Brunswick Community College (BCC) is taking action to support those in need both locally and in Western North Carolina through a special relief drive. As communities across our state face urgent needs, BCC is calling on students, employees, and community members to join this vital effort.

Beginning on Thursday, October 10, BCC will station its box truck in the parking lot of Odell Williamson Auditorium (OWA) to collect donations of critical items. Donations will be accepted during the following times:

• Thursday, October 10: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
• Friday, October 11: 9:00 AM – 7:00 PM
• Saturday, October 12: 9:00 AM – 11:00 AM

In addition, concertgoers attending the “Night Fever” Bee Gees Tribute show on Friday evening, October 11, at OWA are encouraged to bring donations as well. Your support can make a meaningful impact on families and individuals in need.

Items being accepted include:

• Canned goods
• Toiletries (soap, shampoo, toothbrushes, etc.)
• Feminine hygiene products
• Diapers (baby and adult)
• Baby formula and bottles
• Bottled water and gallon jugs of water
• Cleaning supplies
• Flashlights and batteries
• Cold weather clothing (new only: hats, gloves, scarves, socks)
• Blankets

All items collected will be distributed locally via Brunswick Family Assistance, and additional donations will be sent to the hardest-hit areas of Western North Carolina.

For more information on how you can contribute or volunteer, please contact Executive Director of The Foundation of BCC Teresa Nelson at (910) 755-6530. Together, we can help our neighbors in need.

Thanks to the BCIF Foreign Studies Scholarship provided by the Brunswick County Intercultural Festival (BCIF), a group of bright minds from Brunswick Community College (BCC) – Abigail Fluharty, Marissa Gainey, Sarah Flack, and Samantha Becker – are set to embark on an enriching journey through Europe as part of the college’s Study Abroad program. Their itinerary includes immersive experiences in Germany (Munich, Dachau), Italy (Venice, Milan), and Switzerland (Zurich).

“In today’s interconnected world, Study Abroad programs offer invaluable opportunities for students to embrace diverse perspectives,” emphasized Heather Crisco, an instructor at BCC and coordinator of the Study Abroad program. “Financial constraints often hinder such experiences, and we’re immensely grateful to BCIF for their generous support. Through their contributions, they’re not just funding trips but igniting a passion for global exploration and understanding.”

Recently, Mari-Lou Wong-Chong of BCIF, along with Teresa Nelson, Executive Director of BCC Foundation, and Instructor Heather Crisco, had the pleasure of meeting with the scholarship recipients to learn more about their backgrounds and aspirations for the upcoming journey.

#BCCFoundation #StudyAbroad #TravelAbroad #foreignstudies #YOUcanBCC #Great58 North Carolina Community Colleges

Just prior to the holidays, longtime supporters Daniel and Linda Lynes made a visit to The Foundation of Brunswick Community College (BCC). They brought with them a gift of $10,000 toward an endowed scholarship established in their name in 2009. This was the most recent addition to a scholarship funds that today amount to over $350,000. “BCC is fortunate to have the support of people like Dan and Linda, whose kindness and generosity know no bounds and has bene tted countless students,” said The Foundation of BCC Executive Director Teresa Nelson. “For that, we are incredibly grateful.” As part of the Lynes’ visit to BCC, they caught up with two of the students they’ve helped , Alexa Evans and Victoria Howard. Like many Foundation donors, the Lynes enjoy getting to know the students they support and welcome a lasting friendship. “The Lynes family has helped me continue my path to becoming a Registered Nurse,” said Howard. “I have 5 children and going through school and keeping up with everyday life and bills would not be possible without the support from others through the BCC Foundation. With less stress over nancials, I have managed to maintain my honor roll status in the National Technical Honor Society. I am forever grateful to Mr. and Mrs. Lynes for their generosity and support.” Alexa Evans echoed Howard’s sentiment. “College is expensive and unaffordable for so many of us,” she said. “I’m thankful that there are families like the Lynes who are helping people like me get the degrees we need to be successful.” Pictured include (l to r) Foundation Executive Director Teresa Nelson, Alexa Evans, Victoria Howard, Linda Lynes, Daniel Lynes, and BCC President Gene Smith. To learn more about how you can establish a scholarship or volunteer as a mentor, please get in touch with Teresa Nelson at [email protected] or (910) 755-6530. 

November 2023

The Cape Fear Cruisers Car Club is on the move in more ways than one. They hold annual car shows involving their 240-person member base and contribute $20,000 annually to community organizations. Club members Peggy Lilly, President; Bob Lilly; Rich Largent, Vice President; Jackie Winters, Secretary; and Jim Hunt, Board Member, recently visited The Foundation of BCC with their first-ever donation of $2,500. This gift will fund student scholarships.

