J. Adam Lowe, executive director of the Foundation; Veronica Fox, board member at large; John Thatcher, spouse, Debra Miller; Debra Miller, chair, Project YOU; and Dr. Carl Hite, CSCC president.
More than 100 students, trustees, and donors attended the Cleveland State Community College Foundation Annual Scholarship Reception. The event marks a time when students who have received scholarships can honor the donors that have made those scholarships possible.
According to Foundation Executive Eirector J. Adam Lowe, this fall, the Cleveland State Community College Foundation was able to award a scholarship to all students who qualified. In addition, the Foundation has supported dual enrollment at area high schools. Total aid to students will be over $200,000 in 2013.
“These donors are investing in you,” Mr. Lowe told the attending students. “They are expecting you to go on to make our community even better than when you found it.”
During the reception, Jeri Moody and Kendra Garren spoke about how the Foundation scholarships helped them attend college. The mother-daughter pair is both pursuing degrees in nursing and attending college together.
“I couldn’t go to college straight out of high school” said Ms. Moody. “When Kendra decided to go into to nursing, my husband encouraged me to follow what I wanted to do with my life, and I always wanted to be a nurse.”
The event also marked a time of special recognition. Debra Miller was presented the annual Impact Honor. This award is presented to a trustee or donor that has gone above and beyond, showing a deep level of interest in student success. In February, the Miller Family Math Lab Fund was endowed by Miller to assist students with developmental math. She has also been heavily involved in Project YOU, an assistance program that aids working parents. The award was presented by last year’s recipient, Steve Robinson.
Also recognized during the reception was college President Dr. Carl Hite. Mr. Lowe presented Hite with a plaque marking the formation of the Dr. Carl M. Hite Legacy Fund. This fund is honor of the work of Dr. Hite during his 17 years with the college. As previously announced, Dr. Hite is retiring from Cleveland State Community College this December.
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