EFSConnections Fall 2023 | Page 10

Foundation Annual

SCHOLARSHIP EVENT PROVES MEANINGFUL

GRATITUDE . EXCITEMENT . PRIDE . These were tangible at this year ’ s Annual Titan Donor Scholarship Reception , as student scholarship recipients had the opportunity to say thank you to those who have helped them be successful .
Held on the EFSC Melbourne Campus on Thursday , April 6 , more than 160 people attended the emotion-packed event with college president Dr . Jim Richey praising donors for their “ selfless generosity .”
He noted that a record $ 836,000 in donations provided $ 1 million in scholarships awarded last academic year , showing the indispensable role that donors play in college life .
“ We can see the results of your kindness right here in this room tonight and in classrooms throughout all four of our campuses where students are pursuing their dreams – dreams that might otherwise be lost or discarded ,” said Richey .
Dan Kelley , Tonya Cherry , Brittnee Joseph and Jack Masson
“ You are truly making a difference in their lives . Please accept my sincere thanks for opening your hearts in a way that will resonate for generations to come .”
A recipient of the Cadore Family Scholarship , Michelle
Donors Joseph and Patricia Riesett
Scholarship recipients with College President Dr . Jim Richey

Being a scholarship recipient has empowered me beyond my wildest dreams . I am eternally grateful to the Cadore family for this opportunity .
- Michelle Canada , Cadore Family Scholarship recipient
Canada , was thrilled to have the chance to pursue her dream of becoming a nurse .
Donors Joseph and Patricia Riesett and sibling , Carol Valentine , created the Mary Virginia Hurtt scholarship upon the passing of their sister .

They attend the event annually and were thrilled to express the joy they feel when they get the chance to interact with the students .
“ Our youth are so very important ,” said Valentine . “ They are the next in line and need our help to be successful .
“ We set up this scholarship in memory of our sister in the hope of helping other students with special needs .”
The EFSC Foundation team is already planning the next event in the hope of inspiring others to get involved , to donate to Titan Scholarships , and help even more students make their college dreams a reality .
“ It ’ s really moving what generosity makes possible ,” said Tonya Cherry , Executive Director of the EFSC Foundation . “ We are very proud to be able to connect these students with the wonderful donors who want nothing more than to make a difference . It ’ s not every day one gets to meet the recipient of a donation . Very powerful . Very moving .”
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