The Bucks County Community College Foundation held its 17th annual Salute to Mothers Scholarship Tea Event on Friday, April 19, from 1 to 3 p.m. at Tyler Gardens on the Newtown Campus. The event, which celebrated and supported student mothers pursuing higher education, drew a record 225 attendees and raised over $41,000 in funds for scholarships.
Guests enjoyed an afternoon of camaraderie as they indulged in gourmet tea sandwiches, tea and desserts while donning their finest springtime hats to support the cause. Bucks County Commissioner Robert J. Harvie Jr. was in attendance, as well as Tyler family members.
Since its inception, the event has provided a total of over $350,000 in support, resulting in hundreds of scholarships awarded to recipients. This support has not only helped these women financially, but empowered them to pursue their educational aspirations.
“The support we receive from the Salute to Mothers Scholarship Tea helps us to empower student mothers to pursue their educational dreams,” said Julianne Theodoropulos, coordinator, Scholarships & Stewardship. “Together, with our supporters, we are making a tangible difference in the lives of these remarkable women.”
Beyond its fundraising success, the event served as a platform to amplify the voices of student mothers who have directly benefited from the scholarship. Jennifer Hipp, a two-time scholarship recipient, shared her inspiring journey as a mother of two returning to school. She’s excited to graduate this spring and fulfill her lifelong dream of becoming a nurse.
The Salute to Mothers Scholarship was started in 2007, when faculty member Betty Tsai noticed mothers struggling to raise their families while pursuing a college education. This observation was the crux that motivated Tsai to do something to help them.
