Special to IFN
Through the generosity of its employees, Mitchell Community College surpassed fundraising goals with 80 percent of its faculty and staff making a monetary donation to the College during an annual giving campaign hosted by the College’s Advancement Office.
This fundraising milestone placed Mitchell among the highest percentages of employee giving in the North Carolina Community College System.
“We are deeply grateful for the generosity of our community of donors, whose support makes a lasting impact on our students,” said Molly Nicholson, executive director for Advancement and College Relations. “This includes the extraordinary efforts of our dedicated faculty and staff, who rose above and beyond in this year’s faculty and staff giving campaign.”
Demonstrating the power of collective action for good, this achievement highlights the dedication of Mitchell employees, who not only empower the futures of students in the classroom but also invest financially in students’ futures.
“Their generosity highlights the value of the work being done at Mitchell and reflects our shared belief in the transformative power of education,” commented Nicholson.
A highlight of the annual giving campaign was a themed initiative called the “Sock-tastic Showdown.” The initiative gifted faculty and staff donors with Mitchell-themed socks who, in turn, shared their reasons for supporting the holiday giving campaign:
Dr. Daniel Day, Biology Instructor
Why: “I believe in the power of education and am lucky enough to be able to witness firsthand how contributions open doors for our students, giving them the support and resources they need to reach their full potential.”
Jim and Vicki Larsen, EMS Program Chair and alumni
Why: “My wife is a graduate of Mitchell Community College, my daughter is a current student at Mitchell Community College and I have taught numerous years at Mitchell Community College and am currently employed as the EMS Program Chair here at Mitchell Community College. Thus, the college has given much to me and my family and we are heavily invested in the college and thus support its mission in this small way by our annual giving.”
Kelli Fitzgibbons and Paul Stein, Early Childhood Program faculty
Our Why:
“Students!”
Tony Briceno, Program Chair/Faculty of Computer and Electronics Engineering Technology program
Why: “To pay it forward. I was a low-income, non-traditional student when I returned to Mitchell Community College after a decade of absence. The resources and opportunities I found at and because of Mitchell Community College in my two years of study altered the trajectory of my life in ways I had only dreamed about. I experienced more in the 10 years after graduation than I did in the 30 years before. As a faculty member and alumni of Mitchell Community College, I want to help at least one other person be able to say the same thing. That’s why I give.”
Advancement Office staff: Joseph Wiles, Dee Castillo, Donna Vanhorn and Molly Nicholson
Why: “We proudly support the Employee Giving Campaign because we believe in the College’s mission, and we commit to giving before asking others to do the same.”
Library staff: Cynthia Baker, Dr. Beverly Rufty, Bailey Williamson, Sharon Copeland and Barb Thorson
Why: We give to the employee campaign because we believe in empowering lifelong learners and helping students succeed both in their studies and in navigating life’s challenges. Through our gifts, we aim to alleviate the financial burden on students, allowing them to focus on their education and transform their futures, just as Mitchell Community College has done for our own families and countless others.
Chef Bob Williams, Program Chair/Faculty of Culinary Arts program
My Why: “I give to the Maverick Fund because it helped two of my students stay in the Culinary program last year during life emergencies that would have otherwise forced them to drop out.”
Sara Hines, Early College Liaison
Why: “I give so that I can be an active participant in supplying bridges to our students in need as they work towards achieving their educational and professional career goals.”
Workforce Development, Business Services staff: Deb Lazenby, Lori McKay, Suzanne Wallace
Our Why: “Our Con Ed workgroup is investing in the future of our industry and community. We’re helping to develop a skilled workforce, successful businesses, and create valued partnerships.”
Public Safety staff: Jennie Kennison, David Bullins, Jennifer Loflin, Jim Larsen, Keith Menster, Todd Carver, Kathleen Smith, and Tony Sharpe
Why: “We support the college because of its significant contributions to the community. Education is an invaluable asset that cannot be taken away, and we are committed to helping as many individuals as possible achieve their certifications and credentials. We believe in meeting our students where they are and supporting them from the moment they walk through our doors to the time they are employed.”
