SALISBURY – Catawba College has received $3 million for scholarships for students who enroll in the 2020 fall semester and plan to major in the humanities, the environment and sustainability or education. 

The gift, from Fred and Alice Stanback of Salisbury, represents $1 million each for the three focus areas. 

Senior Vice President of the College Experience and Dean of Students Jared R. Tice said the gifts enhance Catawba’s commitment to education, the humanities and liberal arts.

“At a time when much of American higher education is shifting to focus solely on professional degree programs, these generous scholarship gifts allow Catawba to be a bright beacon for prospective students seeking degrees in education, humanities and liberal arts while seamlessly blending professional studies and career preparation,” Tice said. 

Catawba President Brien Lewis said the college has always placed a focus on access and opportunity for students to reach their full potential. 

“We are deeply grateful to the Stanbacks for their remarkable generosity that will provide transformational experiences to students pursuing humanities, education and environmental studies,” Lewis said. “Each of these areas are vital to prepare students to navigate a rapidly changing global landscape.”

Constance Rogers-Lowery, provost and professor of Biology, said Catawba is grateful for the opportunity to offer the scholarships. 

“We are committed to offering an elite educational experience at an affordable price, and these scholarships help us fulfill that promise to our community,” Lowery said.

Lowery said of the scholarships for environment majors that Catawba’s commitment to sustainability is a “cornerstone value.”

“Working with our excellent faculty, students in our environment and sustainability programs are active scholars. We engage all students in research, internships, travel and service because these activities provide a well-rounded education and prepare students to achieve their goals after graduation,” Lowery said.

Lowery said a degree in a liberal arts field provides skills that are valued by employers, including critical thinking, communication, teamwork and the ability to view challenges from more than one point of view.

“These scholarships help make pursuing a degree in a liberal studies field affordable so that students have every opportunity to gain these qualities that are ever-more important in our society,” Lowery said.

 

The scholarships are renewable for four years provided the student maintains their declared major or majors in the designated areas and maintains successful academic progress towards graduation.  Prospective students can learn more about the scholarships by visiting the Catawba College website at www.catawba.edu/deptscholarships or by contacting the Office of Financial Aid at finaid@catawba.edu or at (704) 637-4416.