WCC Foundation: Making Education Affordable, Accessible & Impactful
Affordable,
Accessible & Impactful
Dear Friends of Washtenaw Community College,
Have you ever read something and thought, “Well, that’s a mighty big statement?”
Here’s one: You—our generous donors and friends—are changing lives and bringing unmatched positive energy to the WCC community.
Saying “thank you” matters, but showing the impact you make tells a more powerful story. Recently, while picking up dinner, a young woman at the counter noticed my WCC badge and lit up. She’s a Cybersecurity student, grateful for her Foundation scholarship, which is helping her graduate sooner than expected. Her plan? Transfer to UM, just like her sister—also a WCC alum and scholarship recipient.
Later that week, I met a dental assistant during a routine appointment. She’s a young mother who earned her certificate through WCC. Flexible scheduling and job placement support made it possible. “Life-changing,” she said.
At physical therapy, I met a PTA who’s also a proud WCC graduate—her education supported by Foundation-funded tuition assistance.
Over the weekend, a mechanic working on my car shared that he was a firstgeneration college student. During a time of food insecurity and housing instability, the Foundation’s Student Emergency Fund helped him stay enrolled. He called it “a gift” he plans to repay as a future donor.
These stories are everywhere—woven into the fabric of our community. They inspire me, and I hope they inspire you.
Thank you for your continued support. Together, we’re not just shaping futures—we’re igniting the spark that turns dreams into reality, one student at a time.
With heartfelt gratitude,
Nikki Borges Chief Philanthropy Officer WCC Foundation
“ For students in need, the support they receive through the WCC’s Foundation can be life-changing. Thanks to our generous donors and caring community, it can mean the difference between a student achieving their educational and career goals or dropping out of college. That support creates a ripple effect— lifting up families and strengthening our community for generations.”
– Rose B. Bellanca, Ed.D. President, Washtenaw Community College
GRANTS Transform Education
“ This state-of-the-art anatomical digital table will enable students to visualize and learn anatomical structures in ways that were never possible in the past. The table showcases real cadavers of different age, sex, and pathological condition to be viewed in multiple planes and views. This table is a tremendous educational partner for the effective teaching of anatomy which is essential for students pursuing health science careers as well as other students in biology who are interested in exercise science, zoology, and pathophysiology.”
– Susan Dentel Life Science Department Chair and Coordinator of
the STEM Scholars
Program
Photo Courtesy of Anatomage
SCHOLARSHIPS Boost Student Success
“ The WCC Foundation has helped tremendously in my financial situation, helping me myself while in school. It has also enabled me to get an education, which is something that I had written off in the past due to the cost. While I’m at Washtenaw, I want to make the most of these opportunities.”
– Xavier Bethea WCC Student
Each year, the Foundation is proud to award scholarships to deserving students pursuing their education at WCC. This year, we will proud award $1.4 million in financial assistance, furthering our mission to make a WACC education affordable, acccesible, and impactful. We look forward to the scholarship dollars we are able to awared, and we thank you for your part in this progress.
“ I want to acknowledge the impact that the Foundation Scholarship has had, not just on my life but on the lives of countless students facing similar circumstances. The commitment to fostering education and providing opportunities has created a ripple effect, shaping the trajectories of many individuals striving for a better future.
Thank you to all the donors for being a catalyst for positive change and for making the pursuit of knowledge a reality for students like me. I can only hope to one day follow in your footsteps.”
– Ruthie Timoficiuc WCC Student
OVERCOMING Obstacles
Overcome (verb)
Succeed in dealing with (a problem or difficulty).
Obstacle (noun)
A thing that blocks one’s way or prevents progress.
The WCC Foundation is committed to assisting students in overcoming obstacles that would deter them from continuing their education. Through WCCF’s student emergency fund, eligible students can recieve financial assistance to overcome obstacles. Since the inception of the fund, 92% of students who have received assistance have been able to continue their educational journey at WCC.
“ The WCC Foundation has impacted my life in so many ways without even expecting it. Being able to ask for support and receive it has really brought me courage to come out of my comfort zone, to not be afraid to ask for help, and to be able to keep my grades high and stress levels low. The Foundation also gave me the push I need to survive in this hard world.”
“ The Student Resource Center (SRC) is immensely grateful for the partnership and support provided by the Foundation. This assistance allows us to effectively address various challenges that prevent our students from achieving their full potential at WCC.”
– Cheryl Finley MA LLPC, Case Manager Student Resource Center
WCC Student
MEET Our Donors
“ We believe that we are Blessed so that we can Bless others. As a result of the wonderful education available at WCC, students are well equipped to take advantage of life’s options and opportunities, and to find gateways through the barriers that they may face. We are Blessed to be able to help in our small way.”
– Stefani Carter
Our donors all have their unique life experiences and reasons to support students, but the one common storyline is that they care! Whether giving to scholarships, helping students overcome obstacles or helping make education impactful through grant funding, WCCF donors are committed to making a positive difference in the lives of our students and our community.
The Blessing of “giving back” and “paying forward” has always been a treasured family responsibility. WCC is the best way to achieve this goal and lend a hand up to anyone eager for an education and striving for self-autonomy.”
– Nadra Johnson
“ WCC is a wonderful resource for our community. Helping students take advantage of this resource, particularly in the face of unexpected challenges, is a privilege and we are grateful for the opportunity to help.”
– Mike Boehnke & Betsy Foxman
Each year, hundreds of dedicated donors help WCCF achieve our goal of supporting students. Since January of 2025, over 1400 donors have contributed to our efforts. We could not accomplish our goal of helping students accomplish theirs without you.
