On Friday, Oct. 4, the TMCC Foundation hosted its 10th Annual Legacy Scholarship Reception honoring scholarship donors and recipients. This event recognizes donor contributions that make an enormous impact on the lives of many TMCC students. The event provides donors with the opportunity to meet the recipient of their scholarship, and learn more about how their gift has impacted the life of a TMCC student.
Students are also recognized at the event and have the opportunity to thank their donor(s) in person. In this academic year alone, the TMCC Foundation has awarded $617,000 to more than 400 students and estimates awarding more than $800,000 before the academic year ends. Since the Foundation began awarding scholarships 30 years ago, nearly $9 million dollars has been awarded to deserving TMCC students.
At the event, President Hilgersom welcomed and honored scholarship donors and recipients in attendance, acknowledging student struggles, and the life-changing experiences scholarships can provide. She recognized TMCC student Laurel Allen, who is a student in the male-dominated automotive and diesel programs. She recognized Allen for her trailblazing spirit, hard work, and dedication. “Laurel is working to break down the gender barrier and hopes to encourage female applicants at the business she hopes to open in the near future,” said Dr. Hilgersom. “We could not be more proud of Laurel and all that she has already accomplished and what she is yet to achieve.”
Former TMCC President, Dr. John Gwaltney, Scholarship Recipient Fernando Zermeno and Mara Langer, Nevada Builders Alliance Outreach Coordinator.
In addition, past scholarship recipient Martin Rodriguez spoke at the event and shared the impact scholarships have made on his life. “I have received generous assistance through TMCC Foundation Scholarships and I am grateful for how they have enabled me to pursue my dream of attending college and achieving my goals,” said Rodriguez. “To be honest, I never thought I was going to get this far. I plan to complete my Associate of Applied Science with a Residential Design emphasis by the end of the year and work for a company that is focused on building affordable and sustainable housing in the Reno/Sparks community. I am fortunate that I have been able to continue my education without a heavy financial burden, and I owe a debt of gratitude to TMCC.”
The event, which enabled donors and TMCC students to connect, fostered conversations that were inspirational and laced with gratitude; student Fernando Zermeno met his Nevada Builders Alliance Scholarship donor at the event, and Julie Ott from CREW spoke with CREW’s many scholarship recipients. Each saw the direct impact of their generosity and listened to stories of students who are realizing their academic and professional dreams.
Scholarships through the TMCC Foundation help students cover the costs of tuition, fees, and other expenses associated with their education or job training. Scholarships also help students excel by improving students’ morale and confidence, which encourages educational completion. In many cases, receiving a scholarship can be that first step to helping a student succeed.
A special thank you to the Lewis Group of Companies and Wells Fargo who not only sponsored the event but are also long-term scholarship donors. To learn more about the impact of scholarships on TMCC students, or for more information about establishing a scholarship, please contact the TMCC Foundation at 775-674-7648.