WCC Foundation recognizes scholarship winners, donors
By Bonnie Edwards
Published in News on March 5, 2006 2:08 AM
The Foundation of Wayne Community College recently recognized its scholarship recipients and donors in its annual Scholarship Awards Ceremony at the college.
More than 257 WCC students who received scholarships for the fall 2005 and spring 2006 semesters had the opportunity to meet their benefactors.
School officials said the majority of Wayne Community College's students receive some financial assistance through financial aid, grants and scholarships. The Foundation provided close to $174,900 in scholarships this school year.
Foundation Board of Directors Chairman Hank Crawford commended those who contributed to the scholarship fund, saying "Without our generous donors, Wayne Community College might be just a wish for some of our students.
"These and many other people are helping us assist deserving students. More students than ever are in need of assistance, thanks to less jobs that require more education coupled with annual tuition increases and sky-high textbook costs."
Student Debra Curl spoke on behalf of all scholarship recipients, thanking the donors for their generosity and belief that education is the foundation to a better life.
"Your continued generosity provides a future for the single mom trying to provide for her children, the military personnel wanting to further their education, the abused spouse rediscovering themselves, the non-traditional student who has found themselves searching for a future after being laid-off, the international student who now calls Wayne County their home, or the 18 year old just discovering the expanse of the road that lie ahead of them," Ms. Curl said. "You have invested in education and in doing so you have invested in the future of our community and of humanity."
Jack Kannan, executive director of the Foundation, said more students need assistance each year, and donor support makes it possible to help them. During the 2004-05 academic year, the Foundation gave more than 230 students around $130,000 in scholarships.
The Foundation is currently conducting its annual community fund drive and has a goal of raising $310,000. "We want to have more people at this ceremony next year, both donors and scholarship recipients," Kannan said.