Ozarks Technical Community College is proud to announce a major seven-figure donation from David and Stacey O’Reilly to support the college’s “Dream Big. Dream Together” campaign for the future Michael L. Parson Student Union. In recognition of their generosity, the outdoor plaza adjacent to the new student union will be named the “David and Stacey O’Reilly | O’Reilly Auto Parts Plaza.”
The O’Reillys’ contribution will create a welcoming outdoor space designed to serve as a gathering place for students, employees, and the community. The plaza will feature outdoor seating, green space, and direct access to the heart of Ozark Tech’s Springfield campus.
“Ozarks Tech provides exceptional opportunities for individuals to receive training and education in a wide range of fields,” said David O’Reilly. “Whether your interest is in agriculture, automotive, nursing, IT, or you are taking your first two years before transferring to a four-year degree, Ozarks Tech has a program for you. It’s an invaluable resource for our community, and Stacey and I are thrilled to help provide a beautiful environment for students to pursue their education and their dreams.”
The Michael L. Parson Student Union, currently under construction, is the centerpiece of Ozarks Tech’s “Dream Big. Dream Together” campaign to transform the student experience on campus. Also known as “The U,” the building will be a cornerstone facility for the college’s Springfield campus, offering spaces for student engagement, dining, study areas, workforce training, and support services. The project, scheduled to be complete in the summer of 2026, represents a $50 million investment in the community’s college from a combination of state appropriations and private donations.
“We are incredibly grateful to David and Stacey O’Reilly for their leadership and support of this transformative project,” said Dr. Hal Higdon, OTC Chancellor. “Their gift helps us create a campus environment where students feel welcomed, supported, and inspired to achieve their goals.”
The O’Reilly family and O’Reilly Auto Parts are longtime supporters of Ozarks Tech. Their charitable contributions span 25 years, from equipment donations in the college’s early days to a recent investment in the Robert W. Plaster Center for Advanced Manufacturing. They have been annual supporters for scholarships at Ozarks Tech and participants in the OTC Foundation Golf Tournament while making a significant, consistent impact on the college’s growth and development.
The “David and Stacey O’Reilly | O’Reilly Auto Parts Plaza” is expected to open alongside “The U” in summer 2026. The O’Reilly family joins several previously announced donors to the “Dream Big. Dream Together” campaign, as well as newly announced six-figure contributions from Robert and Susan Beine, Jennifer “Jenny” Carr/L&W Industries, Randy and Cindy McGinnis, and Jim and Cathy Moore.
For more information about the Michael L. Parson Student Union or to learn about supporting the project, visit https://www.otc.edu/studentunion/.