SANFORD - The Central Carolina Community College Dreamkeeper Fund provides just-in-time support for students facing emergency expenses that may derail them from completing their education or training program.
The CCCC Foundation Board of Directors is honoring James French, a member of the CCCC Board of Trustees, by naming the Fund in his honor.
"As a member of the Board of the CCCC Foundation and of the Board of Trustees of Central Carolina Community College, I am very pleased that the Foundation's Dreamkeeper Fund has been named in honor of CCCC Trustee James French," said Chairman Julian Philpott. "For many years, James French has been extremely generous in his personal service to Central Carolina Community College and to this community. He has also been generous in his gifts to the Foundation's Dreamkeeper Fund, which helps students who may need some special financial assistance due to unforeseen circumstances.
"James French, through his caring heart and generosity, has enabled many students to stay in school, graduate and obtain quality jobs. The naming of the Dreamkeeper Fund in honor of James French is an honor that is well deserved by an outstanding citizen of Lee County," said Mr. Philpott.
Dr. Lisa M. Chapman, CCCC President, says that the James French Dreamkeeper Fund just makes sense. "If you know Mr. French, it just makes sense. His generous spirit and gracious demeanor are evident in everything he does," said Dr. Chapman. "It is such an honor to work with him. From our first meeting as I returned to the college, I could see his compassion for our students, our employees, and all those with whom he comes in contact. I am so pleased with this recognition of what he means to our students and our college."
Mr. French said that when he first became a Trustee, he was a member of the Student and Academic Affairs Committee with Chair Jan Hayes. "At one of our committee meetings, it came to our attention that many students were having to postpone or abandon their educational goals due to small financial setbacks. It concerned us enough that we wanted to do whatever it took to assist students who were faced with this situation," said Mr. French, who noted that the college staff recommended the establishment of the Dreamkeeper Fund that began in 2016.
"We pledged to be initial donors to start the fund and the dream became a reality. I am passionate when it comes to making sure every student enrolled at CCCC is successful when it comes to their educational goal," said Mr. French. "Small unmet needs should not be an issue that would cause them to drop out of college. If I can help somebody as I travel through this life, then my living will not have been in vain. That's why I do what I do."
Dr. Emily C. Hare, CCCC Foundation Executive Director, says, "James French is the definition of an extraordinary man. He believes in every student that walks through the doors of CCCC and wants to ensure that they are able to persist on to their graduation. He understands that this isn't always possible without a bump or two in the road. Thanks to his generous heart, he is helping the Dreamkeeper Fund continue to grow so that when a student may hit a bump, the Foundation is able to help them get back up. We are truly grateful for Mr. French!"
Dr. Hare notes that the Dreamkeeper Fund is a tremendous asset to the Foundation to help assist students when they have time-limited, documented emergency expenses. "It is sometimes these small emergencies that will hamper their ability to continue on their journey here at CCCC," said Dr. Hare. "By being able to pay a light bill, assist with tuition, or pay rent for a student, this helps eliminate a financial barrier allowing them to persist on."
All currently enrolled students at CCCC are eligible for the Dreamkeeper Fund. Students can receive up to $400 once per academic year. Students must provide documentation of a one-time, time-limited emergency expense. Eligible expenses include: transportation, childcare, utilities, car repairs, tuition, books, course equipment or supplies, and certification expenses.
Mr. French said the decision to name the Dreamkeeper Fund in his honor was a total surprise. "I have been blessed tremendously and I just want to be a blessing to others in return," said Mr. French. "I am grateful and humbled by the decision to name the Dreamkeeper Fund in my honor."
The CCCC Foundation is a 501(c)(3) charitable organization affiliated with, but independent of, the college. It receives donations of money and equipment on behalf of CCCC and uses them to promote the educational mission of the college and assist students through scholarships and grants.
Anyone interested in contributing to the Dreamkeeper Fund can contact Dr. Emily Hare, Executive Director of the CCCC Foundation, 919-718-7230 or ehare@cccc.edu. Donations can also be made via the CCCC Foundation webpage at www.cccc.edu/foundation. Just indicate in the "Notes" section that you'd like your donation to go to the Dreamkeeper Fund.
For more information on Central Carolina Community College - which is dedicated to providing pathways to achievable dreams, visit www.cccc.edu.
The Central Carolina Community College Foundation's Dreamkeeper Fund has been named in honor of CCCC Trustee James French. "James French, through his caring heart and generosity, has enabled many students to stay in school, graduate and obtain quality jobs. The naming of the Dreamkeeper Fund in honor of James French is an honor that is well deserved by an outstanding citizen of Lee County," said Julian Philpott, Chairman of the CCCC Board of Trustees.