Durham Tech’s generosity shines
The generosity of the Durham Tech family shines in many forms—through creativity, compassion, and a deep commitment to lifting up those most in need. Since 1993, the Durham Tech Foundation has led the annual employee giving campaign known as the Campus Fund Drive. Every dollar raised goes directly to support students and staff through the Campus Harvest Food Pantry, emergency financial assistance, employee engagement and appreciation, professional development, and student scholarships.
This fall, two remarkable efforts highlighted the power of giving.
In mid-September, Dr. Jason Moldoff, Co-Director of the Teaching and Learning Hub and faculty member in Communication, hosted a benefit concert featuring his own group, Second Shift A Cappella, alongside Queen City Groove from Charlotte. Moldoff, a founding member of Second Shift, brought together fellow volunteer singers to fill a packed auditorium with music. The concert raised more than $2,000 in ticket sales and special gifts—all benefiting the Campus Harvest Food Pantry. “We rehearse in the auditorium of Building 5 on Main Campus,” said Moldoff. “It just made sense to open the doors a little wider to include more guests and support the Food Pantry at the same time.”
Another powerful act of generosity came from Apprenticeship Coordinator Dr. Norman Collins. Grieving the devastating loss of his grandson, Norman Lee Van Collins III—affectionately called “Bishop”—who passed away at just three months old due to heatstroke, Collins and his family sought a way to honor his memory. Each year, an average of 38 children in the U.S. lose their lives in similar incidents. Out of heartbreak, the family created hope by establishing Bishop’s Blessing, a new scholarship in Early Childhood Education at Durham Tech.
“In Bishop’s honor, and to prevent such tragedies from happening to other families, we have established the Bishop’s Blessing Scholarship Fund at the Durham Tech Foundation,” Collins explained. “This scholarship will support students pursuing a degree in Early Childhood Education—equipping future childcare professionals with not only knowledge and training, but also a deeper awareness of safety and prevention.
Whether inspired by gratitude or sorrow, these acts of generosity embody the spirit of Durham Tech. Together, the gifts of employees—expressed in countless ways—are strengthening our community, improving lives, and in some cases, even saving them. For more information on the Campus Harvest Food Pantry, Bishop’s Blessing Scholarship Fund, or any other Foundation project, please contact Liz McFarlane at foundation@durhamtech.edu.