Carroll Community College’s Steve Wantz Retires After 24 Years

Carroll Community College has announced the retirement of Steve Wantz, the executive director of the college’s foundation, after nearly 24 years of dedicated service. In recognition of his significant contributions to the institution and the community, the college has awarded him emeritus status, one of its highest honors.

Wantz, a proud alumnus of Carroll Community College and a first-generation college graduate, joined the college in 2002 following a successful 26-year career in financial services. His tenure at the Carroll Community College Foundation has seen remarkable growth; when he started, the foundation managed less than $750,000 in assets. Under his leadership, that figure has surged to over $36 million, which has supported numerous scholarships, academic initiatives, and capital projects.

Transformational Leadership and Fundraising Success

During his time at the college, Wantz successfully completed four major fundraising campaigns, each exceeding its financial goals. The most recent campaign, titled Turning Hopes and Dreams into Reality, raised a record-breaking $14.46 million for scholarships, campus improvements, and workforce development programs. This achievement underscores his ability to mobilize resources for the benefit of students and the broader community.

In addition to fundraising, Wantz initiated several key programs that have become staples at the college. Notable among these are the President’s Society and the Joseph F. Shields Legacy Circle, alongside the popular Starry Night Gala. Over the past two decades, the gala has generated more than $2 million for scholarships, further enhancing opportunities for students.

Carroll Community College President Rosalie Mince praised Wantz’s leadership, stating, “Steve’s leadership has transformed what is possible for Carroll and its students. His ability to connect people to our mission has built not only financial strength but also trust, pride, and a shared purpose that will endure for decades.”

As Wantz embarks on his retirement, the impact of his work will continue to be felt within the college and the wider community. His legacy will serve as a foundation for future initiatives aimed at enhancing educational opportunities and support for students.

For further information, please contact Todd Karpovich at [email protected] or follow him on X as @ToddKarpovich.