Advancing to a new level of financial development by recognizing donors and showcasing the increasing importance of public funding, Anoka-Ramsey Community College honored approximately 300 donors and guests who have supported the college’s scholarship programs with a black-tie Legacy Dinner, Friday, Nov. 30 at the Courtyards of Andover. The special event, common for four-year institutions, was the first of its kind for a two-year institution in the Minnesota Colleges and Universities system.
Attendees were treated to a complimentary gourmet dinner and a program featuring guest speaker, Cyndy Brucato, KSTP 5 Eyewitness News anchor, and testimonials from current scholarship recipient, Samantha Armstrong, and past scholarship recipient, Shaun Georges.
“The first annual Legacy Dinner was an unprecedented event to recognize and thank donors who themselves recognize the importance of an Anoka-Ramsey
Community College education in the lives of students,” says the college President Dr. Patrick M. Johns. “Hearing Samantha and Shaun attest to the difference their scholarships made to their lives was truly inspirational.”
Contributors who have given $50,000 or more to the campus foundations for scholarships were inducted into the newly-established Legacy Club, receiving individual recognition, a plaque and a blown-glass award, individually created by college faculty member and renowned glassblowing artist, Bob Toensing.
Legacy Award recipients included: Juanita and Chuck Peterson, Memorial Hospital Foundation, the Coon Rapids Lions Club, Geri and Darby Nelson, Pam and Jim Deal, the Ramsey Lions Club, Peoples Bank of Commerce, Woodland Development Corporation, Unity Hospital Auxiliary, Unity & Mercy Hospitals, the Family of Dora Keillor, and Possis Medical.
In addition to the Legacy Club, the college also established the following giving levels:
- Benefactor's Club, $10,000 thru $49,999
- Honorary Club, $5,000 thru $9,999
- President's Club, $2,500 thru $4,999
- Director's Club, $1,000 thru $2,499
- Scholar's Club, $500 thru $999
- College Club, $100 thru $499
- Loyalty Club, $1 thru $99
The Legacy Dinner was made possible through financial support from Connexus Energy, which contributed $10,000, thus insuring no scholarship donations were necessary for expenses.
"It was a very impressive event," says James H. McCormick, chancellor of the Minnesota State Colleges and Universities system, who also attended the event. "It was wonderful to see such support from the community for the mission of the college."
For more information about the Legacy Dinner event or to make a contribution to Anoka-Ramsey Community College scholarship programs, contact the Director of Institutional Advancement, Evelyn Gedde at 763.433.1189. |
