The college has enjoyed an increase in number of scholarships awarded and donor-funded “named” scholarships
The Technical College of the Lowcountry recently honored more than 30 students and their scholarship donors at a new lunch program designed to highlight both the accomplishments of students and the importance of donor funding.
Sponsored by Palmetto Electric Cooperative, the “Donor & Scholar Luncheon” was held on March 12 at the Culinary Institute of the South at TCL and saw more than 120 guests in attendance.
“What you do by supporting our students is so important because it enables them to come to college and change their lives,” TCL President Dr. Richard Gough said in his opening remarks. “They gain skills, they make a better life for themselves, they make a better life for their families, and they improve the quality of life in our region.”
TCL has seen an increase in both the number of private scholarships awarded – up 17 percent from last year – and the number of donor-funded “named” scholarships now available.
Palmetto Electric Cooperative President and CEO Berl Davis thanked those who donated to the college and also addressed the many scholarship recipients who attended the event.
“Today is about you and the futures that you are building,” he said.
The electric cooperative established an endowment at TCL in 2014 to recognize the service and commitment of former Palmetto Electric CEO Tom Upshaw.
“At Palmetto Electric, we believe in education as one of the (most) meaningful and lasting investments a community can make,” he said, adding that the cooperative’s mission goes beyond delivering reliable electricity.
“It’s about improving the quality of life and strengthening the communities we serve – today and for generations to come,” he said. “Supporting education, especially workforce and technical education, is a natural extension of that mission.”
For more information on scholarships or how to support TCL visit www.tcl.edu/foundation.
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More scenes from Thursday’s luncheon:
