Cape Fear Community College Foundation, Inc.
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Foundation Newsletter
Volume 1, No. 4, October 2008 (PDF)
Volume 1, No. 3: August 2008 (PDF)
Volume 1, No. 2: April 2008 (PDF)
Volume 1, No. 1: February 2008 (PDF)
Recent Press Releases
We are very proud of both our students and our donors and we can't wait to spread the word about them! We publicize each scholarship that we are able to award and give recognition to our friends who make these scholarships possible. Below is a compilation of our most recent press releases.
Cape Fear Community College Selects Merit Scholars for 2008-2009
Intracoastal Realty Provides $5,800 for CFCC Student Scholarships
Joy Smoots Receives Marilyn Goodman Anderson Teaching Award
Forty and Eight Society Adds to Its Scholarship Endowment at CFCC
CFCC Foundation Welcomes New Board Chair and Seven New Members
Wachovia Foundation Establishes Scholarships for Cape Fear Community College Business Programs
CFCC Nursing Program Receives $25,000 Endowed Scholarship Fund
N.C Azalea Festival Scholarship benefits CFCC Law Enforcement Student
Blanchard Machinery Company Establishes Scholarship
CFCC Receives Gregory Poole Marine Power Scholarship
North Carolina Sorosis Awards $500 to CFCC Student
Foundation Raises Rrecord-Breaking $257,325 for Scholarships at Luncheon
CFCC 50th Anniversary Festival
Clint B. Robertson Memorial Scholarship is Endowed
CFCC Students Awarded Smith Barney Scholarships
Progress Energy Awards $15,000 Grant to Cape Fear Community College for Scholarships
CFCC Announces the Establishment of the Wilmington Housing Authority Endowed Scholarship Fund
CFCC Launches Alumni Association
Riverfest/Ava M. Hobbs Scholarships Aid Marine Technology Students
Madeline Trask Scholarship Endowed
Wilmington Contractors' Association Adds to Its Endowment
Cape Fear Community College Selects Merit Scholars for 2008-2009
November 4, 2008 ; WILMINGTON, NC: Cape Fear Community College (CFCC) has awarded merit scholarships to ten deserving students for the 2008-2009 academic year. As recipients of this scholarship, selected students have been honored for their high school record of academic excellence, leadership, and service to others throughout high school.
To qualify for a merit scholarship, students must be a high school senior and have proof of academic potential shown by grades, class rank and/or aptitude test results. Consideration is also given to extra curricular activities, work record, and community service. This award indicates great confidence in students’ abilities to excel in pursuit of their educational goals.
The following students were selected from Pender and New Hanover County high schools:
- Topsail High School: Stephanie Draughon from Surf City, NC; Sarah Font from Rocky Point, NC; Denice Johnson from Hampstead, NC.
- Pender High School: Ashley Culbreth from Burgaw, NC; Jessica Lanier from Burgaw, NC; Tracy McMillan from Watha, NC; Amberly Suggs from Atkinson, NC.
- New Hanover High School: Kara Edens from Castle Hayne, NC; Alexandra Shaw from Wilmington, NC.
- Hoggard High School: Hannah Johnson from Wilmington, NC.
Merit scholars receive $900 each semester, which helps to cover the majority of the costs for tuition, fees, and books. Additionally, students must maintain a minimum 3.0 grade point average and complete at least twelve credit hours each semester.
For more information about CFCC, the Foundation, endowments or scholarship opportunities, please contact the Foundation at (910) 362-7331. Cape Fear Community College is one of the oldest and largest in the North Carolina community college system. Studies show that for each dollar spent educating CFCC students, more than $2.36 is returned to the local community.
Left to Right: Dr. Eric McKeithan, CFCC president; Betsy Leonard, CFCC Foundation Board Chair; Cayla Briggs, a student in the CFCC Dental Hygiene program; and Jim Wallace (right), owner of Intracoastal Realty.
Intracoastal Realty Provides $5,800 for CFCC Student Scholarships
Realtors Donate Portion of Their Commissions
October 23, 2008; WILMINGTON, NC: The Agents of Intracoastal Realty have put aside a portion of their commissions to fund scholarships at Cape Fear Community College and to support the work of other institutions in this region. Jim Wallace, owner of Intracoastal Realty, has matched their donations.
Intracoastal Realty presented a check for $5,800 to Dr. Eric McKeithan, President of CFCC. The funds will provide two full-time students with scholarships for the 2008-2009 academic year. Scholarship recipients are Cayla Briggs from Hampstead, a student in the Dental Hygiene program and Nathalie Rhodes, a student in the Interior Design program.
