News and Updates
05.06.2025
ICFNC Receives $4K Scholarship from Bridgestone Americas Trust Fund
The Independent College Fund of North Carolina (ICFNC), the fundraising arm of North Carolina Independent Colleges and Universities (NCICU), received a $4,000 scholarship from the Bridgestone Americas Trust Fund on May 1, 2025. The gift continues Bridgestone’s longstanding commitment to educational opportunity and community engagement in eastern North Carolina.
“We deeply appreciate Bridgestone’s continued investment in students and communities across North Carolina,” said Dr. A. Hope Williams, President of NCICU. “This scholarship will provide essential support for a student who might not otherwise have access to the life-changing experience of a college education. Barton College and the NCICU community are proud to partner with companies like Bridgestone that believe in the power of opportunity.”
The scholarship will be awarded to a full-time undergraduate student at Barton College who demonstrates financial need, maintains a minimum GPA of 3.0, and resides in Edgecombe, Greene, Johnston, Nash, Pitt, Wayne, or Wilson Counties.
“As Wilson County’s largest industrial employer, Bridgestone plays an active role in the community,” said Lino Beltrami, Plant Manager. “Bridgestone is proud to support the Independent College Fund of North Carolina’s commitment to providing student scholarship aid and enrichment programs, which reflects a core element of the Bridgestone E8 commitment, Empowerment, in action.”
Bridgestone’s Wilson Plant, which manufactures passenger and light truck radial tires, is the company’s longest-operating tire manufacturing facility in the U.S. and a vital part of the region’s economy.
“This gift represents more than financial aid—it is a direct investment in student success and the future of our state,” added Colleen Kinser, Director of ICFNC. “We thank Bridgestone for helping a deserving Barton College student take the next step in their academic and professional journey.”
Click here to learn more about scholarships available through NCICU.
Click here to donate to support the Independent College Fund of North Carolina.
The post ICFNC Receives $4K Scholarship from Bridgestone Americas Trust Fund appeared first on NCICU.
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The Independent College Fund of NC (ICFNC) newsletter connects donors and stakeholders with the impact of their contributions across 36 member colleges and universities. It highlights student achievements, scholarship milestones, grant-funded programs like the Ethics Bowl, and strategic growth that drives North Carolina’s future workforce.
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The Independent College Fund of North Carolina (ICFNC) is the dedicated fundraising division of North Carolina Independent Colleges and Universities (NCICU). Both entities operate as 501(c)(3) public charities, meaning all charitable contributions to support scholarships and academic programs are tax-deductible.