An Evening of Appreciation: Honoring Advocates
Recently, College Success Foundation had the opportunity to honor three outstanding supporters of our mission, with a wonderful evening at the beautiful Seattle Asian Art Museum. We enjoyed connecting with supporters, exploring the galleries, and hearing from our featured alum and this year’s honorees.
James Dorsey, College Success Foundation President and CEO, warmly welcomed the evening’s guests. James highlighted CSF’s programming and previewed our 25th anniversary year for guests, which we eagerly await to begin celebrating in early 2025.
CSF alum Lilia Foma’i shared her story about being a CSF Scholar, and how her experiences as a college student helped her grow into the person she is today.
“Going to college gave me the opportunity to experience things out of my comfort zone and ultimately grow,” recalled Lilia. “I’ve continued to proverbially face my fears and grow into a leader in different ways.”
A graduate of Kent-Meridian High School and Central Washington University, Lilia serves as a CSF Alumni Board Member.
“CSF’s support throughout the years was essential to my development as a person and as a professional in higher education,” explained Lilia. “Today, I’m proud to be an active member of the CSF-Tacoma Alumni Board where I get to support & collaborate with other alumni to build community and share resources.”
Student Advocacy Award: T’Wina Nobles
This award is given to a current or former member of the public sector who has demonstrated an unwavering commitment to support educational equity in Washington state. Through political advocacy, public service and allyship, they have championed the educational rights of under-served, low-income students to finish high school, complete college and succeed in life.
We are so pleased to recognize Senator T’Wina Nobles, who represents the 28th Legislative District, as this year’s recipient of the Student Advocacy Award. In response to receiving the award, Sen. Nobles had this to share:
“As a former educator, school board member, and mother of four, I am deeply passionate about ensuring that every young person in Washington receives quality higher education or workforce training, and has the opportunity to achieve their dreams. This is a passion I know that the College Success Foundation shares, and I’m grateful for your partnership in pursuit of our shared goal of educational equity. Thank you.
With your support I’ve been proud to champion legislation to support students in enrolling for post-secondary options thereby increasing enrollment, secure free school meals to ensure that every student has the nutrition they need to succeed, expand financial aid options to help more students access higher education and stop schools from banning books solely on the basis of being written by or about members of marginalized groups.
But there is much work to be done to realize our shared goal of ensuring all students can achieve their dreams–work that I am honored to continue to do hand-in-hand with CSF. Thank you for your support today and in the future. Together, we are making a real difference in the lives of young people in communities across our state.”
Spirit of Philanthropy Award: Tulalip Cares
This award is given to an organization that demonstrates exceptional commitment to improving the lives of low-income, under-represented students on their journey to a college degree through meaningful philanthropy and steadfast support of educational equity.
Keith Stier-Van Essen, Executive Director, CSF-Northwest Coastal presented the Spirit of Philanthropy Award to Tulalip Cares and shared the following:
“Since 1993, Tulalip Cares has donated over 69.5 million dollars to support over 245 charitable organizations annually, working in collaboration with the surrounding communities to make a positive difference.
My team is grateful to work alongside the Tulalip Tribes at Marysville Pilchuck High School. Over the past two years, CSF advisors have collaborated with the Tulalip tribe-funded staff that work with indigenous students, to provide more support and resources for students.
We have successfully expanded postsecondary opportunities for all MPHS students in collaboration with their college/career specialist, CTE program, and Tulalip Tribe-funded staff.
Special thanks to Marilyn Sheldon, the Tulalip Tribes Charitable Contributions Director, who has been a consistent partner, supporter, and advocate for educational equity and CSF.”
Distinguished Service Award: Deborah Rosen
This recognition is bestowed upon an individual or group that demonstrates an unwavering commitment to inspiring students from low-income families and historically under-represented students to finish high school, complete college, and succeed in life.
Allison Wherry, Executive Director, CSF-Seattle presented the Distinguished Service Award to Deborah Rosen and had this to share:
“Deborah has been a steadfast supporter of the College Success Foundation for nearly two decades. Since first getting involved in 2007, she quickly fell in love with the organization and joined the National Board of Directors in 2008, serving nearly 15 years on the board. She has attended countless events and continues to contribute her wisdom and passion as a member of our emeritus council.
Deborah’s journey with CSF began through a deeply personal connection — a friendship with our co-founder, Ann Ramsay-Jenkins, whom she considers a mentor. In a heartfelt gesture to honor Ann’s commitment to foster youth, Deborah made her first significant donation, a generous scholarship commitment and has continued to support CSF consistently ever since.
Deborah’s generosity goes far beyond financial contributions. She has taken the time to personally connect with the scholars her donations have supported, meeting with many of them over the years. In September, she visited one of her current scholars, who had just welcomed a new baby into the world — an act that speaks volumes about her commitment to these students not just as scholars, but as individuals.”