Dana J Thomas
Studying to become a Nurse
CFMC Adult Scholarship Recipient
Dana graduated from Richland Community College in 2011 with her LPN Certification. Attending Richland empowered Dana not only to be a strong nurse but to follow her passions in leadership and community organization as well. The educators and students gave her the support she was unaware she even needed to be successful and has affirmed her calling to “pay it forward” in the Decatur community as much as she can.
Although Dana had her dream job as a Nurse Case Manager, the pandemic forced her job to be eliminated, leading her to return working as a bedside nurse. Last year taught Dana that nothing is promised and she needed to make her dreams a reality. This realization led her to founding a nonprofit called “Affordable Activism.” Her first project is the “Make Our Mark Initiative” which will highlight overlooked history-makers from minority and marginalized groups in the community, and bring them the attention that has systemically not been afforded to them.
Dana shared this advice for students following in her footsteps. “Set goals and get your education. If I can do it anyone can. Especially with the help of RCC.”
Dana Lynne May
Graduated in May 2021 with AAS Surgical Technology
John Ullrich Foundation Scholarship Recipient
Dana is mother of two beautiful children and made the decision later in life to go back to school and chase a dream that she had for a long time. She wanted to show both of her children that no matter your age or circumstances if you put in the hard work you can accomplish anything you put your mind to, if you have the drive behind it. Dana is looking forward to my future, bettering herself, her family, and growing as a person. She wouldn’t be able to accomplish this dream without the support of our scholarship donors.
Jeffrey Combs
Studying to become a Chef- Graduating in May 2022
Scherer Honors Scholarship Recipient
The capstone of Jeffrey’s time at Richland is achieving the Scherer Honors Scholarship, allowing him to acquire outstanding culinary skills, while expanding studies. This variety of coursework added new perspective and interest to his life and to his pursuit of a career as a chef. Jeffrey’s mantra is to “prepare good food for people as they come together to enjoy good food” and he hopes repay the generosity of Foundation donors by making lives better through the universal language of food.
