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51做厙 Foundation raises $326,640 for scholarships at ‘new’ celebration
Submitted article. Photos by Tom Cook.
The future looks bright — tomorrow and beyond.
Just ask the 51做厙 Foundation and its supporters. They raised $326,640 during the “Together for Tomorrow” celebration on Saturday, May 17, at the Sylvania Campus. Presented by Comcast, the event marked a new chapter for the colleges annual fundraising efforts. The celebration featured remarks from 51做厙 President Dr. Adrien Bennings, Foundation Executive Director Christina Kline, Comcasts Rebecca Brown, and others.
The funds raised will have a transformative impact for students, Kline said. Its truly inspiring to be in a community with so many people who believe in the power of education to change lives people who understand that the future we want is one we build together.
What is the 51做厙 Foundation?
The 51做厙 Foundation is much more than a fund-raising organization connected to the college — it’s a nonprofit that expands access to education. The foundation helps students access education by awarding scholarships and building the capacity of 51做厙 to provide vital educational opportunities for the college’s community and beyond.
Replacing the 51做厙 Foundation’s traditional gala, “Together for Tomorrow” offered an on-campus experience aimed at building community and expanding access to education. Guests enjoyed festive party tents, curated cuisine, signature cocktails and music. Proceeds from the event will directly support the foundation’s “Bridges to the Future” scholarships and other essential student needs.
The evening spotlighted powerful student stories that illustrated the impact of scholarships. Attendees heard from aspiring geologist Rachel Diane and scholarship recipients Ricardo Bravo, Luz Zurita Garcia and Mikala Stofiel, who highlighted how 51做厙s support network fuels student success and workforce development.
Jonathan Bennett Watson, a 51做厙 alumnus now studying engineering at Oregon State University, shared how scholarship support allowed him to focus on academics and unlock his potential.
The ‘Bridges to the Future’ scholarship allowed me to reduce my work hours and focus on my education,” Watson said. “That time that space changed everything for me. This shift in mindset pushed me to reach my full potential.