BALD EAGLE ALERT: SCC president fulfills promise after more than $40K raised

Published 9:51 am Monday, December 11, 2023

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Stanly Community College President Dr. John Enamait recently made a rather bold, or “bald,” pledge that captured the attention and enthusiasm of the college employees.

To rally support for an internal fundraising campaign, Enamait offered an unconventional incentive — he volunteered to have his head shaved by cosmetology students if faculty and staff met the ambitious goal of $40,000.

He has kept his word.

(Above) Dr. John Enamait made a “bald” move and fulfilled his promise to shave his head after employees raised more than $40,000 in this year’s giving campaign. (Below) Even SCC’s mascot, Eddie, wanted to get in on the action. (Contributed)

The Stanly Community College Foundation announced the annual Employee Giving Campaign raised $41,858 this year.
Each year, SCC employees are asked to contribute to the philanthropic arm of the college, and each year the generosity level increases. Since 2020, the Foundation has seen more than an 80% increase in giving. Employees may designate their contributions to scholarships, emergency funds and a Small Business Center Fund. During this year’s campaign, employees created three new scholarships and one fund to assist College and Career Promise students with additional course financial needs.

In 2022, the funds raised from the campaign supported more than 70 students with $98,000 in scholarship funding, enabling them to access the education they aspire to. The Student Emergency Fund, another initiative supported by the campaign, assisted students with $11,000 to overcome obstacles that could have otherwise hindered their educational journey.

“This generous support from SCC employees truly exemplifies the college’s commitment to its students and the community,” Foundation Executive Director Jeania Martin said. “It’s not just about numbers or our college president shaving his head, although that certainly added to the excitement of our efforts; it’s about lives transformed, opportunities unlocked, and dreams realized.”

After having his head shaved on Dec. 7, Enamait told the group, “Today, I may be without hair, but I’m overwhelmed by the generosity of our employees. Together, we’ve shown that when we set our sights on a goal, there’s nothing we can’t achieve, and that’s exactly what we tell our students here at SCC every day.”

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