Success Stories

Our Students Share Their Stories and Appreciation

Learn more about a few of the hundreds of students each year who have been helped by donor support. In addition to scholarships, of course, The Foundation's Eliminating Barriers pillar was established to help students complete their studies as MCCC by overcoming financial and non-financial obstacles that threaten their success. 

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Students: SHARE YOUR STORY

Rain has found the academic and non-academic support she receives at MCCC, such as the Husky Shuttle, Care Closet and Heck's Market are an important reason for her success returning to college to complete her degree.

 

Dean of Student Services, Gerald McCarty, shares stories from some of the students he and his team have been able to assist in recent years through Project Persist and other other resources now available through the Foundation at MCCC.

 

Donor-funded scholarships help Jackson (along with 300+ other students each year) to pursue two of his interests, welding and automotive service, to prepare for his career in heavy equipment maintenance.

Paige and Runa

Center Stage and Beyond for Paige

Paige came to MCCC in 2021 as part of the State of Michigan’s Reconnect tuition assistance program, having overcome many personal difficulties after graduating from high school in 2014. 

Daniel's story image

TO SAY DANIEL IS A MAN ON A MISSION IS AN UNDERSTATEMENT

Overcoming hurdles is in his blood, and pursuing a college degree at the age of 29 is only the latest of many he has faced head-on. He grew up in poverty in Texas, lost both parents, and had to join the workforce at 16 in full-time survival mode.

Tiffiany photo

SUPPORT LEADS TO PERSEVERANCE FOR TIFFIANY AND HER FAMILY

Last summer, just as Tiffiany had started taking classes at MCCC, tragedy struck. Her family, including her husband and young daughter, lost everything in a house fire. Making an already stressful time more challenging, her three-year old daughter was hospitalized more than once.

Dannielle Draasch

Dannielle, Nursing, Class of 2024

Dannielle is continuing her nursing studies thanks to a scholarship from The Foundation after a lengthy hiatus from college for financial reasons.

 

Elizabeth Russeau

Elizabeth, Nursing, Class of 2023

Elizabeth is making her dreams come true and building a better life for her and her daughter. 

Matthew V. (right) with his family

Matthew V.

Matthew V., pictured at the right, with his brother, Joseph, and parents, Julia and William, was able to complete his associate degree at MCCC in December 2020 and now continues his studies in cybersecurity at Eastern Michigan University. 

Madison Y. and her mom, Kristi

Madison Y., Looking forward to helping others as a Respiratory Therapist

When asked what MCCC means to her, without hesitation Madison says, "Success. MCCC wants me to succeed in general and in the RT program.  I am just so thankful they care and want their students to succeed and will do anything they can to help all students."

Julie H.

Julie H., second-year nursing student

Julie is healthcare hero working on the front lines as a paramedic in the emergency room while she studies to become a nurse.  Click here to hear her story.

Jamie G.

Jamie G. Achieving a 10-year dream of earning his degree

When COVID-19 hit in 2020, the Completion Scholarship Jamie received in this semester was a lifeline for his goal of completing his degree. 

Amber, her son Landon and significant other Brad

Amber L., LPN student

Amber juggles being a mother to a three-year old son, a full-time job and her studies as a licensed practical nursing (LPN) student.  Now, in addition to coping with the challenges of transitioning to online coursework, she has been laid off due to COVID-19.  Click here to learn how MCCC helped Amber stay on track.

Maria Brinkey

Maria B., Second-Year Nursing Student

Maria is a mother of two.  Her son is in college studying chemical engineering, and her daughter is a precocious five year old.  She is a corrections officer, but she was recently laid off due to COVID-19.  She returned to school to become a nurse to do what she loves - helping others.