Every October, the Foundation and Grants Office organizes the Legacy Scholarship Reception. This event brings together student recipients and donors to celebrate academic excellence and discuss higher education’s impact on their lives, families, and future careers. On October 4th, the community gathered to acknowledge the generosity of those supporting future leaders. The event featured a notable story from Jarret Orcutt, a former justice-involved citizen who is now an Educational Partnership Programs Coordinator.
Attendees entered the V. James Eardley Student Center dressed in various attire, ready for a semester filled with opportunities for personal, professional, and academic success. The scholarships provided by the College have been crucial for students facing financial challenges that might otherwise prevent them from continuing their education.
The TMCC Foundation shared some statistics during the event:
– Total scholarships awarded so far in 2024-2025: $1,123,650
– Number of scholarships awarded so far in 2024-2025: 1,000
– Number of students awarded scholarships so far in 2024-2025: 687
– Number of Donor Scholarships awarded: 183
Samantha Bellwood, Scholarship Manager, stated: “We are humbled by the generosity of our community and their continued support of TMCC students. Through their financial assistance, our students can positively change their lives, fulfilling their dreams and educational goals without the added stress of how to afford it.”
Jarret Orcutt shared his journey from being incarcerated to finding liberation through higher education. He recounted his early life struggles with poverty and crime and how he eventually turned his life around by pursuing college education with scholarship support.
Orcutt emphasized the importance of redefining oneself beyond labels like “ex-con” or “parolee.” He spoke about overcoming imposter syndrome and recognizing one’s potential despite past mistakes. His story highlighted higher education’s transformative power for individuals seeking a new path.
He concluded his speech by saying: “I am a 4.0 graduate, summa cum laude, a father, a blessed husband to a gorgeous wife, and I give unconditionally to those around me. I am now a full-time employee of TMCC overseeing our justice-involved program. I see others struggling to find the right path and identity. I get to watch them change their lives.”
For more information on Foundation scholarships, interested parties can visit the Foundation and Grants Office or call 775-674-7648.
