Foundation pledges $2 million to project

Thursday, April 24, 2008

The McCook College Foundation brought the new Events Center at McCook Community College one step closer to reality Sunday evening with the presentation of a $2 million dollar pledge toward the center and the announcement of the Honorary Co-Chairs and Team Leaders recruited thus far who will direct the campaign to raise the funds to complete the project.

The Mid-Plains Community College Board of Governors began the planning process in August of 2007 launching a Major Gifts Campaign for facilities expansion. The McCook College Foundation has accepted the responsibility to serve as General Campaign Chair for the Events Center in Kelley Park, which is adjacent to the MCC campus. This 53,000 square foot building will replace the function of True Hall and provide a competition gymnasium with retractable seating for up to 2,000 spectators; an auxiliary practice gym for MCC's six intercollegiate sports programs; main floor cardiovascular, aerobics, and weight training areas; creation of 210 off-street parking spaces to accommodate the Events Center as well as Weiland Field; and multi-functional space to support college, community, and public service activities, programs, meetings, and conferences. The cost of this facility is $9.5 million dollars with an additional $500,000 needed to establish an endowment fund which will generate income to pay for ongoing maintenance and operating costs.

"It is about time we got this done," said Elizabeth Benjamin, MPCC Board Member and Honorary Campaign Co-Chair during the event at the Republican River Valley Event Center. Benjamin will serve with Honorary Co-Chairs Lloyd Benjamin and Van and Jan Korell.

Campaign team leadership recruited to date includes Foundation Directors and Staff Team Leaders: Paul and Linda Wood; Deon and Cheryl Leitner; Ken and Marlene Foster; Jack and Norma Stevens; Roland and Marilyn Anderjaska; Edward and Stephanie Gunter; and Dr. Michael and Candy Owens. Dr. Owens currently serves as President of the McCook College Foundation Board of Directors. Other community Team Leaders recruited thus far for the campaign are Don and Vonnie Moore and Chet and Donna DeVaughn. More Team Leaders are expected to be brought onboard as the campaign advances.

MPCC President Dr. Michael Chipps and MCC Vice President Dr. Richard Tubbs presented the vision for the college, as well as specific project information. McCook native, former Nebraska Governor and current U.S. Sen. Ben Nelson was present to extend his support and encouragement for the campaign.

"Few community colleges have the opportunity to work with a support organization like the McCook College Foundation," said Dr. Chipps. "The Foundation and the communities in Southwest Nebraska have an undying love for McCook Community College. They have a passion about the success of the college and will do everything possible to fulfill the vision for its future success. The college is in an unparalleled position to grow and prosper with the McCook College Foundation at its side."

According to Terri Burchell, MPCC Area Director of Institutional Advancement and Campaign Manager, the MCC Events Center is one of two initiatives of the MPCC Major Gifts Campaign. The other is a Health Complex at North Platte Community College.

For information about the MPCC "Today's Vision … Tomorrow's Reality" Campaign, contact Burchell at (308) 535-3681; toll free at (800) 658-4308 ext. 3681; or by email at burchellt@mpcc.edu.

For more information about the MCC Events Center Major Gifts Campaign, contact the McCook College Foundation Director, Stephanie Gunter at (308) 345-5233 or by e-mail at mcfoundation@mccooknet.com

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