Students thank scholarship benefactors during annual Scholarship Dinner

On Sept. 12, students and their scholarship benefactors gathered in Evans Auditorium in the Cannon Student Center for an evening of appreciation.

The annual Scholarship Dinner is a night to thank not only students for their continued hard work and dedication, but also benefactors that make scholarships possible for those students.

Nearly 70 students attended the dinner representing 15 different scholarships.

The evening kicked off with a welcome and blessing by Vice President for Institutional Advancement Edward Roberts as well as special remarks from President Lee King.

“Lees-McRae will always be a college of opportunity,” he began. “To our donors here tonight, I want to thank you for the investments you have made in our students. You have given them all the opportunity to experience what higher education can offer and I know our students are very grateful."

Following King’s remarks, The Highlanders, the college’s choral ensemble led by Associate Professor of Theatre Arts Michael Hannah, performed “Truly Brave.”

After the performance, Katy Yost ’20 took to the front of the room. A Hood Honors Scholarship recipient, Order of the Tower Presidential Ambassador, and a major in Wildlife Biology with a specialization in Wildlife Rehabilitation as well as a major in Psychology, Yost shared how receiving a scholarship changed her life.

“At Lees-McRae we are given so much more than an education, we are given the opportunity to experience new things and make new memories that will last a lifetime,” she said. “When I was a freshman, I had no idea what to expect, but what I found was a friendly and welcoming environment. Each organization I have become a part of has pushed and challenged me to become the person I am today. I am so glad that I chose Lees-McRae, and thank you to all of you here who have made it possible for people like me to gain this experience.”

Before the night concluded, King returned to the front of the room with some final remarks, first addressing the benefactors.

“The investment that you make in Lees-McRae allows our students to explore different learning opportunities and gain hands-on experience,” he said. “It’s a true blessing and a true joy. Thank you for what you have done for our students.”

He then addressed the students in the room.

“Students, I hope you take these investments and run with it,” he said. “You have been given a unique opportunity to achieve your dreams and aspirations.”