Celebration Tied to College’s 50th Anniversary
RALEIGH, N.C. (February 7, 2013) — Nearly $11 million to support scholarships, new technology, and faculty and staff innovation – that’s what Wake Tech’s major gifts campaign, called “The Ripple Effect,” has generated since its launch last year.The campaign is a response to record-breaking enrollment at the college and unprecedented demand for its education and training programs.
For more than a year, corporate and community leaders, educators and benefactors across the Triangle have worked behind the scenes to build support for the campaign. Tonight, at the Angus Barn in Raleigh, those leaders celebrated the close of the campaign’s “quiet” phase, announcing that donations to date total $10.8 million. They also announced the start of the public phase of the campaign and their new goal of $12.5 million.
“We’re reaching out to the entire community now,” said Dr. Bill Atkinson, WakeMed CEO and co-chair for The Ripple Effect. “We hope everyone will join us in supporting Wake Tech and the education and training it provides – education and training that have been vital to our community for 50 years and that will continue to make us strong as we confront the challenges of the future.”
Tonight’s event also marked the start of Wake Tech’s 50th anniversary celebration, a year-long commemoration of the college’s half century of service and commitment to the Wake County community. Wake Tech President Dr. Stephen Scott was joined by the institution’s two previous presidents, along with some of the very first graduates. Dr. Scott celebrated with a toast: “To Wake Tech’s first 50 years – and to leading the way into the future.”
Wake Tech Foundation’s Executive Director, Mort Congleton, said of working with CapDev on their campaign, “Allan Burrow and the Capital Development team provided the structure and guidance that was the difference between a successful campaign and a VERY successful campaign. Capital Development’s guidance allowed up to be strategic and to set the pathway for not just this campaign, but for future campaigns as well.”
Dinner was prepared by well-known Angus Barn chef Walter Royal, who was assisted by Wake Tech culinary students. Wake Tech students also provided musical entertainment and served as ambassadors for the event.
On October 7, 1963, Wake Tech first opened its doors for classes as the W.W. Holding Industrial Education Center. With record enrollment, Wake Tech has grown to become the largest of the 58 community colleges in North Carolina. Last year, Wake Tech served more than 66,000 students – the equivalent of 1 in 8 Wake County adults. Public funding is not enough to keep up with the demand for Wake Tech’s services. The Ripple Effect Campaign supports scholarships and mentoring initiatives for students, faculty and staff innovation, and technology to provide the most up-to-date training. Donations include cash and in-kind gifts from local companies and individuals – and support from Wake Tech trustees, foundation board members, and employees has been enthusiastic and generous. To learn more visit www.therippleeffectcampaign.org.
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