Masons honored with Regents Business Partnership Award; CASC recipient of endowment from Masonic Charity Foundation for LEAD program
“It’s important for us recognize not just individuals, but recognize those groups that have been so supportive of our students and our campus community.” — Jay Falkner Carl Albert State College President
The Masonic Charity Foundation of Oklahoma and Districts 26 and 2 Masonic lodges have been honored as this year’s Regents Business Partnership Award recipient through the Oklahoma State Regents for Higher Education.
“The Masons are valued partners of Carl Albert State College,” said Mandy Roberts, Executive Director of the CASC Development Foundation. “Their generous donations over the years have supported the educational endeavors of countless students.”
“It’s important for us recognize not just individuals, but recognize those groups that have been so supportive of our students and our campus community,” CASC President Jay Falkner said.
CASC received a generous endowment from the Masonic Charity Foundation of Oklahoma to support the creation of the CASC Leadership Empowerment and Development (LEAD) Program, which is designed to provide educational and leadership learning opportunities to community college students while empowering them to become change agents both on campus and in the community. Through the Masonic Charity Foundation of Oklahoma, Districts 26 and 2 Masonic Lodges actively support CASC scholarships through their participation in the AdoptA-Scholar Program, which is a highly competitive scholarship for students who demonstrate strong academic and leadership capabilities.
“It’s pretty humbling to think about what they’ve done in terms of the local impact,” Falkner said. “It’s not just about their partnership with the college. It’s about the fact the hundreds of kids have been able to come to Carl Albert State College because of their single-handed efforts. The LEAD Program has made such an impact here.”
Since 2004, the local Masonic lodges have helped approximately 500 students achieve their educational goals to transfer to four-year institutions, graduate or begin their professional careers. Additionally, local Masons volunteer their time to serve as trustees on the CASC Foundation Board. The professional and personal networks that have been developed through this successful partnership have contributed greatly to area workforce development, philanthropic endeavors, and civic engagement.