Post by title1parent on Oct 7, 2009 5:15:05 GMT -5
www.dailyherald.com/story/?id=326576&src=76
Waubonsee doing its part to help students struggling financially
By Christine Sobek 10/7/09
While optimistic economists declare the domestic recession is over, most Americans still feel the pinch of a down economy.
For some, the downturn has led to a dwindling of stock portfolios and retirement accounts while their standard of living has remained relatively stable. However, others in our community continue to feel the much stronger impact created by lost jobs, foreclosed homes, and daily struggles to make life better for themselves and their families.
It is an unfortunate reality of a down economy that charitable organizations see an increased demand for services and at the same time experience a decline in donations. A recent study by the GivingUSA Foundation found this predicament is, in fact, repeating itself. The silver lining is that donations to charitable organizations were only down about two percent in 2008. This is a testament to the character of our nation to continue to find ways to give a hand up to those in need.
For more than three decades, the Waubonsee Community College Foundation and its donors have given the gift of education to deserving Waubonsee students through scholarships. In 2008-2009, Waubonsee students received 254 scholarships with a value of $185,736. In times of abundance and in times of need, investing in someone's education pays incredible dividends. Our scholarship recipients become our community's nurses, doctors, teachers, police and so many other vital roles.
Each fall, the Waubonsee Foundation celebrates its donors with a Scholarship Fest that brings together recipients and their donors. This year, the celebration is more appropriate than ever. The individuals and organizations that help make education a reality for hardworking students in our community deserve to be lauded and thanked.
Scholarship Fest also gives us the opportunity to highlight why we give, which is precisely why we are featuring the story of Waubonsee student Jennifer Sigwerth.
Although only 19 years old, Jennifer has not led an easy life. Raised in and out of foster homes, Jennifer had to grow up early. She acted as a stand-in mother figure for her three younger brothers and sister as they bounced around the foster system, fighting to stay together. Through it all, she grew to love education, especially books, as they offered her an escape from the reality of her situation.
Earning the John J. Swalec, Jr. President's Achievement Award helps make Jennifer's education at Waubonsee possible. More than the dollar value of the award, though, Jennifer has said the award validates her hard work to overcome life's obstacles. She plans to continue her education and become a teacher.
All of our scholarship recipients have a story of adversity and goals for their future. Our donors make it possible for those goals to be achieved.
In addition to the scholarships dedicated to helping students work toward degrees and certificates, Waubonsee's Foundation recently began offering a new scholarship specifically for those hurt by the recession.
Our Brighter Futures Scholarship awards unemployed district residents $500 toward one of our short-term Work force Development courses. These programs offer immediate impact to those looking to learn a new skill or become certified in a particular field. Oftentimes, this type of training can be the difference between landing a job and not being considered.
The simple application form is available at www.waubonsee.edu/brighterfutures, along with more information on the other programs and services being offered as part of the Brighter Futures initiative.
Education is just one worthy cause among many that make a positive difference in the lives of others. I encourage those who can give to not forget about their less fortunate neighbors. That is ultimately how we will all realize a brighter future together.
• Dr. Christine Sobek is president of Waubonsee Community College in Sugar Grove.
Waubonsee doing its part to help students struggling financially
By Christine Sobek 10/7/09
While optimistic economists declare the domestic recession is over, most Americans still feel the pinch of a down economy.
For some, the downturn has led to a dwindling of stock portfolios and retirement accounts while their standard of living has remained relatively stable. However, others in our community continue to feel the much stronger impact created by lost jobs, foreclosed homes, and daily struggles to make life better for themselves and their families.
It is an unfortunate reality of a down economy that charitable organizations see an increased demand for services and at the same time experience a decline in donations. A recent study by the GivingUSA Foundation found this predicament is, in fact, repeating itself. The silver lining is that donations to charitable organizations were only down about two percent in 2008. This is a testament to the character of our nation to continue to find ways to give a hand up to those in need.
For more than three decades, the Waubonsee Community College Foundation and its donors have given the gift of education to deserving Waubonsee students through scholarships. In 2008-2009, Waubonsee students received 254 scholarships with a value of $185,736. In times of abundance and in times of need, investing in someone's education pays incredible dividends. Our scholarship recipients become our community's nurses, doctors, teachers, police and so many other vital roles.
Each fall, the Waubonsee Foundation celebrates its donors with a Scholarship Fest that brings together recipients and their donors. This year, the celebration is more appropriate than ever. The individuals and organizations that help make education a reality for hardworking students in our community deserve to be lauded and thanked.
Scholarship Fest also gives us the opportunity to highlight why we give, which is precisely why we are featuring the story of Waubonsee student Jennifer Sigwerth.
Although only 19 years old, Jennifer has not led an easy life. Raised in and out of foster homes, Jennifer had to grow up early. She acted as a stand-in mother figure for her three younger brothers and sister as they bounced around the foster system, fighting to stay together. Through it all, she grew to love education, especially books, as they offered her an escape from the reality of her situation.
Earning the John J. Swalec, Jr. President's Achievement Award helps make Jennifer's education at Waubonsee possible. More than the dollar value of the award, though, Jennifer has said the award validates her hard work to overcome life's obstacles. She plans to continue her education and become a teacher.
All of our scholarship recipients have a story of adversity and goals for their future. Our donors make it possible for those goals to be achieved.
In addition to the scholarships dedicated to helping students work toward degrees and certificates, Waubonsee's Foundation recently began offering a new scholarship specifically for those hurt by the recession.
Our Brighter Futures Scholarship awards unemployed district residents $500 toward one of our short-term Work force Development courses. These programs offer immediate impact to those looking to learn a new skill or become certified in a particular field. Oftentimes, this type of training can be the difference between landing a job and not being considered.
The simple application form is available at www.waubonsee.edu/brighterfutures, along with more information on the other programs and services being offered as part of the Brighter Futures initiative.
Education is just one worthy cause among many that make a positive difference in the lives of others. I encourage those who can give to not forget about their less fortunate neighbors. That is ultimately how we will all realize a brighter future together.
• Dr. Christine Sobek is president of Waubonsee Community College in Sugar Grove.