BREAKING: Carroll Community College has just announced the retirement of Steve Wantz, the executive director of the college’s foundation, after an impressive 24 years of dedicated service. Wantz, a proud alumnus and first-generation college graduate, has been instrumental in transforming the foundation’s financial landscape, growing its assets from under $750,000 to over $36 million.
Under Wantz’s leadership, the Carroll Community College Foundation has not only supported scholarships and academic initiatives but has also completed four major fundraising campaigns, each surpassing its set goals. The most recent campaign, titled Turning Hopes and Dreams into Reality, raised a record-breaking $14.46 million to enhance scholarships, campus improvements, and workforce development programs.
Wantz has also initiated several key programs that have made a lasting impact, including the President’s Society, the Joseph F. Shields Legacy Circle, and the Starry Night Gala. This gala alone has generated over $2 million for scholarships over the past two decades, showcasing Wantz’s commitment to student success.
In recognition of his extraordinary contributions, Carroll Community College has awarded Wantz emeritus status, one of the institution’s highest honors.
“Steve’s leadership has transformed what is possible for Carroll and its students,”
said Carroll Community College President Rosalie Mince. She emphasized Wantz’s unique ability to connect individuals to the college’s mission, which has fostered financial strength, trust, pride, and a shared purpose that will benefit the community for years to come.
The retirement of this respected leader marks a significant moment for Carroll Community College, as it reflects on nearly a quarter-century of growth and development under Wantz’s stewardship. The college community is now looking forward to what the future holds and how it will continue to build on the foundation Wantz helped create.
As this story develops, further updates will be provided regarding the search for Wantz’s successor and how the foundation plans to continue its mission in the community. For anyone with insights or tips on this transition, please reach out to Todd Karpovich at [email protected] or via X at @ToddKarpovich.
