Sasha Lucas
In Motion Staff Writer
The stars were shining bright during the Daytona State College Annual Scholarship Gala in the Mori Hosseini Center. This year, DSC honored Ambassador Bobby Thigpen as the 2015 Foundation Honoree.
Thigpen has been a member of DSC’s Foundation board of directors since 2007 and is currently the board’s Vice Chair. At the Sept. 17 event, Thigpen’s peers wore buttons on their clothing that read, “Everybody Loves Bobby,” to show their support for the vice president of Ritchey Automotive. Thigpen is a dedicated advocate for education, especially for DSC students.
A good time was had by all and in the process,, some $120,000 was raised for future student scholarships, according to Foundation Director Judy Haydt.
Prepared by DSC’s culinary department, the buffet dinner featured a variety of dishes from around the world. Students cooked New Orleans creole-style roasted vegetables, Latin American arepas con queso and a New England lobster roll. There was even a barbeque selection outside on the patio, where students offered their own craft beers brewed right here on campus, as part of a new course being offered.
Keynote speaker Howard Holley, Foundation chair, said that in 2014 nearly $800,000 in scholarships were awarded to over 1,100 students, representing 30 percent of those who applied. Holley urged the community to support DSC students because they will receive “the big payback.”
That is, he added, “DSC graduates live, work, and bring value to our communities in Volusia and Flagler counties. In fact, most likely you meet them in your daily routine.”
He referred to the many police, EMTs, officers, teachers, mechanics and nurses working locally that were likely trained at DSC.
A packed house of many prominent, generous and notable donors were in attendance. Their contributions to DSC’s Scholarship fund make it possible for thousands of students to pursue higher education who might not otherwise have the opportunity.
When asked what advice she could give DSC students, Board of Trustees Chair Forough Hosseini said she thought it would be ensuring that students feel comfortable asking for help. “The Foundation of the College is here to help them. They should never think twice about it if they are going through a difficult time, whether they have a problem buying a book or signing up for classes.
“There is a large amount of money that is raised for scholarships, but also besides the tuition, we are always there to help through whatever difficulties they have. They should always pick up the phone, always drop by the Foundation office and ask for help. We are always there to help.”
Students can stop by the Financial Aid Office in Daytona Beach Campus Building 100 or visit finaid.org/scholarships to apply for scholarships.