100% of Full-Time Employees Give to College

Morganton, NC –For the first time in the College’s 50 year history, 100 percent of full-time employees at Western Piedmont Community College (WPCC) gave to the Western Piedmont Foundation (WPF) during the employee giving portion of the Foundation’s Annual Giving Campaign, Charting the Journey.

“Western Piedmont is known for its caring and supportive student environment,” said Dr. Michael S. Helmick, WPCC president (front row, second from left). “This level of 100% giving by our full-time employees is a tremendous testament of their dedication to our students in helping them achieve their goals.  Employee gifts from their personal funds to support students is overwhelming and most gratifying. I am very proud of their efforts in helping WPCC provide accessible, high-quality education that improves lives and promotes growth in our community.”

Proceeds from this year’s campaign will go toward funding student scholarships, professional and community development. Funds will also be raised this year to support students facing increased GED© testing cost as well as vouchers for GED© graduates and WPCC Adult High School graduates to take a course at Western Piedmont Community College.

The College’s average employee gift increased to more than $100 and total employee giving was nearly $20,000 and approximately 13 percent of the annual campaign goal of $155,000.

This year’s employee giving drive was led by co-chair Danny Dixon, coordinator of the Criminal Justice program in the Business and Public Services Division, and co-chair Ashley Wells, division assistant in the Health Sciences and Developmental Education Division. Division captains included Joy Buff, Tom Frost, Gene Gaither, Tamara Honea, Kathy Looney, Eddie McGimsey, Keith Strand, Christine Sprinkle, Sam Vegter and Ashley Wells.

Established in 1967 as one of the first fund-raising organizations within the North Carolina Community College System, the Western Piedmont Foundation encourages and develops public and private support for WPCC beyond that provided by county, state and federal funds. This year, the WPF will award nearly 100 endowed and annual scholarships for students needing financial support, in addition to providing funding for employee professional development and educational programming for the community.

The Foundation conducts an annual giving campaign in the fall of each year. The campaign kicks off each September with an employee giving drive that is led by WPCC employees. The community giving portion of the campaign kicks off in November and finishes in early December.

Western Piedmont Community College is situated in the picturesque rolling foothills of Morganton, North Carolina, and has served the citizens of Burke County since 1964.  Each year, more than 10,700 students pursue personal enrichment, new skills for a job or career, high school diplomas, college degrees, and transfer pathways. Application due date for Spring Semester 2015 is Tuesday, Dec. 9.  Apply online or visit the Western Piedmont campus to apply in person.