EUGENE, Ore. — The Lane Community College Foundation hosted its annual fundraiser, The Celebration, on Oct. 30 at the Valley River Inn in Eugene. The event raised more than $504,000 to support the Foundation’s work and student scholarships.
“This is a record for our annual fundraising event—up 33% from last year and exceeding our best year by more than $104,000,” said LCC Foundation Executive Director Wendy Jett. “The energy in the room was palpable as everyone came together to answer President Bulger’s call to support our students.”
The dinner was chaired by Brian and Karen Obie, who led the effort with a $100,000 gift for student scholarships. The event’s title sponsor was Lease Crutcher Lewis.
Attendees had the chance to explore interactive displays highlighting LCC programs in drones, welding, physical therapist assistant, medical assistant, graphic design, media arts, and diesel technology. More than 300 business and community leaders attended the event, which featured remarks from Chair Brian Obie and LCC President Stephanie Bulger about the college’s impact on the local community and workforce.
For many students, the financial realities of pursuing higher education can be daunting. Scholarships offer vital relief from the burden of student debt. Attendees heard from two scholarship recipients, Nekitchwey and Cheyenne, who shared their stories of resilience.
“This opportunity is life-changing,” said Cheyenne. “It brings me one step closer to fulfilling my dream of serving others in their most vulnerable moments and making a meaningful difference.”
Learn more about this year’s student ambassadors and hear Cheyenne and Nekitchwey’s stories at lanecc.edu/foundationscholarship.
Lane Community College educates over 17,000 students annually at six locations across Lane County and online. Students and alumni from all 50 states and 79 countries create more than an $675 million dollar impact on the local economy, helping to support more than 8,900 local jobs. Lane provides affordable, quality, professional technical and college transfer programs; business development and employee training; academic, language and life skills development; and lifelong personal development and enrichment courses.