A dedication and ribbon-cutting ceremony was held for Window World Hall on Tuesday, March 22, 2022. WCC President, Dr. Jeff Cox stated, “We are pleased to announce that Window World has donated $1.5M toward the establishment of WCC Education Promise Scholarship program.”

Window World Chairman and CEO Tammy Whitworth, Chris Bishop, along with her three children, Anna Grace, Wyatt, and Tucker Whitworth have given a personal gift to the WCC Education Promise Scholarship program. In recognition of that gift, Alumni Hall on the Wilkes Campus has been renamed Window World Hall.

Scott Johnson, dean of student services stated, “This building has played a vital role in serving students since its doors opened in January 1998. The first floor includes a variety of services, such as admissions, counseling, career services, financial aid, student activities, and records & registration. The second floor houses the learning commons, which includes the Pardue Library, Bowman Rare Book Room, and Academic Support Center. Additionally, the Student Commons is in this building, and it serves as a gathering place for numerous types of student events. On behalf of the staff that work within this building and coordinate these services, I want to thank Tammy and her family for their generous contribution, which will make a lasting impact on the lives of numerous students for many years to come.”

“This is my home. It’s always been my home. And I love it here. That’s why I consider it an honor to be able to give back to the community. If we invest in our community, future generations will return the favor, and the effect will ripple out for generations to come — making Wilkes a destination, not just for those who were born here but for anyone looking to relocate somewhere great,” stated Window World Chairman and CEO Tammy Whitworth.

“Tammy’s mission to honor her roots is what guides her as much as her vision for the future. Serving the community that she and her family have called home for generations could not be more obvious today as we dedicate this building,” stated Allison Phillips, vice president of institutional advancement.

WCC Board of Trustees’ Chair, Jay Vannoy, dedicated Window World Hall. WCC Foundation Board President, Arnold Lakey and Window World Chairman and CEO, Tammy Whitworth, cut the ribbon.

Window World®, headquartered in North Wilkesboro, N.C., is America’s largest replacement window and exterior remodeling company, with more than 200 locally owned franchises nationwide. Founded in 1995, the company sells and installs windows, siding, doors and other exterior products. Through its charitable foundation, Window World Cares®, Window World and its franchisees provide funding for St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital®. Window World also supports veterans and the military through its Window World Military Initiative (WWMI). WWMI defines Window World’s commitment to honor and serve America’s veterans, active military and military families across the entire franchise system by focusing on three pillars: Careers, Community Outreach and Partnerships. The Veterans Airlift Command has been a partner since 2008. During that time, Window World has contributed over $2.5 million in flights and donations to the organization.

The WCC Education Promise scholarship program, made possible by the WAW Scholarship Endowment board of directors, Diane and Larry Stone of Wilkesboro, N.C., and Window World, is a two-year, last-dollar scholarship that covers tuition and fees not covered by state or federal grants or other scholarships. The scholarship was designed to ensure that every qualifying student graduating from high school in Wilkes, Ashe, and Alleghany counties can get a college education from Wilkes Community College tuition-free.

The WCC Education Promise campaign emphasizes the fact that a college education benefits individuals and their families (or future families) through higher incomes, better health, higher job satisfaction, lower chance of unemployment, and more civic engagement. It also benefits the community. A college education is associated with a stronger workforce for local business and industry, stronger economic development potential, greater civic engagement, and lower poverty. According to a 2015 EMSI report, 75% of people with an associate degree earn more than $20 per hour versus 80% of people with only a high school diploma earning less than $20 per hour. Therefore, community college is where that threshold is crossed into a more financially viable future.

With an annual projected cost of $350,000 to fund the program so that it exists in perpetuity in our community, we encourage everyone who has a heart for students and seeing their educational journey fulfilled to be a part of this historic program for Wilkes Community College. For more information about the WCC Education Promise Scholarship program or how to make a donation, contact Allison Phillips at 336-838-6491 or alphillips068@wilkescc.edu.

Photo credits: Dr. Gordon Burns

l-r: Scott Johnson, WCC dean of student services, Wyatt Whitworth, Tucker Whitworth, Larry Eller, Jay Vannoy, WCC board of trustee chair; Window World Chairman and CEO, Tammy Whitworth; Arnold Lakey, WCC Foundation board president; Dr. Jeff Cox, WCC president; Chris Bishop, Anna Grace Whitworth, and Allison Phillips, WCC VP of institutional advancement.

 

Window World Team