Why I Give
Why I Give: ‘I Am Extremely Grateful that Others Who Came Before Me Gave Back and I Want to Do the Same for Future Generations,’ Says Doctoral Student Jennifer Houchins ‘21PHD
As a first-generation college student and a student with a chronic medical condition, private support and scholarships have helped Jennifer Houchins ‘21PHD pursue her doctoral studies. Because of that support, she gives back to the college in hopes that future generations can have the same opportunity the NC State College of Education has provided her.
Why I Give: ‘I Hope Students, Especially Immigrants and Students from Minority Populations, Get the Opportunity to Become a Teacher,’ Says University Program Associate Kirsten Hoeflaken ‘18MED
Born and raised in the Netherlands, University Program Associate Kirsten Hoeflaken ‘18MED always wanted to be a teacher. She was inspired by her fifth grade teacher and went on to teach for over 20 years before moving to the United States. She gives to the NC State College of Education as a token of gratitude for helping and supporting her as an immigrant.
Why I Give: ‘As a Parent of a College Student and as Someone Who Employs Work Study Students, I Empathize with Students who are Struggling to Pay for College,’ Says NC-MSEN Pre-College Program Director Braska Williams
Braska Williams, director of the NC-MSEN Pre-College Program through the Friday Institute for Educational Innovation, started his undergraduate career as a computer engineering major. That changed by his junior year when realized that as an African American male, he could be a role model to African American students and make a difference as a teacher.
Why I Give: ‘I Give to Support the Caring Group of Administrators, Faculty and Staff Who Once Made Me Feel Loved,’ Says Doctoral Student Gene Deese ‘21EDD
Four months after starting his doctorate program, Hurricane Florence impacted the area where Gene Deese ‘21EDD lived. Within days, the NC State College of Education responded with resources to help him continue his education. Deese gives back to the college as a token of appreciation for the support he received when he needed it the most.
Why I Give: ‘I Started Giving to the College Out of a Sense of Gratitude for My Education. I Had Many Career Opportunities Because of My Doctorate, and I Want Other Students to Have Similar Opportunities,’ Says Delores Parker ‘78EDD
Delores Parker ‘78EDD always wanted to be a lawyer. But when she landed a job in a community college, she found her niche and never looked back. Earning a doctorate from the NC State College of Education opened many doors for her and inspired her to give back to the college as a sense of gratitude for what the college gave her, personally and professionally.
Why I Give: ‘I Give in Memory of My Dad. Establishing the Scholarship in His Name Contributed to Healing and Overcoming the Grief of Losing Him,’ Says Administrative Assistant and Scholarship Manager Patty Fields
Patty Fields, administrative assistant and scholarship manager, was able to earn a degree because she received a scholarship. That financial support and her inherited desire to help others is what inspired her to establish a scholarship in memory of her father for students from New Jersey in the NC State College of Education.
Why I Give: ‘I Believe in the Continuing Education of Adults and NC State Does a Lot to Support Our Community College System,’ Says C. Neill McLeod ‘72MS, ’74EDD
C. Neill McLeod ‘72MS, ’74EDD, who served as the first female president of a community college in the state, credits her success as a leader to her experiences as a student in the NC State College of Education. The impact her professors had on her life inspires her to give back to the college in their honor.
Why I Give: ‘It Feels Good to Know that I’m Helping Other Students Be Blessed in the Same Way I Was,’ Says Elementary Education Major Eric Wylie ‘23
If it weren’t for the Dorothy E. and Robert W. Tart, Jr. Scholarship, Eric Wylie ‘23 would not be at NC State pursuing his dream of being an elementary education teacher. Because of that support, he pays it forward by giving to the NC State College of Education.
Why I Give: ‘I Am Always Moved by Student Stories, Which are Firsthand Accounts of the Importance of Scholarships in Opening Their Dreams of Becoming Teachers,’ Says Assistant Professor of Mathematics Education Erin Krupa ‘11PHD
Assistant Professor of Mathematics Education Erin Krupa ‘11PHD gives to the NC State College of Education because she’s experienced firsthand the impact a scholarship can have on achieving your dreams. And she wants to help others accomplish their dreams.
Why I Give: ‘I Have Been Constantly Impressed by the Passion and Dedication Our Faculty Have for Preparing Future Educators as Well as the Caliber of the Teachers this College Produces,’ Says Director of Information Technology Mark Williams
Mark Williams, director of information technology for the NC State College of Education, gives to the college because he saw the impact scholarships had on the educational success of his wife, who is also an educator. He wants to be able to help provide that same financial support to other educators and future teachers through a gift.