On Friday, October 11, 2019, a ceremony honored individuals who have made substantial gifts to support the programs and students at Crafton Hills College. Michelle Riggs, Director of Institutional Advancement, explained that “this Legacy Wall in the Crafton Center provides recognition of individuals who have given cumulative gifts, estate-planned gifts or irrevocable life-income gifts of $10,000 or more to the Crafton Hills College Foundation.” The CHC Foundation provides financial support to assist struggling Crafton students in reaching their educational goals and enhances the programs and services available at the college.
Alumnus Anthony Abate shared his journey with attendees at the event. “This wall represents the reason why many of us were able to continue working toward our goals. It also represents why many students here have realized, some for the very first time in their lives, that they are capable of succeeding regardless of their circumstance. The reason why my success story along with so many other students who have defied the odds is possible is because of the generosity and heart of all you, our donors, and the work that the Crafton Hills College Foundation does to ensure that every student has an equal opportunity,” Abate said. He detailed how the support of the CHC Foundation enabled him to succeed and graduate from Crafton with three degrees after having dropped out of high school. “Throughout my time here as a student, I noticed that something was significantly different about this school. For the first time, I was supported and surrounded by people who wanted me to succeed just as much as I wanted it for myself,” Abate continued. Grateful for the assistance provided when he needed it most, Abate recently became a member of the CHC Foundation Presidents’ Circle to give back and help others.
Former CHC president, Gloria Harrison, shared her personal story of education and the reason that she and her husband Bill choose to support the CHC Foundation. She explained that their own higher education experiences were possible because of the opportunities available through community colleges. She believes it is essential to give back to our community and the institutions that helped her become the woman she is today. Gloria said, “The community college was where we got our start and realized that education was a means of being more than we ever thought we could be.”
Crafton Hills College President Dr. Kevin Horan closed the ceremony with his thanks to the individuals who invest in Crafton. “Your gifts allow us to give every student what they need to have a dream, complete their degree, and move on to create more goals and be outstanding citizens, contributing to their local community.” He went on to explain that Crafton students have the highest retention rate in the Inland Empire and the 19th highest among all 114 California Community Colleges. He continued, "Your investment in Crafton Hills College students is an investment in this community. Our students are engaged, finish their degrees and certificates, and will enrich the Inland Empire in the future."
For over 40 years, the Crafton Hills College Foundation has supported CHC in advancing the educational, career, and personal success of the diverse CHC campus community through engagement and learning.
The Foundation is a nonprofit corporation devoted exclusively to raising funds for scholarships, grants, and other types of assistance for CHC students and faculty.
Gifts to the college can be allocated for the college's greatest need or designated specifically. Gifts may be designated to an academic area, to scholarships, to any of the various cultural or community programs of the college, or to current capital projects. You can also remember a loved one by donating a memorial or honorarium in their name.
The Foundation is a non-profit 501(c)(3) organization making contributions to the Foundation tax-deductible.