Collin College Foundation is the non-profit fundraising division of Collin College with the mission of applying financial gifts to assist in providing access to high-quality education. The 35 year old foundation was established shortly after the creation of Collin College and has grown substantially over the years including the last academic year, the foundation raised over $2.6 million and awarded students over $900,000 in scholarships.
Director of Development Andrea Mersiovsky is passionate about creating awareness of all Collin College has to offer. "Collin College is affordable and it is my job to help donors see that their money can make a difference. Whatever the community needs, Collin College is listening. We want to produce the next workforce and we want to help students become successful". One of her favorite donor stories includes a gentleman who desired to make an impact locally. His $50,000 gift allowed 30 students to attend Collin tuition-free for two semesters. He had the pleasure of meeting those 30 recipients at the annual scholarship ceremony honoring both donors and students. A nursing student, graduated and now in a NICU, reaches out to Andrea with notes and well-wishes for him. She attributes his gift to her ability to become a nurse. For her, his donation made all the difference.
Financial gifts are established to honor people and organizations with ties to the community, the college, education, and a desire to give back. There is a uniqueness to the gifts that can include tuition but also out of the box needs like child care assistance, shoes, or fees. Scholarships are personal for the donor. Andrea tells of a grandma who hoped for an alternative to contributing to her granddaughter's growing collection of toys so instead created a $500 Book Scholarship. Her 5 year old granddaughter is able to meet the student who benefits from the gift and a connection is made and a future donor is born.
The scholarship application process for students is fairly simple and is available for the Spring and Fall semesters. Aside from the typical student details, applicants are asked to share their story including how they plan to give back and better the community. The scholarship review committee is looking to hear the heart of the student rather than a formula driven essay, and financial awards are not based solely on academic success or financial need.
The Collin College Foundation will work with you to facilitate gifts of any size in memory of or tribute to your family, friends and colleagues. To establish a scholarship fund in memory of, in honor of, or have questions about a current fund, please visit Collin.edu/foundation or email Andrea Mersiovsky, Director of Development, at amersiovsky@collin.edu
"Giving is life changing for the donor and the recipient. The donor gives as a remembrance to honor a loved one or as a legacy gift. The receipient is impacted by realizing someone cares about ME, MY education, MY story." The exchange inspires students to persevere in completing their degree.
