OF Impact
THE TRUE RETURN ON INVESTMENT STUDENT SUCCESS
IMPACT REPORT 2026
A single ripple can
Nikki Borges Chief Philanthropy Officer
At the WCC Foundation, we see every gift as an investment in possibility. Because of your generosity, students are gaining access to life-changing education, new career pathways and the confidence to pursue their goals.
The stories in this impact report are a reflection of the extraordinary return on your investment— measured not only in scholarships awarded or programs supported, but in lives transformed and futures strengthened. Thank you for believing in our students and for partnering with us to create opportunity across our community.
Where Students Needed Help Most (Fall FY26)
Out of 116 total awards
41% Addressed Food Insecurity (47 students)
31% Provided Rental Assistance (36 students)
16% Utilities Assistance (19 students)
6% Supported Transportation (7 students)
6% Covered Books and Supplies (7 students)
MESSAGE FROM OUR PRESIDENT
As WCC celebrates 60 years of opening doors for students and community partners, we appreciate the opportunity to share this important information and these inspiring stories. As a community college, we enthusiastically serve you, the community of Washtenaw County, and the WCC Foundation is committed to continuing to help us keep up the good work of making education affordable, accessible and impactful. Thank you for all you do.
—Rose B. Bellanca, Ed.D. President, Washtenaw Community College
change the current.
Students aren’t just struggling with tuition —they’re struggling with stability. Student Impact Fund needs have increased nearly 80% in just two years.
Kayla Friedland-Volz Manager of Advancement
I have seen students come and go, students stopping by for directions to the Testing Center, students needing help covering tuition, and students facing some of the most difficult moments of their lives. Each interaction has shaped my understanding of what it truly means to serve the WCC community.
“The WCC Foundation saved my children and me from being homeless. I was in an emergency and was told about this program. I honestly almost didn’t apply because the last thing I wanted was to beg for help and be turned away. I was at a very low point mentally. However, to my surprise, I received a call the same day about my application. The help I was given means more to me than any words could ever describe. It lifted a very big burden off my shoulders and gave me a chance to give my all to my classes. It allowed me the opportunity to just sit and hug my children and not be so overwhelmed with what was going to happen or where we would go. I can never thank this foundation enough.”
—Brandi M.
We witness the full spectrum, the emotional lows and the hard-earned highs. This work requires a careful balance, serving students with compassion while honoring the mission of the Foundation and the trust of our stakeholders. There is emotional labor in reading hardship statements and knowing we cannot meet every need, but there is also profound joy in seeing resilience take root.
To our donors, your support makes this possible. The WCC Foundation exists to provide scholarships and support that help students overcome barriers and continue their education.
You may not always see the ripple expand outward, but we do, in resilience, in completion and in the quiet strength of students who know someone believes in them.
And because of you, the ripples continue.
Food Insecurity
Life is full of twists and turns, events that can threaten a student’s education. At WCC, our Student Impact Fund is there when our WCC Wolfpack needs a boost, often allowing them to stay in school through difficult times.
Food Cupboard Use Stats
Fresh Produce Day
“It’s
—Xayla Van WCC Student
14% of Washtenaw County residents are food insecure1
! Roughly 1 in 7 people lack reliable access to enough nutritious food.1
Historical comparison indicates an increase from earlier years; prior to the COVID-19 pandemic, rates were near ~10.7 % (estimated from 2020) 2 .
University of Michigan reporting also estimates ~51,000 residents (≈14 %) were food insecure in 2023.3
1 Source: WEMU; 2 Source: Food Gatherers in Partnership with Feeding America;
3 Source: University of Michigan Human Resources
“Thank you for providing nutrition for the soul, as well as the body.”
—Christine Drayer WCC Student
“I’m excited to get fresh produce again after the last time and see all the variety, including some of my mom’s favorite vegetables.”
—Eason Xiao WCC Student
DONOR SPOTLIGHT
Nancy and Irv Leon
“We are honored to support WCC’s important role in providing food for students in need. Students should never have their education disrupted or made more difficult because they are hungry. We want to help ensure that every student can fully benefit from the excellent education and opportunities at WCC.”
—Nancy and Irv Leon WCC Foundation Donors
Lunches With Love
“I really appreciate the work of the WCC Foundation. You don’t know how much this helps us. Thank you so much!”
