PRESS RELEASE: HCC Foundation Luncheon Celebrates Importance of Scholarship Support

HOUSTON, TX -- More than two hundred students and benefactors gathered to celebrate the importance of education at Houston Community College Foundation’s annual scholarshipluncheon this week.

The luncheon held at HCC West Loop Campus, offered students the opportunity to personally thank their scholarship benefactors for helping to make their dream of a college educationreality.

A highlight of the event was the announcement of a $250,000 grant from Bank of America’s Charitable Foundation that will establish a Safety Net Scholarship for HCC students. The scholarship targets unemployed and underemployed students, age 25 or older, who have returned to college to upgrade their job skills.

The scholarship will be used to pay for tuition, fees, books and course materials. It will give the HCC Foundation the flexibility to step in and provide assistance when a student faces an unexpected financial crisis that threatens to prevent him or her from taking classes.

“The down economy has required many people who have been in the workforce for awhile to return to college to improve their skills base,” said Kim Ruth, Bank of America Texas and Houston Market President. “Bank of America is committed to strengthening the communities in which we do business and we are pleased to support the Safety Net Scholarship to help these students complete the necessary coursework so they can achieve financial independence again.”

Luncheon keynote speaker Janet Gurwitch, former CEO and founder of Gurwitch Products, the company that markets Laura Mercier Cosmetics and Skincare, inspired students with her compelling story of success.

Gurwitch spoke about her life’s journey that began with an upbringing in the small town of Hattiesburg, Mississippi to becoming the successful CEO and founder of a global organization. She said having passion, persistence and determination are key in achieving one’s educational and career goals.

An HCC student and scholarship recipient, Mario Soto, spoke about utilizing the power of education to transform a person’s life. A former Texas prison inmate, Soto is now pursuing a better life for himself and his family thanks to a scholarship from the HCC Foundation.

“I could not believe that someone out there chose to invest in my future without even knowing who I am. This was a blessing for my family,” said Soto, who told the crowd he is a different man today. “My family remains the center of my life—and a college education is helping me keep it that way.”

Scholarship Program Helping Students Help Texas

The HCC Foundation has awarded almost 400 scholarships for the 2009-2010 school year to deserving students and more than $249,000 in scholarship funding.