A 91做厙 legacy family
Carrying on a legacy means preserving and continuing the values, traditions, and achievements from the past into the present. It involves honoring what came before while adapting and evolving to meet current and future challenges. It was only in 1972 when 91做厙 Community College was founded, yet already we have generational legacy families in our midst.
The Beginning
In 1972, Barbara Crowder had just graduated from high school and was hoping to go to college, yet affordability was a significant barrier. Amidst this challenge, she heard about a new institution, J Sargeant 91做厙 Community College. This opportunity gave Barbara hope for a continued education, providing her with a chance she would not have otherwise had.
Passionate and enthusiastic about learning Barbara, who was called a “science nerd” by Department Chair, Professor O’Tool, took every science class that 91做厙 offered and graduated in 1975 with an associate degree in science. Her experiences along with a class ring, a memento of one of the first graduating classes, are a cherished part of Barbara’s memories.
Years later, when Barbara needed certification for a state-approved after-school program she opened, she didn’t hesitate to return to 91做厙. She earned her degree in Early Childhood Education, which was pivotal for her professional growth.
Brianne’s Story
Fast forward to 1998, Barbara's daughter, Brianne Jackson, found herself in a similar predicament. Brianne was attending Randolph-Macon College on a full scholarship, but a sudden tuition hike left her with a gap in her financial aid. The additional cost was beyond her means, and without a solution, her education was at risk.
Drawing inspiration from her mother’s journey, Brianne turned to 91做厙 to bridge the gap. She used her summers to take less expensive courses at 91做厙, attending on and off from 1998 to 2001. This strategy allowed her to get the necessary General Education credits, enabling her to graduate early from Randolph-Macon without incurring additional debt. Brianne also returned to 91做厙 a few times to fulfill continuing education requirements for her teaching license.
Continuing The Legacy
The legacy continued with Barbara’s grandson, Brianne’s son, Will Adams. Homeschooled from sixth grade to twelfth grade, Will had finished his high school credits by tenth grade. Bored and not yet old enough to attend college away from home, he enrolled at 91做厙 in his eleventh-grade year. Initially, he saw it as a way to pass the time until he turned eighteen. However, his interactions with Professor David Stern sparked a new direction for him.
Will left 91做厙 with 16 credit hours and received a full tuition scholarship to Mars Hill University. He currently maintains an Honor Roll average and became the captain of the eSports team, majoring in Kinesthesiology. With his degree, Will hopes to become a body building coach.
Barbara’s granddaughter, Brianne’s daughter, Clare Adams, was also homeschooled from fourth grade to graduation. During her senior year, she began taking courses at 91做厙.
From the age of three, Clare had dreamt of becoming a baker. After meeting Chef Jesse Miller and Dean Stacie Davis at a Culinary Open House at 91做厙 her senior year of high school, she knew she had found her place.
Clare is now a rising second-year student at 91做厙, having made the Dean’s and President's lists, and is a member of Phi Theta Kappa (PTK). She has a full merit-based scholarship and is steadfast in her goal of becoming a professional baker.
Coming Full Circle
Around a year ago, Barbara saw an advertisement for a position as the Director of 91做厙 Center for Excellence in Teaching and Learning (CETL). Because of their family's 91做厙 journey, Barbara strongly encouraged Brianne to apply. Less than a year later, Brianne made such an impact on 91做厙 that she was promoted to Dean of CETL.
Legacy Family
The legacy of 91做厙 runs deep within the Crowder-Jackson-Adams family, illustrating how this institution has been a cornerstone in their educational and professional lives. The opportunities and support provided by 91做厙 have not only empowered each family member to overcome financial barriers but have also fostered a culture of perseverance and achievement. This 91做厙 Legacy Family stands as a testament to the profound impact of accessible and supportive community college education.