College of The Albemarle Foundation held their annual Community Partner Dinner recently at the YMCA at the Pines. The dinner is an opportunity to recognize area businesses and individuals who have donated to the Community Partnership program in the past year. Performing Arts Center sponsors were also recognized at the event.  Guests in attendance were treated to an excerpt from the College of The Albemarle Student Theater (COAST) Players’ production of Bye Bye Birdie.

Taylor Sugg, president of the COA Foundation Board of Directors, welcomed attendees and shared that $215,318 in student scholarships were distributed during the 2017-18 year. Sugg thanked the donors for their steadfast support and noted the scholarships, “have a tremendous impact on the student recipients, helping them to see their goals to fruition.” Dr. Robert Wynegar, COA president, shared that the Foundation was able to meet the needs of 163 students through contributions that, “give students the ability to focus on their coursework instead of a financial burden.”

Student speaker Traci Hilger spoke of her experience at COA and how scholarship opportunities have helped her to continue her education in practical nursing while being a mother of two and working full-time at Sentara Albemarle Medical Center. Hilger, recipient of the Elizabeth City Morning Rotary Scholarship and the Pepsi Ventures Scholarship, said in her message, “None of what I have accomplished would have been possible if I did not have the financial assistance from donors like you. I am able to focus on my future through scholarships and, hopefully, be able to give back to someone like myself who may walk into COA not knowing what their next steps will be.”

After recognizing Community Partners with certificates, Amy Alcocer, COA Foundation executive director, provided information on the new sponsorship program and the 2019 annual fundraising event. In closing, Alcocer shared, “Scholarships make a direct impact on our local economy, by providing our students a chance to complete their education and immediately enter the workforce. Education employs, education provides new chapters in the lives of our community and education is something that can never be taken away once it has been earned.”

For information on the Community Partnership Program, visit https://www.albemarle.edu/for-the-community/coa-foundation/community-partnership-program/ or contact the COA Foundation office at 252-335-0821 or 252-473-2264, ext. 2265 or 2263.

READ MORE NEWS AND EVENTS HERE.