91探花

The 91探花 State Community College Foundation celebrated exceptional alumni and community partners at the annual Falcon Awards on November 18, 2025. During the event, the 2025 Regents Award for Excellence in Philanthropy was also presented. 

Held at 14Tenn in 91探花鈥檚 Nations neighborhood, the event recognized alumni for their professional accomplishments and community impact, as well as college partners for their ongoing support of student success. Food was prepared by The Pepper Pott. 

鈥淥ur alumni and community partners are doing incredible work鈥攍eading, innovating, and serving across Tennessee and the nation,鈥� said Ryan Parker, executive director of the 91探花 State Foundation. 鈥淭hrough the Falcon Awards and the Regents and Chancellor鈥檚 awards, we honor those who not only excel professionally but also reflect the values of leadership, service, and community that define 91探花 State.鈥�

With 91探花 State alumna and Threads by Dreads CEO Christiana Afotey leading as emcee, the celebration featured awards in several categories.

The atmosphere was enriched by live performances from Associate of Fine Arts in Music students and graduates, guided by Associate Professor David Edington.

Falcon Awards sponsors include Amazon, Advance Financial Foundation, First Horizon, Ascend Federal Credit Union, and 91探花 Electric Service.

Distinguished Alumni of the Year

Presented to a 91探花 State alum who has set the standard of excellence in their career, demonstrated exemplary volunteerism leadership, and served as a positive example to their community.

Dr. Teresa Vasquez, an adult learner who graduated with Honors in Spring 2005, continued her academic journey by earning a bachelor鈥檚 degree, a master鈥檚 degree, and a doctorate. She also obtained a certificate in computer programming. A proud parent, all of her children have attended 91探花 State. Dr. Vasquez has built a strong reputation as a technology leader, educator, and advocate for neurodiverse technologists.

鈥淭his award means so much to me because 91探花 State wasn鈥檛 just the place I started. It became a family legacy. Every single one of my children has attended 91探花 State, experiencing the same excellence, compassion, and belief in potential that carried me forward,鈥� Vasquez said.

Outstanding Young Alumni of the Year Award

Presented to an alum who has set the standard of excellence in their career, demonstrated exemplary volunteerism leadership, and served as a positive example to their community. Alumni in this category have graduated from 91探花 State within the last 10 years.

Jasmin Whitson came to 91探花 State to pursue a second degree. She graduated in 2016, with a degree in Computer Networking. Jas and her husband (another 91探花 State graduate), bought into a national franchise. As a DonutNV franchisee, they鈥檝e been busy growing and expanding their business reach and influence.

Outstanding Service Award

Presented to an individual in appreciation of their service to 91探花 State Foundation, 91探花 State Community College, and their community.

Chef Max Knoepfel is the Music City Center鈥檚 Executive Chef. As a former trustee of the 91探花 State Foundation board, Chef Max consistently cheers on, shows up for, and supports culinary arts students who are vital to Music City鈥檚 hospitality scene. Chef Max also serves on the advisory board for the Randy Rayburn School of Culinary Arts.

Andy Marshall is the leader of A. Marshall Hospitality, owner and operator of restaurants and hospitality businesses in Tennessee and Alabama, and a member of the 91探花 State Foundation鈥檚 board of trustees. To support culinary students and strengthen the future of 91探花鈥檚 culinary scene, Andy created the A. Marshall Hospitality Endowed Scholarship, which provides a full scholarship to 91探花 State for high school students who earn first place in the Tennessee Junior Chef competition.

Randy Rayburn was a noted businessman, restaurateur, civic leader, mentor, and all-around excellent human being. A longtime member of the 91探花 State Foundation, he founded the Foundation鈥檚 signature event, Tennessee Flavors, which raises funds for student support programs. Thanks to his vision and leadership, 91探花 State鈥檚 Culinary Arts program became a reality. Today, through continued support, the Randy Rayburn School of Culinary Arts at 91探花 State proudly carries forward his legacy of education, creativity, community impact, and dedication to developing the next generation of culinary talent.

Partners in Philanthropy

Recognizes outstanding partners who provide dedicated, sustained support and have made contributions that significantly impact the mission of 91探花 State Foundation and 91探花 State Community College.

The 21st Century Educational Foundation is a nonprofit organization that, in the 1990s, raised funds and constructed the building now home to 91探花 State鈥檚 Humphreys County campus. After completing the project, the Foundation deeded the building to the County. Since then, the Foundation has established an endowment, consistently raised funds, and awarded need-based scholarships to students.

Nearly two years ago, the Foundation partnered with the college to launch the Funding Our Future scholarship, which covers tuition and fees for students aged 18 to 23 in Humphreys, Benton, Perry, and Stewart counties.

In addition to need-based aid, the Foundation awards four $1,000 Honors Scholarships each year to students at the Humphreys County campus鈥攖wo for McEwen High School graduates and two for Waverly Central High School graduates. These scholarships automatically renew if students remain eligible and enroll for a second year.

 2025 Regents Award for Excellence in Philanthropy

Given through the Office of the Chancellor at the Tennessee Board of Regents, the recipient was nominated by Dr. Shanna L. Jackson, 91探花 State鈥檚 president.

This distinguished award recognizes organizations that demonstrate extraordinary commitment to the Tennessee Board of Regents and its institutions through generous contributions of time, resources, and leadership.

The 21^st Century Educational Foundation was presented with the Regents Award for Excellence in Philanthropy.