A Life worth Living ...

​At the age of 17, in my junior year of high school in Ajo, Arizona, my goal was to attend cosmetology school in Phoenix. A year later and a month before my senior graduation, I knew I did not have the funds I needed and withdrew my application in a letter to the school. Fortunately for me, in their reply, I received a full scholarship to the cosmetology school. How well I remember my gratitude for the gift of a career that would sustain me for a lifetime. 

The beauty industry has taught me the value of relationships, the benefits of education, the skills of technology, management, patience and competence. Although it is certainly a work in perpetual progress, because of the scholarship, I have lived a life worth living. 

​As a hairstylist for over 50 years, I know the sacrifice and challenges many students face as they reach for their dreams.  Three years ago, to celebrate my 50th anniversary in the beauty industry, I started the Dr. Hilda Villaverde Cosmetology and Hairstylist Scholarship at GateWay Community College. My dream is to ensure that finances do not prevent any graduate from getting their cosmetology license. The response has been overwhelming, and we are now only $3,000 away from making this fund an endowed scholarship. That means the annual interest earned on the endowment balance will help up-and-coming hairstylists for years to come. Will you help me achieve that goal?

GateWay Community College serves a large population of minority, first-generation, low-income, and adult students. While financial aid is available to help students pay for tuition, license fees are an expense that come after graduation, at a time when many students have no income. Your gift will help ensure students are able to pay for their license and pursue a career as a hairstylist.
Please consider making a tax-deductible gift online.  Your donation is tax-deductible and will help change the lives of students today, tomorrow and for years to come.
Since I started the scholarship at GateWay, I have visited the cosmetology school several times to meet with the director, instructors and the students attending. I am impressed by the attention, education and genuine direction each student is given. When the students graduate from this course of study, they are well prepared.

Thank you for your generosity,
Hilda
 
*You may also make your gift by check made out to Maricopa Community Colleges Foundation (MCCF) Dr. Hilda Villaverda Cosmetology and Hairstylist Scholarship and mail to:
GateWay Community College
AF 220 Development Office
108 N 40th Street
Phoenix, AZ 85034