CVCC students Wells, Williams receive SECU ‘People Helping People’ Scholarships

Catawba Valley Community College students Laura Wells and Rose Williams have been awarded scholarships through the member-funded State Employees’ Credit Union (SECU) Foundation.

12/06/2022

SECU-Foundation Scholarships

SECU Foundation established the two-year scholarship program in 2004 to help North Carolina students achieve academic success through the community college system. Based on the Credit Union philosophy of “People Helping People,” these scholarships recognize the recipient’s leadership, character and integrity, community involvement, and scholastic achievement. Scholarship funds will be applied to tuition and other expenses associated with their community college education over four consecutive semesters. 

“Scholarships play an important role in making college more accessible and affordable and we are thrilled that the Foundation’s two-year scholarship continues to expand opportunities for students to obtain a degree,” said SECU Foundation Executive Director Jama Campbell. “Together, with North Carolina’s excellent community college system, we are building a solid foundation for supporting students in their academic success. On behalf of SECU Foundation, we offer our congratulations and best wishes to Laura Wells and Rose Williams.”

Both Wells and Williams are pursuing their Associate in Applied Science degree in CVCC’s Radiography program. 

Wells was caught off guard by her selection for the SECU “People Helping People” Scholarship.

“I was surprised,” Wells said. “Of all the people who applied, they chose me. It was a big relief. My books and uniform were expensive. It’s a weight off our shoulders.”

Receiving this scholarship from SECU is also a big relief for Williams.

“I woke up the other day and saw the email that I was receiving this scholarship. It made my day so much better,” she said. “It put a big smile on my face.”

SECU members provide two $5,000 “People Helping People” Scholarships annually to each of the 58 community colleges in North Carolina through the SECU Foundation scholarship program.  

To date, over $10 million has been awarded to help the State’s community college students further their education. 

About SECU and SECU Foundation

A not-for-profit financial cooperative owned by its members, SECU has been providing employees of the state of North Carolina and their families with consumer financial services for 85 years. SECU is the second largest credit union in the United States with $53 billion in assets and serves over 2.6 million members through 273 branch offices, over 1,100 ATMs and 24/7 Member Services via phone, www.ncsecu.org and a Mobile App. The SECU Foundation, a 501(c)(3) charitable organization funded by the contributions of SECU members, promotes local community development in North Carolina primarily through high impact projects in the areas of housing, education, healthcare, and human services. Since 2004, SECU Foundation has made a collective financial commitment of over $235 million for initiatives to benefit North Carolinians statewide.

About Catawba Valley Community College 

Catawba Valley Community College provides a true collegiate atmosphere for its approximately 5,000 curriculum students and 9,000 workforce continued education students. Serving students from counties across the region, Catawba Valley Community College was ranked by SmartAsset as one of the top 10 Best Community Colleges, and was a finalist for the prestigious 2021 Bellwether and Aspen Prize awards. CVCC currently offers 51 associate degree programs of study in Arts, Business, Computer Information, Education, Engineering Technology, Health Services, Horticulture, Industrial Technology and Public Services as well as nine college transfer programs. You can learn more about the programs offered at Catawba Valley Community College on its website. 

PHOTO: From left, Brandy Stewart, CVCC Financial Aid Technician; Robin Cornett, Dean of CVCC’s School of Health Education; CVCC students Rose Williams and Lauren Wells; Natalie Strait, Assistant Branch Manager of SECU Hickory (Fairgrove Church Rd. location) and Richie Patrick, Vice President of SECU Hickory.

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