A Message from the Foundation President
In the early 1960s, President Kennedy challenged a generation of citizens to imagine a future beyond the horizons they could see with their eyes. He urged them to conquer the moon. Of course he meant this quite literally, but he also encouraged us to envision a new tomorrow and to tackle the challenges that seem far beyond our ability—“not because they are easy, but because they are hard.”
It’s counter-intuitive to choose the hard road rather than the easier one, isn’t it? But clearly, it’s a philosophy that our students understand and take to heart. Many of them have chosen to attend college, to build a new tomorrow—even though it’s not easy, even when they are managing jobs, children and many other responsibilities. It’s hard to attend classes, study, write papers and to take exams—particularly when many other forces and people compete for your attention.
It’s even harder—if not impossible—when you don’t have the resources to support your children. A local economic report showed that families with household incomes of less than $75,000 struggle to afford homes in Orlando. At lower income levels, even the least expensive homes and apartments are often beyond their means.
Another study revealed that about one-third of our community must decide every single day between putting food on the table—or paying for their utilities, housing and health care. They shuffle bills from month to month, never getting ahead.
Imagine adding college tuition, textbooks and time away from work to a budget that barely covers your most basic needs.
For many in central Florida, a college degree is simply out of reach. And this is often the case among families you may find surprising—those who are working and juggling bills, and are simply unable to add one more expense to the mix.
Because of this, the foundation board is committed to dramatically growing the scholarships available for students who don’t fit the federal low-income criteria but who can ill-afford college—without our help.
Our foundation’s work to increase resources for students has never been more urgent. I urge you to consider making a significant investment in the future of deserving students by committing to our capital campaign. The campaign is currently in the quiet phase, but we intend to raise $20 million in private gifts before it’s over in 2008. So far, we have in hand over $14 million in private gifts and ambitious plans to secure the balance. State match could potentially add another $15 million to our total giving, increasing the endowment by $35 million. It now stands at $52.3 million, among the largest community college portfolios in the country.
Yet even with a sound source of scholarships and significant federal financial aid, Valencia is not meeting the documented need our current students. With the support of our donors, we can begin to close that gap.
As always, 100 percent of every dollar donated to Valencia Foundation goes directly to scholarships or the donor’s intended use. We never deduct even a single penny for overhead, administration or any other expenses. So, a $5,000 gift provides $5,000 directly to scholarships. Plus, the foundation will apply for state matching dollars, which provides a dollar-for-dollar scholarship match about 18 months after the gift, leveraging contributions to serve even more students. We were able to serve well over 3,600 students last year because of donor generosity. These students are individuals who just needed someone to believe in them. I often hear from our students that their scholarship represents not only the first time someone believed in them … but also the first time anyone was willing to invest in their future.
During May graduation, our 2007 graduates were focused on their futures as they received their hard-earned degrees amidst the cheers and tears of family, friends and their college professors. Walking off the stage with their diplomas firmly in hand, another generation of Valencia’s finest began the first step of journeys filled with hope and promise—and the opportunity to create a bright, new tomorrow.
Valencia believes—without a doubt—that our students can succeed. It is our job to provide the conditions to encourage and facilitate that success. Many students face enormous obstacles and challenges to their ability to learn. Those who find themselves forced to leave school tell us that four of the five top reasons are related to finances. There are days, no doubt, when our students question the wisdom of choosing the hard road over the easy one.
But your generosity gives each scholarship recipient the financial backbone to earn a degree. Your gifts give them the resources to powerfully alter the course of their lives and envision a new future.
Thank you and godspeed.
Geraldine Gallagher, CFRE
President and CEO
190 South Orange Avenue
Orlando, FL 32801
407.582.3150
407.582.3156 (Fax)