OTC Foundation receives two $15,000 pledges

The OTC Foundation, the fundraising arm of Ozarks Technical Community College, has received two $15,000 pledges from John Gentry, president and chairman of the Board of Positronic Industries.  One of the gifts will benefit the Middle College program, and the other will go toward the expansion of the Information Commons West on the Springfield campus.

The needs of our students are at the forefront of all of our fundraising efforts, said Dr. Hal Higdon, president of Ozarks Technical Community College.  Each of these pledges will directly benefit the students, whether by supporting those who are involved in a unique program, or by helping to create much-needed additional classroom space.

The Middle College program, developed in partnership with the Springfield R-12 school system, was created to help underperforming students to earn a high school diploma and college credits while developing career and technical skills.  The students, who are selected through a series of assessments and interviews, choose between the Early Childhood Development, Medical Services, or Diesel/Automotive Technology programs at the College.  They also participate in an internship at a related business.  The program is the first of its kind in Missouri.

We appreciate Mr. Gentrys investment in OTC, both financially and as a member of the OTC Foundation Board, added Cliff Davis, vice president for Advancement and executive director of the OTC Foundation.  The involvement of community and business leaders continues to be vital in the development of the College.

The OTC Foundation, now in its 13^th year of operation, works to meet the ever-increasing needs of Ozarks Technical Community College through the funding of scholarships, new programs, and capital improvement projects.  The current Major Gifts Capital Campaign includes efforts to raise money for scholarships, as well as for a Center for Health Education, Student Support programs, and Workforce Development.