The Foundation of Caldwell Community College and Technical Institute recently hosted its second annual Foundation Scholarship Reception at the J.E. Broyhill Civic Center in Lenoir. The event honored the 2024-2025 Foundation Scholarship recipients and the generous donors who make educational opportunities possible.
CCC&TI President Dr. Mark Poarch welcomed guests and expressed his appreciation for the continued support from the college’s donors. “Being here tonight is about having an opportunity for our donors to meet our scholarship recipients and, to have a time of fellowship” said Poarch. “Over the past year, our Foundation has awarded more than 800 scholarships, making college affordable and accessible for so many.”
Foundation Board Vice-Chair and Annual Fund Drive Chair Deborah Murray followed with a message of encouragement. “In these uncertain times, I want you to know who you can count on,” Murray said. “You can count on Caldwell Community College and Technical Institute. You can count on our instructors, our staff, our Foundation, and our donors.”
Murray encouraged current scholarship recipients to rise to the occasion. “We’re counting on you to make us proud,” she said. “We hope you will stay in this community and use what you’ve learned. And we hope you pay it forward one day when you’re able down the road. We hope to see you in these chairs giving back to help somebody else along the way.”
The event featured testimonials from two student scholarship recipients who shared how CCC&TI and Foundation support has had a positive impact on their lives.
Kaitland “Kaitie” Cunningham, recipient of the Knights of Pythias Scholarship, shared her story of resilience through years of personal hardship. Cunningham is a mother, a full-time student, full-time employee and an aspiring social worker enrolled in the Social and Human Services Mental Health program. Cunningham mentioned that from the very moment she connected with CCC&TI employees, she has had the support necessary to succeed. “I’ve never felt more supported, important or inspired. I feel like I actually matter.” She proceeded to thank donors for giving her the support and inspiration to “dream bigger, hope harder, and continue to help others wherever I can.”
Tara Wicker, the first recipient of the Dr. Mark and Tracy Poarch Scholarship, is a nursing student on CCC&TI’s Watauga Campus. She lost her father shortly after being accepted into the program and said the support from CCC&TI’s Foundation helped her push through emotionally and financially. “I know for certain I would not be standing here without the generosity and support of people in this room.” Wicker said, “from the bottom of my heart, thank you for making my dreams a reality.”
The event concluded with special recognition of both donors and student recipients, along with a video featuring students’ messages of gratitude and a reception catered by the J.E. Broyhill Civic Center Catering Group.
The Foundation is currently conducting its 2025 Annual Fund Drive, which raises funds for scholarships, childcare, athletics, the Dream Award Program, student emergency assistance, and other key initiatives. To learn more or to contribute, visit cccti.edu/donate or call 828-726-2260.
