Record-Breaking Year for Scholarships

This year, more than 50 students applied for certificate-based scholarships — the most in the history of the College of Continuing and Professional Education. Nearly 100 people attended the 3rd annual Scholarship Night on Sept. 11, which awarded more than $75,000 to adult learners. Students received scholarships for programs such as Gerontology, Meeting & Event Management and Paralegal.

A substantial portion of the funding distributed was a direct result of the 2013 award-winning Casino Night Scholarship Fundraiser. The event raised nearly $30,000 for the Barbara S. Calhoun Scholarship Fund. Calhoun serves as the dean of the College.

“Our purpose is to help those to achieve their goals,” Calhoun said. “The greatest gift anyone can ever give is the gift of education. It opens the doors to opportunity which paves the way to more opportunities.”

One of those benefiting is Jana Jenkins, who received a Project Management scholarship. She said, “I know getting this certification will further my career, opening up opportunities for positions I may not have been qualified for. It will allow me to apply to a wider range of positions and will allow me to be competitive in the job market. Offering scholarships for these types of classes allows seasoned professionals to continue their education and be productive in the workforce.”

Applications for 2015 scholarships will be posted next April.