The Southern Maine Community College Foundation presents
A Light on the Point 2020 AWARDS CEREMONY [A Virtual Event]
Thursday, February 4 6-7 p.m.
Honoring Those Who Have Gone Above & Beyond
SMCC FOUNDATION The SMCC Foundation is an independent nonprofit organization dedicated to advancing the mission of SMCC through the expansion of educational resources, as well as the development and stewardship of relationships with the community. This community support enables the College to enhance academic programs, revitalize classrooms and equipment and provide scholarship support for deserving students.
FOUNDATION BOARD Mark Duval, Board Chair, Duval’s Service Center Jane Eberle, Board Vice-Chair, South Portland School Department Judith Borelli, Texas Instruments John Boyne, Merrill Lynch, SMCC instructor Joseph Cassidy, SMCC President Julie Chase, SMCC Foundation Dan Coyne, United Way of Greater Portland Marty Madden, Merrill Lynch Edward Palmer, Portland Marriott at Sable Oaks Josh Reny, City of South Portland Matthew Richards, SMCC Christopher Sheldon, Hotel & Hospitality Management Michael F. Vaillancourt, Ainsworth, Thelin & Raftice, P.A. Norma Willis, SMCC
A MESSAGE FROM THE BOARD PRESIDENT I am the Chair of the SMCC Foundation Board and proud to be serving as a member of this year’s A Light on the Point fundraising campaign. All students strive to receive a quality education. Unfortunately, the cost of that education is often a barrier for students to reach this goal. The SMCC Foundation Board’s mission is to provide scholarships to help students reach this milestone in their lives. The A Light on the Point campaign allows donors to support students and help them achieve success in their academics and throughout their lives. The strength of the LOTP campaign is that it reaches all levels of ability to give – from gifts of $10 to those in the thousands. Each gift is important and makes a difference. The need has never been greater than now, with the added challenges of the pandemic and its impact on the Maine economy. Your donations benefit students across SMCC, whether they continue their education at four-year schools or enter the workforce with skills gained through the College. SMCC provides the education and training that allows students to build bright futures, while also helping businesses build the workforces they need to grow and thrive. Your contributions help strengthen Maine’s economy. I ask you to please consider contributing to the A Light on the Point fundraising fund. You can help students achieve their educational goals and reach their fullest potential.
- Mark Duval
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SPONSORS
HEAR FROM OUR STUDENTS
The SMCC Foundation awards more than $200,000 in scholarship funds to over 200 students each year, but the need for scholarships far exceeds the amount we are able to give. The scholarships help students continue their education and achieve their goals. But don’t take our word for it. You can hear directly from students from these excerpts from the thank-you letters they wrote to their donors.
Alex Goodwin, Automotive Technology Student Northern New England AAA Scholarship
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For the past few years I have been attending SMCC and paying my way through by working part time. While I wish I could say it has been easy going, there have been some semesters where I was unsure I would be able to attend due to finances. This incredible donation will not be wasted because it will allow me to focus ever more on school and reach new heights. It is an impossibility to show enough gratitude through merely this letter.
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Anna Reese Nursing Student Boyne Family Scholarship
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I am so grateful and honored to receive this scholarship. In such a stressful and unprecedented time, financial assistance like this is an incredible gift that is going to take a huge burden off my shoulders. At 31, this is my second career for me that I am paying for myself. I never considered nursing as a profession until I was diagnosed with stage 3 colon cancer in 2018 at age 28, the same year my father passed away from gallbladder cancer. Although it’s not the way I wanted to find what I was meant to do, I found it and I am so enjoying the nursing program here at SMCC.
A MESSAGE FROM SMCC PRESIDENT JOE CASSIDY The past year has been a challenge for everybody, but SMCC remains true to our mission of transforming lives and communities through education and skills training. With one of country’s most beautiful college campuses, SMCC offers numerous opportunities for students to gain job skills or to start their college career, and for businesses looking for support in training existing or prospective employees. SMCC allows students to start smart with low tuition and a wide selection of academic offerings. We have among the lowest tuition and fees in New England and more than 40 degree and certificate programs. Students can also finish strong after graduation by continuing their education at a four-year institution through our seamless transfer options, or by starting a high-earning career with the numerous businesses across the region looking to hire our graduates. With residence halls, athletic teams, student activities, a beach, and even a lighthouse, SMCC offers a comprehensive college experience. Our dedicated faculty help keep students on track to reach their academic and career goals. Our Workforce Development Department provides affordable, customized training for employees in technical instruction, leadership skills, industry certifications, and more. We have helped hundreds of businesses, nonprofits, and governmental agencies strengthen their workforces to grow and prosper. SMCC is committed to success. We welcome, prepare and inspire all to learn, succeed, and lead. Joe Cassidy 3
SPONSORS
AWARD WINNERS Honoring Those Who Have Gone Above & Beyond
The SMCC Foundation this year is paying tribute to an employee, an alumnus and an area business for their contributions to SMCC during what has been a particularly challenging year.
This year’s awards are: Outstanding Faculty/Staff Award: JESSICA DREVES Outstanding Alumnus Award: LACY MCMOARN Outstanding Business Award: STEVE ARNOLD The President’s Award: This award will be given to a group, organization or program that has demonstrated excellence within the community, state or region, with preference given to those connected to SMCC. President Cassidy will announce the recipient this evening.
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AWARD WINNERS
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AWARD WINNERS
THE PRESIDENT’S AWARD This award will be given to a group, organization or program that has demonstrated excellence within the community, state or region, with preference given to those connected to SMCC. President Cassidy will announce the recipient this evening.
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THANK YOU The Foundation Board wants to thank a few dedicated SMCC staff members who worked tirelessly behind the scenes to make this year’s Light on the Point happen in the virtual format. Matt Richards and Ethan Wells, SMCC Athletics Matt and Ethan curated and created the video presentations for the award winners. John Bolduc, Chair of the Precision Machining & Manufacturing Department, and His Students John and his students created the Spring Point Light cribbage boards and desk clocks given as awards to the honorees and sponsors.
Connie Goldberg, SMCC Foundation Office Connie dedicated countless hours of support and answered the many questions we all had as we developed this year’s virtual event.
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Honoring Those Who Have Gone Above & Beyond
www.smccME.edu #lightonthepoint