Gateway Technical College Foundation Inc. at its annual award ceremony Jan. 14 awarded 169 scholarships this year of totaling nearly $96,000, benefiting Gateway students and helping them fulfill their career and educational goals.

The amount awarded represents a 9 percent increase compared to last year.

“It’s a wonderful time to celebrate student success and recognize our students,” said Foundation Executive Director Jennifer Charpentier. “Many are pursuing their education to benefit their families, who also come to the celebration. It’s a very inspirational evening.

“The Foundation’s generous scholarship donors help make these scholarships possible. Our students and the Foundation are deeply grateful for their support.”

The Foundation experienced increases in all areas of its scholarship efforts in recent years, most markedly in the amount of scholarship funding awarded. In three years, the amount has increased from $59,532 in 2011 to this year’s $96.000.

Scholarships many times are the difference that allows a student to stay in college, complete their degree, begin their career – and ultimately impact their family and the community around them.

For more information on the Foundation – including ways to contribute – please contact Charpentier at (262) 564-2866. Or, go to www.gtc.edu/foundation.

For photos of all the scholarships recipients who attended the event, go to http://www.flickr.com/photos/gatewaytechnicalcollege/sets/72157639796326306.