DALTON, Ga. — Sally Higgins said her late father, Spence Higgins, loved going to Dalton State College basketball games.

Higgins sat in the stands Saturday with family for the annual “Hoops for Higgins,” which is a fundraising alumni vs. faculty basketball game, at Bandy Gymnasium on the college campus.

“It’s a great game, I love it, but it makes me sad because he’s not here,” she said.

Spence Higgins died in 2014 at the age of 67.

He was elected the first student body president in 1968 when it was called Dalton Junior College.

David Elrod, director of institutional advancement at the college, said being elected as student body president was Spence Higgins’ “unique claim to fame.”

“He’ll forever be a student,” Elrod said. “His classmates thought enough of him they wanted him to be their leader.”

In addition to the annual basketball game there is a memorial scholarship in Higgins’ name that goes to student leaders. Since the scholarships’ initiation three years ago, over $10,000 has been raised.

Lee Higgins said his brother was a “great person.”

“He and I were both in the first graduating class,” he said.

Maynard Higgins, another brother, said all three of them were at Dalton Junior College at the same time.

“My brother had a real soft spot for Dalton College,” Maynard Higgins said. “He stayed involved throughout the years and really loved this school.”

Maynard Higgins said he is proud the basketball game is in his brother’s honor. “Its a great event, anything to support the college we’re all for it,” he said.

Zach Plumley, a 2014 graduate, said it was an honor to play in the game.

Anthony Hilliard, also an alumni, said it’s all in fun.

“But by the end of the game if it’s a close, we get competitive,” he said.

The alumni team won 62 to 59.

Breann King, who was in the stands Satuday, graduated in May.

“It’s really weird watching as an alumni, but the game was fun,” she said.

Sally Higgins said she’s glad people support the game.

“Dad was just a great guy we miss him. “He was definitely my best friend.”