Future Foundation celebrates scholarship recipients, donors

Hanceville, AL — Wallace State Community College welcomed hundreds of scholarship recipients and their donors to the Wallace State Future Foundation’s Scholarship Celebration held Thursday in the Traditions Bank Arena of the Tom Drake Coliseum.

“We are so excited to celebrate 183 scholarship recipients today, along with their donors, whose generosity makes these awards possible,” said Wallace State President Dr. Vicki Karolewics. “The story of each student awarded today will begin or continue here at Wallace State because of donors like you.”

Suzanne Harbin, Vice President for Advancement and Innovation, said the Future Foundation received 356 scholarship applications and was able to award 52 percent of those applicants. Each student received an average scholarship award of $2,000 or more to further their education.

“Our team works tirelessly to match our scholarship recipients with their donor and our hope is that you build a relationship that is impactful to each of you,” Harbin said.

The Future Foundation announced a record number of new scholarships, with 32 newly established scholarships.

John Riley, CEO of Cullman Savings Bank was asked to share the reason why the Cullman Savings Bank Foundation supports scholarships through the Wallace State Future Foundation. He said the 136-year bank has a rich history of giving back to the community.

“Giving to the Wallace State Future Foundation is one way that I can see really impacts peoples’ lives,” Riley said. 

“My goal for each one of you is to have a wonderful life, a great career and for you to stand up here one day and say why you give back to Wallace State.”

Former Wallace State scholarship recipient Haley Whittemore has seen, from both sides, how the Future Foundation and the scholarships it provides changes lives. Whittemore was a recipient of scholarships as a student at Wallace State and then saw how other students benefitted when she worked for the Foundation.

“It never got old seeing the joy and gratefulness in the student’s as we told them, yes we can help,” she said. “So, donors, thank you for trusting the Future Foundation with your donations. Thank you for allowing us the opportunity to assist, encourage, and support these awesome students. You are truly giving them the chance at a future that many did not know was possible. You are providing them access to an education and support system at Wallace State that is unlike any other.”

Whittemore encouraged the scholarship recipients to not take the gift they’ve received for granted and to work hard to reach their goal.

“These donors sitting with you today truly care about you and want to see you succeed,” she said. “In many cases, the scholarship you were awarded represents someone that they loved dearly, and they want to see that person’s legacy carried on in someone like you. Let this scholarship be what drives you to work hard towards your goals.”

During the event Hanceville Mayor Kenneth Nail presented Dr. Karolewics with a proclamation recognizing the month of April as Community College Month, noting the impact of the college as well as the 60^th anniversary of the Alabama Community College System and its Diamond Jubilee celebration.

Registration for summer and fall semesters in underway. Summer 2023 classes begin May 24. Fall 2023 classes begin Aug. 18. For more information, visit www.wallacestate.edu, call 256.352.8000 or come by Lion Central in the lobby of the James C. Bailey Center Monday-Wednesday 7:30 a.m. to 6 p.m., Thursday 7:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., or Friday 7:30 a.m. to 2 p.m.