SANFORD - Steve and Laurie Lympany are giving back to the college to which they both were employed.

The Lympanys have established an endowment with the Central Carolina Community College Foundation, with proceeds to go toward Engineering scholarships. Steve Lympany is former Chairman of the Computer and Engineering Technologies Department.

"We were blessed with an opportunity to give back to the college community by establishing the endowment. We're delighted that it will enable us to continue supporting students now, and in the future," said Lympany. "In Laurie's experience as a recruiter for CCCC, she witnessed over and over again that scholarships made a major difference in a student's ability to attend college and focus on school. A scholarship can be transformative in a student's life."

Lympany has fond memories of his 29-year career at CCCC, including:

• "Helping students achieve their academic goals and get a strong start on their careers."
• "Working with colleagues at CCCC that care about their students."
• "Nurturing the startup of the Laser and Electro-Optics program in 1987 and seeing the first Laser students graduate in 1988."
• "In 1993, Governor Jim Hunt dedicated the Laser and Electro-Optics Center of Excellence on the Harnett County campus. I was honored to provide a tour of the laser facility for Governor Hunt and State Senator Elaine Marshall."
• "Riding a Segway around campus and at high school college fairs to promote the Engineering Technology programs at CCCC."

What advice would he give to an individual who may be considering a community college education, especially in the field of Engineering Technologies?

"Go for it! There are several different types of engineering technology programs, as well as a wide spectrum of job functions and job titles out in industry," said Lympany. "A graduate will find many exciting and challenging career paths to suit their interests and put their community college education to work.

"Overall, a community college provides an accessible and affordable path to an outstanding education."

Emily Hare, CCCC Foundation Executive Director, said the college is grateful for the support of the Lympanys' endowment. "This endowment will provide scholarships that change lives and, in turn, impact our communities," says Hare. "We cannot say thank you enough to the Lympanys for their commitment to the college."

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.

For information on giving to the Foundation, contact Emily Hare, executive director of the CCCC Foundation, 919-718-7230 or ehare@cccc.edu.