The family of MCC alumnus Chad L. Coleman has established The Chad L. Coleman Memorial Fund through the Monroe Community College Foundation. The fund will award three $500 scholarships to full-time music, media or performing arts students at MCC with demonstrated financial need, who are committed to community service.
“This memorial scholarship is something Chad would’ve wanted me to do,” said Coleman’s mother Latricia Swift-Winbush of Greece. “So many kids start and stop their education for a variety of reasons. I want to tell them not to put off until tomorrow what you can achieve today.”
Known for his love of music, Coleman, 22, was an accomplished actor, model and vocalist. Having achieved his goal of auditioning for the popular TV program “American Idol,” Coleman planned to return to MCC to study music. He died suddenly on Aug. 13, 2008.
“My hope is that the memorial fund will make the challenges of realizing one’s hopes more attainable,” Swift-Winbush said. “Chad taught himself how to read music and was a very talented young man. By inspiring future MCC students, we’re keeping his dreams and love of music alive. He will always be our American Idol,” she said.
Persons interested in contributing to the Chad L. Coleman Memorial Fund may send their gift to the MCC Foundation, ATTN: Chad L. Coleman Memorial Fund, Damon City Campus, 228 East Main Street, Rochester, NY 14604 or call x1500.
The Monroe Community College Foundation is a 501(c)(3), nonprofit organization. It was established in 1983 to secure private sector support to supplement and enhance public funding at MCC.
Mark J. Pastorella
MCC Foundation
04/09/2009 |