Major college fund drive under way

NORTH PLATTE -- Mid-Plains Community College is in the early stages of its most ambitious fundraising effort in its 80 year history.

The college's first major gifts campaign, "Today's Vision … Tomorrow's Reality," is primarily focused on generating funds needed for two strategic projects -- an Events Center at McCook Community College and a Health Complex at North Platte Community College.

A gift of $500,000 to $700,000 for the McCook facility was announced Wednesday from the McCook National Bank, MNB Financial Group Inc., MNB Insurance Services Inc., Graff Family Inc. and the Graff Charitable Foundation Inc.

The Events Center at MCC will provide students with athletic facilities that compliment the quality of the college's academic resources. It will create the possibility for new programs, such as sports and events management, wellness and athletic training, recreation, and nutritional and dietary management. It will also provide a multi-functional space that will support area community activities and programs.

The Health Complex at NPCC will provide the physical resources needed to educate a skilled healthcare workforce that will continue to meet the needs of our 18-county service area. These healthcare workers include not only RN's and LPN's, but also Dental Assistants, Medical Lab Technicians, Nursing Assistants, and Emergency Medical Services personnel, including Paramedics.

According to Terri Burchell, MPCC's Director of Institutional Advancement and Today's Vision Campaign Manager, the planning for the campaign began with a feasibility study that took place in the spring of 2007. During this study, individuals, businesses and community leaders from throughout MPCC's 20,000 square mile coverage area were interviewed, as were MPCC employees. Key projects, which were identified during MPCC's strategic planning process, were tested during this study and narrowed down to the two target projects of the campaign.

Results of the feasibility study showed overwhelming community support for the college and recommended the college to proceed with a major gifts campaign. These results led the MPCC Board of Governors to make a decision to proceed with the fundraising campaign in July of 2007.

"Through the strategic planning process, the college has established the goal of providing quality educational opportunities for lifelong student learning -- which is our mission," said MPCC President Dr. Michael Chipps. "The goal is to take our vision to the next level of reality while providing the best education possible and being a resource for our communities."

"It's all about our students and our communities," agreed MPCC Board of Governors Chair Royce Norman.

According to Burchell, solicitation of funds began in winter of 2007 with an internal or "family campaign" involving MPCC employees, Governing Board members and both the North Platte Community College Foundation and the McCook College Foundation Boards. Awareness and solicitation activities have now begun throughout the MPCC area. A public monetary goal for the campaign will be established in coming months.

For more information, contact Burchell at (308) 535-3681 or visit the MPCC website at www.mpcc.edu.