The Stanly Community College (SCC) Foundation has announced the establishment of the Nancy Joines Endowed Scholarship by her husband, Don Joines.

Now in retirement, the couple wanted to give back to the community in a meaningful way. No stranger to SCC, Nancy spent several years teaching math as an adjunct at the college before being hired as a full-time instructor. Later she took the position as head of Developmental and Enrichment Studies. She retired in 2010.

During those years she saw firsthand the financial burdens that some students faced. Today, she serves on both the SCC Board of Trustees and as a Trustee liaison to the SCC Foundation Board of Directors.

“Nancy would often come home talking about the struggles of her students and together, we’d find ways to help them when possible,” said Don. “It might have been with food or school supplies or
money for rent, and sometimes it was connecting them to other community resources. So, creating a scholarship to keep that assistance going seemed like a great way to honor her since she has retired.”

Nancy went to college with the aid of scholarship funding.

“That extra help really made a huge difference and made it easier for my mama and me to afford college tuition, books and living expenses,” said Nancy.

“We hope other retirees who are financially able consider donating to the SCC Foundation as well,” added Nancy. “Many people don’t know that there are tax benefits when donating money associated with retirement accounts. It’s a great way to help someone attend college and receive the education and training necessary to succeed in a career.”

The initial amount for the endowed scholarship is around $18,000, which was the 2021 Required Minimum Distribution from one of Don’s Individual Retirement Accounts. Having that distribution sent directly to the SCC Foundation will lower the tax bill for the Joineses.

The scholarship is for $1,000 ($500/fall and $500/spring) for eligible students, and will be available on an ongoing basis starting the fall 2022 semester. Scholarship applications are now being accepted, and are on the financial aid page at www.stanly.edu.

To learn more about the SCC Foundation, contact Jeania Martin at 704-991-0370 or jmartin8295@stanly.edu.