In early October, the SPSCC College Foundation board gathered over 300 guests and raised more than $195,000—well above the original goal—to fund scholarships for SPSCC students.
In its 12th year, the Harvest Moon Celebration is one of the main fundraisers for the SPSCC Foundation.
“What is special about the Harvest Moon Celebration is that it is wholly focused on the College’s mission and students,” said Cecelia Loveless, SPSCC Foundation Executive Director.
During the Harvest Moon Celebration, guests interacted with 6 academic programs, experiencing first-hand what SPSCC students learn in the classroom.
Along with the program showcases, the evening also included an address by SPSCC President, Dr. Gerald Pumphrey, a sit down dinner—served by SPSCC scholarship recipients and Student Senators who volunteered their time—and a keynote presentation by Dr. Kevin Cooper, Director of Advanced Technology at Indian River State College in Ft. Pierce, FL.
The heart of the evening, however, came when Foundation board member, Jim Greene, asked attendees to join him in supporting the Foundation’s scholarship fund. Over 200 guests showed their support by committing gifts ranging $10,000 to $100, overall giving more than $89,000 to fund student scholarships and support the Foundation.
“Receiving a scholarship not only alleviates financial difficulties, but for many students boosts their self-esteem, allows them to give back to the community, to feel supported and encouraged,” added Loveless.
Guests, students and staff all expressed their gratitude for having such a unique opportunity to interact and connect within the community.
“The interactive course displays were very well presented and the students attending to them were so pleased to demonstrate aspects of the displays and to talk about their own future plans,” reported donor and alumna Deana Martin.
This year’s lineup included Automotive, Chemistry, Computer Manufacturing Technology, Criminal Justice, iPads in the Arts Classroom and Medical Assisting. Enrolled students and alumni from each of these programs showcased their equipment and skills.
SPSCC instructors also commented positively about the interaction between students and Harvest Moon guests. “My favorite part was watching the students interact with the attendees and to see them become engaged, asking about the specifics of the various programs. They show a genuine interest,” said Forensics and Criminal Justice Professor Warren McLeod.
McLeod added that students enjoyed sharing their personal stories with guests. “One of my student’s was last year’s Harvest Moon scholarship recipient which the attendees really enjoyed hearing,” he said.
McLeod also noted that one of his students received a business card from a Dean at a local university, asking to be contacted when she graduated from SPSCC and was ready to transfer.
Year after year, Harvest Moon Celebration brings our community together to celebrate learning and success of our students, high professionalism of our faculty and the far-reaching generosity of so many members of our community.
For more information about the SPSCC Foundation, click here.
Photos credited to Aaron Managhan.