—Victoria Lyons-Anderson WCC Student
Scholarship Statistics
1,013
76% of applicants received scholarship funding in Fall 2025
Hometown Tuscaloosa, Alabama Business Dee & Dee Brown LLC Reseller and Business Systems Brand Major at WCC Business Management Concentration in Entrepreneurship and Innovation
Why I chose my major?
I chose business management because my daughter Dominique and I are building our business, Dee & Dee Brown LLC, while we are in school. We wanted to learn how to run a business the right way and build systems that will support our future.
After graduation, I plan to ...
After graduation, I plan to continue growing our business and use what I’ve learned at WCC to create opportunities for our
family and help other resellers learn how to build sustainable businesses.
In my spare time, I like to ...
In my spare time I enjoy working on our business, learning new systems and spending time with my daughter as we continue our education journey together.
My favorite thing about WCC?
My favorite thing about WCC is the support system for students.
Donnetta Brown
and Dominique Brown
A Conversation with Donnetta Brown
Ashley Jones DONOR SPOTLIGHT
T.K. Community Expendable Scholarship
“I believe in removing barriers so that our community can reach its full potential. I was once a student in need who received financial assistance and am proud to be able to give back now and do the same for others. Everyone deserves the dignity of an education. It is a privilege to support others.”
—Ashley Jones WCC Foundation Donor and WCC Welding Instructor
The faculty and staff genuinely want students to succeed and provide resources that make it possible for people from many different backgrounds to continue their education.
How has the WCC Foundation helped you?
The WCC Foundation has helped remove financial barriers that could have interrupted our education. The support has helped us stay focused on our classes and continue working toward our goals.
What has that help meant to you?
The support has meant a great deal to me because it allowed my daughter and me to continue our education together. As a veteran and nontraditional student, returning to college was a major step, and the encouragement from the WCC Foundation has made that journey possible.
—Donnetta Brown WCC Foundation Donor
Dear WCC Foundation Donors,
I am writing to express my gratitude for your generosity in supporting my education through this scholarship.
My name is Matthew, and I am currently pursuing a degree in mechanical engineering with the ultimate goal of working in the automotive industry. This scholarship has been instrumental in allowing me to focus on my studies and work towards achieving my academic and career aspirations.
As a dedicated student juggling work and school, your support has alleviated much of the financial pressure that comes with higher education. This has given me the opportunity to dedicate more time to my coursework, including challenging subjects like calculus and analytical physics, which are essential to my future career.
Your generosity not only inspires me but also strengthens my commitment to excel academically and contribute meaningfully to my field. I hope one day to be in a position to give back and support students in the same way you have supported me.
Once again, thank you for your kindness and investment in my future. Your contribution has made a significant impact on my life, and I am more than grateful!
Sincerely,
Matthew P.
Mechanical Engineering Student
The Women’s Council
Reflections from the Chair
“In life, you can only plan so much, and I could have never planned the gifts I’ve received during my sevenyear affiliation, with the last two being the chair of the Washtenaw Community College (WCC) Women’s Council. These gifts include meeting and bringing to the organization, like-minded and service-oriented women to get the job done.
“The job is removing barriers for students, who hold various identities or circumstances that do not allow for a straight path to achieving their educational goals. I have a master’s degree in social work, and the field of social work is all about reflection. When I think about the theme, Ripples of Impact and a Return On Investment (ROI), I continue to reflect on ways I can make a difference by contributing to the Washtenaw Community College Women’s Foundation and ask everyone I can to do the same. Reminding everyone of the saying, ‘be what you needed’ and being part of the WCC Women’s Council allows me to carry out that goal.
“I’m inspired knowing I’m contributing to the future of a student and access to their goals, to change their future and opportunities to have their own ‘Ripple of Impact’ and ‘Return on Investment’ of completing their education at Washtenaw Community College.”
—Marlanna Landeros, MSW Women’s Council Chair
Student Stories
Reatta Jefferson
“The help from WCC Foundation has helped reduce some of the financial pressure that comes with returning to school as a non-traditional student and single parent. While balancing classes, family responsibilities and preparing for a rigorous program, this support helped me to stay focused on my studies without worrying about how to cover every expense.
“This support has really encouraged me to know there are people who believe in me and my educational goals and are willing to invest in my future. This motivates me to continue working hard, maintain strong academic performance and build a stable and meaningful healthcare career for myself and my children.”
Daniel Million
“I needed a respirator for my welding class because I have asthma. WCC Foundation has helped me greatly. I am so excited to see new results with my personal protection equipment. Thank you so much!”
