Reception Gives Scholarship Students an Opportunity to Thank Donors
WINTERVILLE—The Pitt Community College Foundation held its annual Scholarship Reception Tuesday to celebrate student scholarship recipients and recognize donor generosity.
According to PCC Vice President of Institutional Advancement Marianne Cox, the PCC Foundation awards more than $300,000 in scholarships annually. The reception, she said, gives recipients of those awards a chance to meet and thank the individuals who have invested in their futures through their support of the foundation.
“Donors and (PCC) Foundation Board members, thank you for investing your resources in these students,” Cox told those attending Tuesday’s reception. “I believe strongly that you will receive an excellent return on your investment.”
The reception also featured several students sharing their thoughts on what scholarships have meant to them personally. One of those students, Travis Barnes, thanked donors and explained how the Garrie Moore Outreach Scholarship and a PCC Foundation general scholarship have made it possible for him to pursue an associate degree in nursing.
Barnes, who is on track to graduate in May 2020, said he made a tough decision two years ago to leave his full-time job in order to enroll at PCC for nursing. Every day, he drives 45 minutes to class and must juggle his responsibilities as a full-time student with his part-time job obligations, National Guard service, and running a household.
“(Scholarships) basically made it possible for me to continue to progress toward my nursing degree,” Barnes said. “And it’s also allowed me the time to focus on my education versus having to worry about how I’m going to pay for school.”
Barnes said he ultimately plans to pursue a master’s degree in nursing, so he can become a nursing instructor.
09/16/2019