Macomb Community College Foundation highlights donor impact at 2024 Celebration of Donors and Scholarship Recipients

More than $470,000 in scholarships awarded to approximately 680 students last fiscal year

The Macomb Community College Foundation recognized donors whose generous contributions fund scholarships and program funds that support the college’s students and their success during the 2024 Celebration of Donors and Scholarship Recipients. Approximately 175 donors, students and college representatives attended the event held on May 1 at the Lorenzo Cultural Center on the college’s Center Campus in Clinton Township.

More than $470,000 in scholarship funding was awarded to approximately 680 Macomb students during the last fiscal year, July 1, 2022, to June 30, 2023. In addition to scholarship programs, contributions to the foundation also support program funds, including arts and culture, that advance the college’s mission of transforming lives and communities through the power of education, enrichment and economic development.

“All of us who work at the college see the results of your generosity daily,” said President James O. Sawyer IV, Macomb Community College. “We are grateful to you for sharing in our passion for the work of Macomb Community College and helping us sustain a distinctive institution acutely focused on our community’s needs.”

Ariana Burge, 21, from St. Clair, graduated from Macomb May 2023 and was the recipient of the First State Bank Scholarship for Foster Students. She is currently studying interdisciplinary studies with a focus on cybersecurity, digital communication and data analytics at the University of Michigan with the intention of attending law school in the future.

“My time here at Macomb was everything I could have hoped for. It gave me a chance to learn in a space where growth was encouraged, without having to worry about financial burdens,” said Burge. “I strive to stand as a testament to the profound impact that generosity and compassion can have on shaping lives.”

Mark Jansen, president and CEO of First State Bank, shared the bank’s charitable philosophy and its impact in Southeast Michigan. First State Bank has been a partner to Macomb since 2008, exceeding $1 million of support to a variety of college programs.

“We know every dollar given to the college is treated with great respect whether it’s the grants we’re talking about today, the arts programs or the trades,” said Jansen. “We know those funds are being used wisely.”

New scholarship and program funds announced at the luncheon include:

• Andrew “Drew” Garcia Information Technology Memorial Endowed Scholarship and Program Fund - Established by Devon and Lauren Glass in memory of Andrew Garcia, a Macomb graduate. These funds provide financial assistance to students in an Information Technology program.

• Food for Thought Student Pantry Endowed Program Fund - Established by Mark Nuytten and Donna Domanke-Nuytten to support Macomb's student food pantry, which offers nonperishable food to students and their families who are impacted by financial hardship.

• Fox Elementary School Endowed Scholarship - Created in honor of Sue O'Brien, Brenda Shepherd and Debbie Gilletti for their dedication to their students. Those who have attended Fox Elementary School are eligible for this scholarship to assist them in accomplishing their educational and career goals.

• Gjon Gjonaj Electrician Program Fund - Established in memory of Gjon Gjonai to support students in the Electrician program at Macomb.

• Medical Assisting Program Fund - Established by Cornerstone Medical Group to prepare students with the necessary skills and abilities to assist physicians and providers in rendering professional services to patients.

• The Pearson Family Foundation Endowed Scholarship and the Second Chance Endowed Scholarship - Established by the Pearson Family Foundation to support student success and persistence at Macomb Community College. The general scholarship supports all students, including incoming high school students and those in workforce and continuing education programs. The second chance scholarship is specifically designed to support adult students that are returning to Macomb to finish their degree or certificate.

• Warren Woods Class of 1973 Endowed Legacy Scholarship - Established by the Warren Woods Class of 1973 to leave a legacy and assist students from Warren Woods Public Schools who wish to continue their education.

• William Boyke and Susan Dillon Memorial Scholarship for the Arts - Established in memory of William “Bill” Boyke and his beloved daughter, Susan Dillon. This scholarship will provide financial assistance to students studying art and design at Macomb Community College.

• Robert and Annie Zandany Memorial Endowed Scholarship Fund - Created in memory of Robert and Annie Zandany to assist with all educational expenses for students who pursuing an education in the automotive areas.

Ariana Burge, 21, addressed the luncheon and shared how the generosity of donors provided her the opportunity to learn and grow while attending Macomb Community College without worrying about how to pay for college. Burge was a previous recipient of the First State Bank Scholarship for Foster Students.

Mark Jansen, president and CEO of First State Bank, spoke about the bank’s emphasis on philanthropy and the confidence that funds contributed to the college will be used wisely. Since 2008, First State Bank has contributed more than $1 million to support a variety of college programs.

About Macomb Community College

Macomb Community College (www.macomb.edu) is about transforming lives and communities through the power of education, enrichment and economic development. Macomb grants the largest number of associate degrees in Michigan and is the largest community college in the state. The college provides programming for youth through seniors, including early college for high school students, university transfer and career preparation programs, workforce education, continuing education and certification, and a wide range of enrichment opportunities encompassing arts, culture and lifelong learning.

Media contact: Sean M. Patrick, 586.445.7271, patricks28@macomb.edu