“We are thrilled that agents at Intracoastal Realty would help our students in this way. Their support reflects a company priority of community involvement and concern. Their investment in Cape Fear Community College is an investment in our community. We wish to thank all of them and also thank Jim Wallace for his willingness to match their generosity,” said Margaret Robison, Executive Director of the Cape Fear Community College Foundation.
The Foundation supports the people, programs, and mission of the college by securing and managing gifts that include cash contributions used for endowments and scholarships, as well as other contributions aimed at helping the college meet its goals.
Cape Fear Community College (CFCC) is one of the oldest and largest in the North Carolina community college system. Approximately 27,000 students take classes at the college each year. Studies show that for every dollar spent educating CFCC students, more than $2.36 is returned back to the local community. Additionally, CFCC helps boost the economy of New Hanover and Pender counties by generating an additional $435 million business sales and $192 million in labor income.
For more information about the College, Foundation, endowments, or scholarship opportunities, please contact the Cape Fear Community College Foundation at (910) 362-7331.
Joy Smoots Receives Marilyn Goodman Anderson Teaching Award
October 23 , 2008; WILMINGTON, NC: Joy Smoots, an instructor at Cape Fear Community College (CFCC), was selected as the recipient of the 2008 Marilyn Goodman Anderson Endowed Award for Excellence in Teaching. Smoots received undergraduate and advanced degrees in zoology from Eastern Illinois University and has been teaching biology at CFCC since 1995.
The purpose of the award is to recognize all aspects of excellence in teaching and in teaching-related activities that foster students’ desires for lifelong learning and success. Attributes considered in the nomination and selection process included classroom effectiveness, innovative teaching methods, and significant impact on students’ lives. Smoots was nominated and selected through a competitive process of nominations from faculty, staff, students and alumni. She was selected among approximately eighty faculty members nominated for the award.
One of Ms. Smoots’ students wrote, “The way she teachers her class is inspiring. She makes each class interesting and engaging, so that it becomes lively and fun. She is truly inspirational because she not only teaches a subject, she breathes life into it.”
CFCC helps boost the economy of New Hanover and Pender counties by generating an additional $435 million business sales and $192 million in labor income. For every dollar taxpayers invest in CFCC, $2.36 is returned back to the local community. For more information about the College, Foundation, endowments, or scholarship opportunities, please contact the Cape Fear Community College Foundation at (910) 362-7331.
Left to Right: Chef de Gar: Justin Raphael; Treasurer: Walker Biggs; Scholarship Chair: Al McGuire; CFCC Foundation Associate Director: Kay Warren.
Forty and Eight Society Adds to Its Scholarship Endowment at CFCC
September 18, 2008; WILMINGTON, NC: The Forty & Eight Society Voiture 245 of The American Legion has supplemented its endowed scholarship by adding a generous gift of $4,005.27 to provide tuition and fees for students in Cape Fear Community College’s nursing program. This endowed fund was initiated in 1993 by the Society to express a commitment to the mission and purposes of Cape Fear Community College, as well as to financially assist residents from the local area who are committed to making a significant contribution to the nursing profession.
These scholarships will be available to registered nursing students at CFCC who have been residents of Brunswick, Columbus, New Hanover or Pender Counties for a minimum of five years. Additionally, scholarship recipients must maintain a minimum of a 2.0 grade point average.
The Forty and Eight Society established a program to provide financial assistance in the form of scholarships for nursing students nationwide in 1995. The association includes both male and female veterans, and was founded in 1920 during the First World War. The name of the society originated from the transportation of Americans on French trains during the WWI, which included markings of “40/8” on the boxcars. These markings indicated the car’s ability to hold either forty men or eight horses.
CFCC boosts both New Hanover and Pender counties’ economies by generating more than $435 million annually in business sales and $192 million in labor income. Studies show that for every dollar taxpayers invest in CFCC, $2.36 is returned to the local community. For more information about the College, the Foundation, endowments or scholarship opportunities, please contact the Cape Fear Community College Foundation at (910) 362-7331.
Betsy Leonard, 2008-09 Foundation Board Chair
CFCC Foundation Welcomes New Board Chair and Seven New Members
September 1, 2008; WILMINGTON, NC: Cape Fear Community College Foundation is pleased to announce its new board chair, as well as seven new members for 2008-2009.
Betsy Leonard was appointed Chair of the CFCC Foundation’s Board of Directors. She is a Wilmington native and is employed with Intracoastal Realty and a committed community leader. She spearheaded the Holiday Helpers program at CFCC which began in 2004. She and her husband, Dr. John Leonard, have both attended classes at CFCC and feel that the college contributes immeasurably to the community.
The new appointed members include John Battle, Frank Blake, Eldridge Dodson, John Harris, Dr. Martin Meyerson, Sara Strassle, and Terry Turner.
