DONOR NEWS
Foundations for the Future: Building Success Through Generosity
Donor Spotlight: Education Changed Their Lives Now They’re Changing Lives at Gateway
When Norm and Lisa Desmarais talk about the value of higher education, they speak not from theory but from lived experience Both grew up in Rhode Island as children of hardworking parents who instilled grit and determination but had little experience navigating college. Neither family had a roadmap, yet Lisa and Norm found their way through perseverance. Today, their generosity is helping Gateway students do the same.
Lisa’s father worked as an auto body repairman, and her mother was a bookkeeper Norm’s father was an electrician who worked on nuclear submarines, and his mother was a restaurant chef Education was encouraged, but neither family had firsthand knowledge of the process “Our parents were supportive of education, but didn’t know how to get there,” Lisa recalls “My husband and I figured it out ourselves.”
Lisa attended Rhode Island College while supporting herself with Pell Grants, workstudy, and a 32-hour-a-week job. She paid for her own car, gas, and bills. “Once my car broke down and it was down for three weeks I had to figure out how to get to both work and school That’s what so many Gateway students go through I know what that feels like ”
Norm enrolled at Norwalk State Technical College in Connecticut, the only school offering the computer science engineering program he wanted As an out-ofstate student, he established residency, found a roommate, worked multiple jobs, and lived on Pell Grants and student loans. Both persevered and went on to successful technology careers.
Norm and Lisa’s story is proof of the difference higher education can make and their support is opening doors for our students today
Want to make an impact like Norm and Lisa? Contact Tess Burns (tess burns@kctcs edu) to learn how you can support Gateway students!
Lisa’s first job was a stark reminder of those challenges She was the only state-school graduate among ten new hires; the others came from prestigious universities “You might feel like you are less than, but you aren’t,” she says, speaking directly to Gateway students. “You have all the training to be here. You deserve it.” Norm advanced in defense applications with Raytheon Technologies and later founded Cambridge Digital Media, which he later relocated to Cincinnati
Their move to Northern Kentucky began with Lisa’s position at Fidelity, opening the Covington office as the first “boots on the ground ” What was supposed to be a one-year assignment turned into a permanent home. More than three decades later, Northern Kentucky remains their base. Norm co-founded TiER1 Performance Solutions, and together they embraced the region as the perfect place to raise their family
For the past two decades, Norm and Lisa have been deeply engaged in the community, serving on boards and giving back “We feel like we have been able to leverage some great opportunities, make some good decisions, and get to a point where we can do that.” Lisa states, "We are committed to giving back."
When asked why education is their philanthropic focus, Lisa’s response is immediate: “Education is what got us to where we are today ” They know firsthand that education can be the catalyst for a brighter future but students often face several barriers along the way
That’s why they established an endowment fund with Horizon Community Fund for Gateway They also support scholarships and programs like the Student Success Emergency Fund “At a certain point, how many jobs can you have and try to stay in school?” Lisa says. “My husband did not have support like this and instead had to take additional jobs. We want today’s students to have better options to remain focused on their education ”
For Lisa and Norm, Gateway represents more than a college “You really need to look at all the different programs that Gateway provides to students that fuel the economic engine of this community,” Lisa explains “A lot of the programs offered at Gateway become direct feeders into the community and the economy. It’s not just about giving money to someone so they can earn their degree and start their life it’s supporting them and helping our community. If you are a donor and investing in education, why not invest in people who help feed the local economy?”
Through their generosity, Lisa and Norm have created a pathway for future Gateway students to succeed Their support tells those students: You do belong You can do this We believe in you. And their message to fellow donors is clear: investing in Gateway is investing in Northern Kentucky itself.
“There are so many ways to contribute to Gateway,” Lisa reminds others “Find the one that speaks to you and know that you’re making a difference in someone’s life and in our community ”
Gateway Community & Technical College was established through the support of local donors, which laid the groundwork for the progress of the Northern Kentucky region The Gateway Foundation will continue to build on their legacy as we change more lives for years to come
A Place at the Table: Gateway’s Thanksgiving Meal Kits
For many Gateway students, putting food on the table is a daily challenge. Holidays can make that burden even heavier That’s why Gateway has made it a tradition to provide Thanksgiving meal kits to students in need now in its fourth year.
Each kit includes a turkey, classic sides, and sometimes even a pie “Many students stretch their SNAP benefits or paychecks just to survive,” says Sarah Young, Community Resource Coordinator at Gateway. “Something extra like Thanksgiving can really hinder their food budget We like to ease that burden, even if it is just a bit ”
Students who have accessed the pantry during the spring, summer, or fall semesters are invited to pick up their meal kit This year, Gateway hopes to distribute up to 80 kits, though transportation barriers may affect that number.
The impact goes beyond the food itself One student shared last year that she received her kit and welcomed her baby the very next day For her, the holiday meal was more than nourishment; it was a moment of dignity and joy at a time of great change
As Sarah explains, “Receiving a Thanksgiving meal kit is just a part of the bigger picture here at Gateway. Some of these students do not have family to call their own However, we are like family to them When they stop by to celebrate that A on an exam or share a barrier they need help with, we are their lifeline; their safety net. We are their family.”
Thanks to donor support, Gateway students don’t just get a meal they get belonging.
Did you know?
There are many ways to make a lasting impact at Gateway! In addition to traditional giving, you can support students through gifts of stock or other appreciated assets, or by establishing a charitable trust. And don’t forget many employers offer matching gift programs, which can double (or even triple) the power of your contribution
You made the difference!
Summer Camp Spotlight
This summer, Gateway welcomed 130 Northern Kentucky high school students to explore their passions and future career paths through seven engaging camps From hands-on experiences through the automotive, computer manufacturing, manufacturing engineering, and welding camps, to discovery-based learning through the biology, entrepreneurship, and health careers camps, students gained valuable skills and insight into industries shaping our community. These opportunities not only sparked curiosity but also built confidence for the next generation of learners and leaders.
None of this would have been possible without the generous support of our sponsors the Charles L Shor Foundation and the Bosch Community Fund whose commitment to education continues to open doors for students across Northern Kentucky
500 Technology Way Florence, KY 41042
Your generosity helped 75 students receive Thanksgiving meal kits last year, each with 35 pounds of food. Donate today to help support more students this year.