Jeff and Cheryl Patton
“Serving as a member of the Washtenaw Community College Board of Trustees for six years has been an extraordinary honor and a deeply rewarding experience. During this time, I had the privilege of working alongside dedicated leaders, faculty, staff and community partners who share a strong commitment to expanding educational opportunity and improving lives throughout our region.
“Cheryl’s involvement as a member of the Washtenaw Community College Women’s Council has further strengthened our connection to this mission.
“Through her engagement, she has witnessed firsthand the powerful impact that mentorship, scholarships and community support can have on students striving to achieve their educational and personal goals.
“Together, our experiences have allowed us to hear and witness countless stories from students of all ages, backgrounds and cultures—stories of perseverance, challenge, determination and ultimately success. These journeys are a powerful reminder of the critical role that Washtenaw Community College plays in opening doors and creating pathways to brighter futures.
“Being engaged with Washtenaw Community College’s leadership and partnering with the college in its ongoing mission to improve lives has been both inspiring and humbling. It has truly been a pleasure to be part of the Washtenaw Community College mission, and we look forward with optimism to the continued impact Washtenaw Community College’s mission will have on students, families and our community in the years ahead.”
—Jeff and Cheryl Patton WCC Foundation Donors
Freddi Kilburn
“My journey began with the Washtenaw Community College Women’s Council. Our goal is to provide scholarships for WCC students. My husband was in a memory care facility. We had wonderful care and dedication from young nurses who did not have the means to further their education. My family wanted to help them as they helped my husband. Thus we established the Lt. Colonel Dan Kilburn Scholarship for WCC students who went into the medical field. Some have gone on to universities to further their education and some are working in healthcare facilities.”
—Freddi Kilburn WCC Foundation Donor
DONOR SPOTLIGHT
DONOR SPOTLIGHT
When Students Give Back
Amanda Scheffler
“I have taught at WCC for the past sixteen years, but prior to that I was a WCC student and I received scholarship assistance to complete my studies. Without it I would not have gone to college. I know firsthand how it is to work hard to achieve goals and that experience is one of the reasons I am a WCC donor. WCC students take what they learn and become motivated, dependable members of the southeast Michigan community. Supporting students and community is very important to me.”
—Amanda Scheffler
WCC Foundation Donor, Instructor, Alumna
Stay Connected
Your journey with WCC doesn’t end at graduation. We are proud to support you throughout your professional endeavors and personal growth. Our alumni community is a great place to connect, collaborate and continue making an impact in the world.
Wolfpack, we want to hear from you. Please don’t hesitate to reach out to us at foundation@wccnet.edu.
Follow us on your favorite social channels.
DONOR SPOTLIGHT
Foundation Board
Executive Committee
Holly Heaviland, Ed.D., Chair
Mike Kipley, Chair-Elect
Kirk Profit, J.D., Vice-Chair Community Impact
Marie Klopf, Secretary
Patti Judson, Treasurer
Bhushan Kulkarni, Chair Emeritus
William G. Milliken Jr., WCC Board of Trustees Liaison
Rose B. Bellanca, Ed.D., WCC President
Nikki Borges, Chief Philanthropy Officer
Directors
Paul Ajegba
Chandra Arya
Hank Barry, J.D.
Dante Boutell
Michelle Crumm
Rebecca DeVooght
Donna Doleman Dickerson
Eric C. Ferguson, M.D.
Bilal Saeed
Walter Whitehouse Jr., M.D.
Wendy Woods
“Serving as the WCCF Board Chair continues to be both an honor and a lens into the crucial work that is happening at WCC and within the WCC Foundation. The educational programs offered through the college are consistently of the highest quality and students complete their educational journey at WCC ready and prepared to take their chosen next steps in life. Our collective work through the Foundation supports students with financial assistance that clearly shows the return on investment of donor support. It is with great pride that I serve in this role.”
—Holly Heaviland, Ed.D. Board Chair
SATURDAY, OCTOBER 3, 2026
Host Committee
Hank and Kathleen Barry
Amy Cell and Bill Schikora
Ed Copp and Katherine Lawrence
Heidi and John Dodson
Cheryl and Jeff Patton
Alex Milshteyn and Ken Powell
Mac and Rosanne Whitehouse
“Thank you for investing in students like me. Your generosity creates opportunities that truly change lives. I am grateful to be a direct result of your support.”
—Jeremiah Wade
1,835 $1,387,189 $5,125,000 $3,201,680