- John Battle is retired from Lucent Technologies, and has served as President and CEO of the African-American Heritage Foundation of Wilmington, Inc.
- Frank Blake is the store manager for the Home Depot in Wilmington, NC.
- Eldridge Dodson is an estate-planning attorney with Ward and Smith.
- John Harris is the Regional Executive for Woodlands Bank.
- Dr. Martin Meyerson is a physician with New Hanover Radiation and Oncology.
- Sara Strassle is retired from the board of Quintiles Transnational Corporation and Sciquest Inc. She has also volunteered for Cape Fear Literacy Council and the NC Symphony.
- Terry Turner, a builder and developer, is president of TFT Construction Company.
The Foundation supports the people, programs, and mission of the college by securing and managing gifts that include cash contributions used for endowments and scholarships and other contributions aimed at helping the college meet its goals. The Foundation board works in the community to help people to understand the work and mission of the college.
Wachovia Foundation Establishes Scholarships for Cape Fear Community College Business Programs
September 18, 2008; WILMINGTON, NC: The Wachovia Foundation donated $2,000 in scholarship funds to Cape Fear Community College (CFCC) for the 2008-2009 academic year. The donation will provide four merit-based scholarships in the amount of $500 to students from low- to moderate-income households enrolled in one of CFCC’s business programs. With these scholarships, the Wachovia Foundation aims to help CFCC attract bright students who may not, otherwise, enroll or remain in college because of financial struggles. The four scholarships will also help close the widening gap between the number of students in need of scholarship and the number of scholarships available to students enrolled in CFCC’s Business Programs.
Currently, there are 582 students enrolled in Cape Fear Community College’s business programs. With an ever-increasing need for highly skilled professionals in this area, this program is in strong demand.
CFCC helps boost the economy of New Hanover and Pender counties by generating an additional $435 million in business sales and $192 million in labor income. Ninety-Nine percent of CFCC graduates reported that they were employed full time one year after graduation. Employer satisfaction with customized training of CFCC graduates is 100 percent. By donated this generous gift, the Wachovia Foundation is not only aiding four Business students, but also boosting the local economy.
To learn more about helping the Cape Fear Community College Foundation, call 910-362-7331 or visit www.cfcc.edu/foundation.
CFCC Nursing Program Receives $25,000 Endowed Scholarship Fund
August 26, 2008; WILMINGTON, NC: Margaret Weller-Stargell, President of the Willie Stargell Foundation, recently presented a gift of $25,000 to Cape Fear Community College (CFCC) to establish the Willie Stargell Foundation Nursing Endowed Scholarship Fund. The fund will be used to award scholarships to students in CFCC’s nursing program who have a specialized interest in patients in varying stages of renal disease. Students must have at least a 2.5 grade point average to qualify for the scholarship, as well as a documented interest in caring for patients with renal problems and complications.
The Willie Stargell Foundation provides funds to support research and treatment for those individuals battling kidney disease. CFCC honored Weller-Stargell Thursday, August 21 with an intimate luncheon to thank her for the Foundation’s generous donation. “While Willie was receiving treatment I realized there was such an immense need for specialized care, specifically for individuals being treated for kidney disease. It was important for me to donate to CFCC’s nursing program because I know these students will have the opportunity to offer this greatly needed specialized care to their patients in the future,” she shared.
CFCC’s health care programs have garnered an outstanding reputation among the local health care community by earning a stunning one hundred percent pass rate on their respective certification exams year after year. For every dollar taxpayers invest in CFCC, $2.36 is returned back to the local community. CFCC helps boost the economy of New Hanover and Pender counties by generating an additional $435 million business sales and $192 million in labor income, according to a recent study released by the North Carolina Community College System. For more information about the College, Foundation, endowments, or scholarship opportunities, please contact the Cape Fear Community College Foundation at (910) 362-7331.
N.C Azalea Festival Scholarship benefits CFCC Law Enforcement Student
July 10, 2008; WILMINGTON, NC: The North Carolina Azalea Festival of Wilmington recently presented a generous gift of $1,000 to Cape Fear Community College (CFCC) that will provide a scholarship for a student in the Basic Law Enforcement Program. The gift will provide tuition, books, and fees for the recipient for one semester.
The 61st annual N.C Azalea Festival was held April 9th-13th, 2008. The festival is a celebration of Wilmington’s exceptional artwork, gardens, rich history and culture. Activities during the festival include a parade, street fair, circus, concerts, and pageantry.
The Basic Law Enforcement Training curriculum at CFCC prepares individuals to take the Justice Officers Basic Training Certification Examination mandated by the North Carolina Sheriffs' Education and Training Standards Commission. Students who graduate from the program possess general attributes, knowledge, and skills needed to function as a law enforcement officer.
