Western Piedmont Foundation triples fundraising goal, adds new board member, honors local donors

The Western Piedmont Foundation wrapped up its 2024–25 fiscal year with a record-setting fundraising total of $713,336 — more than triple its original goal of $228,500. The foundation reported $69,257 in unrestricted donations and nearly $15,000 in Title III endowment matching funds.

Much of the fundraising success was driven by an outpouring of support in the aftermath of Hurricane Helene. According to Western Piedmont Community College President Dr. Joel Welch, the storm left widespread damage across the region but also revealed “the strength of our community.” The foundation used relief funds to assist more than 400 students and WPCC employees affected by the disaster.

“We are thrilled to share that we have surpassed our annual giving goal for this fiscal year,” said Mackenzie Bostian Adams, the foundation’s executive director. “Every gift has contributed to this success, and we are deeply grateful.”

FOUNDATION SCHOLARSHIPS

The foundation also took time this summer to revisit the roots of some of its long-standing scholarships. Among them is the J. Iverson Riddle Professional Development Scholarship, established by the late Mary Jean Grose in honor of employees at the J. Iverson Riddle Developmental Center. The scholarship supports current and former Riddle Center staff pursuing studies at WPCC.

Grose, who died in 2022 at age 94, had a dual career in science education and nursing, becoming a nurse at age 57. Her connection to the Riddle Center was personal: Her sister, Linda, lived there for years. Grose served on the center’s board, regularly hosted holiday luncheons for residents, and advocated statewide for improved mental health care.

NEW BOARD MEMBER

Alongside donor recognition and fundraising milestones, the foundation appointed Amanda Krause to its board of directors. Krause, a WPCC alumna and executive director of nursing specialty services at UNC Health Blue Ridge, earned her associate degree in nursing from WPCC in 2014. She later earned bachelor’s and master’s degrees in nursing and now leads patient care initiatives at the hospital.

“As a health care executive, I am eager to give back by serving on the board and strengthening the relationship between the college and our community hospital,” Krause said.

The foundation recently highlighted how its mini-grant program is being used on campus. A recent award helped the college’s medical laboratory technology program purchase virtual reality headsets for student training. Instructor Laura Marley-Trotter said the VR tools allow students to safely practice complex procedures and adapt to advancing medical technologies.

“These simulations allow students to develop critical skills and build confidence,” she said. “Our students have responded to the virtual reality with enthusiasm.”