Dozens of people recently gathered in the W. Harold Smith Building at McDowell Technical Community College to dedicate five classrooms and celebrate a new $50,000 endowed scholarship created by John & Carole Borden and Chip & Dr. Penny Cross.
Their joint gift — augmented by federal Title III matching funds — will provide need-based awards to McDowell Tech students in perpetuity.
During the dedication ceremony, J.W. Kelley, McDowell Tech president, and each of the donors unveiled wall plaques in five rooms of the Harold Smith Building.
“Every plaque on these walls tells a story of service,” Kelley said during the unveiling attended by nearly 50 guests. “When donors honor mentors, first-responders and community leaders, our students see tangible proof that education and public service go hand-in-hand.”
The EMS Lab recognizes McDowell EMS for heroic, round-the-clock service during and after Hurricane Helene. The plaque celebrates their training, professionalism and unwavering commitment.
The EMS Lab recognizes McDowell EMS for their heroic, round-the-clock service during and after Hurricane Helene. The plaque celebrates their rigorous training, professionalism, and unwavering commitment to saving lives every day.
Room 107 is dedicated to the Rotary Club of Marion in recognition of their disaster-relief grants, leadership in the Million Meal March, and a humanitarian mission to Ukraine — embodying the Rotary motto, “Service Above Self.”
Room 208 honors George and Emma Baker, devoted community mentors. George co-founded Baker’s Automotive and held leadership roles with Coca-Cola, Pepsi and Ingles. Emma concluded a distinguished nursing career and is known for her compassionate patient care.
Room 111 honors Grady and Barbara Wacaster, the parents of Carole Borden. Lifelong advocates for education, Barbara taught Head Start and later served at McDowell High School, while Grady taught at Nebo Elementary, tutored incarcerated students earning GEDs, and ultimately served as superintendent of McDowell County Prison.
Room 208 honors George and Emma Baker, devoted community mentors. George co-founded Baker’s Automotive and held leadership roles with Coca-Cola, Pepsi, and Ingles. Emma concluded a distinguished nursing career known for her compassionate patient care.
Room 209 celebrates Norman Guthrie and his late wife, Nancy. Norman spent 40 years in the textile industry, retiring as vice president of manufacturing at Marion Fabrics, and now chairs the Gateway Wellness Foundation.
Room 209 celebrates Norman Guthrie and his late wife, Nancy. Norman spent 40 years in the textile industry, retiring as vice president of manufacturing at Marion Fabrics, and now chairs the Gateway Wellness Foundation. Nancy served as a beloved teacher, principal, and early college coach, inspiring students across western North Carolina.
Reflecting on the effort, Chip shared that his favorite part was honoring the individuals and groups who have meant the most to them.
Room 107 is dedicated to the Rotary Club of Marion in recognition of their disaster-relief grants, leadership in the Million Meal March and a humanitarian mission to Ukraine.
“It’s inspiring to see the Bordens and Crosses honor those who have served others while also creating new opportunities for our students,” said Kelley. “Their generosity is a powerful example of the kind of compassion and community spirit we strive to cultivate at McDowell Tech.”
Carole Borden, a McDowell County native, and her husband, John, founded AquaSafaris Inc. after years spent sailing and working in media and international yacht brokerage. Drawing on their industry expertise, they live by the belief that “there is no better accolade than making a living doing what you love and sharing it with others.”
Room 111 honors Grady and Barbara Wacaster, the parents of Carole Borden. Lifelong advocates for education, Barbara taught Head Start and later served at McDowell High School, while Grady taught at Nebo Elementary, tutored incarcerated students earning GEDs, and ultimately served as superintendent of McDowell County Prison. Carole Borden, a McDowell County native, and her husband, John, founded AquaSafaris Inc.
Dr. Penny Cross served McDowell Tech for 31 years as a nursing instructor, dean and vice president. Her husband, Chip Cross, is a current faculty member, longtime seminar speaker for southeastern businesses and past president of the Rotary Club of Marion.
Together, the couples contributed $26,000 to establish a scholarship, an amount that will be matched with $24,000 in Title III funds after Oct. 1, 2025, bringing the total scholarship endowment to $50,000.
“This generous gift will allow the McDowell Tech Foundation to complete its Title III matching grant goal, increasing our endowed scholarship funds to a level that will make a lasting difference for students,” said Madalyn Gaito, director of development. “This isn’t just a financial milestone, it’s a legacy of opportunity that will support McDowell Tech students for generations to come.”
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Room 208 honors George and Emma Baker, devoted community mentors. George co-founded Baker’s Automotive and held leadership roles with Coca-Cola, Pepsi and Ingles. Emma concluded a distinguished nursing career and is known for her compassionate patient care.
The EMS Lab recognizes McDowell EMS for heroic, round-the-clock service during and after Hurricane Helene. The plaque celebrates their training, professionalism and unwavering commitment.
Room 209 celebrates Norman Guthrie and his late wife, Nancy. Norman spent 40 years in the textile industry, retiring as vice president of manufacturing at Marion Fabrics, and now chairs the Gateway Wellness Foundation.
Room 107 is dedicated to the Rotary Club of Marion in recognition of their disaster-relief grants, leadership in the Million Meal March and a humanitarian mission to Ukraine.
Room 111 honors Grady and Barbara Wacaster, the parents of Carole Borden. Lifelong advocates for education, Barbara taught Head Start and later served at McDowell High School, while Grady taught at Nebo Elementary, tutored incarcerated students earning GEDs, and ultimately served as superintendent of McDowell County Prison. Carole Borden, a McDowell County native, and her husband, John, founded AquaSafaris Inc.
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