Thank you for expanding college access in Central Florida

As the year winds to a close, please allow me to thank you for your generous support and advocacy. Because of our Valencia donors, the foundation has shared $32.8 million in the past decade — offering students the opportunity to learn, earn degrees and build careers that will sustain them.

     Although economic indicators have brightened, students working minimum-wage jobs without benefits remain among the working poor — cobbling together funds to cover tuition, books, supplies and transportation. Without scholarships, thousands of potential students are unable to manage these expenses and still balance their fragile family finances.

     On this final day of 2014, I invite you to invest in our deserving students.

     Your philanthropy extends beyond the individual lives that are changed through scholarships and college degrees. In fact, an independent study, based on a national model and conducted by EMSI, revealed that Valencia has a $1 billion economic impact on Central Florida.

      Billionaire philanthropist David Rubenstein has pointed out that “Philanthropy means loving other people, not rich people giving away their money.”

     Regardless of the size of your personal nest egg, your charitable giving provides opportunities for another — offering a hand up, not a handout. Valencia donors demonstrate this daily. Every dollar counts. Every gift makes a difference.

     Thanks to our contributors, thousands of individuals this year have renewed hope for their futures, understanding that education is the ticket to a compelling future. Please consider contributing to scholarships or to the specific program that touches you.

     Your check dated Dec. 31 (please see our new address on the bottom of this page) or your online gift will be credited for 2014 taxes unless you tell us otherwise.

     On behalf of our Valencia students and the foundation board, please accept our fervent hope that your New Year is filled with family, friends and great joy.

Warmly,

Geraldine Gallagher, PhD, CFRE

President and CEO

P.S. Please take a few minutes to view our YouTube channel, which includes this brief video of our college president, Dr. Sandy Shugart, discussing the economic benefits of community colleges as a better place to start, along with the amazing commencement address given by the 2014 Mary Smedley Collier Distinguished Graduate, Angel Sanchez.

Valencia Foundation

1768 Park Center Drive, #400

Orlando, Florida 32835

oh what a night!

Thank you for joining us at the Valencia Alumni Association’s first inaugural
“A Night of Celebration” event to network and celebrate our
Distinguished Alumni Award 2014 recipients:

(pictured L to R): R. McGill, K. Adams, W. Colwell, J. Kimberly, K. Walker, F. Beltrán

Check out the photos from this year’s amazing event!

congratulations valencia alumnus mikhail elliott ’10!

Congratulations Valencia alumnus Mikhail Elliott ’10! As the Valencia College 2010 recipient of the prestigious Jack Cook Kent Foundation Undergraduate Transfer Scholarship, Mikhail went on to graduate from the University of Tampa and now …has earned a master of science degree in development economics and policy from the University of Manchester in the U.K. Mikhail currently resides in London and is seeking employment there in economic policy/consultancy or economic research. Mikhail is also a proud member of Valencia’s Association of Honors Alumni, a.k.a. AHA! You can join him by indicating your interest when you complete your new or updated online membership form: http://valenciacollege.edu/alumni/membership_form.cfm.

 

a night of celebration!

You are invited to the Valencia Alumni Association’s
inaugural “A Night of Celebration” event.

Please join us as we celebrate this first year’s
Distinguished Alumni Award recipients.