Northwest Campus Humanities Dean Mike Matthews is putting his money where his heart is. Matthew’s concern about top students not being able to gain the benefits of TCC’s “outstanding (fine arts) professors, programs, and facilities” motivated him to use some of his retirement benefits to establish an endowed fine arts scholarship.
Matthews, who began his TCC career in 1970 as a full-time English professor on Northeast Campus, recently decided to retire under TCC’s Voluntary Separation Incentive Plan. He taught for 15 years before taking on the role of chair of the English Department, and in 1996, he moved to NW as dean.
“I am establishing an endowed scholarship because I believe in the mission of Tarrant County College (and) in the importance of the fine arts,” Matthews said. “I believe in helping students achieve success, and I believe in giving back to a community that has been generous to me.”
His work with students who benefitted from the Northwest Campus Fine Arts Endowed Scholarship has allowed him to see firsthand how financial support helps students.
“I see the results of granting scholarships in the fine arts when I meet the student recipients. They tell me powerful stories about what the arts mean in their lives and how the scholarships have helped them to pursue their dreams,” he said.
First awards from the $30,000 endowment will be bestowed for the 2012-13 academic year through the Tarrant County College Foundation, a nonprofit, tax-exempt organization classified under Section 501(c) (3) of the Internal Revenue Code.
“This is such a fabulous act of generosity,” said Foundation Executive Director Joe McIntosh. “Mike’s work and legacy of support and encouragement for students will continue for years and years to come through this endowed scholarship.”
To learn how to establish a scholarship with the TCC Foundation, please contact Donor Relations Officer Liz Sisk at liz.sisk@tccd.edu or at 817-515-5277. More information about TCCF is available at www.tccd.edu/foundation.