About the Columbia State Community College Foundation

The Columbia State Community College Foundation’s mission is to support and partner with Columbia State to positively impact our communities and student success through the maintenance and enhancement of resources through excellence in relationship building, fundraising and investment management. Foundation management is under the direction of Bethany Lay, Executive for Advancement for Columbia State. Advancement also includes annual giving, alumni relations, community events and grants management.
In addition, for more than a decade the Foundation has partnered with Columbia State Community College, First Farmers Bank and other sponsors and patrons have successfully brought local and world-renowned artists to perform on the Cherry Theater stage as part of the Performance Series. The Foundation also supports the mission of the Pryor Art Gallery, located on the CSCC campus in Columbia, which strives to a first-class artistic venue where appreciation for all forms of visual art is enhanced through presentation of stimulating exhibits and programs that inspire, educate, enlighten, challenge and entertain.


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Soroptimist International of Franklin presents a $5,000 check for student scholarships. (Left to Right) Margaret Gurley, president; Bethany Lay, executive for advancement, Columbia State; Barbara Leech, Derby Day chair and past president.

Soroptimist International of Franklin presented Columbia State Community College with a $5,000 scholarship check for single moms in Williamson County. The generous donation came from the proceeds of the Derby Day Fundraiser. 
"The Columbia State Foundation is pleased to accept these funds on behalf of our students in Williamson County,” said Bethany Lay, executive for advancement at Columbia State. “Soroptimist International of Franklin continues to be very generous in providing scholarship opportunities.”
The Derby Day Fundraiser was held May 7, 2011 at the Franklin Men’s Club and included the Kentucky Derby simulcast, as well as food, drinks and a silent auction. All proceeds benefit women’s scholarships for Columbia State Community College and Bridges Domestic Violence Center. 
Soroptimist International of Franklin is part of an international organization for business and professional women who work to improve the lives of women and girls in local communities and throughout the world. Almost 95,000 Soroptimists around the world contribute time and financial support to community–based and international projects that benefit women and girls. The name, “Soroptimist,” means “Best for women,” and the scholarship was established in October 1987 to help women with dependents whose financial or family situation makes it challenging to obtain a higher education degree. For more information about Soroptimist International of Franklin, visit sifranklin.org/.