Cardinal Foundation

The Gadsden State Cardinal Foundation had a banner year in 2023 with a successful fundraiser, naming ceremonies and new scholarships. The Cardinal Foundation was established to raise, manage, distribute and steward private resources to support the mission of Gadsden State. 

In April, Tyler Union, a McWane Inc. company, increased access to skilled trades training by expanding its electrician scholarship program at Gadsden State. 

The Anniston-based manufacturer committed an additional $16,000 to the Gadsden State Cardinal Foundation for the Tyler Union Workforce Development Scholarship. The program previously awarded $1,000 each to two Gadsden State students annually in electrical programs, with the ability to renew the scholarship for the second year of the program with a qualifying GPA. This brings the total donation to $20,000. The new funds benefited eight additional students – two graduates each from Calhoun County high schools – Anniston, Ohatchee, Wellborn and Weaver. 

Students must pursue technical degrees in one of six different areas of study, including Electrical Technology, Engineering Design Technology, Industrial Automation, Mechanical Design, Mechatronics and Precision Machining. 

GRIP AutoCross donated $3,500 to the Cardinal Foundation to fund a scholarship at the College. The non-profit organization was founded by Gadsden State Alum Wesley McBrayer and Will Posey. 

LEFT: Tyler Meads receiving the GRIP AutoCross scholarship

Autocross became a hobby of McBrayer’s during his time as an Industrial Automation and Electrical Technology student. Autocross is a timed motorsport where drivers race against each other through a course marked with cones in a parking lot or other large paved areas. The first scholarship was awarded to Tyler Meads. 

In July, Gadsden State recognized Dr. Martha Lavender for her contributions to the College and to the Cardinal Foundation by naming the boardroom in the Joe Ford Center after the retired president. A naming ceremony was hosted by the Foundation. 

Lavender donated $10,000 for the naming opportunity. The funds will promote the Cardinal Foundation’s Promoting Student Access Initiative. She also endowed a scholarship known as the Martha and Tim Lavender Scholarship. 

Lavender had an extensive 45-year career, which included administrative and faculty positions at Jacksonville State University and the University of Alabama at Birmingham. Most of her career was spent at Gadsden State, where she earned her first of many degrees in Nursing. Professionally, she served Gadsden State as a nursing instructor, the assistant to the president, campus director at Gadsden State Cherokee and the dean of Health Sciences. She was named interim president at Gadsden State in 2014 before accepting the role officially in 2015. She retired in September 2020. 

The inaugural Cardinal Gala was held on Sept. 14 in the Beck Gymnasium. The purpose of the Gala is to raise funds that provide opportunities for Gadsden State students. It is also an opportunity for supporters to come together to provide the enduring gift of learning.

Melissa Herkt, a Gadsden State graduate, was the keynote speaker. The Gala also included dinner, an auction and music. Over $68,000 was raised at the event. 

The 2024 Cardinal Gala is planned for Oct. 10 at The Venue at Coosa Landing. 

Long-time supporter Richard Lindsey was honored during a naming ceremony on Sept. 24 at the Gadsden State Cherokee Arena. During a ceremony hosted by the Cardinal Foundation and the Cherokee County Chamber of Commerce, the arena was officially named the Richard A. Lindsey Arena. 

Lindsey, who served as the representative for the Alabama House District 39 for 35 years, was instrumental in securing the construction of Gadsden State Cherokee in response to community and governmental efforts to meet the growing educational needs in the region. The project was a combined effort of Lindsey, the Cherokee County Commission, KTH Leesburg Products and the municipalities of Centre, Cedar Bluff, Gaylesville, Leesburg and Sand Rock. 

The $22 million multi-level complex was constructed in 2008 and includes a 300-seat conference room, smaller meeting rooms, classrooms, learning laboratories and office space in addition to the 2,500-seat arena. The Cherokee County Chamber of Commerce is also housed on campus. 

For more information about donations, naming opportunities and Gala sponsorships, visit www.GadsdenState.edu/CardinalFoundation.