By Jeannette Carrington
jcarrington@lc.edu
On the evening of Oct. 5, 2023, the Hatheway Cultural Center at Lewis and Clark Community College was abuzz with excitement and gratitude as scholars and donors came together for the Scholars & Donors Celebration. This annual event is a special occasion that brings together the students who benefit from scholarships and the generous donors who make these opportunities possible. The evening was marked by heartfelt exchanges, appreciation, and a celebration of the power of education.
The event began at 5:00 p.m. with a reception, allowing the guests to mingle, exchange stories, and build connections. It was a time for students to meet the individuals who played a significant role in making their educational dreams come true and to personally express their gratitude. Likewise, donors had the opportunity to meet the scholars who directly benefited from their contributions and share in the excitement of the opportunities they’ve created.
At 6:30 p.m., the formal program began, setting the stage for an evening filled with inspiration and recognition. Dr. Ken Trzaska, President of Lewis and Clark Community College, delivered a warm and welcoming speech to kick off the proceedings. He emphasized the importance of these scholarships in opening doors for students and fostering a sense of community within the college.
One of the highlights of the evening was the presentation of the Scholar Awards. This honor was bestowed on the scholars to recognize their dedication to academic excellence and their potential to positively impact their respective fields. Karen Wilson, Chair of the Development and Endowment Committee, and Sharon Roberts, Chair of the Scholarship Committee, joined Dr. Ken Trzaska in presenting the awards. This recognition highlighted the significance of these scholarships in nurturing the next generation of leaders and professionals.
The Scholars & Donors Celebration was a memorable evening of appreciation and togetherness. It exemplified the incredible impact of scholarships on the lives of students and the profound generosity of donors in making these opportunities possible. The event’s success was not just in the awards and recognition but in the connections forged and the knowledge that these individuals are part of a community that values education and believes in its transformative power.
For a visual recap of this event, you can view photos on Lewis and Clark’s official Flickr album [here](https://flic.kr/s/aHBqjAYcrL).
The Scholars & Donors Celebration serves as a testament to the power of education, the generosity of donors, and the dreams of scholars. It’s a reminder that, when people come together to invest in the future, the possibilities are limitless. Lewis and Clark Community College remains committed to nurturing the talents and aspirations of its students, thanks to the ongoing support of its dedicated donors.
As the evening came to a close, it left an indelible mark on everyone present. The scholars left with a renewed sense of purpose, and the donors with a deepened appreciation for the impact of their contributions. Together, they continue to shape a brighter future for the Lewis and Clark Community College community and beyond.
