$25,000 Matching Gift Doubles Early Donations in “Pave the Future: One Brick at a Time” Initiative

SPRINGFIELD, MO (July 22, 2025) — Ozarks Technical Community College today announced the public launch of its “Pave the Future: One Brick at a Time” campaign — a community-driven initiative to support construction of the new Michael L. Parson Student Union (The U), set to open in Fall 2026.

The campaign invites alumni, students, faculty, staff and community members to invest in engraved commemorative bricks, which will be permanently installed around the Judy and Mike Breeding Clock Tower located on the David and Stacey O’Reilly / O’Reilly Auto Parts Plaza, adjacent to The U.

To launch the effort, Ozarks Tech alumni Paul (‘01) and Crystal (‘98) Sundy pledged a $25,000 matching gift, doubling the impact of the first 100 brick donations. The Sundys — who met as Ozarks Tech students and credit the college with shaping their lives — are encouraging others to join them in leaving a lasting legacy.

“It’s your chance to put your stamp on what this campus has meant to you, one brick at a time,” said Paul Sundy.

The new 100,000-square-foot student union — affectionately called “The U” — will be a vibrant, three-level hub featuring the Eagle Store, a food court, fitness center, library and welcoming spaces for study and connection. It will stand at the heart of campus life, located at the intersection of Chestnut Expressway and Sherman Avenue.

“Student success starts with a strong foundation,” said Dr. Hal Higdon, Ozarks Tech Chancellor. “By ordering a brick, you’re not just making a donation — you’re building futures, creating opportunities and laying the path for generations of students to come.”

The brick campaign builds upon a growing wave of philanthropic support for the U project. Ozarks Tech recognizes the early generosity of partners including:

  • The Ausburn Family
  • The Bailey Family
  • Robert and Susan Beine
  • Judy and Mike Breeding
  • Jennifer “Jenny” Carr / L&W Industries
  • Central Bank and Central Trust
  • Commerce Bancshares Foundation
  • Great Southern Bank
  • Rick and Karen Hughlett / Rick’s Automotive
  • Randy and Cindy McGinnis
  • Jim and Cathy Moore
  • David and Stacey O’Reilly / O’Reilly Auto Parts

“Our mission has always been rooted in community,” said Dr. Higdon. “This project reflects that spirit — and we’re honored to have so many local leaders helping bring it to life.”

How to Leave Your Legacy

  • Bricks are available now through October 31 at the Pave the Future page
  • Each 4” x 8” brick can be engraved with up to 3 lines of text (18 characters per line)
  • A $250 donation secures a single brick; additional bricks are available for $200 each
  • Donors will be invited to a “See You at the Clock Tower” celebration in Summer 2026

To order your brick or learn more, visit the Student Union page.