For graduates of the Law Enforcement Training Program, job opportunities are available with state, county, and municipal governments in North Carolina. In addition, knowledge, skills, and abilities acquired in this course of study qualify graduates for job opportunities with private enterprises in areas such as industrial, retail, and private security.
The N.C Azalea Festival is proud to contribute this scholarship gift to CFCC which will benefit a local student, the law enforcement program, and the community. According to Dana Fisher, President of the 2008 Azalea Festival said, “The New Hanover Sheriff’s Department and the Wilmington Police Department help out so much during the festival. We thought this was the best way to give back to them and to the community.”
For more information about the College, Foundation, endowments, or scholarship opportunities, please contact the Cape Fear Community College Foundation at (910) 362-7331.
Left to Right: Brock Lynch; Dr. Eric McKeithan, CFCC President; Cal Geary, Lead Instructor for Marine & Diesel Mechanics.
CFCC Receives Blanchard Machinery Company Scholarship
June 11, 2008; WILMINGTON, NC: Blanchard Machinery Company has donated a generous gift of $1000 to benefit the Marine Diesel program at Cape Fear Community College for the 2008-2009 academic year. The funds will provide both scholarships for students and equipment for the program.
Blanchard Machinery Company is the exclusive dealer for Caterpillar Earth Moving and Forestry Equipment, Electric Power Generation, On-Highway Truck, Industrial, and Marine engines for all 46 counties in South Carolina. Blanchard Machinery is headquartered in West Columbia with branches located in Lexington, Columbia, Greenville, Spartanburg, Summerville, Florence, Rock Hill, Myrtle Beach, Georgetown, Charleston, Walterboro, and Hilton Head. Founded in 1982, the Company celebrated its 25th anniversary in October 2007.
Blanchard Machinery is committed to the recruitment, development, and retention of superior talent. Consistent with a similar purpose-built technician development program already in place at Florence Darlington Technical College in South Carolina, Blanchard Machinery has again partnered with Gregory Poole Equipment Company and Caterpillar Inc. to donate equipment and scholarship money for the advancement of students in the Marine Diesel program with Cape Fear Community College.
The program provides training for individuals interested in becoming technicians responsible for servicing and maintaining the propulsion systems of boats and other types of marine and industrial equipment. Graduates of the program qualify as marine technicians which may be employed in marinas, shipyards, industrial, and trucking industries.
CFCC is one of the oldest and largest community colleges in North Carolina. Studies show that for each dollar spent educating CFCC students, more than $2.36 is returned to the local community.
Blanchard Machinery is confident its partnership with CFCC will strongly benefit both organizations as well as the Wilmington community.
For more information about the College, Foundation, endowments, or scholarship opportunities, please contact the Cape Fear Community College Foundation at (910) 362-7331.
Left to Right: Dan Webb; Dr. McKeithan, CFCC President; Cal Geary, Lead Instructor for Marine & Diesel Mechanics; Michael Cranford of Gregory Poole
CFCC Receives Gregory Poole Marine Power Scholarship
June 9, 2008; WILMINGTON, NC: On Friday, June 6, Gregory Poole Marine Power presented Cape Fear Community College with a gift of $2000 to benefit the Heavy Equipment and Transportation students. The money will be used for both scholarships and equipment for the Marine Diesel program offered at CFCC.
Gregory Poole Marine Power, with operations in Beaufort, Wanchese and Wilmington, NC, is one of the world’s largest Caterpillar dealers for marine pleasure-craft engines. Recognizing Gregory Poole’s outstanding sales and service history, Mercury, MerCruiser, Crusader, Honda Marine and Volkswagen Marine have all recently appointed Gregory Poole Marine Power as an authorized sales and service provider in North Carolina. Gregory Poole Marine Power is a division of Gregory Poole Equipment Company of Raleigh NC, the Caterpillar equipment dealer for Eastern North Carolina since 1951.
Gregory Poole Marine Power supports local boat manufacturers and individual owners with the largest mobile marine service fleet in Eastern North Carolina. In February 2008 Gregory Poole Marine made a strategic move to diversify the company’s marine service offerings by acquiring Champney Marine in Wilmington, NC. Located along the Cape Fear River the new facility is known as one of Wilmington’s premier full service boat yards.
Gregory Poole Marine Power is committed to hiring and training quality technicians and realizes the need to recruit talented technicians and continue their professional development with on the job training and formal advanced technical course work. By partnering with Blanchard Machinery and Caterpillar, we are proud to donate equipment and scholarship money for the advancement of students in the Marine Diesel program with Cape Fear Community College.
The Marine Diesel program at CFCC provides training for individuals interested in becoming technicians responsible for servicing and maintaining the propulsion systems of boats and other types of marine and industrial equipment.
