November 30, 2012 | SharkAdmin [image 2]Alamo Colleges’ Foundation scholarship donors and supporters got the opportunity Friday, Nov. 30 to see just where their money is going. Scholarships recipients of the five colleges had a special lunch with donors for the annual Donor Appreciation Lunch, which was hosted by NVC this year at the Palmetto Center for the Arts. Students were able to tell the business leaders and VIPs who were sitting with them how their scholarship donations have impacted their lives. [image 1]Jim Eskin of Alamo Colleges’ Institutional Advancement said because of the donations from companies and individuals, Alamo Colleges was able to award 1,160 students scholarships that amounted to over $1 million. However, he shared with the audience that more can be done since another 2,000 plus students applied for scholarships. “For every three students who we gave a scholarship to, another seven didn’t get a scholarship and we know these students are knowledgeable,” Eskin said. “We want to work with you and the community to give every student who qualifies a scholarship.” For many of the students who received scholarships, it means more opportunities for success in their education. Moises Roberto Carlos, a Palo Alto College student, told donors at the lunch that he’s the first in his family to go to college and he never thought it would be possible to get a scholarship. [image 4]“It’s a blessing. It’s making my dreams come true,” said Moises, who is double majoring in music and information security. NVC President Jackie Claunch said at the luncheon that community colleges provide opportunities to people in the community who otherwise wouldn’t have that same chance. She added scholarships help students, such as a single mom trying to go back to school or a student working a full time job and trying to attend college at the same time.
