why gifts matter

Jun 23, 2025

Why Gifts Matter: Scholarship Support “Absolutely a Huge, Life-changing Thing” for Calena Jones

After multiple years of homelessness, Calena Jones was able to start classes as an elementary education major at the NC State College of Education, with the goal of becoming a teacher who is always there for her students, especially those who are struggling.

Jun 10, 2025

Why Gifts Matter: Scholarship Support Lets Kimberly Sutton Become Motivational Force for Students

After nearly a decade as an Exceptional Children’s Program teacher in Lenoir and Wayne counties, Kimberly Sutton decided to become a school counselor in order to better understand her students’…

May 21, 2025

Why Gifts Matter: Scholarship Helps Sabria Johnson ’25 Launch Students’ Higher Education Journeys

Sabria Johnson '25, a recent graduate of the NC State College of Education's Applied Education Studies: Learning Design and Technology program, works to help incoming community college students start their higher education journeys.

Apr 7, 2025

Why Gifts Matter: Scholarship Support Allows Nathan Jenkins to Make a Positive Impact on the Field of Higher Education

The Kimberly F. Crews Memorial Scholarship has made it possible for Nathan Jenkins, a graduate student in the NC State College of Education's college counseling and student development program, to purchase necessary items, such as textbooks, and better balance the responsibilities that come with earning his master's degree.

Mar 19, 2025

Why Gifts Matter: Scholarship Support Helps N.C. Teaching Fellow and Naval ROTC Midshipman 4/C Drew Levy Inspire Students to Explore New Worlds

N.C. Teaching Fellow and Naval ROTC Midshipman 4/C Drew Levy's desire to explore the unknown not only led him to major in science education, but it also inspired him to travel over 1,000 miles from home to attend the NC State College of Education.

Mar 12, 2025

Why Gifts Matter: Scholarship Leads to New Connections, Opportunities for Middle Grades English Language Arts and Social Studies Education Major Thomas Nguyen

Attending the NC State College of Education's Scholarship Banquet allowed Thomas Nguyen, a middle grades English language arts and social studies education major, to make new connections and engage in opportunities that are helping him grow as an educator.

Feb 27, 2025

Why Gifts Matter: Scholarship Support Helps Samantha Villanueva Garcia Champion Students

After Samantha Villanueva Garcia attended the College of Education’s Leadership Institute for Future Teachers (LIFT) as a high school student, she knew she wanted to attend NC State.  “The weeklong…

Jan 23, 2025

Why Gifts Matter: Darla Buchanan Scholarship Creates Educational, Study Abroad Opportunities for Teaching Fellow Kaiya Connor

Receiving the Darla Buchanan Scholarship helped inspire elementary education Kaiya Connor to choose education and also made it possible for her to study abroad for a semester at the Lorenzo de' Medici Institute in Florence, Italy.

Oct 21, 2024

Why Gifts Matter: Transformational Scholarship Program Creates Opportunity for Camilla Torres to Teach in Duplin County

When Camilla Torres was named a Transformational Scholar, it not only provided her with the financial support she needed to attend NC State, but also instilled in her a sense of accomplishment that has stuck with her ever since.

Jul 31, 2024

Why Gifts Matter: Transformational Scholarships Program Preparing Bella Gonzales to Inspire Students for Rest of Their Lives

Bella Gonzales, an elementary education major and Transformational Scholar, hopes to become a teacher who can inspire her students for the rest of their lives.