Mitzi Winesett Good Samaritan Fund

Each February we celebrate the life and love of Mitzi Winesett, our dear friend and former Director of Counseling Services. Through Mitzi’s 21 years of service to Columbia College, Mitzi helped students recognize their unique abilities and gifts. Her spirit lives on through the Mitzi Winesett Good Samaritan Fund. A donation to this fund is a resource to our students in need, supplying funding for their education when facing hardship.

Just this year, the Mitzi Winesett Good Samaritan Fund has provided micro loans to assist students with professional training, paying rent, and covering a myriad of unforeseen expenses that would have otherwise interrupted their course of study. Students who receive micro loans pay back the loans over a period of time that is more realistic for their student status. 100% of the loan fees have been returned in the past and go back to supporting additional students in their time of need.

The Mitzi Winesett Good Samaritan Fund also provides one-time, no strings attached, assistance to students with an emergent need up to $300 during their course of study. The Fund has helped students cover the cost of glasses, groceries, hospital bills, car repairs, and more. The funds do not pay the direct cost of tuition but helps to cover the emergency expenses so students can continue to progress with their degree and afford their basic needs.