NMCC students win free tuition
PRESQUE ISLE, Maine — They say lightning never strikes twice, but that was not the case for a very fortunate NMCC student who will be attending college again this year courtesy of the tuition-free raffle held by the Alumni and Friends Organization. Business student Heather Copeland, of Easton, was chosen by the luck of the draw for a second time, having won during last year’s raffle.
Copeland’s good fortune actually was made possible by friends of her family, Gisele and Danny MacDonald, who purchased tickets on her behalf last year and again this year.
“I bought tickets again this year really just to support the Alumni and Friends Organization,” said Gisele, an NMCC alum. “It never entered my mind that I could win again! Danny and I are thrilled to give this gift to Heather!”
“This is unbelievable — what are the odds!” exclaimed Copeland. “I’m overwhelmed and so grateful to Danny and Gisele … and NMCC for making this possible.”
The other raffle winner was Tyler Chasse, of Ashland, a student in the structural welding program. His grandmother, Debbie Carney of Ashland, purchased the raffle ticket and was shocked to hear the news.
“I thought the drawing had taken place earlier so I was completely stunned to get the phone call,” said Carney. “This is a great financial relief — a wonderful way to get Tyler started.”
“What a great gift … I can’t believe it! I just can’t say thank you enough,” said Chasse.
The college donated tuition for 12 credit hours in the fall semester, and again for the spring for the raffle winners. The proceeds of the raffle benefit the Alumni and Friends Organization.
“We were looking for a way to raise funds for our organization so we can better reach out to alumni through activities such as Homecoming and regional gatherings,” explained Mike Thibodeau, president of the alumni group. “Our first-ever tuition raffle was very successful last year and it was gratifying to see this endeavor provide a direct benefit to the students who win. President Tim Crowley has been tremendously supportive by offering to donate the tuition.”
“This is an opportunity for the college to support our alumni organization, whose members have been a great resource for us in recent years by volunteering their efforts to organize an annual Homecoming, to help during graduation and much more,” said Crowley. “By assisting them in raising funds, they will become an even more vibrant organization for their fellow alumni.”
To date the tuition-free raffle has raised more than $6,700.