“ As a family with deep ties to Washtenaw Community College, I am honored to establish the Brazil Saslow Scholarship Fund in honor of my grandson. This fund will support students who are pursuing their educational dreams at WCC, just as my son did many years ago. It is my hope that this gift will help students who need it most, and I’m proud to contribute to a college that has given so much to my family.”
– Barbara Duncan
MEET Our Donors
“ I’ve been donating to and supporting the WCC Foundation for 35 years. I witness everyday how the Foundation supports our students in pursuing their academic goals.”
– Linda Blakey Provost and Chief Operating Officer for WCC
“ I have always valued the relationships with my students the most throughout my teaching career. My students have made such a positive impact in my own life, so I give to the WCC Foundation as just a small way to thank and encourage them. I also think highly of the incredible team at WCC, and I wish that more people in our community could be afforded access to our outstanding resources for growth.”
– Bobby Klemmer Professional Mathematics Faculty
25 YEARS OF GIVING A Chat with Ron Schulz
For the past 25 years, Ron Schulz, a seasoned employee of WCC has been donating to the WCC Foundation directly from his paycheck. After the passing of his father, Ronald V. Schulz, he established the Ronald V. Schulz Club Sports fund. As a long time supporter of WCC and the WCC Foundation, we sat down with Ron to find out more about what’s important to him and why he chooses to give.
WCCF: How long have you been working at WCC?
RON: 38 years. Ten in custodial and 28 in grounds maintenance.
WCCF: Wow! That’s a long time. What has your favorite part about working at WCC been?
RON: Making the college pretty. WCC is located in a very visual spot… I hear from my friends and other people when they know I work here: “Oh, this place looks so beautiful. I just drove past.”
Our main goal in grounds is that you don’t see trash. Not many campuses can say that. There’s no trash. We pick it up in the morning before anyone gets in.
WCCF: Tell me about the fund you started.
RON: Back in ’89, the fitness center hasn’t been built yet. They had a baseball field over there. They had a good baseball team here! The Washtenaw Warriors. When I was little, my dad always surrounded me with sports. He was coaching. When I came to work at WCCF. I even participated in club sports. Back then, he was playing too.
Sports are important. They’ve helped me meet new people and learn about different ways and people. Later, when my dad passed way, I told the athletic director: “I’m going to donate from every paycheck in my dad’s name and I’m going to put it into club sports.”
I started donating and hadn’t thought about it. Almost 25 years and it’s still going strong.
WCCF: 25 years is a long time!
RON: Time passed by so quickly. You don’t even know. That’s why I think it’s important to donate to the Foundation – taking it out of your paycheck or however you choose to donate. You don’t even realize it’s missing because it’s not. It’s going to a good cause.
Washtenaw has always done a very good job. They have supported me and my family very well and I just couldn’t imagine being anywhere else. It’s a good place.
I have given back to the college what they’ve given me.
WCCF: We were touched when we saw how long you had been giving to the Foundation and very excited when you agreed to be featured.
RON: If something happens where not many people are playing sports anymore, I’ll always give. No matter what. When I leave here the Foundation keeps going. I can keep giving.
The late Ronald V. Schulz
Save the Date Gala
Saturday, November 8, 2025 6:00 – 11:00 p.m.
Join us in celebration as Washtenaw Community College Foundation begins the 40th year of making impact and removing barriers to education. This ticket event provides not only an evening of fun, food, friends, and entertainment but also supports for Washtenaw Community College.
The Washtenaw Community College Alumni Association are excited to have you join our community of proud alumni who share a passion for lifelong learning, career advancement, and giving back to the college that helped shape our futures.
As a member of the WCC Alumni Association, you’ll enjoy exclusive benefits, including:
. Networking opportunities with fellow alumni
. Invitations to alumni events and reunions
. Access to career services and professional development resources
. Discounts on various services and products
. Ongoing updates about the college and alumni initiatives
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.
JD Scott Photography
WCC FOUNDATION Board of Directors
Executive Committee
Bhushan Kulkarni, Chair
Holly Heaviland, Ed.D., Secretary & Vice-Chair
Patti Judson, Treasurer
Rose B. Bellanca, Ed.D.
Bill Milliken, WCC Board of Trustees Liason
Directors
Hank Barry
Dante Boutell
Cindy Byrne
Michelle Crumm
Rebecca DeVooght
Donna Doleman Dickerson
Michael Kipley
Marie Klopf
Bilal Saeed
Kevin Van Kannel
Wendy Woods
Walter “Mac” Whitehouse, M.D.
Kirk Profit
“ Chairing WCC Foundation Board and contributing as a donor has been an eye-opening experience, revealing the truly transformational role WCC plays in our community. As an entrepreneur, I am drawn to organizations and individuals who embody a can-do spirit and innovative mindset. WCC exemplifies that energy every day, creating opportunities that change lives. It is a privilege to support students and help ensure they receive an education that empowers them to thrive and succeed.”
– Bhushan
Kulkarni
Chair
The Women’s Council at WCC
Mission: To endow scholarships for students based on leadership and academic excellence, build a mentoring program, and provide services and resources that support the students of Washtenaw Community College.
Every year, the Women’s Council…
. Provides essentials for WCC students including scrubs for nursing students and PPE for welding students.
. Helps students in vocational studies with scholarships.
. Provides funds for students in emergency situations.
. Honors local Sheroes in Washtenaw County who go above and beyond their every day role to make a positive impact, break barriers, and inspire others in the community.
Find out more about Women’s Council Initiatives at: https://www.wccnet.edu/foundation/#council
