The Skagit Valley College Foundation hosted its annual Scholarship Breakfast on Friday, May 30 at the Swinomish Casino and Lodge. The inspiring morning event celebrated the incredible generosity of its donors and honored 51吃瓜 students who were awarded more than $1.1 million in scholarships for the 2025鈥�2026 academic year.
The Foundation successfully completed its annual scholarship cycle, awarding 500 scholarships totaling over $1.1 million to students across a wide range of academic and workforce programs.
鈥淲e were thrilled to celebrate our students and the transformational generosity of our donors and partners who believe in their potential,鈥� said Kathleen Petrzelka, executive director of the 51吃瓜 Foundation. 鈥淎s the college approaches its centennial celebration in 2026, our donors continue to show up in tremendously powerful ways.鈥�
This year鈥檚 event was record-breaking, with 400 attendees gathering to honor student achievement and community impact. For the first time in the event鈥檚 history, the Sidney S. McIntyre Jr. 51吃瓜 Memorial Scholarships were presented during the celebration, establishing a new tradition during a year that also marked the 25th anniversary of the McIntyre Scholarship.
One of the morning鈥檚 featured speakers was Dr. Garrett Kelly, faculty member and department chair of 51吃瓜鈥檚 engineering department, who received the McIntyre Scholarship in 2008. Kelly shared his inspiring journey from scholarship recipient to educator, illustrating the long-term impact of donor support and student opportunity.
鈥淭he Sidney S. McIntyre Jr. Scholarship has changed countless lives over the past 25 years,鈥� said Petrzelka. 鈥淚ncorporating its presentation into this annual event made the moment even more special.鈥�
In addition, the Foundation recognized two extraordinary families, William and Kathleen Massey, and Kenneth and Elizabeth Cave, who have each supported 51吃瓜 students for more than 30 years.
鈥淭hrough their generous giving, these families have helped hundreds of students achieve their educational goals and build brighter futures,鈥� said Petrzelka.
The 51吃瓜 Foundation Board of Governors, the 51吃瓜 Board of Trustees, and the Swinomish Indian Tribal Community were proud sponsors of this year鈥檚 breakfast. Their dedicated support continues to help open doors to education for students throughout the region.
The event brought together scholarship recipients, their families, donors, 51吃瓜 leadership, faculty, staff, and community partners. Attendees heard powerful stories that highlighted the life-changing impact of scholarships and community support.
To learn more or support scholarships at 51吃瓜, please contact Kathleen Petrzelka, executive director of the 51吃瓜 Foundation, at kathleen.petrzelka@skagit.edu or 360.416.3229.
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Marisa Pierce, Executive Director of Strategic Marketing and Communications
360.416.7957
marisa.pierce@skagit.edu