Both donors and scholars benefit from the Sampson Community College Foundation. For the donors, giving brings great reward and for the scholars, receiving brightens their educational opportunities.
According to Lisa Turlington, Sampson Community College’s Foundation director, the primary function of the foundation is to raise funds for students’ scholarships. For the upcoming school year, more than $97,000 has been awarded through 118 different scholarships.
“One of the primary functions of the Foundation is to raise money to support student scholarships, and it is a privilege to help many of our students who work, raise families and go to school,” Turlington said. “Many of the Foundation scholars do not qualify for federal aid, but still need help paying for college.”
SCC president Dr. Paul Hutchins is a firm believer in the foundation and its efforts, too.
“I believe that the Sampson Community College Foundation Scholarship Program provides the means for many students the opportunity to achieve their educational goals,” Hutchins said. “I am grateful for the SCC Foundation’s Board of Directors tireless efforts to raise scholarship funds to support our students.”
Many times, state or federal funding in the form of college grants cannot meet the demand of the number of students with aspirations to get an education with limited funding of their own. The donors who provide the scholarship funds through the SCC Foundation are the providers who give so graciously to fill that gap and support these students and ultimately, the community itself.
“We at the SCC Foundation are particularly excited this time of year as we make our scholarship awards, a total of $97,000 for the month of May,” Dr. Paul Viser, SCC Foundation Board president, said. “We exist primarily for this very purpose: to provide financial support for our students. All year, we interact with our donors through our golf tournament, receptions, special lectures, and the annual phonathon. It is now that our work has direct impact, personal and real. I salute the students, who make the most of every dollar as they juggle jobs, family duties, and classwork during their academic years.”
According to Turlington, the Foundation plays a vital role in assisting students with scholarships to help pay for educational expenses. There are many students, she added, that are ineligible to receive federal and state financial aid, and without the scholarship funds, may not be able to attend school.
“Being able to award over $97,000 in scholarships is a testament to the generosity of our donors,” Turlington said. “This community values education and workforce training and is willing to help our students achieve in these areas.”
The annual Sampson Community College Foundation Scholar-Donor Cookout is set for Sept. 6, where the college will recognize the success of students and the generosity of donors. Sponsors for this year’s event include US Foods and Papa John’s Pizza.
“The cookout is a fun and relaxed event where we celebrate the achievement of our students and the generosity of our donors,” Turlington added. “It is an opportunity for the students to personally thank the people who help fund their education, and the donors get to see how their gifts are changing lives.”