Cribb endowed scholarship will make ‘lasting legacy’ at SCC

The Jonathan O’Neill Cribb Memorial Scholarship, established in 2004, will transform into an endowed scholarship put in place by Larry and Patricia Cribb. The Cribb’s son, Jonathan Cribb, was a 2000 Whiteville High School graduate and Southeastern Community College student with plans of becoming a meteorologist. Jonathan, diagnosed with muscular dystrophy at birth, succumbed to heart failure in 2002.   

Including SCC in their estate plan ensures that the scholarship will support students for generations to come, Larry explained. 

“Jonathan would have wanted us to do this,” Larry said. “Not only for us to be a steward of what God has blessed us with financially to help people, but I think Jonathan would have wanted us to help other students get an education.” 

Larry and Patricia’s favorite quality of their son was his service to church and being a Christian. They loved his sense of humor and ability to get along well with others.  

Larry explained that the scholarship will be available to anyone, not just recent high school graduates. As a teacher, Larry said that he instilled the importance of education in his son at a young age and taught him that education benefits every person at any age.  

“We like to do things for other people and they not be aware of it,” Larry said. “We thought Jonathan would really take joy in knowing that other people are going to school without a financial burden with this scholarship.” 

Patricia graduated from SCC in 1971 with an associate’s degree in business administration, and she returned to campus for another associate’s degree in nursing, earning that in 1985.  

Larry’s experience with SCC started with night classes that later transitioned into daytime classes. While not earning a degree from SCC, he transferred his SCC credits to UNC Pembroke for a bachelor of science degree in education in 1976. Larry went on to teach elementary and middle school grades for many years. 

Giving back 

Larry encouraged everyone when working on estate planning and their will to consider setting up an endowed scholarship at SCC. He commended SCC’s growth and achievements in academics, and he said that giving others a chance at education “is well worth it.” 

“There’s opportunities here in Columbus County, and there’s more jobs here,” Larry said. “This college is preparing students to stay home in Columbus County and raise their family. They can then donate to scholarships at SCC and help the next generation of students.” 

SCC Foundation Executive Director Terrie Priest explained that estate planning can be a complex process but made easier with the help of an attorney. She said that placing SCC in a will, designating a dollar amount and giving a copy to the SCC Foundation is the next step in the process.   

“I want folks to know that if they are working on their estate plan or drafting their wills, this is an easy way to make a lasting legacy or impact if they want to honor someone with a scholarship,” Priest said. “Once they’re gone, the estate can fund their endowed scholarship.” 

An endowment means that the initial donation, or principal, is invested, and the scholarships are funded by the investment income, ensuring the scholarship can be awarded perpetually. The SCC Foundation manages all endowed scholarships at SCC, and the Office of Financial Aid helps with the application process.  

“It’ll be there forever,” Priest said. “Creating that endowed scholarship will take care of student scholarships, and with the way it’s arranged, the interest earned will take care of it in perpetuity.” 

Interested in learning about more giving opportunities at SCC? Click here to find more information or call 910-788-6320.