Graduates of the Marine Propulsion program at CFCC qualify for employment opportunities as motorboat mechanics, motor boat mechanic helpers, and Jet Ski mechanics. Additionally, graduates of the program can be successful at marine boat sales and service firms, or establishing their own service facility. Graduates of the program qualify as marine technicians which may be employed in marinas, shipyards, industrial, and trucking industries.
CFCC is one of the oldest and largest community colleges in North Carolina. Studies show that for each dollar spent educating CFCC students, more than $2.36 is returned to the local community.
Gregory Poole Marine Power is confident its partnership with CFCC will strongly benefit both organizations as well as the Wilmington community.
For more information about the College, Foundation, endowments, or scholarship opportunities, please contact the Cape Fear Community College Foundation at (910) 362-7331.
North Carolina Sorosis Awards $500 to CFCC Student
May 29, 2008; Wilmington, NC: North Carolina’s oldest federated women’s club, North Carolina Sororsis, has donated a generous gift of $500 to be awarded to a Cape Fear Community College (CFCC) student during the 2008-2009 academic year. The scholarship will be awarded to a New Hanover County female student with a grade point average of 2.5 or higher.
The club was organized in 1895 and associated with the General Federation of Women’s Clubs, Inc. in 1902. Internationally, the General Federation is the largest organization of volunteer women in the world.
This North Carolina volunteer women’s club has a history of advocating education throughout the state. In 1901, members of North Carolina Sororsis were responsible for leading a drive for the first free public library in the area. The club donated funds for books, and 1700 volumes were presented to the City of Wilmington for the new public library in 1906. In 1912, the club succeeded in advocating a program for medical inspection of public school students. The women of the club also equipped and staffed a county museum in 1930 which was held in the local Court House. In 1971, the club provided financial support for the Child Development Center, which continues today.
The award will go to one of approximately 7.500 students who are seeking degrees at CFCC, one of the oldest and largest community colleges in North Carolina. The college has also contributed significantly to the Wilmington Community by generating more than $435 million annually in business sales and $192 million in labor income.
The North Carolina Sorosis Scholarship for Cape Fear Community College parallels words spoken by a club member, Mary Stewart, in 1904, “It is the little things that create differences…in the big things of life we are all as one.”
For more information about the College, Foundation, endowments, or scholarship opportunities, please contact the Cape Fear Community College Foundation at (910) 362-7331.
CFCC Foundation Board Chair Zander Guy and Former NC Governor Jim Hunt.
Cape Fear Community College Foundation raises a record-breaking $257,325 for scholarships at luncheon
Former Governor Jim Hunt delivered keynote to more than 450 guests at fund-raiser
May 22, 2008;Wilmington, NC: Cape Fear Community College Foundation raised $257,325 for student scholarships during its fourth annual “Changing Lives Through the Gift of Education,” luncheon. That is more than $82,000 more than was raised at last year’s event and brings the year’s total scholarship fund to more than $1.3 million.
In the keynote address, one of the nation’s leading advocates for education, former Governor Jim Hunt discussed the merits of higher education to a crowd of more than 450 business people gathered at the Schwartz Center on Thursday, May 22.
Governor Hunt, who is the only governor of North Carolina elected to four terms, addressed the importance of supporting and strengthening our state’s community college system.
“We are honored to have Governor Hunt’s support for Cape Fear Community College,” said Margaret Robison, Executive Director of the CFCC Foundation. “He is a true champion of higher education and clearly sees the important role that a strong community college system plays in growing the local economy. Studies show that for each dollar spent educating CFCC students, more than $2.36 is returned to the local community.”
Attendees also had the opportunity to see presentations about various programs within the college and hear from students who have received Foundation scholarships.
"Without scholarships, it would have been difficult for me to afford to go to school,” said recent CFCC graduate Dawn Hale. “I am very grateful for the support of the Foundation, and also the generosity of our community. CFCC students like myself are very fortunate to have the Foundation working on our behalf.”
Governor Hunt is the only governor of North Carolina to be elected for four terms (1977-1985; 1993-2001) and he is one of the foremost proponents of higher education throughout the country. Top business leaders across the country describe Governor Hunt as a national pioneer in education and economic reform. The Editorial Projects in Education Research Center recently named Governor Hunt one of the ten most influential people in American education, along with Bill Gates, President George Bush and former President Bill Clinton.
Cape Fear Community College (CFCC) is one of the oldest and largest community colleges in North Carolina. Approximately 27,000 students take courses at the college each year. The college offers 60 technical job-training programs, a college transfer program and continuing education courses. CFCC boosts the New Hanover and Pender county economies by generating more than $435 million annually in business sales and $192 million in labor income. To learn more about helping the Cape Fear Community College Foundation, call (910) 362-7331 or visit http://cfcc.edu/foundation/.
