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UA-PTC Foundation honors donors, scholarship recipients

UA-Pulaski Tech Foundation hosted a Scholarship Luncheon Oct. 29, where donors were invited to see firsthand the impact of their donations. 84 scholarship recipients were recognized from the stage or in the event program.

Chancellor Margaret Ellibee recognized the hard work that the institution has done collectively to improve student success. “Without the dedicated faculty and staff we wouldn’t be where we are today,” she said. “Our graduation rate in 2012 was 10%. Three years ago it was 17%. Today it is 21%!”

The most emotional remarks of the luncheon were given by alumnus Linise Phillips, a 2013 graduate and a nurse. Phillips, a former recipient of the Argenta City Club Scholarship, described the many hardships she faced and overcame in her journey through higher education and into the workforce. Addressing the donors in the audience directly, she told them, “scholarship money has a direct impact on a person who will never, ever be the same because of your giving.”

Russ Mathis, UA – Pulaski Tech Foundation Board Member and driving force behind the creation of the PG & Melanie Bradford Scholarship, thanked the students for providing a reason to for everyone to work together. “Without students, we don’t need a faculty, or a staff, or a foundation!” he said.