Page Content

Columbia College Foundation Awards Prestigious Scholarships

Press Release  
Contact: Columbia College Foundation, Beccie Michael, Director of Development (209) 588-5055

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE December 20, 2011

TOTAL OF $12,000 AWARDED TO 13 STUDENTS

          The Columbia College Foundation has awarded thirteen college students with scholarships to help them meet their educational goals. Full-time students will each receive $1,000 over the academic year, while part-time students will receive between $500 and $750, depending on the number of units in which they are enrolled.

          These endowed scholarships were created by generous Foundation donors, in partnership with the Bernard Osher Foundation, which provided matching funds for local donations. Upon completion of the fundraising campaign in June 2011, the Foundation had $12,000 available this year for scholarships. By 2012-2013, all of the endowed scholarships will have matured, bringing the total available to $19,000 annually.

            The following awards were made in the 2011-2012 academic year:  Virginia Bailey, Donald S. Brady Scholarship; Shalei Dicksen, Bob and Helen Francis Memorial Scholarship; Natasha Gonsalez, Osher Scholarship; Monica Hay, Irving J. Symons Memorial Scholarship; Nicolle Head, Marjorie L. Coffill Memorial Scholarship; Ryan Hodge, Osher Scholarship; Lauren Kelly, Joyce & Ed Brockman Scholarship; Tori Palmberg, Osher Scholarship; Rebecca Petersen, Osher Scholarship; Keith Cline Robinson, Osher Scholarship; Ricky Shaw, Osher Scholarship; Matthew Sydney, John R. Wise Scholarship; and Stephanie Romero, Millie Brady Wise Scholarship.

 

            The students’ majors include nursing, education, biochemistry, medical anthropology, and various others. Candidates must have completed 24 units of study, had to demonstrate that they are making substantial progress towards their educational goals, and have documented financial need. A subcommittee of the Foundation Board reviewed over 40 eligible applications, while some donors chose to participate directly in the selection of their awardees.

 

            “This was a highly competitive process,” noted Stephanie Suess, Foundation Board Member. “It was inspiring to read about some of the accomplishments these students have achieved, but that also made it very difficult to select which students would receive awards.” Mel Kirk, Foundation Board President added, “The sheer number of submissions for these scholarships serves as a reminder of the financial barriers that students face in today's economy. When budgets and aid continue to be slashed, the Foundation can step in to offer assistance - and we thank the members of the community for donating valuable resources so that we can meet these needs.”

          The Columbia College Foundation is a Sonora based non-profit organization that supports student success through scholarships, student activities, instructional programs, and other campus-based projects. Since 1972, the Columbia College Foundation has enriched the campus environment by providing community resources that ultimately expand educational opportunities for Columbia’s students. Donations to the Columbia College Foundation are tax deductible to the extent allowed by law. Questions about the Foundation should be directed to Beccie Michael, Director of Development, at (209) 588-5055 or michaelb@yosemite.edu.

---

Coni M. Chavez
 Executive Assistant to the President
 Columbia College
 11600 Columbia College Drive
 Sonora, CA 95370
 (209) 588-5115 • (209) 588-5161 fax
 chavezc@yosemite.edu