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Empowering Dreams and Nurturing Growth: The Legacy of The Foundation

Lady Cards with alumni

Nestled on the Trinity Valley Community College – Athens Campus is the Trinity Valley Community College Foundation, a non-profit that exists to assist in academic and educational purposes and the growth of the physical development of the college.

“The TVCC Foundation is essential in advancing the cause of the college,” TVCC President Dr. Jason Morrison shared. “The Foundation provides opportunities and access to education and is a partner with the college in transforming lives.”

The organization, which began as the Henderson County Junior College (HCJC) Foundation, was founded in January 1974 with the express purpose of supporting the growth and development of Henderson County Junior College, which was re-branded as Trinity Valley Community College in 1986.

From humble beginnings as HCJC Foundation to empowering dreams as TVCC Foundation, our journey reflects a legacy of community support and transformation,” Foundation Board President Mike Hembree expressed. “Since 1974, we've been dedicated to nurturing the growth of Trinity Valley Community College, ensuring accessibility and opportunity for all students.”

The foundation followed suit in 1988, becoming the Trinity Valley Community College (TVCC) Foundation. The first campaign in the history of TVCC was started in 2002 with the goal of raising funds to assist first-time full-time TVCC students. During that time, over $2,500.00 was raised by the Athens community. A second campaign was conducted in 2009-10 and raised more than $37,000.

“Donations to The Foundation started around $200 and have now grown into a $10 million dollar organization,” TVCC Foundation Executive Director Emily Heglund noted.

The goal for the Foundation is to give individuals and businesses the opportunity to invest in TVCC and specifically TVCC students, faculty and staff and their potential.

“Together, we make dreams come true because of alumni, friends, and donors,” Heglund added. “Our shared connection to our life-changing college, along with donors’ financial support, furthers our mission of making education accessible for so many.”

TVCC Foundation Scholarships

A huge part of The Foundation office’s impact on TVCC students is through scholarships. The Foundation’s Scholarship Program is dedicated to supporting the college by having funds available to students desiring an education. In the 2023-24 academic year, The Foundation awarded $418,000 in scholarships to students.

“My favorite part is getting to work with the students,” Heglund shared. “I think we [the Foundation office] all have a couple of stories of students who have come across our office and touched our hearts along the way.”

The Foundation has a long list of scholarships available from local businesses and community members. Many TVCC alumni offer scholarships opportunities to give back to the college and future students.

“With the Foundation and the scholarships, we get to see the other side of students and where they are now [in their career],” Alumni and Development Coordinator Fabiola Fuentes mentioned. “Trinity Valley Community College has played a huge role in a lot of people's lives – even when it was Henderson County Junior College! We are seeing the result of that now as we connect with students who have evolved in their career or respective industries and showcase their success stories. It’s inspiring to show our students.”

The Foundation awards two types of scholarships to TVCC students: endowed and non-endowed. Endowed scholarships are set up to be funded in perpetuity with the collection of the donor gift intact and only the earnings awarded to students. Non-endowed funds are funded on an as-needed basis, and the entire donor fund can be depleted.

Scholarships include TVCC Memorial Scholarship, Kiwanis Club of Athens Achievers, Leon Spencer Scholarship, Ginger Murchison Scholarship, and so many more. Not only does The Foundation offer a long list of scholarships, but the application process is also created to be easy for students. The application process includes two signed letters of recommendation, a transcript and a student’s explanation of their desires, academic goals and financial need.  

“It’s very rewarding to see the students who are applying for the scholarships and the funds that are available because of our donors,” Fuentes expressed.

Ethel May & Frank Johns Clock Tower

On Feb. 28, 2020, a 47-foot clock tower which stands tall in the Bob McDonald Plaza was officially dedicated as a new landmark on the TVCC – Athens Campus. The clock tower known as the Ethel May & Frank Johns Tower was made possible due to the generosity of donor Frank Johns.  Johns’ wife, Ethel, passed away in May 2018 and donating to build this clock tower provided a tangible way to honor her memory. Johns donated $350,000 for the project that began in July 2019.

 “Ethel and I have enjoyed supporting scholarships at TVCC for many years because we value the education that a community college like TVCC can offer to the students in Henderson County,” said Johns. “Ethel would be so proud of this. She loved bells, so being able to provide funding for something as beautiful and iconic as this clock tower is a blessing.”

The Brick Campaign

Currently, the Foundation is celebrating its 50th Golden Anniversary! To commemorate the Golden Anniversary, the office is offering Cardinal stakeholders an opportunity to participate in its first commemorative brick campaign. The commemorative bricks will be placed by the Ethel May and Frank Johns Clock Tower located in the center of the TVCC – Athens Campus. All proceeds will be used to fund scholarships for TVCC students.

Orders will be taken throughout the 2024 year in celebration of the TVCC Foundation’s 50th anniversary. The cost to order a commemorative brick is $75 for a 4-inch by 8-inch brick and $150 for an 8-inch by 8-inch brick. The smaller bricks feature up to three lines of text, while the larger bricks can hold up to five lines of text. For an additional $25, donors can add a decorative HCJC or TVCC logo. Payment instructions will be sent to donors once brick order forms are submitted.

The Alumni Association

Another part of The Foundation office is the Alumni Association. It focuses on giving HCJC and TVCC alumni the ability to stay in touch with old friends, connect with new ones, find job opportunities, or attend exclusive events geared to TVCC alumni.  The Alumni Association not only provides a platform for alums to connect but also serves as a venue for honoring distinguished alumni.

Hall of Distinguished Alumni

In the autumn of 2017, the Trinity Valley Community College Alumni Association established the Hall of Distinguished Alumni (HODA) to honor exceptional non-athletic alumni who have made significant contributions to their respective fields. Inductions take place during ceremonies in even numbered years alternating with the Cardinal Hall of Fame inductions in odd number of years. In the fall of 2022, TVCC introduced a new accolade under the alumni honors umbrella, known as the Distinguished Young Alum, recognizing outstanding achievements within 15 years of their TVCC experience.

Any individual who attends any TVCC campus and completes at least one semester or its hourly equivalent is considered an alumnus/alumna. Eligibility for nomination is extended to those alumni who have demonstrated exemplary accomplishment and possess the highest standards of integrity and character, thereby positively reflecting and enhancing the prestige of TVCC. Former recipients of recognition from other alumni programs will be automatically included in the Hall of Distinguished Alumni, ensuring no duplication between Cardinal Hall of Fame and HODA inductees.

Friends of the Cardinals

The Foundation not only offers scholarships opportunities for students, but the opportunity to connect with TVCC staff and faculty through a host program called Friends of the Cardinals. Individuals can sign up to host a student and give them a place of encouragement.

“Some of our students come from the others side of the world and this is their first time being away from parents,” Friends of the Cardinals Coordinator Kandi Jones noted. “It’s really comforting to them to have that cheerleader sitting in the stands cheering them on.”

The Foundation offers a long list of support for students whether it’s financial assistance through scholarships, a host family to cheer them on or a place to connect with old friends. The Foundation plans to continue to support TVCC students and the development of TVCC through donations, donors and giving campaigns for many years to come.

 To become a donor or give to The Foundation office, go to https://www.tvcc.edu/Foundation/?d=143.

Posted Date:
6/18/2024 10:03:04 AM