Page 28 - Harnett Life Summer 2021

CCCC Dreamkeeper Fund

honors Trustee James French

The Central Carolina Community College Foundation’s
Dreamkeeper Fund has been named in honor of CCCC Trustee
James French. “James French, through his caring heart and gen-
erosity, has enabled many students to stay in school, graduate and
obtain quality jobs. The naming of the Dreamkeeper Fund in honor
of James French is an honor that is well deserved by an outstanding
citizen of Lee County,” said Julian Philpott, Chairman of the CCCC
Board of Trustees.

The Central Carolina Community College Dreamkeeper Fund for our students, our employees, and all those with whom he
provides just-in-time support for students facing emergency comes in contact. I am so pleased with this recognition of what
expenses that may derail them from completing their educa- he means to our students and our college.”
tion or training program.
Mr. French said that when he first became a Trustee, he was a
The CCCC Foundation Board of Directors is honoring James member of the Student and Academic Affairs Committee with
French, a member of the CCCC Board of Trustees, by naming Chair Jan Hayes. “At one of our committee meetings, it came
the Fund in his honor. to our attention that many students were having to postpone
or abandon their educational goals due to small financial set-
“As a member of the Board of the CCCC Foundation and of backs. It concerned us enough that we wanted to do whatever
the Board of Trustees of Central Carolina Community College, it took to assist students who were faced with this situation,”
I am very pleased that the Foundation’s Dreamkeeper Fund said Mr. French, who noted that the college staff recommended
has been named in honor of CCCC Trustee James French,” the establishment of the Dreamkeeper Fund that began in 2016
said Chairman Julian Philpott. “For many years, James French
has been extremely generous in his personal service to Cen- “We pledged to be initial donors to start the fund and the dream
tral Carolina Community College and to this community. He became a reality. I am passionate when it comes to making sure
has also been generous in his gifts to the Foundation’s Dream- every student enrolled at CCCC is successful when it comes to
keeper Fund, which helps students who may need some special their educational goal,” said Mr. French. “Small unmet needs
financial assistance due to unforeseen circumstances. should not be an issue that would cause them to drop out of
college. If I can help somebody as I travel through this life,
“James French, through his caring heart and generosity, has then my living will not have been in vain. That’s why I do what
enabled many students to stay in school, graduate and obtain I do.”
quality jobs. The naming of the Dreamkeeper Fund in honor of
James French is an honor that is well deserved by an outstand- Dr. Emily C. Hare, CCCC Foundation Executive Director,
ing citizen of Lee County,” said Mr. Philpott. says, “James French is the definition of an extraordinary man.
He believes in every student that walks through the doors of
Dr. Lisa M. Chapman, CCCC President, says that the James CCCC and wants to ensure that they are able to persist on to
French Dreamkeeper Fund just makes sense. “If you know Mr. their graduation. He understands that this isn’t always possible
French, it just makes sense. His generous spirit and gracious without a bump or two in the road. Thanks to his generous
demeanor are evident in everything he does,” said Dr. Chap- heart, he is helping the Dreamkeeper Fund continue to grow so
man. “It is such an honor to work with him. From our first that when a student may hit a bump, the Foundation is able to
meeting as I returned to the college, I could see his compassion help them get back up. We are truly grateful for Mr. French!”

Page 28 Harnett Life ~ Summer 2021