SVC Foundation Celebrates Record Breaking Scholarships for the 2026-27 School Year
The Skagit Valley College Foundation hosted its annual Scholarship Breakfast on May 29 in the Dave DuVall Pavilion, bringing together more than 500 students, families, donors, faculty, and community partners for a morning of celebration and gratitude — all as SVC marks its centennial year.
Nearly 850 students applied for Foundation scholarships this cycle, reflecting the growing demand for support and the reach of the Foundation’s work since its founding in 1978.
“As we celebrate SVC’s centennial, our donors continue to show up in tremendously powerful ways,” said Executive Director Kathleen Petrzelka. “Every scholarship is a vote of confidence — a message to a student that their community believes in their future.”
The morning featured remarks from SVC President Dr. Tom Keegan and SVC Foundation Board President John Sternlicht, as well as moving student speeches from scholarship recipients Emma Johnson and Michael Ngo. A highlight of the program was a presentation from George Saul, a longtime Foundation friend and supporter, with his wife Sheila, of the Peg Moy & Sheila Moy Saul Early Childhood Education Scholarship and the Frank Saul & Ed Moy Veteran Education Fund. George spoke about honoring his family’s legacy through giving and the lasting difference these scholarships make in students’ lives.
This year’s event also featured the second annual Founders Award, presented to the family of Roger “Joe” Peterson — a proud SVC alumnus, Hall of Fame member, and longtime Foundation champion. Joe established the Melvin & Oscar Peterson / Henry Tenneson Memorial Scholarship, which has supported 500 SVC students since its creation.
“Joe Peterson understood that a scholarship is more than financial support — it is a message of encouragement and a reminder that someone believes in your future,” said Petrzelka. “Honoring his family felt especially meaningful as we celebrate a century of learning and giving at Skagit Valley College.”
The SVC Foundation Board of Governors, SVC Board of Trustees, and Swinomish Indian Tribal Community served as proud sponsors of this year’s breakfast.