Keith Menster, Program Chair/ Coordinator of Fire Protection Technology, and Janet Menster, Allied Health Coordinator
Why: “We have experienced wonderful opportunities as former students and now employees for personal and professional growth at Mitchell. By giving to the Maverick fund, we hope to help others achieve their educational and professional goals.”
College and Career Readiness staff: Christen Fries, Patrick Cline, Jackie Gamble (not featured, Vicki Larsen, Cindy Ruiz, Dale Gowing)
Why: “We give in direct support of our students and in support of educational opportunity and accessibility for all members of our community. We consider giving a reinvestment into those we intend to serve.”
Allied Health staff: Joyce Chambers, Janet Menster, Pat Pence
Why: “We give to the Maverick Fund to support students and help them be successful with their educational goals. We are so blessed, and we want to give to help others.”
Vermel Moore, Programs/Projects Specialist Student Services
Why: “I can empathize and understand the struggles of others. I GIVE because of gratitude and appreciation for my own BLESSINGS, in hopes of making a positive difference in students’ lives, furthering their education, and helping those in need of extra resources to be successful.
Jenny Leamon-Smith, Math Instructor
Why: “I give to the endowment fund because I strongly believe that any student, no matter their circumstances, deserves to get their two FEET in the door to higher education and achieve their goals and dreams.”
Amy Money, Academic Services Coordinator, and Michelle Money, Program Specialist, Health Sciences
Why: “We donate to support the College’s mission of providing affordable, high-quality learning experiences and services to help our students achieve their academic and career goals.”
Human Resources staff: Erica Luntz, Jackie Craven, Chris Sharkey, Paul Santos & Darlene Tucker
Colleen Ramsey, Student Records Technician
Why: “When I first started college, I had to work a full-time job and a part time job to afford tuition and books. It took me longer than most to earn my degree because of the financial challenges but my accomplishment made a huge difference in my life and gave me choices I wouldn’t have without it. If my small monthly contribution can help someone fulfill their dream a little faster, then I feel a share in their success.”
Marketing and Communications staff: Michelle Gonzales, Dr. Haley Jones, Nicole Webb
Why: “Our why is the students — who keep us going throughout the day. By supporting the College and its brand of empowering futures, the Marketing and Communications team supports the dreams and aspirations of Mitchell’s current and future students. Because a brand is only as strong as the people who make it.”
Matt Finch, English Instructor
Why: “As a lover of the arts, I give to support the arts at Mitchell.”
David Wilcox, Grounds/Maintenance Technician
Why: “I chose to donate monthly to the ‘Friends of the Arts’ fund because my mother was an art teacher for over 40 years, and I used to own the 33 1/3 Record Store downtown on Broad Street. Although I’m better at listening to music than playing it myself!!”
Financial Aid Employee
Why: “Financial Aid gives in the hope of changing students’ lives.”
Socktastic Photos
View the socktastic photos at mitchellcc.edu/news/employee-
Over the past five years, Mitchell Community College and the Mitchell Community College Foundation have raised more than $5 million. These funds directly support student scholarships, provide emergency aid, fund innovation grants, enhance facilities and equipment, and address critical College needs.
During this season of giving, we encourage you to join this legacy of generosity by making a gift today. Your gift can empower a student’s future.
LEARN MORE
To learn more about how you can make a difference, visit mitchellcc.edu/give-online. If you prefer to donate via check, please send it to:
Advancement Office
Mitchell Community College
500 West Broad Street
Statesville, NC 28677
For checks to the College, please make them payable to “Mitchell Community College.”
For checks to the Foundation, please make them payable to “Mitchell Community College Foundation and Endowment for Excellence.”
For questions, contact Mitchell’s Advancement Office at (704) 878-4321 or giving@mitchellcc.edu.