Dianne Radigan founded the Radigan/Alaimo Scholarship Fund for First-Generation students in 2014.
Ron and Bill have supported Taste the Future for over twelve years and proudly serve on the Tate the Future Host Committee. Ron is also a Columbus State alumnus and Bill is the founder and owner of Regionomics.
Regina L. Randall, Ph.D., has supported the American Culinary Federation Scholarship at Columbus State for more than 20 years.
Dale A. Gresson is a 1997 graduate of Columbus State Community College, and he currently serves as the Chairperson of Justice, Safety & Legal Studies Department.
We choose to support Columbus State because we are true believers in the value of the Community College system.
Dianne
RadiganDianne Radigan founded the Radigan/Alaimo Scholarship Fund for First-Generation students in 2014.
Why did you choose to support Columbus State?
If one is interested in getting the very best return on an investment, Columbus State is the place to go. Because the tuition is so affordable and the support for students is so significant the dollars go a long way and student success in achieving their goals is very likely.
What inspired you to found the Radigan/Alaimo Scholarship Fund for First-Generation students at Columbus State?
We wanted to honor my husband and father by doing something in their memories that would have the greatest impact for those most in need. We could think of nothing better than investing in our future through scholarships at Columbus State for individuals who need just a little bit of help to get to the next place in their lives. Both Ray and my Dad overcame so many obstacles and achieved much. We see this scholarship as a way to help others do the same. We think they’re smiling and recognize scholarships at Columbus State are an amazing value and investment in our future.
William and Gail Johannes founded the William C. Johannes Veteran’s Award in 2014.
Why did you choose to support Columbus State?
1. The Columbus State development staff was welcoming and prompt in responding to my initial inquiry. They made the whole process easy to understand. And they were sincerely grateful for our interest.
2. We wanted to recognize students with an award that might make a difference in their life. Although we have limited knowledge of the CSCC student body, we felt the impact of our award might be greater at CSCC than at a 4-year university with a large variety of financial aid and recognition programs.
3. The threshold to establish a named fund was reasonable. We have every intention of making additional gifts in future years so more veterans can be recognized for their sacrifice, hard work, and aspirations.
What inspired you to found the William C. Johannes Veteran's Award at Columbus State?
I had created an endowed fund at Ohio State in my wife’s honor, and she wished to do the same for me. I got my inspiration one Sunday in November at church, when our minister asked all veterans to stand and be recognized for their service and sacrifice. I said to myself, that’s who I want to assist…a veteran of the US military in good standing who is trying to gain new/improved skills by attending college. I knew veterans got assistance from the government, but that doesn’t pay for the costs or the extras created by attending college while most likely working and probably supporting a family.
The award is to go a person who graduated from a central Ohio high school, as I am a life-long resident of Columbus and graduated from West High and Ohio State (BS in Marketing and MBA). For 30 years, I worked for the bank known first as City National Bank, then Bank One, and now JPMorgan Chase. My wonderful wife of over 46 years and I are proud parents of Emily. We’ve lived in Marble Cliff for over 30 years and are avid gardeners and travelers.
Regina RandallI am a Columbus State Community College employee with 25 years of service. I have served the College as a Counselor, Coordinator of the Office of Student Activities and Director of Student Activities and Athletics. I have been the Registrar since 2002.
Why did you choose to support Columbus State?
I believe in Columbus State Community College’s mission, which is to assist students in achieving their academic and life goals. Our student body is very diverse. It is enjoyable and I learn a lot from our students.
What inspired you to support the American Culinary Federation Scholarship at Columbus State for more than 20 years?
I majored in Hospitality Management at Ohio University. I had the good fortune of working as a supervisor at the O’Bleness Memorial Hospital Dietary Department. When I began working at Columbus State Community College, I was pleased to discover that we had a renowned, award-winning Hospitality Management Department, especially the Chef Apprenticeship Program. I began donating to assist students with that program.
Dale A. GressonDale A. Gresson is a 1997 graduate of Columbus State Community College, and he currently serves as the Chairperson of Justice, Safety & Legal Studies Department.
Why did you choose to support Columbus State?
I have been affiliated with Columbus State in one way or another since 1989, when I started as a student. I owe a debt of gratitude to Columbus State for everything I have accomplished in my professional life. Supporting the College is a small gesture to illustrate my love for this institution and to help others along the way.
What inspired you to start the I Am One Scholarship at Columbus State?
This scholarship will provide support to Franklin County Children Services (FCCS) adopted and foster children who choose to begin their college career at Columbus State. When I was six months old, I was adopted through FCCS by my mother, Mary L. Gresson. She passed away in 2002, but she impressed on me the true value of an education. My mom earned only a third-grade education, but she knew it was the most important asset a child can have to give them a fair chance at building a successful life. Because of her willingness to adopt me, I have been drawn to the outstanding work of FCCS staff, volunteers, and children. I want all children to know they are loved and can beat the odds.
Ron Templin and Bill LaFayette, Ph.D.Ron is a Columbus State alumnus, Bill is founder and owner of Regionomics, which focuses on community-level economics and workforce, and regularly works with Columbus State.
Why did you choose to support Columbus State?
Columbus State changes lives. Ron earned his first college degree at Columbus State in his 50s, which resulted into a promotion to a marketing position. He is now pursuing a bachelor’s degree at Franklin University. His goal is to get a master’s degree and teach part-time after retirement.
We both understand the value of the practical education that people get at Columbus State. This helps graduates and their households. It is especially important as technology rapidly changes jobs and the very nature of work in manufacturing and elsewhere. A Columbus State degree makes graduates better able to adapt to these changes and survive and thrive in the new economy. Graduates' enhanced skill levels benefit our region by making central Ohio businesses more competitive and the central Ohio economy stronger.
What inspires you to support Taste the Future at Columbus State?
We have been supporting Columbus State through Taste the Future for at least 12 years. It is a great event and an easy, enjoyable way to contribute to Columbus State. We decided this year that we wanted to increase our support by joining the Host Committee. See you there!
Dennis and Alison Duchene“We choose to support Columbus State because we are true believers in the value of the Community College system. We both obtained our initial degrees from Sinclair Community College in Dayton, Ohio. It was there that we learned the incredible value offered to students in the Community College system. Dollar for dollar you simply cannot beat how accessible Community Colleges are to residents in their communities. Columbus State is a true gem within central Ohio.
We were inspired to give to the Columbus State Foundation as a result of outreach by members of the Board of Directors who shared with us what Columbus State was trying to accomplish here within our community. The Foundation helps support students and programs and will help Columbus State remain a premier institution. We wish to play a part in the future of Columbus State.”