Gateway honors alumni and donors at Evening of Gratitude

Published on Oct 19, 2017

Last night at the Gateway Community & Technical College Evening of Gratitude reception, alumni were recognized, donors were honored and the installation festivities for Gateway president Dr. Fernando Figueroa began.   

The evening, sponsored by the Gateway Community & Technical College Foundation, began with as Foundation treasurer, Steve Brunson, celebrated the impact the Gateway Foundation has had on the entire college community, and revealed the foundation’s campaign, “Fuel Hope.” 

“You will find no greater example of how hope is fueled than our President’s Circle donors,” Brunson said.

He went on to recognize Ralph and Irma Drees and the Drees Company for their contribution to the urban campus development fund; the Weingartner family for their endowment that will fund two nursing scholarships every year for Gateway students, and Oakley and Eva Farris for their gifts to support early childhood education.

Following the donor presentation, alumni told their Gateway stories. Chris Dye and Keith Neltner, both local graphic designers, credit their success to their start at Gateway. Micah Greenhill spoke of instructors who made an impact on his life, including his speech coach Randy DeBerry.

Audrey Ostendorf, former student, now Gateway instructor, credits the self-confidence she developed as a student at Gateway for her ability and drive to pass that on to her own Gateway students.

Finally, Sarah Young, once a Gateway student seeking public assistance, now assists Gateway students, like her younger self, overcome obstacles as they work toward their education. “Gateway saved my life,” Young emotionally declared.

Following the alumni stories, Dr. Fernando Figueroa took the podium. “You make me so proud to be president of this college!” said Dr. Figueroa. “What you see here tonight is the result of the great work that takes place at Gateway. The work we plan to continue as we enter the next leg of our journey.”

This event is the kick-off of installation festivities for Dr. Fernando Figueroa. His installation ceremony will take place at 3:00 p.m. today at Receptions Erlanger.