By Mallory Kennedy

Lenoir Community College (LCC) student Daniel Edwards was left feeling humbled after he was a recipient of a vehicle awarded through the LCC Cars for College program. 

The Cars for College program was launched after a $250,000 honorarium was gifted by the Z. Smith Reynolds (ZSR) Foundation to commemorate former Trustee John O. McNairy’s 20 years of service to the ZSR Foundation. The program is an economic mobility initiative that secures transportation for students who are enrolled at LCC and earning college credit. The intended outcome is to remove the mobility barriers that often prevent students from owning and operating a safe and dependable motor vehicle. 

“Being able to have a dependable vehicle will allow me to continue to work towards my degree without the worry of transportation,” he said.

Edwards is currently enrolled in the LCC Automotive Systems Technology Program as well as the Gunsmithing program. 

The vehicles awarded to students are repaired in the Automotive Systems Technology program, where the students are able to use their skills and apply the classroom learning to make the needed repairs on the vehicles. Under the direction of a certified Automotive Service Excellence (ASE) Master Technician, the cars also undergo a 72-point inspection and a North Carolina Safety Inspection. 

“I was ecstatic when I learned that I would be receiving a car through the program. I felt honored knowing that I had not one, but two instructors that felt I was a deserving candidate and worked to help me through the process,” Edwards said. 

“Knowing that I have the support from my instructors and that they care about my future is something that I will always carry with me. When you get that extra little push, appreciation, and acknowledgement of your success, it provides you with a certain grit. Afterall, grit is the driving force to accomplish your goals,” Edwards said. 

“I am thankful for the donations of Mr. McNairy and for the Z. Smith Reynolds Foundation for making this program possible. His support makes it possible for me to continue out my education without the worry of reliable transportation and for students ahead of me to do the same.”

For more information on the Cars for College program or if you would like to donate a vehicle, contact LCC Foundation Executive Director Jeanne Kennedy at (252) 233-6812 or email jmkennedy48@lenoircc.edu.