The Babb Scholarship Fund was established in 2009 to provide additional financial assistance to CHASF recipients attending Central Piedmont Community College.

The Babb Scholarship is awarded at the discretion of the selection committee to CHASF recipients who meet the minimum eligibility requirements outlined below.

 

 

Minimum Eligibility Requirements

• Are enrolled at Central Piedmont Community College;
• Have a cumulative grade point average of 2.75 (on a 4.0 scale); and
• Demonstrate unmet financial need.

About the Benefactor: The Babb Scholarship was started by Bob Culbertson to honor James “Jim” Babb,Jr. and Mary Lou Babb.

Both Jim and Mary Lou Babb have led efforts to ensure equity and access to education in the Charlotte public schools and at institutions of higher education in the region. They are motivated instead by a desire to leave their community better off than they found it. As a young G.I. in 1955, Jim Babb landed a position writing press releases for $65 a week at WBTV in Charlotte. He later moved on to a job selling advertising for WBT Radio. He quickly rose through the ranks of the radio station, and then the TV station, before being named president and CEO of Jefferson-Pilot Communications’ television and radio operations.

Babb left Jefferson-Pilot in 1991 to serve as chairman, president and CEO of Outlet Communications, Inc. He is currently executive vice president and chief operating officer of Bahakel Communications, Ltd.

In 1960 Jim married Mary Lou Davis. Active in numerous community activities, Mary Lou Babb has served in key leadership positions benefiting educational, cultural and social service organizations throughout the Charlotte community. She is a former chair of the board of trustees of the Mint Museum of Art and was appointed interim director of the museum during a time of leadership transition. She also co-founded The Women’s Impact Fund in 2003, which helps women reach their monetary giving potential while meeting community needs.

In tandem with success in business and dedication to service, Jim and Mary Lou Babb find great personal satisfaction in family. The couple enjoys spending time with their five grown children and six grandchildren.

The Babbs have consistently led their family and community by example, demonstrating persistence, fortitude, honesty, integrity and generosity of spirit in the quest to create a more vibrant, equitable society for all.