As I begin my second year as president of Salt Lake Community College, I want to thank you for your continued support. Your generosity is helping us build a college where every student, regardless of background, has the chance to succeed.
Because of you, SLCC offers affordable, accessible pathways to education and career opportunities. Many of our students face real challenges like financial hardship, food insecurity, and lack of child care. Your support helps them stay in school, stay focused, and stay hopeful.
In this year’s Donor Impact Report, you’ll see the difference you’re making. Your belief in them is powerful, and it’s changing lives.
Thank you for being part of the SLCC community. Together, we’re opening doors and creating brighter futures, one student at a time.
Greg Peterson, EdD President, Salt Lake Community College
Dear Valued Supporter,
Thank you for your generous support. Your investment helps students take meaningful steps toward brighter futures whether they’re earning a degree, gaining a credential, or building skills for the workforce.
The SLCC Foundation ensures that 100% of your gifts go directly to student support.
Our students juggle work, family, and financial pressures. Nearly 70% of SLCC students work while attending classes, and half are the first in their families to go to college. Your investment empowers students to stay focused and confidently move forward.
You’re not just helping individuals, you’re strengthening families, communities, and the future of Utah.
We’re so grateful to have you as part of this journey.
Kyle Treadway Board Chair, SLCC Foundation
The Power of In-Kind Giving
Special thanks to our donors who invested over $6.5 million of in-kind donations. Gifts-in-kind help provide access to tools, materials, art, and technology to give students hands-on training in an enriching educational environment.
Continued Growth
Because of you, the Salt Lake Community College Foundation continues to build momentum, exceeding benchmarks to support SLCC students. In fiscal year 2025, you helped us raise just over $7 million, up from $6.9 million the previous year. This growth was fueled by the generosity of 1,144 donors: a significant increase from 811 donors last year.
This upward trend highlights the growing power of community support and the impact your generosity has on the lives of SLCC students.
SCHOLARSHIP SUPPORT
SLCC believes higher education should be available to all and we strive to keep college accessible through low tuition and fees. However, many students still need financial support to attend. With help from friends like you, SLCC is able to offer a wide range of scholarships available to nearly every student.
Last year, SLCC awarded over $3 million to 1,418 students in donor-funded scholarships. (an average of $2,500 per student)
This is nearly a 30% increase in both students served and amount awarded over last year!
Programs:
$3,443,546
Scholarships: $2,358,846
Endowments: $803,357
Unrestricted/Other: $415,494
TOTAL RAISED: $7,021,243
(based on new gifts and pledges secured from July 1, 2024 to June 30, 2025)
Scan to view a list of our generous donors:
“As a first-generation college student, it’s not just about me— it is about my family too. My nieces and nephews look up to me, and I want them to see that going to college is possible if you stay motivated, have the right mindset, and show up for yourself.”
- Maribel Villanueva, SLCC Graduate and PACE Scholar
Giving Participation by Donor Type
Foundations: 4%
Individuals: 90% Businesses: 6%
The Annual Fund for Student Success
Each year, many of our students face significant challenges ranging from limited funds for tuition and unexpected financial setbacks to food insecurity and a lack of affordable child care. Thanks to the generosity of our supporters, we are thrilled to share that we exceeded our annual fund goal. We are grateful to all who contributed throughout the year and during our fifth annual Giving Day
As the cornerstone of our annual fund efforts, Giving Day brings our community together in a shared commitment to supporting SLCC students. Our sixth annual Giving Day will be held on February 19, 2026!
Annual Fund for Student Success
Annual Fund Fundraising Priorities
$72,422 $1,033,895
On Giving Day, February 20, 2025, 805 individual donors gave $361,920! This is twice as many donors as the previous year. Our sincere thanks to everyone who stepped up to support SLCC’s students along their academic journey.
Every dollar invested directly benefits our hardworking students by funding scholarships, supporting programs, and meeting essential needs. Our generous donors also unlocked $210,000 in challenge gifts, further enhancing the positive impact on SLCC students.
