North Central Missouri College celebrated its 80th anniversary on Saturday, with officials announcing the college has raised just over $3 million in a little less than a year through its “Invest in the Vision” capital campaign.
This website brought to you in part by the following sponsor:
North Central Missouri College celebrated its 80th anniversary on Saturday, with officials announcing the college has raised just over $3 million in a little less than a year through its “Invest in the Vision” capital campaign.
During a dinner and program at the Ketcham Community Center, Director of Development Steve Maxey recognized nine lead gift contributors to the campaign, which is raising funds for a new allied health facility, renovation of Geyer Hall and improvements to the campus. In addition, three alumni of the college were also honored as “Distinguished Alumni.”
The Bert and Rose Hoover Foundation has made a $400,000 donation to the campaign, which will be used to match up to a like amount from Grundy County residents willing to “invest in the vision” Maxey noted the foundation has been a generous contributor of past NCMC projects and continues to be a supporter of not only the college, but the community as well. Representing the Hoover Foundation were Meredith Black, Laura Sue Daniels and Phil Hoffman.
The late Lynn Freeman was recognized for his $350,000 contribution, which was first announced at last year’s banquet as was the donation from the late Betty Frances Hall, who was also honored for providing the money to help fund the capital campaign’s initial efforts. John and Doris Carter represented Lynn Freeman while Miss Hall was represented by Rhonda Watkins.
Other lead gift recognition of at least $100,000 went to Lloyd Ketcham of Independence, Dr. Albert and Vera Cross of Trenton, Diane Raynes of Trenton and her late husband, Chris, Doug and Phyllis Dible of Trenton, Jerry Wilford of Chillicothe and the Wilford Family Foundation, represented by Larry and Barbara Wilford Stoops and Dan and Carol Wilford. There was also an anonymous contribution of $100,000. Each of the honorees were presented with a crystal bowl in recognition of their generosity.
Recognized as “Distinguished Alumni” were Charles Hoffman of Trenton, Marian Abernathy McCarty of Trenton and Dr. David Witten of Columbia. All three are graduates of Trenton Junior College and were honored for their continued involvement in college activities, including their support of the institution’s two capital campaigns. All three gave brief remarks.
The program concluded with NCMC President Dr. Neil Nuttall challenging those present as well as alumni and supporters of NCMC to continue their efforts in making the capital campaign vision a reality.
“I challenge you to realize that if we are to achieve our next goal, we have to do it in a manner that has never been done in the past,” Dr. Nuttall said. “We need to step up and go above and beyond what we have already done.”
Dr. Nuttall said he believes the current projects of the allied health building, the Geyer Hall renovation and a student support center are all achievable within the next 10 years.
“We need you to step forward and be the one to take the next step,” he said. “It will take a greater effort than we’ve ever given before, but if each and everyone does his or her part, we can see that goal realized.”
Just over 300 persons attended the event, with Board of Trustees member Dr. John Holcomb serving as master of ceremonies. Students from NCMC assisted with the serving of the meal and musical entertainment was provided by Ben Bumbry and the Messengers.