To break down cost barriers for Southeastern Community College students, 19 annual scholarships and 58 endowed scholarships worth $335,000 were awarded for the 2024/2025 academic year. The SCC Foundation honored those scholarship donors and their recipients with a catered luncheon provided by The Cook & Company Catering at Vineland Station Depot on Nov. 12. 

“It’s a great event when we can celebrate the success of our students but also recognize the donors for their support,” said Dr. Chris English, SCC President. “You’re impacting the lives of many every day. We live by the community college theme of meeting students where they are and taking them as far as they can go.” 

English recognized and thanked Dr. Dan Moore for his leadership and service to SCC when he was president of the college. He explained that the SCC Foundation Board of Directors met countless times to discuss how the foundation can impact SCC in a meaningful way. He thanked the board members for their hours of dedication to serving the students of SCC. 

SCC Foundation Executive Director Terrie Priest introduced the student speaker for the luncheon. She said that Austin Powell is a 2024 recipient of the John and Harriet Koonce Memorial Scholarship, president of the SCC Ambassadors, treasurer of the SGA and a Social Media Ambassador for SCC. Powell will obtain an associate of science degree before transferring to N.C. State University to earn a doctorate in veterinary medicine.  

Powell is an Onslow County native who moved many times due to his father serving in the U.S. Marine Corps. He has lived in four states, 10 cities and 18 houses. Powell has lived in Columbus County for three years. 

“I have always loved livestock, and I’ve always thought how I’m going to get into the livestock business,” Powell said. “I talked with Mariah Strickland, and she helped me enroll in the associate of science program.” 

Powell’s first class at SCC was in agribusiness with Dawn Hinshaw, when he enrolled in the High School Summer Camp program in summer 2024. He wanted to get involved in as many organizations as possible on campus and treat his experience at SCC like he would at a four-year university.  

“I want to thank everyone who donated to these scholarships because it’s relieved so much stress on me and my family,” Powell said. “Because I’m not paying a dime. Bless y’all because you’ve been an answer to our prayers.” 

Priest introduced the guest speaker for the luncheon. She said that Nathan Moore stepped up to the chairman role of the SCC Foundation Board of Directors this year. 

Moore spoke to the audience on the importance of authenticity and “showing up as our true selves.” After high school, Moore became a professional clown who toured with the Ringling Brothers and Barnum and Bailey Circus. He said his experience as a clown helped him “take off the mask” that many people wear to hide their intentions.  

“Clowns don’t wear makeup to hide who they are but to ultimately connect with the audience,” Moore said. “Today, I think many of us wear a metaphorical mask to present ourselves in a way that is safe. These masks can build up these walls than can limit our true connection.” 

Moore explained that authenticity can be a powerful tool for connecting with other people. He said that with authenticity, we make ourselves vulnerable and open to trust. Moore said that every SCC student deserves to be seen and valued.  

“That’s what the community college system is about: career readiness in an intimate setting to take you to the next level wherever that may be,” Moore said. “Authenticity in education is vital because learning isn’t about passing along knowledge. It’s about shaping individuals and creating an environment where students feel safe to be themselves, explore their passions and find their voices.” 

Moore left the audience with three challenges in the name authenticity: encourage self-reflection, voice our opinions without fear and build a support network. He said these actions will encourage a culture where everyone feels free to show up without a mask on. 

In conclusion to the 60th anniversary celebration of SCC, the SCC Foundation encourages joining the 64 Club. Members of the 64 Club will pledge $64 per month for one year, acquire an engraved brick to be used for the Raise the Bell campaign, receive recognition in SCC’s annual report, receive discounted tickets to SCC Foundation events and receive an invite to a special annual event held in the spring. 

For more information, contact the SCC Foundation office at 910-788-6260 or visit sccnc.edu/give.  

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