For a large segment of the population in the United States, the month of November is most often associated with bountiful Thanksgiving spreads shared with family and friends and food comas, followed rapidly by the anxiety and hubbub of Black Friday Christmas Sales. But at McDowell Technical Community College, November is quickly becoming known for a new tradition, a time for scholarship recipients to meet the donors who funded their scholarships, to share stories and give thanks for the blessings and opportunities afforded by higher education.
“Our annual scholarship luncheon is a time that we pause each November for the McDowell Tech family to celebrate and give thanks for the generosity of our scholarship donors and for students to share their stories and express gratitude to the donors who have made their dream of a college education become a reality,” said Madalyn Gaito, Director of Development and MTCC Board Liaison. “Many of these students face financial hardships that might otherwise prevent them from attending college, were it not for the gifts made by our donors.”
Foundation board members were joined at the event by a select group of faculty, staff and administrators in recognizing donors who have contributed to approximately 20 named scholarships, as well as a general endowed scholarship fund. These funds have allowed the college to award several dozen students with scholarships to attend college this academic year, with more expected next year as investments in endowed scholarship funds continue to grow.
Cecilia Reel, a donor and member of the Foundation’s Board of Directors, expressed what an honor it was to be able to meet students who had received scholarships which she and other donors had supported.
One of those students was Christopher Burleson, a recipient of a Rotary Club of Marion Foundation Endowed Scholarship. Christopher shared the tragedy and triumph of his personal journey that saw him transition from years of working in physically-demanding jobs to a health crisis that brought him to his knees, required him to go on kidney dialysis and forced him to go on disability. Days became weeks and weeks became months as he struggled to come to terms with his illness and the limitations it seemed to place on his health. Eventually, however, he saw his way out of the fog, and came to realize that a whole world of possibilities was still out there waiting for him to take the first step.
“I realized that there was nothing I couldn’t accomplish if I put my mind to it,” he said. He decided to enroll in college at McDowell Tech, and today he is on track to complete his second degree at the college next May. In the process, he discovered the path to genuine joy, he said. “I want to express my heartfelt gratitude to the Rotary Club of Marion for their generous support which made it possible for me and many others like myself to pursue our dreams. Thank you all for believing in us,” he concluded.
Carli Cook is a nursing student at McDowell Tech who received a William Harold Smith Memorial Endowed Scholarship, as well as a Wingate Cain Memorial Scholarship. When she first graduated from high school, she enrolled at Appalachian State University, but life had other plans for Carli. During her second year at college, she got a call from her dad to tell her that he had been diagnosed with cancer and only had six to twelve months to live. She dropped out of college to take care of him and provide financial support around the house.
By the grace of God, they would learn months later that he had been misdiagnosed and didn’t have cancer. “I cannot thank God enough for this,” she said. Her dad still has a lot of health issues that require her help and financial support, but that change in diagnosis has allowed her to refocus her educational dreams, and she enrolled in nursing school at McDowell Tech.
Unfortunately, due to Hurricane Helene, she lost her job this fall, but she has been able to continue her studies thanks to the generous support from the Harold Smith and Wingate Cain Memorial Scholarship funds. She is also on track to graduate in May. She thanked all of the donors who contributed to these scholarship funds, and told the group that she hopes that she can be the type of person who embodies the spirit that would make Smith and Cain proud. “It has made a true difference in my life,” she said.
“On behalf of our Foundation Board and our Board of Trustees, I want to reiterate our heartfelt thanks to the many donors whose monetary gifts are enabling students all across our campus to fulfill their educational and vocational dreams,” said Kelley. “These donations are also building greater capacity in our workforce, contributing to a stronger and more vibrant economy throughout Western North Carolina. Thanks for making a difference in the lives of others, particularly during the challenges we have faced post-Helene. You are part of what continues to make us Tech Tough!”
For more information on the MTCC Foundation and how to contribute to Foundation Scholarships, visit www.mcdowelltech.edu/mtcc-foundation/ .
