Estrella Mountain Community College (EMCC), a Maricopa Community College, hosted its 13th Annual Scholarship Luncheon today in recognition of 177 students and the donors who make scholarship opportunities available to them. Channel 5’s Catherine Anaya emceed the event.
The luncheon was held on the Estrella Mountain campus where more than 200 guests gathered to honor students and donors. The scholarship awards illustrate the generosity of more than 40 donors including Arizona Latino Caucus, Dougherty Foundation, Hispanic Leadership Forum del Oeste, Maricopa Community Colleges Foundation, and many other community organizations and corporations. The college distributes more than $500,000 per year in scholarships to students who are in need of financial assistance to meet their educational goals.
One student was faced with more than financial obstacles when she decided to return to the classroom. Estrella Mountain student Tamra Harris-Juarez spoke about those challenges - including being a single mother of five children; one of those children recently diagnosed with leukemia. “Seeing children with this disease, and their bravery, inspired me to become a registered nurse. It’s not a career, it’s a calling.” Upon graduation, she hopes to help families like hers, work to raise awareness about the disease, and to someday help find a cure. “It is a privilege and an honor to accept these scholarships,” she said.
To donate to the college’s endowment fund, please contact Adolfo Gamez, director of corporate and foundation relations at 623-935-8185.