The Gateway Community College (GCC) Foundation celebrated Gateway’s scholarship recipients and the generous donors who support the scholarship program at a June 6 luncheon at the New Haven Lawn Club. More than $129,000 in scholarships was made available to Gateway students—the largest amount since the Foundation’s establishment in 1993. 

The 119 scholarship recipients were recognized and rewarded outstanding academic performance and encompass a broad range of academic disciplines, including business, early childhood education or special education, engineering technology, health care, human services, liberal arts, mathematics, media services and science. 

“It is always exciting to bring the donors and recipients together for this event,” says Thomas Griggs, chair of the GCC Foundation Board. “There is nothing quite as touching as seeing them together. The donors get to meet the beneficiaries of their generosity and see, for themselves, the impact they make on another’s well-being, and the student is able to say thank you and express their appreciation.”

The GCC Foundation awarded a total of 137 scholarships ranging from $250 to $2,000. For many recipients – especially those facing financial hardship or balancing work and family commitments while pursuing their educations – these scholarships often mean the difference between staying in, or dropping out, of college. One such story came from Marlon Micho, who was inspired by his grandmother’s delicious cooking to pursue a career in culinary arts. Marlon thanked the donors at the event for believing in him and his classmates enough to invest in their futures.

“This event exemplifies my favorite quote by John C. Maxwell,“ said GCC President, Dorsey Kendrick. “People don’t care how much you know until they know how much you care. Nowhere is this truer than when the students and the donors meet. We are so grateful for their support.”

The Foundation also awards scholarships to high school students who are entering Gateway Community College in the fall. In 2014, 25 scholarships will be awarded to new GCC freshmen.

The Gateway Community College Foundation assists the College in expanding its services to students, enhancing academic instruction and investing in Connecticut’s future. It advocates for the College and creates nurturing partnerships with businesses, organizations and institutions throughout the community. It also provides necessary resources that enable the College to carry out its mission of providing high-quality instruction and comprehensive services in an environment conducive to learning. The Foundation funds scholarships for students, professional development grants for faculty and staff and programmatic equipment for the College.