Jeff and Tammy Rice have been long-time supporters and servants of OCTC. A scholarship endowment in their name has been established with a $50,000 gift to the Owensboro Community and Technical College Foundation, Inc. The fund will support qualified students enrolled in certificate, diploma, or degree programs offered at OCTC.
According to a release from OCTC, the intent of the fund is to support growth in the fields of agriculture and communication with an emphasis on refugees, humanitarian parolees, those with Deferred Action for Childhood arrival status, and other underrepresented minorities.
Preference is also given to students who will transfer to Western Kentucky University, who participate in activities such as speech and debate and Cornerstone Campus Ministry, or who are members of Bellevue Baptist Church.
This endowed scholarship may be used to fund tuition, books, study abroad opportunities, or other instructional materials required to successfully participate in and complete an OCTC-approved program of study.
Jeff has served several years on the OCTC Foundation Board of Directors. Tammy is a retired communications professor involved in the global studies program, speech and debate team, and Cornerstone Campus Ministry.
“We both have strong ties to OCTC and want to help more students reach their potential through their excellent academic programs,” the couple said.
The scholarship is eligible to be matched by the Kentucky Community and Technical College System. OCTC officials are excited about this opportunity that will serve students for years to come.
“This fund will support students pursuing education who may otherwise not have the ability to do so. We appreciate Jeff and Tammy for their generosity, and their thoughtful gift to future generations of OCTC students,” said Dr. Mike Rodgers, OCTC Foundation Executive Director and Chief Institutional Officer for OCTC.
OCTC President Dr. Scott Williams thanked the Rices for their dedication to OCTC students.
“They have supported the college in many ways, and this gift will serve as a legacy of their commitment to education and improving the quality of life in our community,” he said.
A check presentation occurred earlier this month at Bellevue Baptist Church.
Billy Bell, Executive Pastor at Bellevue Baptist Church, said, “Jeff and Tammy Rice are faithful followers of Jesus Christ, and they truly have a heart for meeting needs and reaching people with the life-changing gospel. The Bellevue family has witnessed their selflessness and love for many years. Our pastor, staff, and church family are all excited for Jeff and Tammy, for OCTC, and for the future generations of students that will be blessed by their amazing gift.”
For more information on how to support student success, contact the OCTC Office of Resource Development by phone at 270-686-4663 or email at [email protected].
