I am very honored and excited to serve as President of the Step Forward Scholarship Fund (SFSF) for the coming year. It is truly amazing what this organization has done over the last seven years to enrich the lives of our Governors Club employees and their children.
Angelia and I came to GC in December of 2023, drawn by the birth of our youngest grandson, Atticus. During a new member orientation program, we had the opportunity to hear Nancy Broaddus speak about the SFSF mission and community impact. Having spent forty-four years in higher education serving in a variety of positions, I couldn’t wait to get involved with such a forward-thinking organization. A subsequent breakfast with Nancy and Bill Wallace deepened my resolve to serve. I am humbled to follow in the footsteps of two individuals who have led the development of such a vibrant and thriving organization.
During my time as Chair of the SFSF Scholarship Committee, I have had the pleasure of hearing directly from our scholarship recipients about their educational goals and broader career aspirations. Due to the generosity of so many in the Governors Club community, the dreams of these special young people are coming true.
With your continued support, we can touch more lives this year.
Thanks,
Dave
Greetings *{{Informal Name}}* ,
As I conclude my service as President of the Step Forward Scholarship Fund, I find myself reflecting on what an extraordinary journey these past several years have been. It has been one of the greatest privileges of my professional and volunteer life to serve alongside an exceptional Board of Directors united by a shared belief that education opens doors, creates opportunity, and strengthens our community.
Together we have:
Surpassed $1 million in charitable contributions.
Expanded our donor community and strengthened relationships with individuals, businesses, and foundations.
Built a strong financial infrastructure with enhanced reporting, accountability, and stewardship.
Modernized our technology platform and welcomed experienced information technology leaders to the Board to help guide our digital future.
Strengthened governance through new policies, committees, and strategic planning.
Expanded mentoring and student support initiatives to help scholarship recipients succeed beyond the classroom.
Recruited an exceptional new generation of board members whose expertise ensures Step Forward's continued success.
While these accomplishments are significant, what I will treasure most are the people. This board has been a remarkable team—one that worked with purpose, respected one another's ideas, celebrated successes together, and never lost sight of the students and families we serve. The friendships we have formed and our shared commitment to making a difference have made this experience deeply meaningful, genuinely fun and filled with joy.
Our work has never been about budgets, policies, technology, or organizational growth. Those are just the tools that allow us to meet our goals. Our true purpose has always been to create opportunities. I can definitely say that I am looking back on my time on the board with gratitude and looking ahead with confidence to the wonderful achievements ahead for SFSF.
With pleasure and joy,
Nancy Broaddus
Welcoming Our New Board Members
Holly Bonsignore
Leslie Strohm
Honoring Our Outgoing Board Members
Janie Butler
Karen Degner
SCHOLARSHIP RECIPIENTS HONORED AT LUNCH
On July 1st, 12 Step Forward Scholarship recipients attended a lunch recognizing their accomplishments. Board members and mentors also attended the event.
President David Hopkins addressed the students, encouraging them to contact their mentors and receive coaching and advice. Hopkins also urged the students to start early in their academic studies to begin thinking about a career path and to develop personal contacts. He emphasized that Governors Club is filled with people from various vocations and that these people can also be informal guides in the daunting process of career planning
left to right: Nancy Broaddus,
left to right: James Holmes, Griffin Ching, Wheeler and Laurianne Chapman
SFSF President, David Hopkins
SFSF at a Glance
2026 - 2027 Academic Year
(to be announced September 11)
Since January 1, 2026, the SF Scholarship Committee has awarded 29 applications requesting educational support, including tuition, reimbursement for college applications, and summer internship support. Six have been previously awarded this year, with the remaining 23 recently approved unanimously. Here’s a snapshot of this new group of scholarship recipients:
12 – Undergraduate study at a four-year institution
2 – Masters/Doctoral study
5 – Two-year institution study
4 – Professional development
25 Recipient
14 are children of employees
11 are employees
Total awarded: $171,100
Average award: $6,844
2019 - Present
159 Recipients
89 children of employees
70 employees
Total awarded: $856,000
Average award:$5,383
Coming September 11, 2026!
SFSF CELEBRATION – FEATURED PERFORMANCE
When you think of North Carolina, you might envision barbeque, the Tarheels, shrimp and grits, and shag dancing. Flamenco and classical guitar? Not so much.
Just wait. On September 11th, Eduardo de Rosamaria (Ed Stephenson) and his flamenco dancers will perform at the Step Forward Scholarship Fund’s annual celebration of scholarship recipients, sponsors, and donors at the Governors Club ballroom. Mark your calendars for this memorable event.
Rosamaria is based out of Raleigh but is a Canadian guitarist specializing in Spanish classical guitar, flamenco, and flamenco-fusion. He performs solo and with symphonies and ensembles. As his website describes, “His versatility is reflected in his ‘discography’: Ukrainian children’s songs; ‘Winter Branches’ with the NC Guitar Quartet; and ‘a Paco Band Christmas’ . . .”. Rosamaria’s music is described by the Classical Voice of North Carolina as having “all the characteristics and virtuosity of traditional flamenco guitar but falls outside the limited traditional flamenco harmonies and structure.”
When you listen to Rosamaria on September 11th and witness the dramatic dancers, you will be fascinated by the complex rhythms, the deep vocal emotions, and the passionate dance movements with hand-clapping and shouting.
Keep an eye out for an email invite for the Step Forward celebration coming out in a few days. The event is open to any donor from 2025 and 2026. Help us appreciate our donors, our scholars, and our sponsors, who make such a celebration possible. You’ll be glad you did.
The Step Forward Scholarship Fund seeks to provide financial support to qualifying Governors Club employees and their minor dependents to help them achieve their education and career aspirations.
We are profoundly grateful for our donors and sponsors, whose generosity is the lifeline that makes our mission possible. Their unwavering support allows us to continue our vital work and create a lasting, positive impact for so many families.
We’re seeking passionate individuals to join our Committees and help drive the SFSF mission—empowering Governors Club employees and their families to "step forward" to life-changing opportunities.
Financial contributions are vital to our work. Active involvement offers an even deeper reward—the personal fulfillment of giving your time, energy, and heart.
Please reach out to a committee of your interest below:
