Gateway to Greatness
Gateway to Greatness is Gateway Community & Technical College Foundation’s signature event, dedicated to honoring individuals and organizations for their contributions to higher education and the Northern Kentucky community. Through special recognition awards, the luncheon celebrates those who have gone above and beyond to uplift Gateway students and the region.
This inspiring event brings together business leaders, community partners, educators, and friends of the college in support of our students’ success. Proceeds from the luncheon directly support scholarships and essential wrap-around services—ensuring that every Gateway student has the resources needed to stay in school and succeed.
Save the date – April 14, 2026 11:30 am to 1:30pm
Drees Pavilion – 790 Park Ln, Covington, KY 41011
To secure your sponsorship today, contact Lilly Pinhas at lilly.pinhas@kctcs.edu or (859)442-4122
Secure Your Sponsorship or Tickets Today
Individual Champion Award
The Individual Champion Award is presented to an individual or couple in the Northern Kentucky community who has been a strong advocate for Gateway and improving educational access and opportunity.
For our 2026 Gateway to Greatness luncheon, Gateway is pleased to honor Chuck Session with our Individual Champion Award.
Past Individual Champion Award recipients are:
- Karen Finan – 2025
- Bob Heil – 2024
- Jeanne Schroer – 2023
- Normand and Lisa Desmarais – 2022
Community Champion Award
The Community Champion Award is presented to a business in the Northern Kentucky/Greater Cincinnati area that has been a partner to Gateway in serving our students and community.
For our 2026 Gateway to Greatness luncheon, Gateway is pleased to honor Learning Grove with our Community Champion Award.
Past Community Champion Award recipients are:
- Safran Landing Systems – 2025
- CVG – 2024
- St. Elizabeth Healthcare – 2023
- Duke Energy – 2022
Outstanding Alumni Award
The Outstanding Alumni Award is presented to a Gateway alumnus who has made career achievements or exemplary contributions to the Northern Kentucky community since graduating from Gateway.
For our 2026 Gateway to Greatness luncheon, Gateway is pleased to honor Brian Watkins
with our Outstanding Alumni Award.
Past Outstanding Alumni Award recipients are:
- Chris Dye – 2025
