Arlene Holden with students in 2011

Lake County philanthropist and higher education supporter Arlene Holden has contributed $50,000 to The Arlene M. and Arthur S. Holden Endowed Scholarship Fund at Lakeland Community College through The Lakeland Foundation.

The fund provides need-based scholarships to Lakeland students who maintain a 2.8 grade-point average, who are United States citizens and who demonstrate good moral character, integrity, leadership potential and prior or current involvement in extracurricular activities and/or family responsibilities.

Since the fund was established in 2005, 106 scholarships have been awarded. For the 2020-2021 academic year, four students have received scholarships thus far.

"On behalf of our scholarship recipients, we are very grateful for Ms. Holden's continued support of our students," said Lakeland President Dr. Morris Beverage Jr. "This is just one of the many ways that barriers are removed so that students can get their education and improve their lives."

Having made their home in Lake County, Arlene and Arthur Holden have a long history of supporting Lakeland and higher education.

Arthur Holden helped to establish the college in 1967 and served as its first board chair. Since his death in 2008, his wife Arlene has continued to lead their vision for community-centric giving.

In 2011 the college responded to community needs by establishing an opportunity for Lake County area residents to earn a four-year or graduate degree close to home. With Ms. Holden's support, the building was named the "Arlene and Arthur Holden University Center of Lakeland." Since 2013, more than 1,100 area residents have completed their bachelor's or graduate degrees at the "Holden University Center."

In addition to making higher education in Lake County more accessible, the Holdens have supported many causes and institutions throughout Northeast Ohio that have a lasting impact on the region.

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About the Lakeland Foundation

The foundation is an independent, 501(c)3 organization with a 40-member Board of Trustees. As the philanthropic arm of Lakeland Community College, the foundation focuses on raising and allocating funds vital to supporting the students and programs of the college. The foundation also serves as the college’s alumni association. Through its philanthropic endeavors, on average $1M is raised annually for scholarships and student support programs. The foundation accepts gifts to the General Scholarship Fund, donating to an existing scholarship fund, or creating a new fund. For more information, visit the link below.

By: Jessica Novak