Press Releases 2008

CONTACT: Mary Planding, Director, Marketing & Communications
(831) 479-6158
mary.planding [at] cabrillo.edu

May 27, 2008

RECORD $371,781 IN SCHOLARSHIPS AWARDED TO CABRILLO COLLEGE STUDENTS

Aptos, CA—The Cabrillo College Foundation announced that $371,781 was awarded to 614 students at the college’s annual Scholarship Awards Ceremony. This is the largest number of scholarship dollars that has been awarded in the history of Cabrillo College.

Receiving a scholarship helps ensure that students can put maximum effort into being a successful student. The scholarship program began in 1966 with total awards of $3,500.

Cabrillo College ranks fourth out of 109 California community colleges in scholarship funds dispersed to students. The foundation partners with over 300 individuals, families, businesses and organizations to raise funds for scholarships. Scholarship funds can be used to pay for tuition, books and other costs associated with being a student.

Over 500 scholarship recipients, family members and donors attended the ceremony, held on the grounds of Cabrillo’s historic Sesnon House. President Brian King and Vice Presidents Pegi Ard, Dr. Renée Kilmer and Dr. May Chen presented the awards.

“These scholarships really make a difference in the lives of our students and help them to stay in school and realize the dream of a college education,” said King. “We are very grateful for the generosity of the individuals, families and businesses, who through their support of the educational mission and vision of Cabrillo College, make these awards possible.”

Students applied for the scholarships between November 2007 and April 2008. Cabrillo College departments, the college’s financial aid office or volunteer groups within the community selected the students. Students are required to submit an application, which includes an essay or audition.

Many scholarships are named in honor or in memory of specific individuals, families, businesses or organizations. The donor establishes the criteria used when selecting the recipients. Endowed scholarships are structured to provide an annual award in perpetuity.

High school students entering Cabrillo in fall 2008 as well as returning students were honored at the scholarship awards ceremony. William Ow, Jasmine Ow and Benjamin Ow made awards to the students who received an American Dream Scholarship. The America
Dream Scholarship Program, funded by philanthropist George Ow and the Ow Family, grants scholarships to minority high school seniors from the area’s high schools who attend Cabrillo.

Andrea Turnbull received a scholarship at the ceremony. “Two years ago, dissatisfied with my career, I made the decision to come back to Cabrillo full-time. I know today that was the wisest decision I ever made,” Andrea told the audience. “It is so helpful to my

education to receive this monetary gift, but there is something less tangible – it is the gift of acknowledgement for all the hard work that goes into school and the resulting self-esteem that is equally valuable.” 

Andrea is a single parent of three graduated from Cabrillo College in June. She will attend San José State University in the fall and plans to major in social work.

Cabrillo College’s Scholarship Program benefits a variety of students from across the region served by the college. The scholarship funds were received from individuals, families and businesses that value accessible and relevant education for everyone in the community.

For more information on how you can support students call Melinda Silverstein, Executive Director, Cabrillo College Foundation, 831-479-6338.

About Cabrillo College
Cabrillo College is a leading California community college serving Santa Cruz County with locations in Aptos, Scotts Valley and Watsonville. It is ranked #1 in transfers to UC Santa Cruz. Founded in 1959, the college offers over 100 academic and career technology programs that serve multiple educational goals such as A.A. and A.S. degrees, certificates of proficiency, skills certificates, transfer to 4-year institutions or for lifelong learning and personal enrichment. Our mission is to enhance the intellectual, cultural, and economic vitality of our diverse community by assisting all students in their quest for lifelong learning and success in an ever-changing world.