RCC Foundation Launches First Capital Campaign
LUMBERTON, NC (June 3, 2008) — The Robeson Community College Foundation has launched its first capital campaign in the 43 year history of the College. The Foundation's campaign which is centered on the theme, “Opening Doors, Changing Lives” has set a $1 million goal to add to the Foundation's existing endowment. “We are excited about this endeavor and the opportunities that it will provide one of our greatest assets in this county which is Robeson Community College. I fully support the work of this Foundation and believe it will accomplish what it sets out to do,” said Foundation Board Chair, Ray Pennington.
Both the RCC Foundation Board of Directors and Board of Trustees have fully endorsed the campaign. Pledges and donations totaling $163,714 have already been given towards the goal. Contributors thus far include both of the College boards, RCC faculty and staff, community business partners, and friends of the College. “I believe the strong support that has already taken place from the employees of RCC and the College and Foundation Boards is great measure for the success of this campaign,” said Foundation Director Ericka Jones. “I think it's great that we first have the support of the administrators of the College and the faculty and staff before we officially launch the campaign,” said Don Metzger, Campaign Committee Chair.
The Robeson Community College Foundation, Inc. is nonprofit corporation of the College with the main purpose of receiving and disbursing funds for scholarships to assist students. During the 2007-08 academic year, the Foundation awarded over $100,000 in scholarship awards. The Foundation has set a goal to double the awards at the completion of this campaign. Jones said, “This campaign will pave the way for many generations of students and will have a lasting impact on Robeson County as the recipients of these scholarships continue to be valuable assets to our community.”
Since January 2003, RCC added many certificate, degree and articulation agreement programs which have contributed to the rise in students. In the spring of 2006-07, enrollment at RCC climbed by 25% creating a total enrollment of over 7,700 students for the year. New certificate programs include the Lateral Entry Teacher Certificate, Electrical/Electronics Certificate, Industrial Systems programs certificates, and A/C Heating & Refrigeration programs certificates. The aviation articulation options with the Associate in Arts Degree Program include: The University of North Dakota (UND) Aviation Articulation, UND Air Traffic Control Articulation, and Pre-Major Associate in Arts with the University of Minnesota at Crookston Law Enforcement Aviation Articulation. New programs that fall under the Associate in Science Degree program include: Medical Office Administration, Radiography and Surgical Technology. The increase in the number of programs has contributed to the rise in students. Educational costs, which include rising book expenses, and the rise in the cost of living has required more financial assistance for students.
To keep up with the growth in enrollment and new programs, RCC has expanded its facilities. A new health sciences building was completed in 2006 and a continuing education building at COMtech in 2004. Additionally, the new construction of the Workforce Development Center will begin this summer. The building will house the BioNetwork BioAg Center, Small Business Development Center, Human Resource Development Center and other programs focused on workforce development. This campaign also includes philanthropic Naming Rights opportunities for these building and also classrooms, laboratories, parking lots and other appropriate spaces on the campus.
It is the Foundations goal to also support professional development activities that are valued and needed by the College; emergency funds for students with immediate financial hardships; leadership retention to assist in keeping top level faculty and staff; and community service events that will bring more cultural awareness and special activities to the community.
“The RCC Foundation's Capital Campaign will be one of the College's more strategic undertakings during the 2008-09 fiscal year. The RCC Board of Trustees and RCC Foundation Board of Directors have fully endorsed this campaign by stepping up with donations and pledges to launch this initiative in the right way. I am very pleased with their commitment” said RCC President, Charles Chrestman.
To learn more about participating in the campaign, including the various ways to give, contact Ericka A. Jones, Foundation Director at 910-272-3235.
