The Northeast Texas Community College Foundation presented Al and Sue Havenstrite with the Distinguished Benefactor Award during the annual Scholarship Brunch on Friday, Nov. 2.
The Havenstrites began supporting NTCC shortly after retiring to the area in 1996. Having raised their family and spent their careers in Arlington, the couple decided to move back to Sue’s hometown of Mount Pleasant to enjoy a slower pace away from the city.
“I grew up near Oklahoma State University, so it was normal for my family to look to the university for affordable entertainment and other things to do,” Al said. “So it just felt natural for me to get acquainted with the local community college when we moved to Mount Pleasant.”
The couple was impressed with how much was happening at such a small college. They quickly became active members of the Whatley Center for the Performing Arts and they have attended most of the performances held at the venue in the years since. They also took an interest in local students and began sponsoring scholarships in 2002.
“We believe that education falls right behind religious faith in molding successful adults. A lot of people helped me achieve my educational goals and it has been a blessing to be able to give back in a similar way,” Al said.
He noted that they have enjoyed meeting and hearing from their scholarship recipients over the years. “We are always impressed by the caliber of students we meet and they are so grateful for the assistance. It really feels good to be part of that,” Al said.
Dr. Jonathan McCullough, NTCC Executive Vice President for Advancement, said the Havenstrites were a natural choice for Benefactor of the Year.
“The Havenstrites are an excellent example of how individual giving can make a huge impact on the lives of so many students,” McCullough said. “Not only do they give financially, but they also come out to support our college in so many other ways.
Previous Benefactors of the Year include Elizabeth Whatley, The Carol Meyer Family, the Mount Pleasant Economic Development Corporation, The Burt and Nancy Marans Estate, Charlie and Helen Hampton and the Bart Scharlach Memorial Foundation.
