HANCEVILLE, Ala. — Wallace State Community College’s Future Foundation raised a record $384,621 at its 20th annual Student Investment Luncheon on Thursday, Nov. 7. The event, held at the Traditions Bank Arena inside Tom Drake Coliseum, is the premier fundraiser for the organization that funds hundreds of scholarships benefitting Wallace State students each year.
Of the amount raised, $176,831 was generated through seven new scholarships, three of which are endowed, said Suzanne Harbin, vice president for advancement, before announcing the grand total. Those new scholarships include the following:
- Andy Nash Aspiring Aviator Scholarship
- Hanceville Nursing and Rehab Endowed Scholarship
- Glenn and Sharon Horton Memorial Scholarship
- Path to Perseverance Endowed Scholarship
- WSCC NC3 Scholarship
- WSCC Social and Behavioral Science
- Representative Corey Harbison Endowed Scholarship
- Senator Gudger Endowed Scholarship
Another $146,350 was raised through table sponsorships. The silent and live auctions raised a combined $48,390 and a paddle-raise brought in $13,050 to establish a new scholarship.
“Today’s luncheon marks not only the 20th anniversary of the Future Foundation but also celebrates the incredible progress we’ve made since our founding in 2004,” said Wallace State President Dr. Vicki Karolewics. “Starting with just six visionary board members and $35,000 in assets, the Foundation now holds close to $8.5 million — a testament to the dedication and generosity of our supporters.”
As an example of the Foundation’s growth in 20 years, Karolewics noted that 50 students were presented with an average award of $500 or less when the first scholarships were awarded in 2008. For the 2024-2025 academic year, the Future Foundation awarded a record 251 scholarships totaling $465,000.
The Foundation offers more than 100 named and 70 endowed scholarships, with awards averaging $2,000 per student and supports over 200 students each year.
“Over the last two decades the Foundation has awarded over $3 million in scholarships to over 3,500 deserving Wallace State students,” Karolewics said.
“Donors, please never underestimate the impact of your gift,” Karolewics added. “You give more than financial support—you offer a gift of education that changes lives. Education is an investment, and lack of access is far more costly in the long run.”
Before giving the invocation, Wallace State scholarship recipient and Lion Leader Riley Simpson thanked those in attendance for their support of the college.
“Personally, I’m very humbled and very honored to stand before you today,” Simpson said. “I know many students in my position don’t have the same opportunity as myself to be here, so this event today is just a testament to the hard work for our students and the opportunities provided by Wallace State.”
Donna Guthrie, president of the Future Foundation Board of Directors, said a goal of the Foundation is to raise funds that will allow each graduating high school senior in Cullman County could receive a scholarship
“Think how wonderful that will be if you were graduating high school…and know that you could go to Wallace state and begin your journey in education and learn skills for the workforce,” Guthrie said.
“When you invest in these students you’re investing in your future workforce and the future of this community,” she added.
Foundation board member John Riley took the stage to recognize leaders of the college and Future Foundation who have been instrumental in its success. Those recognized included Karolewics, Harbin, Cherie Smith and LaDonna Allen.
Riley said these women often give credit to others, but “these individuals are always the ones that bring it all together and make it happen,” he said.
