Page 70 - Senior Link Magazine Summer 2018- Online Magazine

HONORING J.T. & MARGARET

T ALKINGT ON

Making a Difference,

ONE MIND AT A TIME

BY STEPHEN S. JOHN AND MYRNA WHITEHEAD

Nancy Muñoz believes that because of the scholarship support
she has received during her two years at South Plains College,
she will have the opportunity to change the world.
A graduate of Levelland High School, Nancy is one of 126
students who are recipients this year of the J.T and Margaret
Talkington Opportunity Scholarship at SPC.
Jarrett is a graduate of Frenship High School and is completing
Selected to participate in the University Innovation Fellows his first year at SPC in the radio, television and film studies
(UIF) at Stanford University this past year, Nancy has also program. He has plans to work in corporate communications
had the opportunity to learn from Stanford mentors and for a major Fortune 500 company. He also has an eye on law
leaders in academia and industry. University Innovation school after he graduates with a bachelor’s degree from Texas
Fellows participate in a program that empowers them to Tech University.
increase campus engagement with innovation, creativity,
entrepreneurship and design thinking. A member of Phi Theta Kappa National Honor Society for
two-year community college students, Jarrett said the skills he
“My professors in the Math and Engineering Department have has acquired in his videography and video- editing courses
made it possible for me to participate in the Fellows program,” give him a step-up in pursuing a career in the communications
said Nancy. “It’s a rewarding experience that introduces new industry. “I took photography classes in high school and liked
ideas in a way that opens your mind to other possibilities.” the technology aspects,” he added. “We have done a lot of
This led Nancy to conduct a workshop, “Refill Your Creative video shooting and editing in our production classes, and that
Juice,” for SPC students, faculty and staff upon her return from gives me a business experience.”
the UIF Silicon Valley experience.
When asked what he would say to the Talkingtons if they
Nancy will graduate with an Associate of Science and Associate were still alive, he responded, “Thank you for helping
of Arts degree from SPC on May 11 and plans to transfer others get higher education to improve themselves as well
to Texas Tech University to pursue a bachelor’s degree in as the community they live in. Thank you for your amazing
Industrial Engineering with a minor in Business Management. generosity.”
She and other SPC students are benefitting from the generous Scholarships play a critical role in recruiting and retaining
scholarship endowment that was established by the J.T. and capable students, said Dr. Satterwhite. “About 56% of SPC
Margaret Talkington Charitable Foundation at SPC in March students receive some form of federal financial aid. And what
2013. Since then, the endowment has assisted 262 students in we find most often is that families have not planned financially
their educational pursuits at the college. for their student to attend college. So, scholarship programs,
like the Talkington Scholarship Endowment, help meet a need
“The legacy of J.T. and Margaret Talkington through this that is not met by other financial means.”
scholarship endowment is doing great things at South
Plains College,” said Dr. Robin Satterwhite, President. “The Danae Race, another Levelland High School graduate, agrees
Talkingtons were strong proponents of education at all levels. that scholarships help reduce the need to take on student
We are grateful to them and the Talkington Foundation trustees loans. But, for her, the Talkington scholarship she received
for creating new opportunities for our students to pursue their also offered the motivation to excel. “When someone makes an
college and career dreams.” investment in me, that is motivation for me to strive to do my
best and work to the best of my abilities,” she said.
For Jarrett Templeton, the Talkington scholarship he has
received contributes to his goal of graduating from college A Mathematics major and a Campus Ambassador, Danae also
debt-free. “I also work part-time, and scholarships have taken will graduate from SPC with an Associate of Science degree
a load off my shoulders,” he said. “It is easier to finance college on May 11 and has plans to spend the summer in New York
and not take out student loans.” City on a church mission trip. When she returns for the fall

70 Lubbock Senior Link