Empowered by a Scholarship, Encouraged by Her Mom
Liz Rivera was born in Florida and moved with her family to Salt Lake City when she was 16 years old. While attending West High School, she faced the challenges of being a first-generation student. “My parents didn’t finish high school,” she says, “but they always encouraged me to go to college.”
After graduating high school, Liz began her college journey at the University of Utah. “Honestly, I didn’t know what I was doing then, and I felt kind of lost,” she admits. After a year and a half, she stepped away from school, taking what turned into a six-year break. During that time, she worked full-time but wanted more. “I was looking for more opportunities,” she says. “Then one day, while I was speaking with my mom, she suggested I try going to SLCC.”
That advice from her mom made a significant difference. Liz enrolled at SLCC and took a few classes to get started. “I took a health class, a sociology class, and a math class, and I loved it!” she says. “I got straight A’s and realized I could do this.”
A major turning point came when Liz received scholarship support. “When I was awarded the scholarship, it felt like a huge weight had been lifted off my shoulders,” she says. “It’s hard to juggle work, school, and bills. I was on cloud nine after seeing my tuition balance at $0—it was one less thing to worry about.”
Liz is currently earning an associate’s degree in pre-medical health science. After graduating, her goal is to continue at the University of Utah. “I want to earn my bachelor’s in nursing through the U’s fast-track program and eventually become a nurse practitioner.”
“Thanks to those who donate toward scholarships,” says Liz. “Many students don’t have financial help from family. It’s heartbreaking when money is the only thing standing in the way of someone’s potential. Scholarships open the door to opportunities and show people what is possible.”
PACE—Increasing College Accessibility for Granger High School Students
The George S. and Dolores Doré Eccles Foundation has been a pivotal partner in supporting the Partnership for Accessing College Education (PACE) Scholarship Program through a generous $600,000 gift starting in 2024 and continuing across four years. This significant funding forms part of a collaborative partnership between Granger High School, SLCC, and the George S. and Dolores Doré Eccles Foundation. Established in 1960, the Eccles Foundation has consistently prioritized education, health care, cultural arts, and community enrichment, becoming one of Utah’s largest and most influential philanthropic organizations.
This impactful partnership creates educational opportunities for 240 students at Granger High School. Granger High School is uniquely positioned within PACE, welcoming 60 new ninth graders each year in two cohorts of 30 students, double the typical enrollment at other high schools participating in the PACE Scholarship Program.
of the PACE program firsthand. Meeting these ambitious students and hearing their aspirations reinforces our commitment to supporting initiatives that open doors to higher education and brighter futures.”
Tyler Howe, PhD, is an assistant superintendent for Granite School District and the former principal of Granger High School. He emphasized the importance of this partnership: “It helps the kids see the end goal at the beginning of high school— many students think college is unaffordable or not an option for them. PACE can help facilitate and paint the picture from the beginning for these students, with a carrot at the end—a scholarship to SLCC.”
Lisa Eccles, President and COO of the George S. and Dolores Doré Eccles Foundation, has shown considerable personal involvement by attending annual student orientations and interacting directly with PACE participants. Reflecting on these experiences, she stated, “Over the past two years, attending the orientations at Granger High School has allowed me to witness the transformative effect
The collaboration among Granger High School, SLCC, and the George S. and Dolores Doré Eccles Foundation exemplifies how strategic philanthropy and educational partnerships can profoundly impact students, families, and communities.
Through this continued support, the Eccles Foundation provides essential financial resources while inspiring and empowering students to envision and pursue their educational and career ambitions. The Eccles Foundation’s long-standing legacy of generosity continues to shape opportunities across Utah, significantly improving the quality of life for countless individuals and communities.
Champions in Life: A Partnership with US Speedskating, USA Climbing, and US Ski & Snowboard
Thanks to the visionary support of founding donors Jeff and Helen Cardon, SLCC launched the National Team Athletic Career and Education Program, an initiative designed to support Utah’s National Governing Bodies and their elite athletes in achieving success both in the classroom and beyond their athletic careers.
