Central Arizona College Foundation Receives Sizeable Donation to Establish the Joyce Amburgey Memorial Scholarship

By Angela Askey, Executive Director Public Relations and Marketing

The Central Arizona College Foundation recently received a donation of $50,000 from Cindy Schorr to establish the Joyce Amburgey Memorial Scholarship.

Amburgey was raised in Middletown, Ohio. She dropped out of high school at the age of 17. As a stay-at-home mom, she not only raised four children but also committed her time to training and showing Tennessee Walking horses.

Following life changes at the age of 35, Amburgey entered the workforce, holding positions as a bartender and performing entry level clerical work. She knew to support her family she needed to return to education. She completed the GED and through hard work and dedication, she received several promotions leading her to positions as an inventory control supervisor and later facilities manager for an insurance company that owned its own building.

As Amburgey mentored and hired employees she would encourage them to “get a good education”. She set the example by taking business and accounting courses at a local community college.

Joyce Amburgey’s family hopes that this scholarship will help make higher education accessible to deserving students. A $1,000 scholarship will be provided per semester each academic year, beginning in Fall 2025. The scholarship is open to Pinal County Residents or graduates of a Pinal County High School who intend to enter a medical field. Preference will be given to a first-generation college student or one who comes from a disadvantaged background.

The Joyce Amburgey Memorial Scholarship will provide educational opportunities for students in years to come. Additional and continued support can make more scholarships available to students who need financial support. Tax-deductible contributions can be made online at www.centralaz.edu/give to support this and other CAC scholarships.

For additional information please contact Craig Kurtz, Executive Director Institutional Development at (520) 494-5215 or craig.kurtz@centralaz.edu.