RCC Celebrates Scholarship Recipients and Donors

The RCC Foundation celebrated its scholarship recipients and benefactors this past week with a special appreciation dinner held on the main campus in Lumberton, which was a night honoring exceptional scholars and Robeson Community College’s most gracious donors.

“Tonight is a celebration of the powerful connection between the generosity of our donors and the drive of our scholars,” stated Tami George, the Vice President of Business Services. “It is because of each and every one of you that we are able to continue to foster an environment where excellence thrives, dreams are realized, and futures are bright.”

Through the generosity of its donors, the RCC Foundation was able to award over $167,000 in scholarship funds this year.

For Shakylia Hunt, a cosmetology student, receiving a scholarship was truly an honor.

“It feels good,” Hunt said. “I’m honored to have received the Dr. J. Irvin and Anne Moss-Biggs Endowed Scholarship and the Karen Weinstein Endowed Scholarship.”  

“I want to say thank you to the donors and let them know I appreciate the opportunity they have given me,” Hunt added. “I hope to become an entrepreneur and start my own business when I graduate.”

For Brittany Hunt, receiving a scholarship gave her the ability to return to school as she battled brain cancer.  

“It feels good to have received the scholarship,” Hunt said. “It just gives me another opportunity for school.”

Hunt received the Ralph Jacob Clark Endowment Scholarship and the Ronald G. Turbeville Memorial Nursing Scholarship, of which she says, “I’m truly grateful for these scholarships and I thank the donors for their generosity.”

With her husband by her side, Hunt says, “It’s an honor to have my family here with me just to be able to experience this with me… it has motivated me a lot because, I went through one of the toughest battles and that was cancer, and it let me know that I can get through nursing school and be able to help others.”

Hunt hopes to become an oncologist nurse when she graduates in 2026. Her husband Jason Hunt says of his wife, “I’m proud of her because she never quits.”

Speaking directly to scholars and donors were two students, Amy Jacobs and Ashleigh Brooks.

“I want to express my appreciation for all you do and the support that you give as donors for our scholarships that we’re able to receive,” Jacobs said. “Without you, some of us would not be able to finish, or in some cases, not even begin our journey to pursuing a degree.”

“I received the Johnson Scholarship and the Millie Ann Wooten-Powers, Rosa P. McLellan-Thomas Endowment Scholarship,” Jacobs told. “Being a wife and mother of 6 children with 1 child still in the home, and having a financial need at this present moment, these scholarships have been a blessing to my home.” 

“I have had many obstacles in my life that kept me from completing my educational journey when I was younger,” Jacobs said. “But I thank the Lord and you as donors that I’m finally able to accomplish my goals and strive for a better future.”

Jacobs should graduate in 2026 with an associate degree in accounting. She hopes to continue her education and earn a bachelor’s degree, becoming a CPA, and then hopes to open up her own accounting firm in Robeson County.

“Cosmetology, to me, is far more than beauty and style—it’s an art form, a science, and a means of connection,” stated Brooks. “Receiving this scholarship affirms my passion and strengthens my commitment to this field. I know that pursuing this education will allow me to sharpen my skills, develop my craft, and make a difference—not just by enhancing appearances, but by empowering individuals to feel their best.” 

“I want to sincerely thank Julian T. Pierce Memorial Fund Endowed Scholarship for believing in me and investing in my future,” Brooks said. “Your generosity fuels my determination to work hard, stay creative, and give back to this profession and the community I serve.”

As the dinner came to a close, scholarship recipients were presented with a certificate noting the scholarship awarded for their achievement.

“As you look towards your future, embrace change, knowing that each twist and turn in your path will shape you into the individual you are destined to become,” stated Renee Collins, Vice President of the RCC Foundation.

“As we celebrate your achievement and the opportunities that lie ahead, it is important to also take a moment to show gratitude to those that have financially contributed to each of the scholarships you have received this academic year,” Collins added.

“To our donors, your belief in our students is invaluable. Each scholarship awarded is a stepping stone, providing our students here are Robeson Community College with the opportunity to pursue their passions and aspirations and ultimately, to give back to their community,” Collins said. “Thank you for being champions to our students…Your belief in them fuels their ambition and inspires them to reach new heights.”

The dinner was catered by the RCC Culinary Arts Department.

Culinary students volunteered, giving of their time and talents, some getting to campus as early as 7:00 a.m. to help prepare for the reception and to gain the experience of hosting such a large event. The menu for the night included Spring Strawberry Pecan Salad with a Lemon Balsamic Vinaigrette, Barbeque Spived Leg Quarters with roasted scalloped potatoes and herb roasted vegetable medley and yeast rolls, and for dessert, guests was treated to a Grilled Strawberry Shortcake with a Vanilla Sabayon Cream.