Built on a strong partnership with US Speedskating in Kearns, SLCC expanded its reach in 2025 through new partnerships with USA Climbing in Salt Lake City and US Ski & Snowboard in Park City. These collaborations provide national-team athletes with access to SLCC’s academic programs and tailored support services, including performance analysis through the college’s Exercise Science Program.
“Athletes who are striving to become an Olympian put their all into training, often at the expense of an education and/or career skills,” said Carrie Needham, PhD, ACSM-CEP, associate professor, Department of Exercise Science. “This sacrifice can weigh heavily on these athletes both during their athletic career and when retiring from their sport. This program will allow athletes working toward the Olympics to focus on training while giving them the support they need to start planning for life after sport.”
Because of our generous supporters and partnerships, we are creating a pathway for athletes to thrive during and after their competitive careers and fostering excellence in sport, education, and life.
Speedskating Toward Her Dreams
For Baily Luck, life is a balancing act between work, school, and speedskating as she strives toward a career as a nurse anesthetist and her athletic dream to land a spot on the US Speedskating team. She has a shot at both because of scholarship support.
Now in her third year, Baily is immersed in the SLCC nursing program, laying the foundation for her goal: to earn a doctorate in anesthesia after gaining ICU experience. “There is a pathway that connects the RN program to the bachelor’s program at the University of Utah in nursing. Right now, that is my plan,” says Baily.
Grit, passion, and time-management skills drive Baily’s schedule, which includes work, classes, and training time on the ice. She is up at 5:30 a.m.,
lacing up her skates. Right now, Baily is a short track speed skater competing on the feeder team to the US National Speedskating Team. If she makes the national team, SLCC’s partnership with US Speedskating will cover her tuition.
“That’s a big reason I’m skating so fast; to help pay for nursing school,” she jokes. Becoming serious, she adds: “Support from scholarships mean that I can still pursue both my academic and athletic dreams.”
“The donor donates, then goes on with their day, but for me that donation makes all the difference. I get to do everything I love because of it. I love to learn. And I love to skate,” says Baily, who wants to be able to donate one day to help another student on their journey.
A Year of Events
THE GAIL MILLER UTAH LEADERSHIP CUP
Every September, the annual Gail Miller Utah Leadership Cup raises funds to help SLCC students. While providing an unforgettable day of playing golf, this event raised $292,993 in 2024 with all proceeds directly benefiting SLCC students through scholarship and program support as they pursue their college and career dreams.
BUSINESS BUILDING GROUNDBREAKING
The groundbreaking ceremony for the new Larry H. and Gail Miller Business Building at the Taylorsville Redwood Campus took place on November 8, 2024. The new building will house the Gail Miller Business School, the first business school in Utah and one of only a few nationwide to be named exclusively after a woman. The renovated 67,669-sq. ft. building will be open for students by Fall Semester 2026. To learn more about supporting the Gail Miller Business School relaunch, contact Bob Whittaker, 801-957-4247, bob.whittaker@slcc.edu.
UNVEILING OF THE UTAH WOMEN 2020 MURAL
On March 6, 2025, at the South City Campus Atrium, the Utah Women 2020 mural was unveiled in celebration of Women’s History month. Funded by Zions Bank and the SLCC Foundation, the 1,000-square-foot mural was conceived by artists Jann Haworth, Liberty Blake, and Alex Johnstone and commissioned by retired Zions Bank President and CEO Scott Anderson to honor Utah women and SLCC President Emeritus Deneece G. Huftalin, PhD.
About SLCC
Salt Lake Community College, home to Salt Lake Tech, is Utah’s largest open-access institution, welcoming over 50,000 students each year across eight campuses and online. As the most diverse higher education institution in the state, we are committed to creating opportunities for individuals from all backgrounds and circumstances to pursue their dreams. Our students include recent high school graduates beginning their college journey, individuals developing specialized skills for direct entry into the workforce, and seasoned professionals seeking to advance their careers with new expertise. At SLCC, we believe education is a catalyst for personal and community transformation, offering everyone the chance to unlock their potential and shape their future.
For more information on how to support SLCC students, please contact:
Development Office
Salt Lake Community College – AAB 101 4600 South Redwood Road Salt Lake City, Utah 84123 801-957-4658
