BREAKING NEWS: Carroll Community College has officially announced the retirement of Steve Wantz, the executive director of its foundation, after nearly 24 years of transformative leadership. This urgent update marks a significant moment for the college community as Wantz departs from a role that saw the foundation’s assets surge from under $750,000 to over $36 million in his tenure.
Wantz, a proud alumnus and first-generation college graduate, joined Carroll Community College in 2002 following a successful 26-year career in financial services. Under his guidance, the foundation has successfully executed four major fundraising campaigns, surpassing all goals, with the latest initiative, “Turning Hopes and Dreams into Reality,” raising a record-breaking $14.46 million for scholarships, campus enhancements, and workforce development programs.
President Rosalie Mince praised Wantz’s impact, stating,
“Steve’s leadership has transformed what is possible for Carroll and its students. His ability to connect people to our mission has built not only financial strength, but also trust, pride, and a shared purpose that will endure for decades.”
Among his notable achievements are the launch of enduring initiatives such as the President’s Society, the Joseph F. Shields Legacy Circle, and the Starry Night Gala, which collectively generated over $2 million for scholarships over the past two decades.
The college has awarded Wantz emeritus status, one of its highest honors, recognizing his dedicated service to students and the broader community. His retirement comes at a pivotal time as Carroll Community College continues to expand its mission of educational excellence and community support.
As the college prepares for this transition, stakeholders are keenly watching how the foundation will evolve without Wantz’s visionary leadership. The next executive director will face the challenge of maintaining the momentum built over nearly a quarter of a century.
This urgent update emphasizes the lasting legacy Wantz leaves behind, not only in financial terms but also in the hearts and minds of those who benefited from his unwavering commitment to education and community development.
Stay tuned for further updates on leadership changes at Carroll Community College and their impact on future initiatives.
