Mother and Daughter
Growing up in a poor family with no formal education, Lisa Lee says she never gave college much thought because she knew her parents could not afford it. "My mother never completed high school, and my father only finished a few night courses," she says. "Because my parents needed extra money, I dropped out of high school and was home-schooled, so I could get a job to help the family make ends meet. "

Everything changed once Lisa had a daughter of her own. She was working full time, and her employer asked her to give feedback about the company's website design. She became interested in web design and decided to pursue an education in web development; so she looked into the Web Technologies program at Durham Tech.

Lisa's instructors describe her as "a dedicated student destined for success." Faculty members were so impressed by her focus and enthusiasm for learning that they nominated her for the Annelle Pegg Scholarship sponsored by the NC Computer Instructors Association. She was awarded the scholarship in March 2012. Since her enrollment at Durham Tech in Fall 2010, Lisa has been named to the President's List each semester; and she currently has a grade point average of 4.0. She has been invited to join both the Phi Theta Kappa and Gamma Beta Phi honor societies. She has completed a Database Programming certificate and will obtain her Web Designer certificate and Web Technologies associate's degree in spring 2013.

In addition to her course work, Lisa is PTA president and a regular volunteer at her daughter's school. "My daughter encouraged me to go back to school," Lisa says. "I want to be the best role model possible for her as well as for other girls and single mothers."

Back row, left to right: Stephanie, daughter-in-law Caroline, Matt, Danielle, Mom Winnie, Richie, Winnie, and Jeanna Front row, left to right: Ace, Jagger, and Zack

Winnie has taken several computer courses at the college and completed the Certified Nursing Assistant program in spring of 2012. Namesake daughter, Winnie, and big sister, Stephanie, both attended Durham Tech before continuing their undergraduate work at UNC-Charlotte; while Danielle chose to attend NC State University after taking English and accounting courses at DTCC.

Daughter Jeanna also spent time at Durham Tech before moving to the west coast; while the youngest Kaspar sons — triplets Ace, Jagger, and Zack — are all currently enrolled at the college. Mom Winnie sums it up for the entire family, saying, "Our education at Durham Tech has been of the very highest standards at an affordable price. We have found a fun and exciting curriculum, convenient schedules, and very caring instructors at Durham Tech — all necessary ingredients to furthering our education and enhancing our lives."