Photo Caption: Pictured, left to right: Lyric McGloffin, Dr. Janet F. Smith, Lyndsie Worley

(COLUMBIA, Tenn. - Aug. 31, 2015) - - - During a luncheon hosted by the Columbia State Community College Foundation on Thursday, Aug. 20, scholarship recipients and donors came together to meet one another and say thank you for the opportunity.

"We use the assets that the college has, and we try to create something positive for the students so they have access to opportunities," said Patrick Gilbert, foundation president. "Through the generosity of our donors, we're able to offer them help with the advancement of their education."

Gilbert expressed to donors that they were getting a good return on their investment, and to students, he said he hoped that they would one day pay it forward.

"Students, someday you could be sitting where they are today, helping out someone like yourself," Gilbert noted.

Two students were chosen to speak on behalf of all scholarship recipients, both personally thanking donors for contributing to their educations.

Lyric McGloffin, a business administration major, is the Student Government Association president, a President's Leadership Society member, and a TRiO member. Recipient of the L. Paul Sands Scholarship, she said the scholarship helped her a lot.

"Speaking on behalf of the students here today, we are honored and thankful to have you here and to have you invest your time and money into us," McGloffin said. "Thank you for believing in us, and thank you for being part of our journey."

McGloffin, a Mt. Pleasant resident, plans to transfer to Middle Tennessee State University after graduating from Columbia State. She wants to own her own business and continue her education as far as earning a doctorate.

Lyndsie Worley, recipient of the John Dillingham Scholarship, is a student worker in the information technology department, a PLS member, SGA senator and TRiO member. She said she would not be going to Columbia State if it wasn't for getting a scholarship and financial aid, and any help received is a blessing.

"Thank you to all the people who have contributed to us the students," Worley said. "You're making a difference in the lives of students by helping them afford their education. By contributing to our education, you have a hand in shaping the future, our futures, in a positive way. For that, we honor you today, and we will do our best to pay it forward."

Worley, a Columbia resident, plans to graduate from Columbia State with an associate degree in studio art. She has plans to become a photographer and has a passion for traditional art. She said she chose Columbia State for the friendly atmosphere and close proximity to home.

Dr. Janet F. Smith, Columbia State president, noted to donors the rewards of helping someone reach their goals and become who they want to be. She thanked donors for their gifts and for paying it forward, explaining that the students will someday do the same.

"Think not of the scholarship as a gift, but think of it as an investment," Smith said. "It's an investment in a human life, in our world and in our community. We all know that it's education that improves us as a society, as a business and economically. Whatever direction you want to go, education is at the root of making a change."

The Columbia State Foundation encourages friends, alumni, economic partners and others to invest their time and resources toward supporting education at Columbia State and making higher education accessible to students. Scholarships and support of programs are made possible through these partnerships.

Photo Caption: Patrick Gilbert

Columbia State is a two-year college, serving a nine-county area in southern Middle Tennessee with locations in Columbia, Franklin, Lawrenceburg, Lewisburg and Clifton. As Tennessee's first community college, Columbia State is committed to increasing access and enhancing diversity at all five campuses. Columbia State is a member of the Tennessee Board of Regents, one of the largest higher education systems in the nation. For more information, please visit www.columbiastate.edu.

Tennessee's Community Colleges is a system of 13 colleges offering a high-quality, affordable, convenient and personal education to prepare students to achieve their educational and career goals in two years or less. We offer associate degree and certificate programs, workforce development programs and transfer pathways to four-year degrees. For more information, please visit us online at tncommunitycolleges.org.

# # #