Employee Giving Testimonials

Ileane Smith
Associate professor of Counseling at CCBC Essex

"I had a full scholarship to college more than 45 years ago. I have always believed that you have an obligation to pay back … it doesn't have to be to the same person or in the same way, but you must pay back. Whatever assistance I have given to the students at the community college has been so very much appreciated. The CCBC employee giving campaign gives me the opportunity to donate to scholarship funds through payroll deduction. Payroll deductions make it easier for me to contribute. As an advisor at CCBC, I see and hear situations that impact a student’s success. The ability to offer financial assistance is sometimes the key to students’ success."

Nicki Copinger '83
CCBC alumna and Commodity chief at CCBC

"On February 14, 1986 I sadly lost my 10 year old son Adam to a blood disease. I have been working for The Community College of Baltimore County for approximately 28 years. After Adam’s unexpected death I established a scholarship in his memory. It is a rewarding feeling to help ensure student success through tuition assistance. Through fundraising, money is raised for Adam’s Scholarship fund which has enabled deserving recipients to realize their educational goals. Adam touched many hearts in his short time here. By keeping his memory alive with a scholarship we continue to touch hearts through educational assistance."

Gayle McAllister
Director, CCBC Center for Adult Literacy at CCBC Dundalk

"The Community Education and Service’s Center for Adult and Family Literacy has partnered with the CCBC Foundation for several years to provide scholarships to students. The aid has assisted learners to transition to CCBC degree and certificate programs."

Vicki Whitmore
Coordinator of Admissions at CCBC Dundalk

"CCBC’s Parallel Enrollment Program has been giving local high school juniors and seniors a head start on college for over a decade. I have heard many PEP students and parents praise the program for the opportunities it provides, including… time to test the waters of college and explore a career direction. Unfortunately the neediest of our potential PEP students stay away…unable to pay the approximately $300 needed for tuition and books for one CCBC course. Please join me in contributing to the PEP fund through the Employee Giving Campaign so needy, deserving high school students can become part of our college community."

Karen McKenney
Director, International Students

"Seven years ago, the Office of International Students at Essex established an International Student Emergency and Scholarship fund to assist full-time international students on F-1 visas with unexpected financial emergencies. This year, we would like to expand the fund to assist international students throughout the college. Currently, our 400 international students are from over 50 countries, and pay $3600 for a full-time course load each semester. They also contribute immeasurably to the intercultural diversity of the college through the Intercultural Dialogue Project, International Education Week, Cultural Presentations, and more. Unlike our domestic students, international students are not allowed to work off campus without authorization from the Department of Homeland Security, which is difficult to obtain. They are not eligible for federal financial aid and commercial loans are impossible to find without a U.S. co-signer. Our international students are directly affected by the political events in their home countries. The recent election crisis in Kenya, for instance, resulted in delayed funding for our Kenyan students as their banks and businesses were forced to close suddenly. Moreover, a few students have also experienced unexpected medical expenses that are not covered by health insurance. Our existing International Student Fund has allowed CCBC to assist some of these students. Your consideration and support of the International Student Emergency and Scholarship Fund is requested to help us increase our outreach to international students with financial emergencies."