Transforming Lives: Wallace State Future Foundation Sets New Funding Record

HANCEVILLE, Ala. —Wallace State Community College Future Foundation raised a record -setting $416,161 at its annual Student Investment Luncheon, a celebration of community, generosity and the transformative power of education. 

Dr. Vicki Karolewics, President of Wallace State Community College, opened the luncheon with heartfelt remarks, expressing gratitude for the unwavering support of the community. 

“Your presence is a powerful reminder of the strength and heart of our community,” she told the crowd of more than 600. 

Ben Harrison, President of the Wallace State Future Foundation Board of Directors, echoed that sentiment.

“Today is about more than a meal,” he said. “It’s about investing in the future of Wallace State students and helping them achieve their goals, whether they’re pursuing academic degrees, workforce training or dual enrollment pathways.”

“Every dollar raised today goes directly to scholarships awarded by the Future Foundation, supporting students across all programs and helping them overcome financial barriers to success,” Harrison added.

During her remarks, Karolewics honored the memory and contributions of Betty Lee Haynes, Richard Stewart and Rick Shoults—individuals whose generosity and leadership have left a lasting mark on the Foundation and the college community.

Additionally, she announced two new endowed scholarships recognizing the impact of longtime Wallace State faculty. The Deborah “Pepper” Hoover Endowed Scholarship will support future nurses committed to compassionate care and service, and the Coach Randy Putman Endowed Scholarship honors a legendary Wallace State coach whose influence extends far beyond athletics.

Wallace State Department of Nursing Education Chair Deborah "Pepper" Hoover, left, and Baseball Coach Randy Putman react during announcenements of the establishment of endowed scholarships in their name at the Wallace State Community College Future Foundation Student Investment Luncheon.

Including the scholarships for Hoover and Putman, Suzanne Harbin, Vice President for Advancement and Innovation, listed 16 new scholarships endowed at $25,000 or more that will be awarded in perpetuity.

New Endowed Scholarships Announced:

• Deborah “Pepper” Hoover Endowed Scholarship
• Coach Randy Putman Endowed Scholarship
• Aspen Rising Star Endowed Scholarship Fund
• Betty Leeth Haynes Memorial Endowed Scholarship
• CATA Health Science Academy Alumni Scholarship
• Dr. James Speeker and Donna Speeker Endowed Scholarship
• Dream Maker Endowed Scholarship
• FAME Student Support Scholarship
• Jay Lloyd and Corinne Tuthill Memorial Endowed Scholarship
• Mark E. Sandlin Memorial Endowed Scholarship
• Miles C. Humphries Endowed Scholarship
• Representative Corey Harbison Endowed Scholarship
• Representative Tim Wadsworth Endowed Scholarship
• Restore Therapy Endowed Scholarship
• Stephanie Lara Legacy Scholarship, Presented by YKTA
• The SOS Foundation Scholarship, Regions Bank

Harbin also expressed appreciation to business and industries who participate in Wallace State’s Powerful Partnership program, offered through the Center for Career and Workforce Development.

“Wallace State’s Powerful Partnerships program is a no-cost initiative that connects businesses with the college in meaningful, mutually beneficial ways,” Harbin explained “Through perks like tuition discounts for employees and their families, complimentary evaluations of prior learning, and access to meeting spaces, partners gain real value. In return, they help shape our workforce by engaging in training, curriculum development, and career events—building a stronger future for both their teams and our students.”

For more information about the Wallace State Future Foundation or support scholarships, visit www.wsccfuturefoundation.org.

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About Wallace State

Wallace State Community College (Ala.), a member of the Alabama Community College System, is a comprehensive community college in north central Alabama offering more than 200 options in academic, health and technical programs of study leading to an associate degree, certificate or transfer, as well as workforce-credit training and adult education. An Achieving the Dream Leader College, nationally recognized by the Aspen Institute as a Rising Star for the 2025 Aspen Prize for Community College Excellence, ranked by Southern Business and Development among the Top 3 institutions in the South for workforce development, named a Center of Excellence by the National League for Nursing and the National Security Administration, rated the Top Online Community College in Alabama, a Military Friendly Institution and an All-Steinway School, Wallace State is an outstanding place for students to pursue their education and career goals. Classes are offered online and on campus, day, evening and on weekends, with numerous start dates each year. Visit Wallace State’s beautiful main campus located on 300-acres in Hanceville, Ala., our satellite location in downtown Oneonta, Ala., find us online at www.wallacestate.edu, or call 256.352.8000.