Meet Our Donors
Meet some of the people whose generosity is changing lives
Ed and Susan Barnes
were early donors to the SBCO Scholarship Endowment Fund. Their gift wasn’t just financial—it was an act of trust, hope, and strong belief in the power of education. By leading the way, they helped create a foundation of generosity that others can now build upon.
“We were impressed with the strength of character and fortitude of the students. We know what hard work is, what it means to dream and to be inspired to make dreams a reality….a common trait I see in the SBCO scholarship applicants.”
Bonnie Westra
Like many of our SBCO Scholars, Bonnie Westra was the first person in her family to pursue a college education. After a rewarding career that included clinical nursing, college faculty/research, and software entrepreneurship, she decided to give back through a Qualified Charitable Donation from her IRA.
“It’s now payback time for me. The Scholarship Endowment Fund has a personal financial benefit for me, but the driving force in my decision to donate is my commitment to the next generation. My gift will help deserving, hard-working students for many generations to come.”
Ron and Pat Andrea
Ron and Pat Andrea’s belief that everyone should have access to higher education was the motivation behind their gift to the SBCO Scholarship Endowment Fund. As the recipient of a need-based scholarship, Ron recognized that the generosity of people he didn’t even know allowed him to attend college.
“For children raised in poverty, education is the great equalizer. It’s a game changer for these kids and the ticket to a better life. A donation to the Endowment Fund not only helps the student who receives the scholarship, but likely makes a difference for his or her children and grandchildren as well.”
Tom Marshall
Endowment donor Tom Marshall shares his belief in the power of education and the importance of creating an enduring legacy that will make a difference in the lives of students for generations to come.
