The nonprofit foundation that supports South Seattle College (WSB sponsor) has decided to opt out of a merger with its counterparts around the Seattle Colleges system. SSC Foundation board chair Catherine Irby Arnold asked us to share this joint message she and SSC’s new president Rosie Rimando-Chareunsap have circulated in the college community – plus news of a grant the foundation has just made. First, the message:

We are writing today to share important updates regarding the relationship between the South Seattle College Foundation (SSCF) and South Seattle College. We have enjoyed a longstanding and strong partnership in fulfilling the Foundation’s mission to change lives by providing students with scholarships so they can pursue quality academic and vocational education.

Over the last eighteen (18) months the SSCF Board of Directors has supported and participated in the endeavor spearheaded by the Chancellor and the Board of Trustees of Seattle Colleges to form one foundation for all of the Seattle Colleges.

After much deliberation and careful consideration, the SSCF Board voted on July 19, 2018, NOT to merge or transfer its assets into a centralized Seattle Colleges Foundation. Many SSCF Board members participated in each and every task force, working group and meeting associated with the formation of a Seattle Colleges Foundation. Ultimately, the Board has determined that continuing to operate the SSCF separately will best serve the SSCF core mission outlined in its by-laws: “The corporation is organized exclusively for the purposes of encouraging, promoting, and supporting educational programs and scholarly pursuits at or in connection with South Seattle College.”

As a result, the South Seattle College Foundation, although no longer officially affiliated with the College, will remain intact as an independent non-profit foundation, keeping the same name and same dedication to its mission. Though the SSCF will be located off campus, from the college perspective South will continue to work closely with the SSCF’s board and staff as committed partners in helping our students reach their fullest potential.

We would like to reassure everyone that donations made to the SSCF will be used for their intended purpose, whether that’s the general scholarship fund for students or support for specific programs or college improvements. Here are a few details to share at this time:

Scholarship distribution to students and programs: The SSCF will continue to award scholarships to South’s students annually. The SSCF will be revising the process, but South can count on their robust support for our students into the future.

Faculty Development Grants: Funds are still designated for faculty development grants, and transitional planning is underway to define how these funds can be accessed moving forward. More information will come in the near future.

Other transitional considerations: We will continue to work together to navigate how this transition will impact previously pledged Employee Giving funds. You can also look forward to more information to come regarding your giving options going forward.

The foundation and college promise to update supporters “on any functional changes that emerge.”

Meantime, the SSC Foundation announced a new grant today:

The South Seattle College Foundation is pleased to announce we have awarded the Culinary Program at South Seattle College a grant of $350,000.

The Foundation will be working with Brian Sheeher, Director of the Culinary Program, as he works to improve the Alki Grill and other spaces.