Cathy Almquist, Director of Planning and Research for TTC, started two scholarship funds in 2008 and 2009. The Delbert Smith Performing Arts Scholarship, named in honor of her father, is for students in any program of study who have participated in a Clemente arts production. The Anna and John Woolson Scholarship, named in honor of her mother and her mother’s husband, is for students who intend to study journalism, music or mass communications after graduating from TTC.
Cathy has been with the college for 19 years and helped develop the college’s electronic scholarship application and selection process that has greatly expanded the number of applicants.
Q & A: Cathy Almquist
What motivated you to establish two different scholarship funds?
My parents were both community college professors. Growing up, they instilled in me the belief that while all higher education should be valued, community colleges perform an especially important role. I learned from them that community colleges, by providing access and affordability, make the dream of a better life a reality for millions of students.
My father was a theater, speech and English professor for 34 years. He touched the lives of many, many students who he challenged to think, study, analyze and communicate. Three years ago, he was diagnosed with cancer. After his surgery, I spent two weeks taking care of him; we had many opportunities for quiet, reflective conversations.
During one of these conversations, my father talked of leaving a legacy – wondering aloud if his 32 years in the classroom was “enough” to make a difference in the world. I told him that his work had made a difference that would last generations, but I returned home feeling that my words had not been enough.
What would you say to anyone who is interested in establishing a scholarship fund?
You can fund a scholarship by contributing as little as $41.67 each month (and don’t forget that your gift is tax deductible!), or team up with a co-worker and give $20.83 a month. Yes, it’s a small pinch in an already tight paycheck, but the rewards of funding a scholarship are tremendous.
