In an extraordinary display of generosity, El Paso Community College (EPCC) has received a landmark donation that aims to provide a safety net for students caught in the throes of financial emergencies. Dr. Diane and Mr. Daryl E. Troyer, both former educators at EPCC, have made a substantial contribution, amounting to $113,200, which marks the largest private gift in the history of the EPCC Foundation. This endowment is poised to establish the EPCC Foundation StayStrong Student Emergency Fund, offering a lifeline to preserve the educational aspirations of those who might otherwise be forced to abandon their academic pursuits due to unforeseen financial hurdles.
The urgency of this initiative stems from the delicate balance many students maintain while juggling their educational expenses with life’s unpredictable costs. For those who are often working to support themselves, and in many cases their families too, an unexpected expense can signify the abrupt end of their college journey. In a statement reported by the EPCC News, Diane Troyer highlighted the power of collective support, saying, "If EPCC has given something to you, give something back if you possibly can," and added, "We want people to understand how very little it might take to help a student stay and accomplish their goal."
The influence of the Troyers on EPCC extends back to the early days of the institution, with their arrival in 1973. Over the years, the couple has been deeply involved in both academic and administrative capacities, contributing to the growth and development of the college. The inception of the EPCC Foundation StayStrong Student Emergency Fund Endowment epitomizes their enduring commitment to education and their belief in the transformative power of community colleges. Dr. Keri Moe, Associate Vice President of External Relations, Communication and Development at EPCC, lauded the Troyers in a press release, recognizing the substantial impact of their personal legacy and the importance of their gift to students' lives and educational experiences.
The Troyers' affiliation with EPCC, which spans over decades, not only reflects their professional contributions but also a shared vision of bolstering futures one student at a time. Daryl Troyer reminisced on their long-standing connection with the college in a feature by EPCC News, "When we arrived, there were perhaps 1,500 students, and by the time we left, enrollment had grown to more than 20,000," expressing pride in the institution's trajectory towards becoming a community cornerstone. Diane Troyer further emphasized EPCC's role in fostering regional progress, stating, “El Paso would not be what it is without EPCC," pointing to the broader economic benefits that have stemmed from the college's dedication to nurturing a skilled workforce.