CFCC 50th Anniversary Festival
Wilmington, NC: This year marks the 50th anniversary of Cape Fear Community College. To celebrate this monumental event, the College will host a 50th Anniversary Festival on Saturday, April 5th, from 9a.m. until 2 p.m. Students, alumni and members of the community are invited to join the fun at both the downtown and north Wilmington campus on Blue Clay Rd. The event will be part open house and part street fair, and is open to the public. Dozens of CFCC departments will host special activities and historical exhibits and lectures, leaving attendees with a greater understating of what the College does on a regular basis.
Throughout the year, CFCC will be paying tribute to its graduates through a special online feature called “50 Graduates for 50 Years.” The feature will also appear in the local news media.
The college is also producing a 50th anniversary video, which will include interviews with former students, faculty and community leaders along with rarely seen historical photos and film footage.
The CFCC Foundation is organizing the first-ever alumni association to help former classmates reconnect to the college and each other. For more information, visit www.cfcc.edu/alumni.
CFCC is currently looking for a variety of memorabilia and photos to use during the celebration and will be announcing more events in the near future.
For more information on the 50th Anniversary Festival please visit http://www.cfcc.edu/50/index.html
Left to right: Dr. Eric McKeithan, President CFCC,
Heather Robertson (Clint B. Robertson's sister),
Beverly Meshaw (Clint's mother), Eddie Meshaw and
Warren Kennedy.
Clint B. Robertson Memorial Scholarship is Endowed
March 28, 2008; Wilmington, NC: Cape Fear Community College (CFCC) has the distinct honor in announcing the establishment of the Clint B. Robertson Memorial Endowed Scholarship. The first award will be given in fall 2009 and is eligible to students who have graduated from a New Hanover or Pender County high school and are registered in Cape Fear’s college transfer program.
On March 8, 2006, Clint B. Robertson, a CFCC student, was driving home from the Scotts Hill Baptist Church following a performance by the Detour Praise Band in which he played keyboards. A vehicle pulled out of a shopping center into the path of his motorcycle, and Robertson died within moments of impact.
In order to keep Clint’s memory alive, Warren Kennedy, police sergeant and father of one of Robertson’s close friends, has dedicated the last two years hosting fundraisers to establish an endowed scholarship in Robertson’s name. Fundraisers included a memorial motorcycle ride, a sports trading card and comic show, and a Trot Nixon autograph session. Numerous donors from the community have contributed to the fund. All of these contributions combined allowed the fund to reach the $10,000 needed for an endowed scholarship.
Endowed scholarships are permanent, named funds. These funds are invested and a portion of the income generated is used to fund annual scholarship awards. At no time shall the endowment principle be expended, and unexpended earnings can be added to the principle at any time.
A check ceremony for the scholarship was held on the second anniversary of Robertson’s death, March 8, 2008, at the accident site. Robertson made a positive impact on many people, and he will continue to impact lives for years to come. The Clint B. Robertson Memorial Endowed Scholarship will keep Clint’s memory alive by helping future CFCC students obtain a college degree.
Cape Fear Community College Students Awarded Smith Barney Scholarships
March 28, 2008, Wilmington, NC: The Citi Foundation generously awarded a gift to the Cape Fear Community College Foundation in the amount of $5000. This award funded ten scholarships in the amount of $500 each to Cape Fear students in the Business Administration and Accounting Programs. Five scholarships were awarded in the fall of 2007 and five in the spring of 2008.
The Smith Barney Scholarships were available to Cape Fear students residing in either New Hanover or Pender County. Other criteria included a minimum grade point average of 2.0, demonstrated financial need, and low to moderate family income or low to moderate census tact residency. In addition, students who had already completed a semester at Cape Fear needed to demonstrate satisfactory academic progress as well as need. The recipients of the Smith Barney Scholarship are: Hui Lin, Wilmington; Kayla Conghlan, Wilmington; Anita Moore, Castle Hayne; Deborah Treto, Burgaw; Keri Lucas, Wilmington; James Murray, Wallace; Shannon Roberts, Southport; John Williams, Wilmington; and Jennifer Powell, Wilmington.
Congratulations to the Smith Barney Scholarship recipients.
Pictured left to right: Dr. Eric McKeithan, CFCC President; Wilma Daniels, CFCC Foundation Board member; Macy McRae, chair of WHA Board of Commissioners; and Margaret Robison, Executive Director of CFCC Foundation.
