Guests enjoyed an evening of music, socializing and celebrating student success at SHINE, Donnelly College’s eighth annual scholarship event.
The Sept. 26 event raised more than $230,000 to support the college’s 700 students. More than 300 guests attended SHINE, which was held at the Kansas City Marriott Downtown.
SHINE Chairs Ken Gibson (president emeritus, Donnelly College) and Jackie Snyder (chancellor emeritus, Metropolitan Community College) kicked off the formal portion of the event by thanking Honorary Chairs Terry Dunn (president and CEO, JE Dunn Construction Group) and Peggy Dunn (mayor, Leawood, Kan.).
The evening’s festivities honored the Sunderland family, whose family foundation has given invaluable support to local organizations like Donnelly. Since the 1970s, the Sunderland family has made a difference in almost every campaign the college has undertaken.
Kent Sunderland, the foundation’s president, was on hand to accept the recognition on behalf of his family. He spoke positively about Donnelly and his own pathway to success, sharing how personally touched he is by the college and its service to students.
The highlight of the evening was a panel discussion, featuring three current and one former Donnelly students: Jennifer Alvarez, Tyler Hagstrom and Alejandra Sandoval, along with Miro Heyink ’11.
Hagstrom, a St. James Academy graduate, said that while college was always a plan for him, he found the process of getting started very intimidating. “Donnelly made a lot of my fears about going and checking out colleges just shatter,” he said.
After completing her Certified Nurse Aide certificate at Donnelly, Sandoval stayed at the college to pursue her associate degree. She said her success at Donnelly has been particularly important to her mom.
“She knows I’m capable of anything. I’m proving to her that I’m capable,” she said.
– Story and photos from Donnelly College