“What a wonderful holiday surprise to welcome the Cape Fear Cruisers Club to campus last week,” said Foundation of BCC Executive Director Teresa Nelson. “We are blessed to have the support of so many wonderful community organizations and are thrilled to welcome the Cruisers Club to the family. We appreciate their generosity and look forward to working together for many years.”

Established in 2006 with a handful of members, the Cape Fear Cruisers Car Club comprises 134 households, 240 members, and 190 vehicles. They hold two annual car and truck shows in downtown Southport in late April and October. To learn more, visit their website at https://capefearcruisers.com/.

For more information on The Foundation of BCC and how you can make a difference in the lives of BCC Students, contact Teresa Nelson at [email protected] or (910) 755-6530.

November 2023

The Colon Furr Memorial Nursing Scholarship Program awarded BCC Nursing student Jason Scott Riley with two scholarships. The first is the Outstanding Nursing Student scholarship of $1,500 from American Legion Post 543. The second is the Department of North Carolina’s Division II Colon Furr Nursing Scholarship award of $1,000.

The American Legion Department of North Carolina established the Colon Furr Nursing Scholarship shortly after Furr’s passing. A resident of Asheville and longtime employee of the Asheville, VA hospital, Furr was a great supporter and aimed to provide scholarships to nursing students. The first scholarship was presented in his name in 1992 and continues today.

In addition to supporting nursing students, The American Legion is a generous supporter of the Partnership of American Veteran Employment, or PAVE program. This program funds work-study opportunities for student veterans and has benefitted many as they transition from the military to civilian life.

For more information on The Foundation of BCC and how you can help our students succeed, please reach out to Teresa Nelson at [email protected] or (910) 755-6530.

The Women in Philanthropy and Leadership of Brunswick County (WPLB) enjoyed their first Annual Dinner in nearly three years and are more excited than ever about making a difference in the lives of students at Brunswick Community College (BCC) and county wide. Existing and new members attended, bringing along friends interested in learning more. The WPLB supports and helps shape future leaders through education, mentoring, fundraising, and advocacy. 

 “We are delighted to see this fantastic group of caring women back in full swing,” said The Foundation of BCC Executive Director Teresa Nelson. “Their energy and enthusiasm are contagious. I’m blessed to know them and grateful for all they do. Tonight alone, they raised over $11,000 in scholarships that will have life-changing effects. They are a shining example of what’s possible when people unite for the good of students and the community.”

 The evening’s program included remarks from BCC President Gene Smith, Teresa Nelson, and Foundation Board Vice President Ann Landis. Guests also heard from BCC Student Ambassadors Dimitry Williamson and Terissa Jordan. 

Thanks to Foundation Board President Teresa Carroll, Foundation Board Vice President Ann Landis, and Foundation Board Members Connie Johnson, Lucinda Arnold, Jan Allen, and Brooke Rudd Gaglie for spearheading the event and fundraising efforts. 

To learn more about the WPLB and Foundation of BCC, contact Teresa Nelson at [email protected]. 

This afternoon, BCC thanked and celebrated our veteran students, faculty, staff, alums, and community supporters at the Annual Veterans Luncheon. The event began with the presentation of colors by the American Legion Post 543 Color Guard, followed by a warm welcome from BCC President Gene Smith.

Joe Irreara, Col USMC (Ret.), and Tim Johnson, Captain USMCR (Ret.), awarded three Military Officers Association of America scholarships to BCC veteran students. They included Jim Carper, BG USANJ Memorial Scholarship recipient Stephen Maples, and SENCLAND MOAA Scholarship recipients Daniel Thompson and Stephanie Alexander.

Rick Sessa, Past Commander of American Legion Post 543, was the keynote speaker. Mr. Sessa shared his experiences as a young service member and all he learned during his career. He expressed gratitude for the opportunities he had in the military and for the service of his fellow veterans.

November 2023

Earlier this week, SECU Foundation representatives Velva Jenkins and Shannon Whitley joined a room full of excited BCC faculty, staff, and leadership to present two scholarships for $5,000 each to students Randi Burke and Nadya Waters. These awards are part of the SECU Foundation’s “People Helping People” two-year scholarship program established to assist NC Community College System students succeed academically.

In addition to awarding the scholarships, the SECU Foundation surprised The Foundation of BCC with a gift of $18,000 as part of its Bridge to Career Scholarship Program. BCC President Gene Smith and Foundation Executive Director Teresa Nelson accepted the check and thanked SECU for its steadfast support of BCC students. Congratulations to Randi and Nadya.

To learn more about scholarship opportunities like this, speak with a Financial Aid representative in BCC’s OneStop Student Services Center at (910) 755-7320 or [email protected].

October 5, 2023