OTC’s contribution to community leads to donation

As someone who has been in business in Springfield for more than 60 years, Bill Foster has seen a lot of changes in his hometown. And one addition to the city and region that he points to with delight is that of Ozarks Technical Community College.

“It is a special asset to Springfield and all of southwest Missouri. It helps people and that’s why I like it,” Mr. Foster said.

A native Springfieldian, Mr. Foster has turned his pride in OTC into a financial gift to the College. As a result of his generosity, the Bill R. Foster Student Services has been named after the businessman.

“It’s very nice to see. I am humbled by it. It’s an opportunity to give that I welcome. I think it’s important to let students see that someone cares about them,” Mr. Foster said.

The businesses that Mr. Foster started have all focused on one premise — helping people.

From designing assisted-living homes to building hotels, the Foster Hospitality Group always has been about lending a hand to people.

“We’ve been helping people one way or the other, no matter what their age, for 61 years,” Mr. Foster said.

Mr. Foster said OTC plays an important role in the region’s economic and business landscape.

“OTC allows a business to draw from students who are educated and ready to go to work. That’s a wonderful source to have,” Mr. Foster said.

And yet, it’s helping the students that Mr. Foster puts at the top of his priority list and the reason why he gave his donation.

“OTC enables people to further their education and elevate their standard of living. I love seeing that. It’s a wonderful thing. It’s a wonderful place,” he said.

Steve Koehler is coordinator of media relations at Ozarks Technical Community College.