Dr. Cole and Holly Mason
Originally called the Dr. Cole Mason Scholarship in Early Childhood Education, this endowed scholarship was established in 2000 by Dr. Mason’s family as a surprise gift to him in honor of the 25th anniversary of his pediatric medical practice in Olympia. Over the years, many of Dr. Mason’s colleagues, friends and extended family members have contributed to the scholarship as well.
That same year, Dr. Mason’s wife, Holly, became Executive Director of the South Puget Sound Community College Foundation after having served on the College Foundation Board of Directors from 1993-1996. She was also Board President for two years during her tenure. When Mrs. Mason retired from the College Foundation in 2009, the scholarship was re-named the Dr. Cole and Holly Mason Scholarship in recognition of her dedicated commitment to students.
Criteria for the scholarship were determined by the Mason family in consultation with the faculty of the Early Childhood Education Program. Mason Scholarship recipients all have some things in common. They value children, and they recognize the importance they play as nurturing educators of young people.
The Mason family continues to support the College Foundation and its efforts to assist students in successfully achieving their educational goals.
Impact
Ozlem Rubin, 2012 recipient:
“Thanks to your generous support I am the first one in my family to attend college.”
Michelle Sever, 2011 recipient:
“The financial help you have provided me will allow me to pursue my future goal of becoming an Early Child Care Educator.”
Marjie Hicks, 2010 recipient:
“Without your generosity I would have had to postpone my education indefinitely.”
Miranda Dwyer, 2009 recipient:
“Financing for college has been difficult for me as a single mother, and a college student presents interesting challenges. Therefore it is because of you that I am able to continue on this ever changing journey.”
Liann Norris, 2008 recipient:
“Thanks to your generosity I can achieve my dreams of becoming a Head Start teacher.”
Sandy Jenkins, 2007 recipient:
“Without your help, it would have been extremely difficult for me to continue school due to financial reasons. I would like to thank you for believing in me and helping me with this quest in pursuing a degree.”
Deborah Parent, 2005 and 2006 recipient:
“This financial support will allow me to continue my ambition towards working with children and their families. Your generosity and support of my educational journey has been a blessing.”
Kaci Taylor, 2002 and 2003 recipient:
“Every little bit helps, and knowing that there are people out there who support us and believe in us is probably the biggest motivation and support anyone could give.”
Kina Miller, 2001 recipient:
“I would like to express my gratitude to you for the scholarship gift that you have awarded to me. I will use this award responsibly to fulfill my educational goals.”