Acuity Brands endows scholarship for Oakton college students today and tomorrow

A philanthropic donation of $10,000 from Acuity Brands — which includes Des Plaines-based Juno Lighting among its brands — will establish an endowed scholarship, creating opportunities for students to access a life-changing Oakton College education for generations to come.

Leaders from Oakton College and Acuity Brands marked the beginning of this impactful partnership with a ceremonial check presentation at Oakton’s Des Plaines campus on March 11.

“We’re grateful for Acuity Brands’ generosity,” said Katherine Sawyer, Oakton College Educational Foundation executive director. “This donation will play a crucial role in dismantling financial obstacles for our students, fostering access to education and contributing to Oakton’s goal of building just and thriving communities.”

“Acuity Brands is a values-driven organization, and our values are at the core of our culture,” said Hansy Charlier, Central Region C&I vice president for Acuity Brands and Oakton College Educational Foundation board director. “One of our seven values is ‘Community,’ through which we support the communities where we work and live. As a member of Oakton’s Educational Foundation board, I am proud and excited that Acuity applied its EarthLIGHT in Action to support our community and students. This contribution will help students achieve their dreams and goals. This kind of support from Acuity Brands can only improve our communities and provide a pathway to our students that will certainly impact future generations.”

Once the earnings from this investment begin to produce awards, the Acuity Brands Endowed Scholarship will be available to all Oakton students maintaining a GPA of 2.0 or higher and enrolled in credit classes. With one scholarship application on Oakton’s website, currently enrolled students can access hundreds of scholarship opportunities — many of which are supported by the Oakton College Educational Foundation. The Educational Foundation supports the college's mission and vision by raising funds supporting student scholarships, academic programs, teaching excellence, and capital improvements that enhance the quality of education at Oakton.

For information on Acuity Brands, visit acuitybrands.com.

For informaion on the Oakton College Educational Foundaiton, visit oakton.edu/giving/educational-foundation.php.