The Friends of McHenry County College (MCC) Foundation welcomed more than 160 scholarship donors and recipients for an appreciation breakfast on Friday, February 27. The event was an opportunity to thank and honor the generous donors who make scholarships available to MCC students.
Among those receiving scholarships and speaking on a panel at the event were Nicole Garcia, Macky Leech, Milo Lischewski, and Jaclyn Raffin. Each student shared their personal journey—why they chose MCC, their experiences at the College, their career goals, and the impact scholarships have had on their education.
“Hearing directly from our students is always the most powerful part of this event,” said Brian DiBona, Executive Director of the Friends of MCC Foundation. “Their stories remind us that scholarships do far more than help cover tuition—they open doors, ease financial burdens, and give students the confidence to pursue their goals.”
Kim Keefe, scholarship donor and founder of Kim Keefe’s Team Open Doors with Compass Real Estate, also spoke at the event about why she donates and the importance of creating opportunities for others.
“Education isn’t just about where you land—it’s about having the support and opportunity to keep going,” said Keefe, who is also an MCC Distinguished Alumni Honoree and chair of the Education to Empowerment scholarship program. “Beyond helping with tuition, scholarships provide stability and dignity, and for many students, they are the difference between stopping and finishing. I’m here today because someone created an opportunity for me, and now we have the chance to do that for others—because education is empowerment, and empowerment changes everything.”
The Friends of MCC Foundation awarded 1,104 scholarships totaling more than $864,600 in 2025.
“Events like this highlight the incredible partnership between our donors and our students,” DiBona said. “Because of our donors’ generosity, students are able to focus on their education and pursue their goals. It’s inspiring to see those connections come to life in the same room.”
The Foundation is accepting applications for Fall 2026 scholarships until April 2. Scholarship opportunities include a variety of criteria based on area of study, educational and career goals, GPA, extracurricular activities, financial need, and more. Interested MCC students can apply for scholarships here.
