Endowment Recognizes Students Who Never Give Up
“Be persistent,” Doris Huebner says. ”There is always a way to accomplish your dreams. It may not be the way you envisioned, and there may be obstacles – but sometimes the biggest obstacle can open just the right door!” Huebner, a business woman and community service advocate, is Vice Chair of the Wake Tech Board of Trustees, and she shared her inspiring words at the college’s annual Women’s History Tea, honoring women who have overcome personal challenges to pursue higher education.
The Tea is supported by a special endowment, created by the family of the late Dr. Linda Ray. Dr. Ray, a lifelong educator and advocate for adult literacy, served as director of Human Resources Development at Wake Tech.
Honorees are nominated by their instructors, after demonstrating excellence in Wake Tech’s College and Career Readiness program – in English as a Second Language, Adult Basic Education, and High School Equivalency Preparation courses.
One honoree, 40-year-old Leomie Patterson, has faced her share of obstacles. She dropped out of high school after becoming pregnant with her first child. She’s also a cancer survivor, and recently lost her husband unexpectedly. But after her daughter graduated from college, Leomie decided it was time for her to finish high school. She turned to Wake Tech. “I love coming to class,” she says. “I feel empowered and proud of myself – and my kids are proud of me too!”
Leomie has impressed instructors with her efforts and her determination to persevere. She was selected as an honoree in her very first semester, and says she was thrilled to be invited. “It was unexpected,” she says, “and a little surreal. I couldn’t believe I was nominated so quickly, and hearing that my instructor saw something special in me really meant a lot!”
The endowment was created after Dr. Ray’s death in 2011, to recognize those who go above and beyond. “My mom always wanted to help others,” says Kaitlyn Ray Forsyth, Dr. Ray’s daughter. “It was her life’s work. We’re just continuing what she started.”
For more information about the tea or about Wake Tech’s College & Career Readiness program, visit ccr.waketech.edu or call 919-334-1565.
The Wake Tech Foundation cultivates and manages a variety of resources critical to Wake Tech’s success: corporate investments, private grants, alumni and employee contributions, and financial and in-kind support from many other friends of the college. These resources fund diverse projects, from student scholarships to broader instructional and institutional needs.
To learn more about giving opportunities, visit foundation.waketech.edu.