Why I Give

Sep 16, 2022

Why I Give: Former Community College President Randy Parker ’11EDD to Provide Support for Next Generation of Community College Leaders

Editor’s Note: This is part of a “Why I Give” series in which NC State College of Education alumni, students, faculty and staff share why they support the college. When Randy… 

Mar 23, 2022

Why I Give: Dianne and Tommy Lawing Increase Scholarship Support to ‘Improve the World, One Teacher at a Time’

Education has been foundational to the lives of Dianne and Tommy Lawing. By providing the Dianne Carver Lawing Scholarship with additional funding on NC State's Day of Giving, they hope to support teachers who will provide that educational foundation for others. 

Apr 22, 2021

Why I Give: ‘Not Only Am I Helping Prepare the Best Teachers, but I Am Also Helping Minimize Student Debt so More Future Educators Can Afford To Follow the Career They’re Passionate About,’ Says Elementary Education Major Becca Churchill ‘21

Elementary education student Becca Churchill ’21 has taken advantage of the many opportunities NC State offers. But it was her study abroad experience in Spain that made the biggest impact. Scholarship support made it possible for Churchill to have that experience. Because of that, Churchill gives back to the college in an effort to help other students have the opportunity to participate in enriching college experiences. 

Jan 28, 2021

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. 

Dec 16, 2020

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. 

Nov 20, 2020

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. 

Oct 23, 2020

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. 

Sep 15, 2020

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. 

Aug 11, 2020

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. 

Jul 14, 2020

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.