FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: November 18, 2024
Mountain Gateway Community College Educational Foundation hosts annual Donor Scholar Reception
Clifton Forge, Va. - On Friday, November 1, Mountain Gateway Community College (MGCC) celebrated its annual Donor-Scholar Reception, recognizing both the scholarship recipients and the generous donors who make these educational opportunities possible. The event, held at the MGCC Convocation Center on the Clifton Forge campus, brought together students, donors, faculty, staff, and family members to honor the power of philanthropy in transforming lives.
During the ceremony, Executive Director of the MGCC Educational Foundation, Amy Phillips, announced that the Foundation has awarded more than $160,000 in scholarships to 101 students for the current academic year, demonstrating a continued commitment to supporting students in their educational journeys.
The reception spotlighted 43 recipients of the Roadrunner Promise Program, which help remove financial barriers for students. The Roadrunner Promise Program, established in 2016 through the generosity of private foundations, localities, and individual donors, provides critical funding to cover tuition, books, and other expenses after traditional financial aid has been applied. The program is open to all MGCC students that reside in the college service area, including high school graduates, continuing students, and non-traditional learners.
Students accepted into the program must meet specific eligibility criteria, including maintaining a minimum 2.25 GPA, completing community service hours, and enrolling in at least nine credit hours per semester.
Two scholarship recipients shared their powerful stories during the event, underscoring the life-changing impact of community college scholarships.
Cat Young, recipient of the Bubbles, Bands & Brunch Scholarship for Continuing Students and the Roadrunner Promise Scholarship, spoke movingly about her journey from struggling with chronic illness and mental health challenges in her youth to achieving academic success at MGCC. After not completing high school, Cat earned her GED at age 20 but initially feared she would never succeed in higher education. However, after discovering the financial support and flexible learning options at MGCC, she re-engaged with education on her own terms.
Cat’s story was one of perseverance, self-discovery, and hope, as she reflected on the invaluable support of the scholarship donors who made her success possible.
“I have met so many different kinds of people here, all from vastly different walks of life, but we’ve crossed paths thanks to opportunities made possible by donations,” Cat said. “The accessibility of community college has benefited me greatly. I don’t think I would have done nearly as well if I had just blindly jumped into a big 4-year university. Donors are changing people’s lives for the better, and for that, I am truly grateful.”
Cat will graduate with an associate’s degree in the spring and plans to transfer to a four-year college in fall 2025, with hopes of pursuing a career in robotics.
Jakob Bowser, another recipient, shared his gratitude for the scholarship support that has helped him pursue his dream of a career in administration of justice. Jakob, proud to be the third generation in his family to attend MGCC, highlighted how the scholarship has been a critical steppingstone for his academic and professional aspirations.
“For many of us, these scholarships represent more than just financial assistance; they are a stepping stone toward achieving our dreams and realizing our potential,” Jakob said. “Your belief in us as students, and in the transformative power of education, is truly inspiring. Without your support, these life-changing opportunities wouldn’t exist.”
Jakob is on track to graduate with an associate’s degree and plans to transfer to a four-year institution to complete his bachelor’s degree in the near future.
The MGCC Educational Foundation’s Donor-Scholar Reception is a testament to the power of philanthropy in supporting the educational journeys of students and ensuring that financial barriers do not stand in the way of success.
For more information about the MGCC Educational Foundation or to learn how you can support students at MGCC, contact Executive Director Amy Phillips at aphillips@mgcc.edu or visit https://www.mgcc.edu/giving.
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