NCTC Foundation Receives Gift to Establish Two Scholarship Endowments Honoring Family Legacy

The Libby Smith Patterson Scholarship and the Donald Patterson Scholarship were established by siblings Amy Patterson Cooper, Jill Patterson Cooper, Steven Patterson, and Allen Patterson in honor of their parents, whose dedication, sacrifice, and belief in the power of education helped shape their family's future.

"Our father never had the opportunity to attend college, and our mother completed her undergraduate degree in just three years so she could help support her mother and younger siblings," the family shared. "Their hard work and sacrifices created opportunities for us that they never had for themselves."

Both Libby and Donald Patterson worked at their local college—Libby as a secretary and Donald as a maintenance employee—which enabled their children to attend college at a reduced cost. Those opportunities paved the way for the siblings to collectively earn four master's degrees and two doctorate degrees.

The family was inspired to establish the scholarships after hearing about NCTC honor students, many of whom are first-generation college students balancing work, family responsibilities, and their academic pursuits.

"When Jill tells us about her honor students, many of whom are first-generation college students who work while attending school, we think of our parents," the family said. "In these students, NCTC is continuing the legacy our parents instilled in us—using education to change the trajectory of lives."

The scholarships will support NCTC students as they pursue their educational goals, helping to reduce financial barriers and create opportunities for future success. Through this gift, the Patterson family hopes to honor their parents' legacy while investing in students whose determination and perseverance reflect the same values that guided their own journey.

For more information about establishing a scholarship or supporting student success through the NCTC Foundation, visit nctc.edu/external-affairs/foundation/donate.