The Wells Fargo Bank and Gateway Community College Foundation (GCCF) have joined forces with Southern Connecticut State University (SCSU) to provide scholarship support for students going from Gateway Community College (GCC) to SCSU. 

On Friday, June 14, Helene Augustine, vice president and senior fiduciary relationship specialist for Wells Fargo, and Kevin Burke, Wells Fargo’s commercial banking market executive for Connecticut and the New York Capital Region, presented a $5,000 check to GCC President, Paul Broadie II to establish the first Trailblazer Scholarships.

A $5,000 matching grant from SCSU made it possible to offer up to ten $1,000 scholarships for Gateway students participating in the Transfer Ticket program.

“I’m inspired by the team that created this groundbreaking scholarship opportunity,” said President Broadie. “This is an outstanding example of ways in which we come together to expand access to higher education. I am grateful to the Wells Fargo Bank and to President Bertolino for helping our grads go to the next level.”

Seven Trailblazer Scholars were announced at the GCCF Donor and Scholar luncheon on June 7 at the New Haven Lawn Club. Tanner Bryant, Paris Cain, Chelsie Flournoy, Emma Gallagher, Amanda Kennedy, Michael Merrigan, and Mia Torgerson will each receive $1,000 toward their studies at SCSU.

“Access and affordability have been key to our mission at Southern Connecticut State University ever since our founding 125 years ago,” said SCSU President Joe Bertolino. “Thanks to the generous support from the Wells Fargo Bank and our productive partnership with Gateway Community College, more students will now be able to attend Southern without the financial burden that may have limited their pursuit of a four-year degree.”

Chelsie Flournoy of Milford plans to study psychology and said that the scholarship she received is extremely beneficial for allowing her to continue her education.

“Being the first member in my family to attend college, it is an honor to be recognized and receive such awards,” Chelsie said.

Tanner Bryant of Guilford said that the news about his scholarship award was a wonderful surprise.  He plans to study journalism and communications at SCSU. 

“This award gives me the financial assistance that I really need to be able to attend SCSU.  It also enables me to think about the potential of an education that I previously thought was unaffordable,” Tanner said.

“I started my higher education career at a community college so I know first-hand the top-notch learning they provide to students from all backgrounds and fields of study,” said Burke. “Wells Fargo is honored to be able to award Trail Blazer Scholarships to qualified individuals for the purpose of recognizing talented students and helping to ease the financial burden associated with going to college.”   

Burke has described community colleges as “unsung heroes” for providing a supportive environment and opportunities to students who might not have had as many opportunities in life.  Entrenched in the communities they serve, community colleges work closely with businesses to gain a greater understanding of the needs of the community and develop programs to meet those needs.

For information about the new Trailblazer Scholarship and other GCCF scholarship opportunities visit www.GatewayFDN.org.