PHILANTHROPY

Over the last few years, the Rowan-Cabarrus Community College Foundation has undergone a significant revitalization.

“We recognize the important role that private financial support must play in achieving the long-term goals of the College,” said Paul Brown, chair of the Rowan-Cabarrus Community College Foundation Board of Directors. “Public support for the College from tax dollars will continue to diminish year after year, making new program development and forward movement difficult without private investment.”

To support the College’s efforts, Rowan-Cabarrus launched the Building a More Prosperous Community major gifts campaign in spring of 2014. The campaign brought a new and exciting chapter for the Foundation as the first large scale, multi-million dollar fundraising campaign in the 50-year history of the College.

“We are committed to investing in new programs and modern technology, ultimately training students on real world equipment so they are ready for employment upon graduation,” said William Cannon, Jr., Cabarrus County resident and president of The Cannon Foundation. Cannon also serves as co-chair of the Foundation’s campaign along with community leaders from both counties who are spearheading the effort to raise these funds.

The campaign, with a total goal of raising $7.1 million, is centered on four key initiatives that address specific needs for the College, including a new advanced technology center, healthcare education, an outdoor learning and amphitheater space, and STEAM scholarships for students pursuing science, technology, engineering, art and mathematics.

“We are asking for support – not for things that the College needs, but what we believe the community needs,” said Edward Norvell, Rowan County resident, attorney and co-chair of the College’s campaign. “We have raised over 90 percent of our campaign goal.”

In addition to the four main initiatives, the College is also seeking funds for two additional special projects – a solar energy investment, and the expansion of the world class Fire & Emergency Services Training Facility.

In addition to the public launch of the major gifts campaign, the Foundation experienced many highlights in 2016 including several in-kind donations from generous companies and the eighth annual Rowan-Cabarrus Community College Foundation Golf Classic, which raised nearly $34,000 for the Foundation. The Foundation also awarded numerous grants to College faculty and staff who use them to impact students, and assisted over 32 students with special emergency financial needs.