It was a night to remember as current Sandhills Community College (SCC) students got to meet and dine with their scholarship sponsors and share their gratitude for the gift that allows for an education. The Carolina Hotel grand ballroom was filled with just over 300 guests, including the students, donors, faculty and staff, administrators, and SCC Foundation Directors. President Sandy Stewart led the welcome and introductions, including former President John Dempsey, on Nov. 4.
There are close to 300 named scholarship funds at the college totaling $914,581.76. Students are selected for scholarships by a Scholarship Selection Committee composed of Sandhills faculty and staff and are matched with donors through the SCC Foundation.
“It’s a wonderful night to celebrate the gifts from our donors and the successes of our students,” said Jennifer Dail, senior director of development. “The conversations around the room are genuine and heartfelt as a student explains their classes and studies with the donor who is sponsoring them. Our mission to educate any student in the region just comes to life with enthusiasm and appreciation.”
Featured keynote speakers included Susan Wright, professor and coordinator with Early Childhood Education, and Student Shanay Eason, the recipient of the Josephine Weiss Early Childhood Education Scholarship.
“To the Josephine B. Weiss family, your generosity and passion for keeping this scholarship alive is life-changing,” said Eason. “I stand here today as living proof of what your kindness makes possible. Your generosity brought a substantial amount of relief. Sometime ago we had a luncheon and I heard you speak about your mom and her love of early Childcare to see you continue on as her legacy still making sure that you honor your mom by supporting programs that support everyday people like me it really touched my heart, and I could only hope that as my journey continues that I am able to leave such a legacy behind. It is because of your scholarship I have the breathing room to focus on finishing my degree. It has not been easy being an older college student juggling motherhood, entrepreneurship, and doing what I love at the same time, and I would just like to say thank you so much.”
Eason plans to continue her education upon graduating from SCC to earn her bachelor’s degree in Birth to Kindergarten Education.
There are currently 11,050 students enrolled at the college, including both campus locations in Pinehurst and Raeford, as well as online courses. Students also take classes in Robbins and Carthage. Registration is now open for Spring classes that start on Monday, Jan. 12 at www.sandhills.edu.
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Article and photo contributed by Sandhills Community College.
