14
November
2019
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20:27 PM
Europe/Amsterdam

Generous donors join students they helped at annual Scholarship Reception

Article by: Michael Bratten

Coastal Bend donors never disappoint when it comes to supporting Del Mar College (DMC) students who are trying to achieve their dreams. Yesterday, the DMC Foundation shined the spotlight on some generous donors and scholarship recipients during their annual Scholarship Reception.

These scholarships are a blessing. They will allow me to obtain the books, supplies and tools I need to succeed, not to mention the alleviation from worry about those expenses. I would like to thank the donors and tell them that I’ll pay it back by helping someone in the future just as they’ve helped me.
Agapito “Pete” Hernandez, scholarship recipient

The Scholarship Reception was held yesterday evening in the Emergency Training Building (FEMA Dome) on DMC’s West Campus. More than 200 people attended the event, which was themed “Doing Good Feels Good.” In total, the DMC Foundation has awarded 1,742 scholarships totaling nearly $1,715,000 for the 2019-2020 academic year.

A highlight of the event was the announcement of a $100,000 gift from longtime donors Gene and Ellen Seaman that is designated to assist students pursuing their high school equivalency certificate (formerly known as general education development, or GED).

The Seamans’ gift doubles an existing $100,000 endowed scholarship they established in 2005 that has assisted 55 DMC students over the years.

 

At every stage of my life, someone was there to give me a hand up by seeing the potential in me and helping me believe in myself. These scholarships are my way of honoring those who helped me and continuing their investment in the potential of others.
Gene Seaman, DMC Foundation trustee, 2007-2019

Matthew Pritchard, a Process Technology major at DMC, said he nearly jumped out of his chair when he heard he’d received the Gene and Ellen Seaman GED Endowed Scholarship.

“Right now, I'm working two jobs while going to school full-time,” said Pritchard, who attended yesterday’s reception. “My wife and children don’t see me much. I've struggled for years to provide adequately for my family. This scholarship helps me continue my education and show my children that anything is possible.”

 

About Del Mar College

Del Mar College empowers students to achieve their dreams. We offer quality programs, individual attention, outstanding instruction through faculty with real-world experience and affordable costs to credit and noncredit students in Corpus Christi and the South Texas Coastal Bend area. Nationally recognized while locally focused, we’re ranked in the top two percent of community colleges in the country granting associate degrees to Hispanic students (Community College Week). Del Mar College focuses on offering our students programs that match current or emerging career opportunities. Whether students are interested in the fine arts, sciences, business, occupational or technical areas, students get the education they need for the future they want at Del Mar College.