College scholarship recipients honored
By Phyllis Moore
Published in News on February 15, 2005 2:07 PM
The Foundation of Wayne Community College recognized its scholarship recipients and donors in its annual Scholarship Awards Ceremony at the college recently. More than 230 scholarship recipients during the fall, 2004 and spring 2005 semester had the opportunity to meet their benefactors.
The majority of the college's student population receives some form of financial assistance through aid, grants and scholarships. The Foundation provided around $130,000 in scholarships this school year.
Foundation Board of Directors Chairman Hank Crawford commended those who contributed to the scholarship fund.
"Without these individuals and community donors sitting beside and behind me tonight, a lot of students attending Wayne Community College would not be able to start and continue their educational dreams and goals," he said.
Josh Heidenreich, recipient of an Ambassador Scholarship from the foundation, spoke on behalf of the scholarship recipients, thanking the donors for those like him to be one step closer to their goals.
"Many of the students at Wayne Community would not have the privilege of attending this semester without the generous contributions of individuals throughout the community," Heidenreich said.
Jack Kannan, executive director of the Foundation, also gave credit to the donors.
"They see students who want to learn, who want to be productive and successful, and they give," he said. "They see needs in the community, like nurses and teachers, and they give. They are giving futures to these students and this community."
As tuition and book prices have increased, more students are asking for help and the money doesn't going as far, Kannan said.
"We have had a lot more students sitting here at past ceremonies than we have today, but every time the tuition goes up, that makes less scholarships we can give."
The Foundation is currently conducting its annual community fund drive and has a goal of raising $300,000. Kannan said he hopes to see more attending next year's ceremonies, both donors and recipients.
"This is where you really can see your money at work," he said.