Posey Family Foundation’s Legacy of Philanthropy
Ernest Posey and the Posey Family Foundation Honored with the 2024 Bernard Osher Philanthropist of the Year Award
Last week, the Bernard Osher Philanthropist of the Year Award celebrated the remarkable generosity of Ernest Posey and the Posey Family Foundation. Hosted by the Network of California Community College Foundations, the ceremony recognized their transformative contribution to Pasadena City College (PCC), making them the largest donors in the college’s history. Their generosity is directly supporting students and creating lasting opportunities for success. Community college representatives and supporters from across the state, including Chancellor Sonya Christian and FoundationCCC Board Member Manuel Baca, came together to honor this inspiring commitment and show their support.
A Gift That’s Transforming Lives
The Posey Family Foundation’s donation has funded initiatives, including the Posey Institutional Loan Program, which offers low-interest loans to nursing students in PCC’s registered nursing (RN) and licensed vocational nursing (LVN) programs. By addressing financial barriers, the program enables more students to complete their education and enter the workforce as skilled healthcare professionals. Repayments from these loans are reinvested into future students, creating a sustainable cycle of support. The program also offers financial education to equip students with the necessary tools to succeed both academically and financially. Additionally, the program has been expanded to support students in PCC’s dental hygiene program, as well as future educators in teacher-preparation and career education programs. This broader reach ensures that more students across various fields have the financial support and resources needed to succeed in their chosen careers.
Philanthropy Inspired by Experience
A proud alumnus of PCC, Ernest Posey credits the college with shaping his future—a journey that took him from PCC’s classrooms to Harvard University and a distinguished career in the medical device industry. His forward-thinking philanthropy has made him the second-largest donor in PCC’s history, serving as an inspiring example of the profound impact alumni can have on their communities.
“The Posey Family, with our 75 years in the healthcare industry, is proud to help nursing students graduate through the PCC and Azusa Pacific University program. Nurses are the foundation of compassionate patient care and a healthy society. We are honored to be invited by PCC to assist nursing students in joining this exalted profession.” — Ernest Posey
Advancing Student Success
The Posey Family Foundation’s contribution is directly helping Pasadena City College students overcome financial barriers, graduate as skilled healthcare professionals, and build brighter futures. From low-interest loans to sustainable funding models, their support is creating lasting opportunities and empowering students to achieve their dreams. Join us in honoring their commitment to student success.
The Bernard Osher Philanthropist of the Year award is presented annually by the Network of California Community College Foundations, a FoundationCCC Collaborative Impact Partner comprised of local college foundation professionals dedicated to philanthropy.
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