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| Dr. Don Tomas (left), president of SCC, accepts a donation from Travis Ashe, area manager for Pepsi-Cola of Whittier. |
A few years ago, Ronnie Bowers and Travis Ashe from Pepsi-Cola of Whittier visited Southwestern Community College’s Jackson Campus and heard about how funding from the SCC Foundation helped students overcome hardships and complete their degrees.
Since then, Bowers and Ashe have made frequent trips to deliver gifts on behalf of the local soft-drink distributor and its employees to SCC’s students.
On Dec. 18, Ashe handed Dr. Don Tomas – SCC’s president – a $1,000 check that will go directly into the SCC Foundation’s Student Emergency Fund. The funds came directly from Pepsi employees, who choose annually to forego a holiday party in order to support local charities.
“We know that these donations are making a difference in students’ lives,” said Bowers, sales manager for Pepsi-Cola of Whittier. “We believe in the power of education, and I am extremely proud that our employees choose to pay it forward by supporting SCC’s students.”
Established in 2014, the Student Emergency Fund helps deserving students who encounter unexpected financial emergencies so that they can remain at SCC and continue working toward their degrees, diplomas and/or certificates.
In 2017, the fund provided more than $4,000 of financial assistance to 18 students.
“Pepsi-Cola of Whittier has consistently stepped up to give our students a hand up when they need it,” Dr. Tomas said. “On behalf of our students and everyone at SCC, I want to express our heartfelt gratitude.
“Completing an education at Southwestern is a major accomplishment, but it’s not an easy one,” Dr. Tomas added. “Whenever possible, we want to be able to help our students along the journey. The Student Emergency Fund makes a tremendous difference at a critical juncture for several students every year, and we’re thankful for the support of businesses like Pepsi.”
For more information about the Student Emergency Fund and the SCC Foundation, contact Brett Woods at 828.339.4241 or b_woods@southwesterncc.edu.
To learn more about Southwestern Community College and the programs it offers, visit www.southwesterncc.edu, call 828.339.4000 or drop by your nearest SCC location.
