Message from the

Columbia College President 

Dear Community Members,

It is an honor and a privilege to serve you as Columbia College's president; I look forward to meeting you and exchanging ideas.  I know that the Columbia College Foundation can cultivate much higher levels of community support, and I have made a solid commitment to making it happen.

It may take a little time to gain the momentum we need because of our demographics, but I have no doubt that this community harbors individuals and businesses who can help us reach new heights.  We just need to convince them that we are a sound investment.  We can make that case!

I admire the initiative, intelligence, and generosity that have combined over the last forty years to make Columbia the well-respected and accomplished institution it is today.  We have many loyal donors who give for scholarships and other purposes, and our library endowment fund has received several important commitments.  Because of Columbia's founders, administrators, faculty and donors of the last four decades, we are now positioned to court our community's leaders and seek a new level of support.

The Columbia College foundation must point the way from here to a time when a very large and loyal donor population, led by a handful of true philanthropists, will ensure that no student or faculty member ever hear, "That's a great idea, but  we can't afford it."  We need to find more supporters who will come on board as partners, giving not only their funds but also their ideas and their influence.  If you are such a visionary, please call me at 209.588.5115.

We know where we are going, we know what we need to get there, and I am not afraid to ask for help.  Will you join me in my quest?

Joan Smith, Ed.D.
President
Columbia College
April, 2007