Foundation,
This past year reminded us of something powerful: our students keep showing up, and so do you. With your support, they’ve continued to pursue their goals, strengthen our community, and create futures filled with possibility.
We also celebrated a major milestone: SPSCC was recognized as a Finalist with Distinction for the Aspen Prize, another way of saying we are the #2 community college in the nation. This recognition reflects the strength of our community’s commitment to student success and the generosity of supporters like you who believe in access and opportunity for all.
As we look ahead, SPSCC continues to navigate a changing landscape for community colleges, but one thing remains constant: students are working hard every day to build the future they imagine. Your partnership ensures we can meet them with the resources, programs, and encouragement they need along the way.
Thank you for showing up for our students today, tomorrow, and in the year ahead.
Together, we are Making the Sound
With gratitude,
Kelly Green Vice President for Advancement
Marcus Glasper SPSCC Foundation Board President
Foundation Board President Marcus Glasper and Vice President for Advancement Kelly Green
Celebrating a Year of Achievement The Class of 2025
Your support helped students stay on track, finish strong, and take the next step toward their goals. In 2025, SPSCC celebrated:
Enrollment increased nearly 8% over last year
Foundation-supported students earn higher GPAs and remain enrolled longer than their peers.
Aspen Prize Top 2 Named #2 Community College in Nation
In April 2025, SPSCC was honored as a “Finalist with Distinction” for the Aspen Prize, naming our college the number two community college in the nation. This recognition reflects the strength of our students and the commitment of supporters who believe in access, opportunity, and excellence.
The Aspen Prize included a $100,000 award, which helped launch the new Aspen Legacy Endowment. Our goal is to raise $300,000 enabling this endowment to expand long‑term emergency grant funding and ensure students have help when unexpected challenges arise. Learn more about the Aspen Legacy Endowment and how you can contribute to the legacy.
Your Impact at a Glance
Every gift helps students stay enrolled, stay focused, and keep moving toward their goals. This year, your generosity powered student centered support across the College.
You helped raise $1,791,970 to support SPSCC students this year. Together, we are Making the Sound and ensuring every student has the opportunity to thrive.
Disclaimer: all financial data is pending audit report.
The Power of Unrestricted Giving
Your support of the Student Success Fund gave us the flexibility to meet the most urgent needs of students and the College throughout 2025. This year, $656,527 in unrestricted Student Success dollars strengthened programs and classrooms and provided direct help through scholarships, emergency grants, and basic needs support.
Your unrestricted gifts allowed us to respond quickly, remove barriers, and keep students moving forward all year long. Learn more about the Student Success Fund
Fast, Flexible Support in a Moment of Need
When students temporarily lost federal food benefits, Student Success dollars helped us respond fast. $77,850 was awarded to 276 students in 29 days.
Student Success Funds Supported:
25% of scholarships in targeted impact initiatives $159,563 1/2 of emergency grants Over
Foundation scholarship recipient Matagi Maugaotega
Scholarships Fuel Student Dreams
With your support, 840 scholarships were awarded to students. When students have the financial resources they need, they can fully participate in their education and move forward with confidence. Your investment creates opportunities and helps shape our community’s future. Learn more about scholarships
“My experience at SPSCC has been both inspiring and rewarding, giving me the confidence and knowledge to pursue my dream of becoming an elementary school teacher. I am truly grateful for your generous scholarship support, which makes it possible for students like me to continue our education and work toward careers that give back to our communities.
Thank you for believing in my future.”
Lucia Pataka, Scholarship Recipient
44% first-generation college students supported
Average scholarship award amount is 108% growth in total scholarships awarded since 2020
$1,325
Grants That Keep Students Moving Forward
Your generosity helped provide grants that gave students immediate support when unexpected expenses threatened to interrupt their education. With $482,984 awarded in grant funding in 2025, you helped cover essentials like rent, utilities, transportation, tools, and tuition gaps, keeping students on track and moving forward when life became complicated. Learn more about grants
1,941 grants awarded
Top Emergency Grant requests: car repairs, utility bills, rental assistance
225% increase in total grants awarded since 2020
The Fa'au'uga Tanielu Chipman Grant
SPSCC Trustee Rozanne Garman created the Fa'au'uga Tanielu Chipman Grant to honor her late mother's love of learning and to support students when unexpected challenges arise. As one of SPSCC's first Running Start students, she knows firsthand the power of opportunity: "There were people who saw something in me and opened doors along the way. Every student deserves that same chance. That's why I give back." The grant provides quick response support to help students stay enrolled and moving toward their goals. Read Rozanne’s story.
