MCC events center gets closer to reality

"It's easy for Southwest Nebraska to take McCook Community College for granted," we wrote in this space in 2008 not long after a major fundraising effort began for the new MCC events center.

We wished the fund-raisers well, but wondered just how long it might take to complete the $10 million project -- 2008, you recall, was the start of the "Great Recession" from which we are still struggling to recover.

But the project took another major step toward reality Thursday with the unveiling of the latest plans and the announcement of groundbreaking ceremonies this coming April.

The project was long overdue -- True Hall, which the new structure will replace, has a sporting events seating capacity of only 250-300 people, compared to 1,500 in the new building. The old gym is four feet too short to meet collegiate standards, and is housed in a 70-year-old building with safety issues and an antiquated heating system.

The college has much to offer students from all around the nation not to mention the world, but the new facility should enhance that advantage -- as well as make MCC more attractive to area athletes who may now be choosing other junior colleges in the region.

The new training room and other components open opportunities for new programs at the college.

But perhaps the best aspect of the new facility will be the potential for the community in general, such as conferences and sports tournaments we now have to limit or pass up altogether because of space limitations.

There's still time to contribute to the project -- and receive recognition -- for everything from a $250 donation to "buy" an engraved brick, to $3 million for naming rights for the whole building.

For more information, contact the McCook College Foundation at (308) 345-5233.