Columbia, CA…The Columbia College Foundation and its community partners will present more than $120,000 in scholarships to qualified and deserving students at the annual Columbia College Scholarship and Awards Celebration on Thursday, April 12. The event, 4:30-5:30 pm at the Dogwood Forum on campus, features student and community speakers, musical performances and presentation of the Student of the Year awards.

Speakers at Thursday’s event include Elsie Bruno, a retired Columbia College counselor who was the college’s first scholarship coordinator, nursing student Melissa Murray who was selected 2018 Student of the Year, and re-entry student Matthew Burbey who will share his story of starting a support program to help students like himself who were formerly incarcerated.

In the 2017-2018 academic year, the Foundation and community partners awarded more than 150 scholarships to more 90 students, totaling more $120,000 in support for their educational expenses. Many of these scholarships are contributed by community organizations and individuals, many are offered annually through the Foundation’s endowed funds, and more than 20 each year are funded through the Foundation’s Osher Scholarship Endowment, established in partnership with the Bernard Osher Foundation, the Foundation for California Community Colleges and community donors.

Columbia College students are encouraged to apply for scholarships each fall. Criteria for awards vary depending on donors’ preferences, which include area of study, academic excellence, volunteer involvement or financial need.

“I deeply appreciate the generosity of our donors who help support the success of our students through scholarships,” noted Dr. Angela Fairchilds, College President. “For many students, this kind of support is critical in helping them persevere. The personal stories are very compelling”

It is a point of pride for the college to have many internal campus donors – three student clubs sponsor annual scholarships, as well as all employee groups and dozens of individual faculty members and staff.

Colette Such, Columbia College Foundation President added, “Though it’s a great amount of work for all who read scholarship applications and choose scholarship recipients, it is truly a labor of love. Their stories often bring us to tears, their work inspires us, and their futures give us hope”

The Columbia College Foundation is a community nonprofit established in 1972 to promote quality higher education that enriches the academic, economic, and cultural life of our community. The Foundation’s mission is to promote student success by providing community resources that support and expand educational opportunities for Columbia College students. Donations to the Columbia College Foundation are tax deductible to the extent allowed by law.

Questions about the Foundation should be directed to Amy Nilson, Director of Development, at (209) 588-5055 or nilsona@yosemite.edu.