For immediate release February 16, 2006

Contact: Hope Davis 443-840-5053

CCBC and Essex Foundation sign agreement to help students
Trustees approve new agreement at recent board meeting

Baltimore County, Md. – The Community College of Baltimore County (CCBC) board of trustees voted unanimously to accept a new agreement with the Essex Foundation at its Feb. 8 board meeting. This new agreement allows CCBC and the foundation to continue to work cooperatively in raising funds for the college. Board Chairman Thomas M. Lingan praised past efforts of the Essex group to assist area students in need of financial aid. He called the new agreement a positive step toward unifying CCBC’s fund-raising activities.

“As a community college, our mission is to give all who seek an education an opportunity,” said Lingan. “When finances prevent students from taking advantage of that opportunity, it’s important that we have mechanisms in place to assist students in making their dreams a reality. For nearly 20 years the Essex Foundation has been providing financial support to students. We are enormously appreciative of the group’s contributions and want to ensure that future students benefit from the dedication and financial support that this group provides.”

“The Essex Foundation is pleased that the renewal of the operating agreement has been unanimously approved by the CCBC Board of Trustees,” said the group’s president, Dr. Robert D’Antonio. “All 45 members of our foundation are looking forward to continuing the foundation’s commitment to the students and faculty on the Essex campus.”   

CCBC Chancellor Sandra Kurtinitis said, “I’m excited about the continued affiliation of the Essex Foundation. Our No. 1 priority is our students. Working together, we can assure that the funds are available, whenever needed, to assist students in furthering their education.”

The re-named CCBC/Essex Foundation will continue to work on behalf of students on the Essex campus. It will operate as a separate entity but will continue to be recognized by the college as an affiliated organization. Currently the market value of the Essex Foundation’s portfolio is $2.41 million. The group raises over $350,000 annually. In 2005, the Essex Foundation contributed $386,595 in scholarships and institutional programs.