OCTC Foundation receives generous gift to establish The Jeff and Tammy Rice Scholarship Endowment

by Bernie Hale

Owensboro, KY (05/28/2024) — The Owensboro Community and Technical College Foundation, Inc., is pleased to announce the creation of the Jeff and Tammy Rice Scholarship Fund. This fund will be a legacy to Jeff and Tammy Rice and support qualified students enrolled in certificate, diploma, or degree programs offered at Owensboro Community and Technical College (OCTC).

The intent of this fund is to support growth in the fields of agriculture and communication with an emphasis on refugees, humanitarian parolees, those with Deferred Action for Childhood arrival status, and other underrepresented minorities. Preference is also given to students who are transferring to Western Kentucky University, students who participate in activities such as Speech and Debate and Cornerstone Campus Ministry, or Bellevue Baptist Church members. This endowed scholarship may be used to fund tuition, books, study abroad opportunities, or other instructional materials required to successfully participate in and complete an OCTC-approved program of study.

Jeff and Tammy Rice have been long-time supporters and servants of OCTC. Jeff has served several years on the OCTC Foundation Board of Directors. Tammy is a retired communications professor involved in the global studies program, speech and debate team, and Cornerstone Campus Ministry.

The couple said, "We both have strong ties to OCTC and want to help more students reach their potential through their excellent academic programs."

The Jeff and Tammy Rice Scholarship endowment was established with a $50,000 gift that is eligible to be matched by the Kentucky Community and Technical College System. OCTC is excited about this opportunity that will serve students for years to come.

"This fund will support students pursuing education who may otherwise not have the ability to do so. We appreciate Jeff and Tammy for their generosity, and their thoughtful gift to future generations of OCTC students," said Dr. Mike Rodgers, OCTC Foundation Executive Director and Chief Institutional Officer for OCTC.

Dr. Scott Williams, OCTC President, commented, " We thank Jeff and Tammy for their dedication to OCTC students. They have supported the college in many ways, and this gift will serve as a legacy of their commitment to education and improving the quality of life in our community. "

A check presentation occurred on May 2, 2024, at Bellevue Baptist Church.

Billy Bell, Executive Pastor at Bellevue Baptist Church, shared, "Jeff and Tammy Rice are faithful followers of Jesus Christ, and they truly have a heart for meeting needs and reaching people with the life-changing gospel. The Bellevue family has witnessed their selflessness and love for many years. Our pastor, staff, and church family are all excited for Jeff and Tammy, for OCTC, and for the future generations of students that will be blessed by their amazing gift."

We challenge you to support the OCTC Foundation, Inc., and change a student's life and give them the gift of an education. Contributions can be made online at https://owensboro.kctcs.edu/giving/, by mail to the OCTC Foundation, Inc., 4800 New Hartford Road, Owensboro, KY 42303, or by coming to the Office of Resource Development in the Administration Building, A114, on the Main Campus.

For more information on how you can support student success, please contact the OCTC Office of Resource Development by phone at 270-686-4663 or email at octc.annualgiving@kctcs.edu.

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