Courtesy Photo From left to right, scholarship recipient Rebecca Styma sits with donors Sharon and Richard Lessard at the Alpena Community College Foundation’s annual scholarship reception on April 11.

The Alpena Community College Foundation held its annual spring scholarship reception on April 11 in honor of scholarship donors and recipients.

Nearly 250 guests, including students, donors, faculty and alumni, joined together to celebrate the power of philanthropy in creating life-changing opportunities for students. This event offers scholarship donors and recipients the opportunity to meet one another and provides the perfect setting to express appreciation.

In academic year 2018-19 the ACC Foundation distributed more than $223,000 in donor-supported scholarships to nearly 200 students. This was 4 percent higher than the previous year.

ACC President Dr. Don MacMaster expressed his appreciation to the scholarship donors for their loyal support of ACC and its students.

ACC Foundation President Sue Fitzpatrick shared, “Many of the scholarships held at the ACC Foundation are endowed funds. This means that the donors hold education in high regard, enough to make a gift of at least $10,000 where only the interest will be spent to award annual scholarships. Their gift will last into perpetuity.”

Keynote speaker was Alpena Power Company Vice President and 1996 ACC graduate Ken Dragiewicz. He spoke about how scholarships create opportunities for students and further related personal stories about missed opportunities and seizing opportunities.

The ACC Foundation is a nonprofit 501(c)(3) tax-exempt organization which is governed by a volunteer board comprised of 16 community leaders.

For more information on how to establish a scholarship fund with the ACC Foundation call Brenda Herman at 989-358-7297 or email hermanb@alpenacc.edu.