Record amount of scholarship funding raised at 19th Annual Student Investment Luncheon

Hanceville, AL — The Wallace State Future Foundation held its 19th Annual Student Investment Luncheon and Auction on Thursday, Nov. 2 at Traditions Bank Arena in Tom Drake Coliseum. The event brought in record funding with attendees raising a total of $373,787 for Wallace State Community College students.  

Wallace State President Vicki Karolewics welcomed guests to the event before inviting Christy Hicks, Director of Campus Ministries at Wallace State, up to the stage to lead the invocation.   

“This is our 19th year of doing this and I am overwhelmed to see the many friends who have joined us for this event. You are here because you care about these students and the education they will receive that will transform their lives and our communities,” Karolewics said.  “On behalf of them, and on behalf of our faculty and staff, and from the bottom of my heart, thank you.”   

Karolewics said the Foundation’s support has given the opportunity of education to more students and allowed the college to grow. This fall, the college’s enrollment is the second largest in its history, with more than 6,000 students.  Wallace State was also recently recognized among the Top 150 community colleges in the nation by the Aspen Institute, a designation based largely on the college’s outstanding student outcomes. 

Wallace State Future Foundation scholarship recipients pose for a photo after the 19th annual Wallace State Future Foundation Student Investment Luncheon on Thursday, Nov. 2, at Traditions Bank Arena in Tom Drake Coliseum. 

The Student Investment Luncheon gives community donors the opportunity to socialize with one another, meet Wallace State students benefiting from scholarships and participate in silent and live auctions, which directly benefit the Future Foundation.  

“The annual Student Investment Luncheon is about changing a student’s life by investing in their education and producing successful graduates,” said Future Foundation President Donna Guthrie. “All proceeds from today’s event will benefit scholarships awarded by the Future Foundation to students enrolled across all programs at Wallace State, including workforce credit and dual enrollment.”    

“Over the last decade the Foundation has awarded over $2.5 million dollars in scholarships to over 3,000 deserving Wallace State students. For 2023-2024, the Future Foundation awarded a record number of students - 251!” Guthrie remarked. “These students were collectively awarded over $465,000 to assist with their educational goals and dreams.”  

The live auction was officiated by Bryan C. Knox. Some of the featured items during the live auction included reservations for a five-course meal at 412 Public House; a signed print of the Auburn University Football Team by sports artist Rick Rush; a maple and epoxy coffee table handcrafted by Jacob Richter and Alabama Millworks; and an adventure package featuring an off-road ride at Stoney Lonesome OHV Park and one tandem jump at Skydive Alabama. The highest bid placed was for a 7-day stay in a condominium at The Beach Club Resort on the Fort Morgan Peninsula for $4,000.    

“I want you to pull out your checkbook and write yourself a check,” said Guthrie, “because when you donate to these students, you are also investing in your future. A $25 donation goes a long way for a student who needs gas.”    

Supporters choose items to purchase on the Fund A Need board at the 19th annual Wallace State Future Foundation Student Investment Luncheon on Thursday, Nov. 2, at Traditions Bank Arena in Tom Drake Coliseum.

The Wallace State Future Foundation provides scholarships and assistance to Wallace State students who may not typically qualify for traditional scholarships or who may need a bit of help to complete their education. Awards to students range from $25 gift cards for gas and food expenses to partial and full scholarships.   

The Wallace State Future Foundation has established more than 150 separate scholarships, which aid students in many ways, from providing money for transportation, textbooks and school supplies, to full scholarships covering tuition and fees.   

Before announcing the total amount of funds raised through sponsorships, donations and the auction, Suzanne Harbin, WSCC Vice President for Advancement and Innovation, named 19 new scholarships established in the last year through the Future Foundation. Of those, 12 are endowed.   

“Many of these scholarships were established in memory of a family member or loved one, each of whom is honored through an endowed scholarship in perpetuity,” said Harbin.   

A scholarship becomes endowed when its cumulative contribution reaches $25,000 or more. Endowed scholarships will remain active for perpetuity, with the ability to help students far into the future. The new scholarships include:  

• Brian S. Townsend Memorial Flight Scholarship  
• Celebrate Nursing Scholarship  
• Curtis James Wilson Memorial Legacy Endowed Scholarship  
• Donald Clay Memorial Legacy Endowed Scholarship  
• Donna J. Guthrie Endowed Scholarship  
• Dot Gudger Endowed Scholarship  
• HomTex, Inc. Scholarship  
• Jake Burkey Scholarship  
• James Clingan Memorial Legacy Endowed Scholarship  
• Johnnie Latham Memorial Legacy Endowed Scholarship  
• Lacie Cole Ring Memorial Endowed Scholarship  
• NAWIC Greater Birmingham Chapter Scholarship  
• North Jefferson Small Business Scholarship  
• Mr. and Mrs. Ronald Pierce Endowed Scholarship  
• Sandra Self Endowed Scholarship  
• Judge Frank Brunner Memorial Scholarship  
• Kylie Mackenzie Wilson Memorial Legacy Endowed Scholarship  
• Shawn Crider Memorial Legacy Endowed Scholarship  
• United Way Legacy Endowed Scholarship  

For more information about the Future Foundation, see a list of scholarships or donate, visit www.wsccfuturefoundation.org or call 256.352.7808.