It was a night to remember as current Sandhills Community College students got to
meet and dine with their scholarship sponsor and share their gratitude for the gift
that allows 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 Alexander “Sandy” Stewart lead the welcome and introductions
that included former President John Dempsey, on November 4.
There are close to 300 named scholarships funds at the College totaling $914,581.76.
Students are selected for scholarships by a Scholarship Selection Committee made up
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 plan to continue her education upon graduating from Sandhills Community College
to earn her bachelor's degree in Birth to Kindergarten Education.
Registration is now open for Spring classes that start on Monday, January 12 at www.sandhills.edu. 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.
