Foundation receives $100,000 for student emergency fund

 The OTC Foundation, the fundraising arm of Ozarks Technical Community College, received a $100,000 donation from the Lewis Family Foundation to endow the OTC Student Emergency Fund. The donation was announced on Thursday, June 19 at College of the Ozarks.

David Lewis, a lifetime southwest Missouri resident, died in 2009 and gifted $1 million for OTC student scholarships. Lewis had no dependents and wanted to make sure his legacy continued to help students fulfill their academic aspirations. The $100,000 gift announced Thursday is in addition to the original $1 million gift for scholarships.

“Mr. Lewis continues to help OTC students even five years after his death,” said Dr. Hal Higdon, chancellor of Ozarks Technical Community College. “His generosity allows our students to focus on their education and achieve their academic goals.”

The $100,000 gift will help students with living expenses including transportation, food, utilities and personal-care products.

“Many of us take basic needs for granted,” said Cliff Davis, vice chancellor and executive director of the OTC Foundation. “By helping students pay for gas or groceries, the OTC Foundation can alleviate the pressures felt by students facing financial hardships. Thanks to the Lewis Family Foundation, we can continue offering assistance to more students each year.”

To learn more or donate to the OTC Student Emergency Fund, contact the OTC Foundation at 417-447-2651 or foundation@otc.edu.