Cape Fear Community College Announces the Establishment of the Wilmington Housing Authority Endowed Scholarship Fund
March 18, 2008, Wilmington, NC: Cape Fear Community College has the distinct honor in accepting $15,000 from the Wilmington Housing Authority (WHA) to establish the first WHA endowed scholarship fund to assist Cape Fear Community College (CFCC) students who are residents of the Wilmington Housing Authority or Section 8 housing. The Wilmington Housing Authority began its involvement with the Cape Fear Foundation in 2003 and has previously given more than $45,000 for annual scholarship assistance to the students of CFCC.
To apply for WHA scholarships, a student must meet the following criteria: be a full or part-time student who is a resident of the Wilmington Housing Authority or Section 8 housing, have a minimum 2.5 gpa, be a high school graduate or equivalent, complete the scholarship application that includes information about their community involvement and goals, meet the approval of WHA representatives, and attend a scholarship event in April of the year of their award.
The Wilmington Housing Authority will host its sixth annual scholarship reception this year on April 18, 2008 at the Schwartz Center of Cape Fear Community College at 6pm. Tickets are $25.00 and my be purchased at Wilmington Housing Authority’s central office. The Wilmington Housing Authority hopes to increase their Cape Fear Community College endowed scholarship fund to $20,000 with the help of the fundraiser.
The Wilmington Housing Authority is a leader in providing affordable housing to low and moderate income families. Through their Section 8 program, residents can choose where they live. Through their public housing program, students are able to pay rent based on 30% of their annual income, minus many deductibles, such as children and some medical expenses.
Endowed scholarships are permanent, named funds. These funds are invested and a portion of the income generated is used to fund annual scholarship awards, with the initial deposit being a minimum of $10,000. Donors may add to endowed funds at any time.
For additional information on the Wilmington Housing Authority please contact Annette Williams 910.341.7700, ext 230, or by email at annettew@wha.net.
Progress Energy Awards $15,000 Grant to Cape Fear Community College for Scholarships
Progress Energy Thanked for Sustained Support
February 25, 2008, Wilmington, NC: Progress Energy generously awarded a grant of $15,000 to Cape Fear Community College to provide full scholarships to new or current students who are pursuing degrees in Electronics Engineering Technology, Computer Engineering Technology, Industrial Systems Technology and Electrical/Electronics Technology.
The following students received Progress Energy Scholarships for the 2007-2008 academic year: Barry L. Arita, James Baltezegar, Joseph Bernardini, Zeke J. Englert, and Jeremy Taylor, all from Wilmington; Daniel Ingram and Michael Salargo from Leland; Dustin Rudisill from Hampstead; and Tim W. Gregory from Durham.
“CFCC enjoys a strong partnership with Progress Energy in providing technical training for well paying local jobs,” says Eric McKeithan, President of CFCC. “We greatly appreciate their continuing financial support for students enrolled in CFCC.”
Progress Energy (NYSE: PGN), headquartered in Raleigh, N.C., is a Fortune 250 diversified energy company with more than 23,000 megawatts of generation capacity and $10 billion in annual revenues. The company’s holdings include two electric utilities serving approximately 3 million customers in North Carolina, South Carolina and Florida. Progress Energy’s nonregulated operations include energy marketing. Progress Energy is the 2006 recipient of the Edison Electric Institute’s Edison Award, the industry’s highest honor, in recognition of its operational excellence. In 2005, the company also received the prestigious J.D. Power and Associates Founder’s Award for dedication, commitment and sustained improvement in customer service. For more information about Progress Energy, visit the company’s Web site at www.progress-energy.com.
Progress Energy invests in nonprofit partners in Florida, North Carolina and South Carolina to improve the quality of life for both customers and employees. Grants focus on education, the environment, economic development and employee involvement. During 2006, Progress Energy invested over $11 million in the communities served by Progress Energy.
Cape Fear Community College Launches Alumni Association
February 21, 2008, Wilmington, NC: Cape Fear Community College is excited to announce the establishment of the CFCC Alumni Association in celebration of the college’s 50th anniversary. Cape Fear invites all alumni to join the Alumni Association in an effort to connect and network graduates from previous years.
The Alumni Association is currently managed by the Cape Fear Community College Foundation, and foundation members are delighted to be a part of its launch. “The celebration of the 50th anniversary is an exciting time to begin the alumni group. Whether alumni attended a 2 or 4 year school, their Cape Fear degree is just as important to them and joining will allow them stay connected to the community where they live,” Margaret Robison, Foundation Executive Director.