Programs Supporting Future Success
Your generosity strengthened programs across the college by providing students with hands‑on learning, industry‑standard tools and technology, and the enriching experiences that help them build confidence, develop real‑world skills, and prepare for their future careers. This year, $460,875 was raised to help ensure classrooms, labs, and learning environments are equipped to meet students where they are and support their success. Learn more about programs
The Betti Vocational Endowment supports students pursuing a variety of Professional Technical Degrees by providing scholarships, tool grants, and more. Read more
and other community partners to establish a Residential Construction Academy to create living wage jobs and meet the demand for housing in Thurston County. Watch the video
Upgraded with program funds to improve storage and accessibility, the SPSCC Food Pantry provides free fresh and non‑perishable food, hygiene kits, and children’s books to students. Learn more.
Entrepreneur Academy is an add‑on program that equips SPSCC students with skills, mentorship, and real‑world experience to turn innovative ideas into viable businesses, with its first cohort completing the program in 2025. Learn more
SPSCC teamed up with Olympia Master Builders
The
Endowments Create Lasting Opportunity
Your generosity helped grow endowments that provide steady, ongoing support for students and programs across SPSCC. These funds strengthen scholarships, program equipment, faculty development, and student success initiatives year after year. Learn more about endowments.
$14,445,180
Total market value end of 2025
$547,995 powering scholarships and grants
9 new endowments created
Investing in the Next Generation
Bron and Tuula Lindgren created two new endowments to support students in SPSCC’s Automotive Program. Bron began his own journey at SPSCC before opening Bron’s Automotive, and he knows firsthand how challenging it can be to build a career in the trades while managing financial pressures. “I have huge respect for people who want to enter the trades and do not mind a little hard work,” he said. “We want to help others who are entering this trade.”
Their generous gift will fund scholarships and tool needs that help students stay enrolled, stay prepared, and move confidently toward careers in the automotive field.
Read Bron’s story
Bron Lindgren
Planning For Future Impact
Your generosity helps open doors for thousands of SPSCC students each year. You can also choose to extend that impact into the future through planned gifts that create long‑lasting opportunity. Even a simple bequest or beneficiary designation can help ensure future students have access to the resources and programs that help them thrive. Learn more about planned giving
Tax-Smart Ways to Give Now
Donor‑Advised Funds (DAFs)
If you start or manage a Donor‑ Advised Fund, you can recommend a grant to SPSCC at any time. DAF gifts create immediate impact and can support your long‑term philanthropic goals. There is no age requirement for using a DAF.
Gifts from Your IRA (QCDs)
If you are 70½ or older, you can make a meaningful impact by directing a gift from your IRA to the SPSCC Foundation. A Qualified Charitable Distribution allows you to give directly to charity while satisfying part or all of your Required Minimum Distribution. Because the gift goes straight from your IRA, it does not increase your taxable income and can be a smart way to support students.
Foundation Scholarship Recipient Christopher Grandchamp
Snapshots of Impact: A Year in Events
This year’s events brought our community together in meaningful ways. The Martin Luther King Jr. Reception and Lecture, Business After Hours with the Thurston County Chamber, the Clipper Scramble Golf Tournament, SPSCC After Hours, and Brunch With a Purpose each helped raise support and awareness for SPSCC students while celebrating the power of community.
SPSCC After Hours
Business After Hours hosted in partnership with the Thurston County Chamber
SPSCC Student Senate President Elise Garcia
Amanda Walker, Evette Temple, Farra Layne Hayes, Tim Shaw
Brunch With a Purpose
Martin Luther King Jr. Reception and Lecture
John Doan, David Marks, Charlie Kang, Lindsey Klinger, Jenny Pepper, Trent Marsh
Dr. Thelma Jackson, Barbara Clarkson, and members of the Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority
Foundation scholarship recipients William Van-Otten, Jeremiah Lewis, DjiBril Corrielus
2025 Presenting Sponsor Peak Credit Union's Golf Team
Clipper Scramble
Devi Ogden, Amanda Ybarra, Heidi Oehler, Tracy Brown
Mission
The SPSCC Foundation engages the community and builds resources to support success for all students.
Vision
Through world class fundraising and community engagement, every student receives a high quality, inclusive education.
Physical Copy Request
To request a physical copy of this report by mail, please contact the Foundation office.