The Sampson Community College Foundation ended 2020 on a high note when three donors established brand new scholarship funds, with awards available to students as soon as Fall 2021. One of the donor families, Paul and Lisa Recchuiti, made their way to Sampson County from Pennsylvania. The couple named their scholarship the “Go Anywhere Scholarship.” Ultimately, they hope to help deserving Sampson Community College students reach their educational pursuits.
Paul and Lisa Recchuiti have only lived in North Carolina for ten years but call the area home, and hope to continue doing so. Lisa Recchuiti, who teaches Psychology at Sampson Community College, says Sampson County reminds her of the town where she grew up. The Recchuitis say that as children, their families both struggled financially. They hope to help relieve the financial burden for similar students.
“I’ve been teaching at community colleges in North Carolina for 10 years, and I know how hard the students work. If we can just relieve a little bit of that burden for someone and they can be more successful and more focused, then that’s what we want to do,” Lisa Recchuiti shared.
The Recchuitis, originally from Pennsylvania, named their scholarship the “Go Anywhere Scholarship.” Named for the Sampson Community College motto, “Begin here, go anywhere,” but is also a statement the couple has lived by. Before settling down in Sampson County, the couple lived in six other states and two foreign countries. They hope their scholarship inspires students to dream big.
Lisa Recchuiti commented, “I’m hoping students get inspired that they can go anywhere. You can go get a job in New York City or Los Angeles! You can go to another country!”
Lisa Turlington, Dean of Advancement and Executive Director of the Foundation, says that the Recchuitis commitment to Sampson Community College, despite moving from out of state, shows their commitment to the community and to education.
“It is heartwarming to see how Lisa and Paul have embraced Sampson County and the mission of community colleges. They both understand the importance of education as well as the challenges that many of our students face,” Turlington observed.
Ultimately, the Go Anywhere Scholarship is about providing access to students who otherwise may have been unable to afford an education. Paul Recchuiti says “Go Anywhere” serves as a reminder for students to pursue their dreams locally, simply because they have access to the scholarship.
“Go anywhere can just mean here! Go anywhere means anything that furthers yourself. It’s a cool and simple motto, but it means everything,” Paul Recchuiti stated.
The Recchuitis established the scholarship fund in memory of Diane Keel, Paul Recchuiti’s mother who, after humble beginnings, left her childhood home in Rocky Mount, North Carolina to attend the College of William & Mary in Virginia.
Whether students decide to begin working after earning their degree or continue their educational journey to pursue a bachelor’s degree, the Recchuitis say they are excited about the work being accomplished at SCC.
“Every one of these people can go on and do great things. If this scholarship helps people, then that’s awesome,” Paul Recchuiti remarked.
The Go Anywhere Scholarship is available for award as early as Fall 2021. Students can apply for this scholarship and others by April 15, 2021. For more information about the Sampson Community College Foundation and to apply for scholarships, visit sampsoncc.edu/foundation.
About Sampson Community College: Sampson Community College is a member of the North Carolina Community College System, located in Clinton, NC in Sampson County. The college offers many programs to include two-year degrees, college transfer, continuing education and workforce development options, and early college education.
