are available for checkout at the H.F. Davis Library. It is open to the public from 8 a.m.-8 p.m. Monday through Thursday, 8 a.m. – 5 p.m. on Friday and 4-8 p.m. on Sunday.