February 6, 2024

Chattahoochee Valley Community College (CVCC) is thrilled to announce the 2024 Hall of Fame Awards recipients.  The Hall of Fame awards acknowledge individuals who have made significant contributions to their professions, communities, and CVCC through their exceptional work and achievements. These inductees embody the highest standards of excellence and are recognized by the Chattahoochee Valley Community College Foundation.

The College is pleased to announce this year’s winners: Coach Steve O’Steen as Distinguished Athlete; Lorenza Pharrams as Distinguished Alumnus; and Lynne Greene Frakes for Distinguished Service.

CVCC takes great pride in honoring these remarkable individuals who have left an indelible mark on our institution.

Distinguished Athlete: Coach Steve O’Steen
Coach Steve O’Steen is a name synonymous with excellence in athletics at CVCC. Steve O’Steen was named CVCC’s head softball coach in September 2000. He is a lifelong resident of Phenix City and has been associated with CVCC since 1977. Coach O’Steen takes great pride in serving CVCC and the Chattahoochee Valley area.  He has dedicated his life to nurturing young talents and instilling discipline, teamwork, and sportsmanship values. Coach O’Steen has been a guiding force in shaping countless student-athletes into champions on and off the field. His relentless commitment to his players’ success has brought numerous accolades to CVCC’s sports programs. His humble nature belies his competitive spirit and passion for softball and the many student-athletes he has coached and mentored for the majority of his career, which has spanned over 40 years. He and his wife, Jane, have not only welcomed student-athletes to Chattahoochee Valley Community College but also welcomed them into their hearts and homes. This recognition is a testament to his unwavering dedication to the college’s athletic community. Coach O’Steen is married with one daughter and one grandson.

Distinguished Service: Lynne Greene Frakes
Lynne Greene Frakes has been a pillar of support in the community for many years. She has served as CEO of R.M. Greene, Inc.-CTV BEAM since 2003 and served as President of the company until 2022. Her tireless service and commitment to the community have been unwavering having served such organizations as United Way, Russell County Historic Commission, and Project Green Light, Inc. Through her business, she has been instrumental in providing free cable, internet, and Wi-Fi services to public schools, local government offices, and public pavilions in the area to serve those who might not have access to these resources otherwise. Lynn is described as a faithful servant leader in leading, guiding, and providing for her community. Lynn is married with two children and five grandchildren.

Distinguished Alumnus: Lorenza Pharrams
Dr. Lorenza Pharrams is a native of Phenix City, Alabama, who is steadfastly committed to education and community. Despite facing financial hardships and growing up in a challenging environment, Lorenza’s resilience and determination propelled him to pursue higher education. He graduated from Central High School in 1991 and subsequently attended CVCC, where he received an athletic scholarship to play basketball under the tutelage of Coach Doug Key. Lorenza played a pivotal role in the State Championship Team of 1991-1992 and showcased exceptional leadership as a student-athlete. Upon completing his tenure at CVCC, Lorenza secured a basketball scholarship to Alabama A&M University, where he later transitioned to an academic scholarship due to his outstanding academic performance. He earned a Bachelor of Science Degree in Business Administration with Cum Laude honors from Alabama A&M University in 1995, followed by a Summa Cum Laude Master’s Degree in Educational Leadership from Troy University in 2002 and an Educational Specialist degree from Troy in 2010. In 2013, he attained a doctoral degree in Educational Leadership, Policy, and Law from Alabama State University. Lorenza’s inspirational journey from humble beginnings to educational excellence is a testament to the transformative power of a community college education. Lorenza has been married to his wife, Tamara, for 23 years. They are the proud parents of two daughters.

CVCC is proud to honor those who have contributed to its success. For over 50 years, the College has been the community’s open-access college, with students from all walks of life graduating and transferring to four-year institutions or joining the workforce immediately and enjoying successful careers in technology, public safety, education, and healthcare. The Hall of Fame event has been the CVCC Foundation’s largest fundraiser since 2014, with $607,300 raised for the Student Scholarship Fund.  An evening celebrating our 2024 Hall of Fame inductees is set for March 12, 2024.

For information on the CVCC Hall of Fame or how to support CVCC, contact David Fletcher at david.fletcher@cv.edu or 334.291.4938.

HOF Sponsorship Levels Commitment Form 2024 Final