The Tony Cantu memorial scholarship reached its fundraising goal of $20,000 by the end of the semester to be matched by the State Center Community College Foundation allowing for the scholarship to be permanently endowed.

“This is something that is set up by the family,” said Bill Stewart, SCCCD interim chancellor. “But we do agree with that decision; he loved students, and we all hope that this scholarship in his memory lives on.”

The final funds were raised at a poetry reading in the Old Administration Building where faculty, staff, students family and friends gathered to share memories of the colleges former leader.

“Tony was my friend,” Pearl Mangum. “And that friendship means a lot; he never forgot about me, even we he went off and became president, I hope I can do that same thing, I hope that I don’t forget anybody.”

Stories from the event became more personal leading to English instructor Michael Roberts reading a poem that he wrote about his final encounter with former president Cantu, the Thursday before spring break.

“I met with him that Thursday to say goodbye because I am retiring and moving away,” Roberts said. “I really thought that day that it was going to be me leaving, not him.”

Donations to the scholarship fund may be made by check, credit card or online. Check donations may be made out to SCCCF with a notation in the memo: “Tony Cantú Scholarship.”

They may be mailed to State Center Community Foundation at: 390 W. Fir Avenue, Suite 300 Clovis, CA 93611.

Eligibility details for the scholarship have not been released by the family but will be made.