Inaugural donor reception pairs students with benefactors

CGCC President Linda Lujan with recipients of the
Florence A. Walsh Memorial Scholarship.

Chandler-Gilbert Community College (CGCC) held its inaugural scholarship donor reception on Dec. 4. More than 40 students were recognized as recipients of scholarships established by individuals, organizations and corporations, whose representatives were also present. This fall, CGCC awarded $883,000 in scholarships to more than 2,842 students.

CGCC President Linda Lujan spoke at the event, noting “Donors understand that investments made in education are compounded dramatically in their return and their impact on the lives of students and their current and future families as well as on society.”

According to the College Board’s 2013 Education Pays, students who earn degrees are not only more likely to have a higher salary but they are also more likely to be employed, to receive health benefits and pension programs from their employers, to be more active citizens, to lead healthier lifestyles, to move up the socioeconomic ladder, and to spend more time with their children.

Lujan went on to note that scholarships are only one way the college works to help it’s nearly 20,000 students reach their individual education goals, mentioning dedicated staff and faculty; innovative programs designed by faculty either at the college or in conjunction with other colleges; support of the community through service-learning projects, internships and partnerships; as well as district-wide initiatives from the Maricopa County Community College District.

“CGCC’s vision is to help every student succeed,” said Lujan. “Awarding nearly one million dollars to deserving students wouldn’t be possible without our donors. It’s important that we take the time to recognize and honor them and give them the opportunity to meet the students who are benefitting from their generosity.”

CGCC Aviation and Applied Technology Division Chair
Mike Hutto (left) and Bill Kipper from Boeing with aviation
and engineering student recipients of the Boeing Scholarship and
the SRP Get Into Energy Scholarship for Engineering.