Photo by Erica Jones

SCC president Dr. William Aiken goes over scholarship figures with SCC Foundation director Lisa Turlington, center, and SCC Financial Aid director Judye Tart.

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The Sampson Community College Foundation recently announced that 92 “deserving” students have been awarded scholarships for the 2011-12 school year totaling over $80,000. This overwhelming success is due to the generosity of contributions from individuals, businesses, industries and civic organizations that support Sampson Community College, Foundation officials noted.

The Foundation partners with the Financial Aid Office each year in recognizing and rewarding deserving students with scholarships. The Scholarship Committee met this spring to make selections for the upcoming school year.

According to Judye Tart, director of Financial Aid, it’s rewarding to witness deserving students achieve their goals. “Our scholarship recipients are very deserving of this honor and recognition, and I am extremely proud of each of them. But more importantly, I am so thankful for our scholarship donors and the SCC Foundation for their willingness to assist our students in helping make their educational dreams come true,” she said.

The SCC Foundation is a nonprofit organization that is established as a leader among two year community college foundations. Its capacity for service is further strengthened by community contributions.

According to Lisa Turlington, executive director of the Foundation, it is these vital partnerships that promote the mission of SCC. “Because of the generosity of local businesses and individuals, the Foundation is able to help many people fund their education. It is truly rewarding to see the value that our community places on education, and it is heartwarming to see what a difference gifts to the Foundation can make in the lives of our students.”

Dr. William Aiken, SCC president, concurs. “The value of scholarships to Sampson Community College is immeasurable. Without such financial support, there are countless numbers of students who would not be able to attend college. This is an important way to recognize academic achievement as well as assist students who are in need. Oftentimes donors use scholarships as a means of recognizing individuals who have been important in the donor’s lives. Regardless of the purpose, scholarships serve as a means to assist students as well as recognizing others. SCC is grateful to all who choose to participate in this important college activity.”

SCC Foundation representatives awarded the scholarship recipients at area high school awards assemblies in the spring. Scholars and donors will have the opportunity to meet at the Scholar-Donor Cookout on Sept. 27 on the SCC campus. This annual event gives scholarship recipients and donors the opportunity to meet face to face. For more information about the SCC Foundation or for inquires regarding establishing a scholarship, contact Turlington at 592-8081.

(Editor’s note: See a list of scholarship recipients in the Aug. 14 edition of The Sampson Independent.)