SANFORD, N.C. - The Central Carolina Community College Foundation announces the establishment of a Nursing program endowment honoring Gloria Peele. She was hired as a Nursing instructor in 1965 and served the Nursing program until her retirement in 1995 - serving the last 10 years as Director of Nursing.

"Our Mom, Gloria Peele, was Director of the Nursing program at CCCC for 10 years and she was always talking about the quality and success rate of the nursing program," said Rick Peele, one of Gloria Peele's children. "She would get excited when she would see her former students working in the community, be it in the hospital or a doctor's office. She would tell us how proud her students were of themselves and also how much Gloria's enthusiasm and passion for teaching the Nursing program at the college meant to them. She always talked about the need for good nurses and that it was a great occupation for her students. They were basically guaranteed employment after graduating."

Rick Peele noted that the family has been blessed, "and what better way to give back, especially to have the opportunity to set up an endowment to recognize our Mom, who has given so much of herself to everyone she has ever met. The Community College System in North Carolina, CCCC in particular, continues to teach real skills that are needed in the economy, and they do it for an affordable tuition. However, some promising students are not able to afford all the costs associated, tuition, books, meals, travel, etc.," said Rick Peele. "So it made sense to all of us kids that we might be able to help others that are less fortunate and help them with some of the expenses through this scholarship."

When asked why others should contribute to CCCC, Rick Peele noted, "We hope to make a difference in the lives of smart and talented individuals that don't have all the needed resources, so they too can contribute to society in a positive way and also begin to help build some wealth for their respective families. There is a lot of wealth in Central NC and I hope those with the means will consider giving to the college, because it can make such a big difference for talented students in need and for the betterment of the whole community."

Dr. Emily Hare, CCCC Foundation Executive Director, said, "Mrs. Peele was instrumental in building the success of our Nursing program here and it is so fitting that her family chose to honor her with this endowment. We are so grateful that the entire family believes in CCCC and understands how important the Foundation's endowments are to assisting our students to achieve their highest potential. We cannot say thank you enough for helping us change the lives for our Nursing students through this family endowment."

The CCCC Foundation is a 501(c)(3) charitable organization affiliated with, but independent of, Central Carolina Community College. It receives donations of money and equipment on behalf of the college and uses them to promote its educational mission and assist students through scholarships and grants.

For more information about the Foundation, its work and events, visit www.cccc.edu/foundation.