SCHOLARSHIP

Student scholarship winners say they are humbled to think that a complete stranger would care enough to open their wallets and “pay it forward,” and they are forever grateful to these quiet champions who make it possible for them to change their lives for the better.

As nearly 450 guests and scholarship recipients gathered at the annual Rowan-Cabarrus Community College Foundation Changing Lives Scholarship Luncheon, scholarship recipients had the chance to personally thank those who assisted them.

Liana Walker, 2017-2018 Student Government Association president and an associate in arts transfer student, shared how being the daughter of a single mother motivated her to apply for scholarships.

“If you don’t go after what you want, you’ll never have it. If you don’t ask, the answer is always no. If you don’t step forward, you’re always in the same place,” Walker said, quoting author Nora Roberts. “As students, we ask the Foundation for help and, in turn, they look to us to rise to the occasion, no matter the obstacles, because success is bigger than failure.”

Jacob Mohammad, an associate in general education pre-health nursing student and Rowan-Cabarrus Student Ambassador, knows firsthand the impact a caring nurse can have. “I was only two years old when I was diagnosed with leukemia. The nurses helped me when I was at my lowest, and they made all the difference. I cannot wait to do that for others,” Mohammad said.

Scholarship recipients Whitney Brown and Brian McGuire shared their own touching stories via a prepared video.

“Within three weeks of my separation from my husband, I found out that I got a scholarship that covered everything,” said Brown, a nursing student. “Coming to Rowan-Cabarrus Community College has been the best experience ever.”

The film also highlighted Susan and Bob Smith, longtime, generous supporters of the College.

They were featured along with Brian McGuire, recipient of the Susan J. and Robert M. Smith Endowed Scholarship.

McGuire, a veteran and former ranger in the U.S. Army, lost both of his legs below the knee during his fourth tour of duty in Iraq and Afghanistan. The scholarship enabled him to make a career change for a brighter future for himself and his family.

“Coming to Rowan-Cabarrus Community College and getting into the Computer-Integrated Machining program is moving towards that next level of learning a new career, learning a new field, and hopefully moving forward and thriving in it,” said McGuire.

By investing in Rowan-Cabarrus students, scholarship donors are investing in their neighbors and community. Students live, work, raise their families and spend their incomes in our region.

“Through all of this economic uncertainty, I believe there is hope,” said President Spalding. “Our region’s potential is too important to leave to chance. We must align strategic investments and resources to ensure that we influence and mold a future that provides hope and opportunity for our citizens.”

In total, the Rowan-Cabarrus Foundation raised more than $100,000 at the Changing Lives Scholarship Luncheon to support new and existing scholarships and student emergency needs.

The Rowan-Cabarrus Foundation has a twenty-seven member Board of Directors, nine committees, and a multitude of volunteers. The Rowan-Cabarrus Foundation provides funding for:

• Student assistance (scholarships, emergency funding and books)
• Institutional enhancement (capital improvements, equipment, program, and curriculum support)
• Faculty/staff incentive grants and continuing education
• New program development