President's Blog

Donors Impact the Fabric of Our Students’ Lives

At this time of year, the spirit of giving is everywhere! As we bring 2022 to a close and look to give back in meaningful ways during the holiday season, I’d like to share two stories that demonstrate the impact that Owens has on our community. These stories may be familiar to some of you, as the Owens Community College Foundation has recently shared them in an end-of-year letter.

Kara McCloud ‘ 22 and Zack McCloud ’21 ’22 provide the perfect example of how Owens becomes a part of the fabric of our students’ lives. They were both Army veterans and first-generation students when they arrived on campus. As I shared in my blog earlier this year, Owens has ties to the military dating back to before our opening, and, just last month, we talked about how first-generation students have played an integral role at Owens.

Although they both initially felt overwhelmed when they arrived at Owens, Kara and Zack said they quickly felt like they belonged because of the guidance and support they received from our dedicated faculty and staff, particularly the Veterans Services Office .

Now, as alumni who graduated with honors, Kara and Zack said they are focused on making sure other young people know that they belong here, too. Their goal is to work with disadvantaged youth to show them that, with an education and support like Owens provides, there are many choices and opportunities that will help them realize their dreams.

Kara and Zack said the selfless generosity of the donors who funded the scholarships they received changed their lives and they learned just how much of an impact one person could make on the lives of others.

Our second story is about Madison Bressler ’17. She is a wonderful example of the passion for and commitment to Owens by our faculty and staff. After struggling at the start of her college career, Madison discovered that access to higher education is more than merely admission; it means having a the community and services that are vital to a college student’s success.

When she came to Owens, Madison said the faculty and staff helped her develop a work/life/college balance that helped her receive a degree from Owens and use the Transfer Pathway Program to earn a bachelor’s degree from Bowling Green State University. Now, Madison is an Owens staff member herself after accepting a position as an Academic Advisor in July.

Madison said she would not be where she is today without the help she received from the Owens faculty and staff who guide our students on a path to achieving their goals.

As you can see from these stories, Owens didn’t just make an impact on the education Kara, Zack, and Madison received, it also transformed their lives.

As you make your year-end gifts, I hope you will consider the Owens Community College Foundation. I see the work the Foundation does every day to help our students. Over the past 20 years, Foundation donors have contributed $10.3 million in gifts and grants to fund programs and student scholarships.

Through your support, the Owens Community College Foundation can continue to provide students with access to an educational experience that values excellence, innovation, service and belonging. Your contribution today can have a transformational impact on a student’s education, and more importantly, on their life.

Dione D. Somerville, Ed.D.
President