Her journey to establishing the Harold F. Holloway & Louise Hall Scholarship, which supports immigrants without documentation, began in an unexpected place: her church. It was there that she met a woman whose daughter, despite being raised in the U.S., could not attend college because she lacked access to financial aid. “I was very moved by their story,” Patricia recalls. “It reminded me of my own family’s struggles to afford college. My parents couldn’t help us financially, and we had to rely on scholarships to get through. I wanted to help students in a similar situation.”
In 2016, just one year after she retired from MGCCC, she established the scholarship in honor of her parents. To date, the fund has helped eight students—six of whom have graduated. These students, often known as DACA recipients, do not qualify for federal or state financial aid, making Patricia’s scholarship a critical lifeline. “We don’t see it as political,” she emphasizes. “We see it as a way to better people’s lives.”
Patti’s career at MGCCC began in 1981, when she joined the college on a grant-funded position. Over the decades, she took on numerous roles, including academic counselor, director of admissions, assistant dean for military bases, and assistant dean for evening and weekend classes. One of her proudest achievements was being involved in the launch of the Banner student information system in 2000—a system that transformed how the college handled student data. “I’m sure some of my codes are still floating around out there,” she says with a smile.
Even though she officially retired in 2015, her connection to the college remains strong. In addition to her scholarship, she is an active member of the MGCCC community and said receiving the Sam Owen Award is deeply moving. “Receiving the Sam Owen Award means a lot to me because it represents individuals who are committed to making the college the best place it can be,” she says. Her commitment to helping students—especially those facing barriers to higher education—continues to be a driving force in her life.
She said community college is not just a steppingstone; it’s a place where students can thrive. “I think going to a community college binds you to your studies because there are fewer distractions,” she explains. “You get more one-on-one attention from very high-caliber instructors, and you have the opportunity to shine as a leader in your community in a way you can’t always do at a university.”
Patti’s legacy at MGCCC is a testament to her belief in the life-changing power of education. By continuing to support her scholarship and by encouraging others to make a difference, she ensures that students facing financial and legal obstacles can still pursue their dreams. “It makes me feel great to know that I am continuing to help students even though I am retired,” she reflects.