Donations make a difference in restoring Doyle scholarships

Many businesses have suffered financially in these hard times and Exchange Bank is no exception.

Earlier this year, the Sonoma County-based bank was forced to suspend its Doyle Trust dividends, which for 60 years have provided scholarships for high school graduates entering Santa Rosa Junior College.

The loss of the funds for the scholarships has affected approximately 2,000 Sonoma County students this year.

In an effort to restore the Doyle scholarships, the Bridging the Doyle Campaign was launched, encouraging community members to make contributions and support not only the education of high school graduates but also the recovery of our economy.

One couple has shown their understanding of the importance of community support. Tech industry leader John Webley and Santa Rosa Symphony board member Jennifer Webley have offered to match every donation made to the campaign — up to $50,000.

“We all need to do everything we can to make sure that young students have the help they need to attend college and achieve success,” said Jennifer Webley. “We love Santa Rosa Junior College.”

The couple’s contribution to restoring the scholarship has given the campaign a significant boost and much hope.

“It’s making a tremendous impact on the campaign,” said Kate McClintock, executive director of the Santa Rosa Junior College Foundation. “We’re very grateful for it.”

Sonoma County high school students deemed “Doyle scholars” typically receive scholarships in an amount between $500 and $1,000, which can be used toward tuition and books at SRJC.

More than 120,000 students have been given the scholarship since it was established in 1948 by Frank P. Doyle.

“Frank Doyle founded Exchange Bank with the sole purpose of having the profits provide scholarships for students going to the junior college,” said Casa Grande High School principal Linda Scheele. “That’s the whole reason Exchange Bank exists.

“Since their financial situation became shaky and they could not guarantee funding for the scholarships, students who already had them were still paid through this year, but no funded scholarships were offered for next year.”

Many students in the class of 2009 still received a letter and a certificate informing them that they have been declared Doyle scholars but will not be given the scholarship.

The letter states that, “Given the current state of the economy, Doyle scholarships are not being offered to the new students for the 2009-10 year.”

The Webleys’ pledge has inspired other community members to follow their example and return the Doyle Scholarship to high school students who need it.

“We’re receiving donations from people in the community who know about the pledge,” said McClintock. “Donations are matched dollar for dollar. Every time someone gives a gift, whether it’s $5 or $100, it’s matched directly. It doubles the donation. The couple has made a huge difference.”

To make a matched gift to the Bridging the Doyle Campaign, visit www.santarosa.edu/bridging-the-doyle or call the Santa Rosa Junior College Foundation at 527-4348. All contributions are tax-deductible.

(Contact Nina Udomsak at argus@arguscourier.com)