The Foundation of Caldwell Community College and Technical Institute held its Annual Fund Campaign kickoff luncheon on Tuesday, March 6 at the J.E. Broyhill Civic Center in Lenoir.
Featuring community leaders, campaign volunteers, and college faculty and administrators, the event starts fundraising efforts for the Foundation’s Annual Fund Drive. Peg Broyhill, Chair of the Foundation’s Board of Directors, offered opening remarks and welcomed the crowd of supporters. Broyhill also announced the goal for this year’s campaign as $370,000, the highest to date for the campaign. Broyhill also announced that the Honorable Robert Brady and Sheila Triplett-Brady will lead the 2018 Annual Fund Drive campaign.
The couple, both having taught and attended classes at CCC&TI, eagerly accepted the invitation to co-chair the campaign due to their love for lifelong learning and the vital role the college serves in the community. Triplett-Brady shared a personal story about their daughter who earned her associates degree at CCC&TI and then went on Appalachian State University. “Her time at CCC&TI gave her the confidence to finish what she hadn’t been able to finish before,” she said. “We are a family of life-long learners. We’re counting on you for a record-breaking Annual Fund Campaign.”
Deborah Murray, Vice Chair of the Foundation and Director of the Caldwell County Economic Development Commission, spoke to the group about the value of CCC&TI in the community. “CCC&TI plays a significant and critical role in recruitment and retention for many companies. In my opinion, there’s not a more valuable partner in this region’s economic development than the college,” said Murray.
CCC&TI President Dr. Mark Poarch also addressed the group, sharing the college’s success last year in serving more than 13,000 students and more than 750 curriculum graduates. He pointed out that by 2020, it is estimated that 67 percent of jobs will require some college education.
Poarch expressed his gratitude for the volunteers and their efforts each year to raise funds for the college. “We have a community of people who are dedicated to the success of our students, and we have a community of people who are committed to removing barriers for our citizens to access higher education,” said Poarch. “Without your help, the ability to attend college and the hope for a better tomorrow would not be possible for many of our students.”
Several students also spoke at the event. Bailee Burleson, Dean Church and Amy Vue shared how scholarships and assistance through the Foundation have helped them pursue their educational goals. Burleson is the first recipient of the Jack and Shirley Robbins Scholarship and is working toward a degree in Nursing. “After much hard work, my dream will become a reality this May when I graduate from CCC&TI,” said Burleson. “This scholarship was an answer to prayer and I am so thankful for this opportunity.” Ophthalmic Medical Assistant student Amy Vue echoed that sentiment. “I want to thank each of you for giving me and other students the opportunity to continue our education,” said Vue.
Broyhill introduced each of the team captains for this year’s campaign. They are Dr. Mark Poarch, Peg Broyhill, Barbara Freiman, Barbara Weiller and Joan McGee, Guy Walters, Jr. and Wayne Keller, Deborah Murray and Mary Frances Sullivan.
Foundation Executive Director Marla Christie recognized the faculty and staff members at CCC&TI, who kicked off their portion of the campaign in February. To date, the employee campaign has raised more than $30,000 and employees are continuing to bring in pledges.
CCC&TI students are also working to raise money for the campaign. The Student Government Association is hosting a Dinner and a Movie event on March 22 that will include a gourmet meal and the movie “Breathe.” All proceeds from the event will go the Foundation Annual Fund. The event is open to the public.
Board priorities for this year’s campaign include funding for scholarships, the Dream Award Program, childcare, student emergencies, academic support and professional development.
For more information on the Foundation of Caldwell Community College and Technical Institute, or to make a gift to the Annual Fund Drive, visit www.cccti.edu/foundation or contact the Foundation Office at 828.726.2260.