The CFCC Foundation will host a pre-game Alumni Association Kick-Off on Saturday February 23rd, from 4-5 p.m. at the Schwartz Center. Attendees will enjoy free admission to the CFCC Sea Devils basketball game at 5 p.m. and the Wilmington Sea Dawgs basketball game at 8 p.m. Kick-Off highlights include free food provided by Papa John’s pizza, Wilson's Restaurant, Carvel Ice Cream, and other local vendors; free autographs and photo opportunities with the Sea Devils mascot and cheerleaders; merchandise giveaways; halftime entertainment; as well as other activities and fun for the whole family! Alumni will also have the opportunity to sign-up and join the Association and enjoy a free two year membership. The Schwartz Center is located at 601 N. Front Street. Alumni are encouraged to park in lots adjacent to the Schwartz Center on Hanover Street.
Alumni are also asked to visit the all-new alumni page on Cape Fear Community College’s Web site and register or update contact information. The association would love to know details about post-graduation paths as well as any other exciting news such as a new job, promotion, accomplishment, recognition, marriage, baby or retirement.
For more information regarding the Alumni Kick-Off, or to register to become a member of the Alumni Association or update contact information, please visit www.cfcc.edu/alumni or call 910.362.7423.
Riverfest/Ava M. Hobbs Scholarships Aid Marine Technology Students
Riverfest of Wilmington Thanked for Sustained Support
Wilmington, NC: On January 17, 2008, Riverfest of Wilmington presented a generous gift of $10,000 to the Cape Fear Community College Foundation Board of Directors to provide scholarship funding for students.
Three Marine Technology program students at Cape Fear Community College received Riverfest/Ava M. Hobbs Scholarships for the 2007-2008 academic year: Ben White, Robert Mohler, and Shawn VanSlooten, all from the Wilmington area. The scholarships were established by Riverfest of Wilmington to benefit deserving students who plan careers in the marine sciences.
“We are thrilled by the support Riverfest has provided to students at the college. These particular students are called to a profession that is deeply rooted in our region’s history, and Riverfest is assuring that these nautical traditions remain vital and strong,” says Margaret Robinson, executive director of the Cape Fear Community College Foundation.
Since 1985 Riverfest has provided more than $100,000 to the college’s Marine Technology program for student scholarships and for general support of the program. Riverfest funding benefits both student training and the community it supports; the funding has purchased specialty nautical equipment and has sponsored educational field trips for students.
Funding for the Riverfest/Ava M. Hobbs Scholarships is generated from the annual Riverfest event. The first Riverfest celebration was held in October 1979, as an effort to help revitalize downtown Wilmington through a cultural street festival honoring the Cape Fear River.
Madeline Trask Scholarship Endowed
Wilmington, NC: On Tuesday, December 18th, friends, colleagues and family of Madeline “Tuggie” Trask gathered to thank her for her fourteen years of service at Cape Fear Community College. Tuggie, as she is fondly referred to by friends, was presented with a plaque from the Order of Cape Fear, distinguishing her as an honorary member in the most prestigious donor category attainable at Cape Fear for her endless efforts in raising scholarship funds for Cape Fear students.
Another highlight of the reception was the presentation of the Madeline Trask scholarship, which will be awarded in spring, 2009 to a student athlete in the Women’s Soccer or Volleyball program.
Wilmington Contractors’ Association Adds to Its Endowment
Association Presents CFCC with Check for $10,000
Wilmington, NC: The Wilmington Contractors’ Association supplemented its endowed scholarship recently by adding a $10,000 gift that will provide tuition and fees for two students attending Cape Fear Community College this year. This year’s recipients are Tasha Thomas who is studying Interior Design and Karen Rivenbark in the Architectural Technology program.
The Wallace and Virginia West Endowed Scholarship was established by the Association in 1998. The scholarship is awarded to students based on grade point average and a focus on a field of study related to construction. John J. Carter, the 2007-2008 Wilmington Contractors’ Association President, relates that “The Wilmington Contractors’ Association believes in giving back to the community that supports its members. Cape Fear Community College provides us with that opportunity and allows us to help deserving students studying in the building industry. We are pleased to continue this long association with the college and wish them and the scholarship recipients great success in the future.”
Margaret Robison, Executive Director of the Cape Fear Community College Foundation says, “We appreciate and are pleased by the Association’s commitment to our students and to our community.” Endowed scholarships can be started with an initial gift of $15,000. Endowments provide naming and memorial opportunities that provide an avenue to support students well into the future.
Cape Fear Community College (CFCC) is one of the oldest and largest in the North Carolina community college system. Approximately 27,000 students take courses at the college each year. Studies show that for each dollar spent educating CFCC students, more than $2.36 is returned to the local community. Additionally, the college boosts the economy of New Hanover and Pender counties by generating more than $435 million annually in business sales and $192 million in labor income.
Those interested in more information about supporting the college and its students are urged to contact the Foundation at 910-362-7331. Please visit the Foundation’s website at http://cfcc.edu/foundation/.