Foundation Scholarship Luncheon Recognizes Recipients And "Philanthropic Spirit" of Sponsors

Approximately 80 people attended the 2nd Annual Foundation Scholarship Luncheon in Birch Dining Room

The Foundation's Second Annual Scholarship Luncheon to celebrate "the philanthropic spirit" of sponsors and recognize scholarship recipients was held Oct. 17 at A-B Tech.

Lunch was served by A-B Tech Hospitality Education students to members of the Board of Trustees, local government officials, the Foundation Board, the Scholarship Selection Committee, sponsors and students gathered in the Birch Dining Room. "The Foundation Board is a dedicated group of visionaries committed to securing financial resources for this college." Foundation Board Chair Jim Coman said. "Providing scholarships to any student who has financial need and desires an education is one of the goals of the Foundation. The need for scholarships continues to increase. Nearly two-thirds of our curriculum students receive financial aid through scholarships, grants, loans, or the federal work study program. In 2001-2002, the Financial Aid Office awarded $3.6 million, more than $106,000 of which came in scholarships to pay increasing tuition costs of $500 per semester. In the past five years, tuition has increased 167%."

"With enrollment exceeding 5,000 and increasing every year and with rising tuition costs, the need will be even more critical in the future," according to Foundation Officer Libby Hodan.

The majority of Foundation scholarships are based on financial need and grade point average. Endowed scholarships may be established with a minimum gift of $10,000. Scholarships are awarded based upon interest earned from the endowed funds. A second type of scholarship awarded by the Foundation is an Annual Scholarship that may be established with a minimum donation of $1,000. At the luncheon, the following scholarship recipients were presented with certificates:

Alan Windham is the recipient of the Marie Love Cochrane Endowed Scholarship established to honor former Math Instructor Marie Cochrane. Melinda Rice-Keever is the recipient of the Joseph Dave Endowed Scholarship established by Jerry Dave to honor his father, Joseph Dave, founder of Dave Steel.

Denise Logan is the recipient of the Lacy T. Haith and James V. Miller Endowed Scholarship which provides financial assistance to African-American students.

Alexandria Fender is the recipient of the Jessie Copp Kramer/Hominy Valley Endowed Scholarship established to honor Mrs. Kramer, a well-respected educator in the Hominy Valley area.

Annie Dowdell is the recipient of the Grace Love Schneider Endowed Scholarship established to provide scholarships to students in any curriculum.

Erika Prezas is the recipient of the UnitedHealthcare Endowed Scholarship established for students pursuing an associate degree in nursing.

Eva Craig is the recipient of the American Association of University Women Scholarship awarded to second-year female students in the college-transfer program, graduating from high school at least five years ago.

Jason Penland is the recipient of the ArvinMeritor Annual Scholarship available to students completing a curriculum program in Electrical/Electronics or Machining Technology.

Laurel Barber and Amanda Battles are both recipients of the Children's Welfare League Scholarship awarded to students who are residents of Buncombe County for at least a year and enrolled in a curriculum program.

Dale Medford is the recipient of the STG Annual Scholarship, which provides financial assistance to students pursuing a curriculum in the computer technologies field.

Ernie MacDaniel is the recipient of the Volvo Construction Equipment Technical Annual Scholarship for students who desire to complete a curriculum program in Mechanical Engineering Technology, Heavy Equipment and Transport Technology or Welding Technology.

Several newly established scholarships will be awarded in the future. The H.D. and Kay Crews Endowed Scholarship will be awarded to a nursing student. The Futch Family Endowed Scholarship will benefit students enrolled in any curriculum. At the luncheon, President Bailey presented a plaque to Site Manager Rick Roberson of Colbond Inc. for its contribution of 7.9 acres to the Enka campus.

Former Congressmen Speak To Area Students About Politics And World Events

Former Congressmen Earl Hutto, left, and Robert Daniel, Jr. field questions from both Asheville High and A-B Tech students in Ferguson Auditorium.

The possibility of a war with Iraq, the rising cost of health care, and the Washington-area sniper were among the topics on the minds of about 200 students who had an opportunity to quiz two retired Congressmen visiting A-B Tech last month through the Congress to Campus program.

Rep. Earl Hutto (D-FL) and Rep. Robert Daniel, Jr. (R-VA) spent three days at A-B Tech and UNCA meeting with campus leaders and visiting classes in history, economics, mass communications, and leadership. Their visit was sponsored by Congress to Campus, a program that sends bipartisan teams of former Congressmen to college communities throughout the country to talk to students about opportunities in politics and government.

On the final day of their visit to A-B Tech, Hutto and Daniel fielded questions from150 ninth-graders from an Asheville High School government class and 50 A-B Tech microeconomics students in Ferguson Auditorium. Several students asked how a war with Iraq would affect the U.S. economy and international relations. Others were interested in possible links between the Washington-area sniper and Al Qaeda, immigration, health care costs, Social Security, and the minimum wage.

Daniel told the students the job of a Congressman consists of three parts - "what you see on C-Span," committee work, adding that both he and Hutto served on the Armed Services Committee; and problem-solving for their constituents. Hutto encouraged students to look beyond themselves and become involved in public service. "One of the things I want to do is inspire you to take an interest in your country. ... You are the future."

Reports of His Death Are Greatly Exaggerated

Dr. Marvin Cole who portrays Mark Twain in a series of one-man shows, will bring the charm and wit of Twain for one show only to Ferguson Auditorium Nov. 15 at 7pm. Dr. Cole chooses from a diverse selection of Twain's writings, often gauging his decision on the mood and tone of the audience. As he writes in the program, "one or more of the following (excerpts) may be expected; in fact, the public is privileged to expect whatever it pleases." Selections include Huckleberry Finn: Jim's Scene, My Grandfather's Ram, and On Being 70, along with many other favorites. Tickets are $10 for adults and $5 for students. For advance tickets call, 254-1921, Ext. 177

Frank Thanks

Frank Singer, a student enrolled in the CAD program who received $500 as a part of a state assisted financial aid program that has funds earmarked for low enrollment programs, wrote to Vice President of Student Services Dr. Dennis King thanking him for all his help. He writes that "words cannot describe how appreciative I feel towards the people who have helped me, especially you.

President Bailey Leads Seniors

President Bailey gave a presentation to Leadership Asheville Seniors for their Oct. 16 program at the Haynes Center on the Enka campus. The focus was on regional economic influences and President Bailey gave an overview of the college, its programs and achievements to the more than 30 attendees.

A Lion's Share

The A-B Tech Foundation received a check for $3,346 from the Candler Lions Club for the Jessie Copp Kramer/ Hominy Valley Endowed Scholarship.

Tech Talk is published for employees of Asheville-Buncombe Technical Community College by the College Relations Division.

Executive Editor:
Mona Cornwell
Managing Editor:
Jodi Ford

Send submissions to Mona Cornwell, director of communications, at mcornwell@abtech.edu. Publication of the next issue is scheduled Dec. 2. The deadline for submissions is Nov. 18. This edition of Tech Talk was produced October 2002. Equal Opportunity Educational Institution.

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