NCTC Foundation Hosts Annual Donor Scholar Breakfast
The North Central Texas College (NCTC) Foundation hosted its annual Donor Scholar Breakfast on Friday, November 7, on the Gainesville campus. The event honored scholarship recipients and the donors who make their education possible, providing an opportunity for students to personally thank their supporters.
NCTC Foundation President Phil Neely welcomed guests and expressed gratitude to donors for their continued support of the scholarship program. He introduced the Foundation Board and highlighted its mission to “positively impact lives and enhance the future of our communities.” Neely also emphasized the Foundation’s role in serving students across all NCTC campuses, including Gainesville, Denton, Corinth, Flower Mound, Champions Circle, Bowie, and Graham.
Debbie Sharp, Executive Director of the NCTC Foundation, announced the launch of the Red River Promise Program Banking Challenge, a partnership with local banks to ensure the long-term sustainability of the Red River Promise Program. She announced the inaugural contributors to this challenge: Muenster State Bank, First State Bank, First United Bank, 4U Credit Union, Prosperity Bank, Jacksboro National Bank. Collectively, participating banks have pledged $127,500 over the next five years to the Red River Promise Endowment. She also thanked additional donors for the Red River Promise Program. The NCTC Foundation, together with friends of Charles Draper, sought to honor his enduring legacy as a devoted alumnus and community leader whose impact on our college and community remains profound. In recognition of his lifelong service and commitment, the NCTC Foundation established the Charles Draper Memorial Scholarship, which supports the Red River Promise Endowment. Sharp recognized the major donors to this scholarship at the breakfast.
Sharp also introduced the Denton County Scholarship Campaign, which raises funds to support Denton County students. The inaugural contributors to this campaign include: Wood, Thacker, & Weatherly PC DATCU, State Farm – Matt Friess, Liberty Landscape Management, Point Bank, and Mark Merki & Associates
Several new scholarships were also announced during the event:
The Alex and Amanda Payne Scholarship, created to assist Denton County students in continuing their education.
The Frank and Dorothy Knapp Scholarship, established to support veteran single parents residing in Denton County. Ten scholarships will be awarded annually.
Dr. Linda Creagh’s Scholarship Fund, expanded to support Denton ISD students pursuing technical degrees at NCTC after their first semester. Dr. Creagh also contributed to her Emergency Aid Fund to assist Denton County students in need.
The Bud and Lynn Peters Scholarship, established to benefit graduates of Era, Valley View, Lindsay, Muenster, or Callisburg high schools. The Bud and Lynn Peters Success Fund was also created to provide additional student assistance.
The Cooke County Extension Education Council – Dual Credit Scholarship, expanded to include dual credit students active in the 4-H Program.
Additionally, the Greater Texas Foundation contributed an extra $10,000 to the NCTC Foundation Emergency Aid Fund, which supports students facing unexpected financial hardships. Over the past four years, the Foundation’s contributions have helped hundreds of students remain enrolled and on track toward their degrees.
NCTC Foundation Board Member Lee Russell introduced scholarship recipients Shekinah Areloegbe and Dawn Aguirre, who shared their stories and expressed gratitude for the support that helped them pursue their academic goals.
The event concluded with remarks from NCTC Chancellor Dr. Brent Wallace, who thanked donors for their generosity and congratulated all scholarship recipients.
For more information about the NCTC Foundation, contact Cody Ford or Debbie Sharp at (940) 668-4213 or visit www.nctc.edu/foundation.