Dear Friends of Sinclair - Sinclair Community College

DR. NICHOLAS SCAMBILIS
The Sinclair Community College faculty and staff
have wholeheartedly supported Changing Lives.
Dr. Nicholas (Nick) Scambilis, Chairperson
for Fire Science Technology, Safety Engineering
Technology and Environmental Technology
departments knew how lives can be changed
through education. He and his wife, Estelle,
donated very generously to the campaign.
While serving 49 years in the Air
Force, Scambilis completed his
education. Sponsored by the
Air Force, he received both
his master’s and doctorate
degrees. The Scambilis’ last
Air Force assignment was at
Wright Patterson Air force Base
in 1985. Feeling that they had
benefited from the government’s
programs, the Scambilises felt that they should
give back to others.
Scambilis’ eight year career at Sinclair has provided
the opportunity to do so. During that time,
Scambilis saw a lot of kids who wanted to go to
school, but didn’t have the resources. “We’ve
been very fortunate, so we just wanted to give
something back. We wanted to make sure others
had the opportunity to attend college.”
JAN & JOE TOBIAS
2004 sinclair foundation annual report
Jan and Joe Tobias have more than 45 years of
combined service to Sinclair Community College.
They have lived in Dayton their entire lives.
The Tobiases met at church as teenagers and
have been together ever since. They’ve worked
together at Sinclair and have seen its impact on
many people. A relationship with Sinclair has
been a family affair. Jan Tobias’ father worked
at Sinclair for 10 years and had a second retirement
from the college. Their children attended classes
at Sinclair. Joe Tobias’ brother, who
works in the air conditioning
business, takes classes at Sinclair
as part of his continuing
education. So when asked
why they gave to the
Changing Lives campaign, Jan
Tobias said, “Sinclair has been
good to us.” Joe Tobias agreed
and added, “We knew if we gave
money to Sinclair, it would be spent wisely.”
As manager of the Sinclair bookstore, Joe Tobias
knows the costs of books. He said, “A freshman
may spend $500 - $600 for their books. You
know Sinclair has very low tuition, but even
Sinclair’s low tuition may not seem low to some
students.” This financial burden on students can
be relieved through the philanthropy of caring
and generous people like the Tobias family.
Jan and Joe Tobias gave to the campaign, because
they are thankful that Sinclair enabled them to
have a good life and they want to share their
blessings with others. Jan Tobias retires in 2005,
but she leaves knowing her family’s contribution
will change the lives of deserving Sinclair students.