Catawba College News Service

SALISBURY — Catawba College celebrated its annual Endowed Scholarship luncheon, a cherished tradition that brings together scholarship donors and recipients to honor the profound impact of philanthropy on students’ lives. This year’s event featured the announcement of several new scholarships, marking a significant expansion in the college’s commitment to making a quality education accessible. The scholarships, created through the generosity and commitment of alumni, families and friends, will significantly impact the lives of future Catawba students.

The luncheon served as an opportunity for scholarship recipients to personally thank their benefactors, and share their stories of how these scholarships have helped transform their educational journey. Catawba’s Senior Vice President and Chief Strategy Officer Jared Tice highlighted the critical role that scholarships play in enabling talented students to pursue their academic goals without financial barriers.

“(Our donors’) generosity not only provides financial assistance but also signifies a belief in the potential of our students and a commitment to investing in their future,” Tice stated. “You are partners in our endeavor to nurture minds, cultivate character, and instill a sense of responsibility to serve others.”

Catawba College has announced the establishment of several new endowed scholarships, which will further enhance the support available to students across various disciplines:

• Catawba Class of 1973 Scholarship
  When planning for their 50th reunion, the Catawba College Class of 1973 decided to endow a scholarship to commemorate this milestone. Through the concerted efforts of the reunion committee, they reached out to classmates and encouraged donations to the new scholarship fund. Thirty-one donors contributed amounts ranging from $25 to $5,000, raising a total of $25,500.
• Thorn R. & Betty Chapman Eller Scholarship
  Mrs. Betty Chapman Eller, Class of 1945, has established the Thorn R. & Betty Chapman Eller Scholarship. Betty, who majored in biology and received her master’s degree in public health from UNC – Chapel Hill, retired as an administrator with The Guilford County Health Department. Just before her 100th birthday, she made this generous gift and also created an academic endowment to support the nursing program. Preference for the Eller Scholarship will go to students majoring in nursing.
• Clay & Connie Lindsay Scholarship
  The Clay and Connie Lindsay Scholarship has been established in their honor. Clay, a Wake Forest University graduate, is the owner of B. Clay Lindsay Construction and Boxwood Estate. Connie, a graduate of Western Carolina University, manages Boxwood Estate. Both have been deeply involved in numerous community organizations including Salisbury Academy, Waterworks Art Gallery, The Blanche and Julian Robertson Foundation and Bell Tower Green. They have one daughter, Anne Fisher Lindsay.
• William Reedy Memorial Scholarship
  Will, a high school athlete from Florida, played football and lacrosse at Catawba before graduating in 2007, and later taught high school English and coached JV football. He also worked in the solar industry in Los Angeles. This scholarship is a tribute to his life and legacy, with preference given to football players from outside North Carolina.
• Charles “Chase” T. Tripp, II Memorial Scholarship
  The Charles “Chase” T. Tripp II Memorial Scholarship has been established by family and friends. Chase was the director of sports performance at Catawba College from July 2020 until his passing on March 2, 2023. He was beloved by athletes, coaches and staff for his dedication and servant leadership. This scholarship will be awarded to a student-athlete who demonstrates dedication in the weight room, as chosen by the sports performance staff.
• Bill & Anna Mills Wagoner Scholarship
  The Bill and Anna Mills Wagoner Scholarship was created in their honor. Bill, a member of Catawba’s Board of Trustees, is the owner of Wagoner Properties and a graduate of North Carolina State University and Emory University. Anna Mills is a graduate of Agnes Scott College and Wake Forest Law School and a retired Superior Court judge. This scholarship will be awarded to a first-generation student with a preference for a musician or singer.

During the event, scholarship recipients shared their personal stories, highlighting the significant impact these scholarships have had on their academic and personal lives. 

Expressing her gratitude, Gabrielle Brown, a junior politics major with a pre-law concentration, said, “Being surrounded by professors who love to teach and students who love to learn has been the greatest gift, made possible only by the incredible donors here today. Because of Catawba, I look toward the future with more excitement than nerves. I’m prepared to thrive in law school because of how my professors have challenged and encouraged me. I feel so lucky to go to a school that is so invested in my success and giving students amazing opportunities.”

As Catawba College continues to expand its scholarship offerings, the institution remains dedicated to fostering a supportive and inclusive environment where all students can thrive. The endowed scholarships not only provide financial assistance but also serve as a testament to the enduring legacy of generosity and commitment to education by the college’s community.

The college also received additional contributions to existing scholarships, resulting in nearly $4,250,000 added to scholarships in the last year.

For more information on how to contribute to Catawba College’s endowed scholarships or to learn more about the scholarship opportunities available, go to catawba.edu.