Star power

A FESTIVE NIGHT FOR STAR POWER  

STAR Power donors and friends celebrated the holiday season on December 4 during a reception hosted by Pamela Hines and her husband, Kenneth, Monroe Community College Foundation director. Funds raised at the event support the STAR Power Scholarship for MCC students who are the primary caregiver of a minor. Since 2013, more than 90 students have received the STAR Power Scholarship, helping them better balance school, work and family responsibilities. 

During the event, students Anna Liebel ’26 and Caitlin Sutton ’25 shared their respective paths to MCC. Anna overcame mental health struggles and an abusive relationship to return to school and create a better future for her son. She is pursuing a major in commercial art and illustration (a lifelong passion) while working part time at a local restaurant. 

Caitlin experienced homelessness and dropped out of high school. She enrolled at MCC to pursue her dream of becoming a registered nurse. Now a Licensed Practical Nurse in MCC’s Health Studies Program, she plans to pursue her associate degree in nursing to become a Registered Nurse. The first in her family to attend college, Caitlin is raising two children and works at a local care facility. 

Both Anna and Caitlin credit receiving the STAR Power Scholarship as a means to achieve their goals!