MAC begins ‘3 For 1’ campaign

To assure that Mineral Area College graduates have the best chance for success, the community college’s goal has always been to stay on the cutting edge of educational curriculum, technology and industry standards.

To be able to continue doing so, MAC Director of Development Kevin Thurman said it is vital that the school have the funding necessary to remain able to provide its students with the best and most up-to-date tools with which to learn.

“That’s the reason why this year’s ‘3 For 1’ Enhancement Grant Campaign is once again so important,” he said. “The Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE) provides a partial grant funding opportunity which provides a $3-for-$1 match for educational institutions as an incentive for growth and expansion of quality career education.”

Thurman added that the Mineral Area College Foundation is reaching out to the community to assist in the endeavor to keep MAC on the leading edge of preparing students for the workforce and that the campaign’s “giving power” makes a huge difference in the programs’ buying power.

“With the $3-for-$1 match, a donation to this campaign has a much more profound impact,” he said. “A gift of $20 gives the college up to $80 in purchasing power.”

And this year anyone who donates to the campaign will be enrolled in a drawing for a $500 cash gift card.

“The Enhancement Grant provides a large portion of the funds required to purchase state-of-art equipment, curriculum, and training programs,” Thurman said. “The MAC Foundation is offering the opportunity for the community to help our school in the form of monetary donations to expand and support current programs.”

Thurman went on to explain that past enhancement campaigns have provided the Park Hills-based community college key training curriculum and equipment to a number of the programs that includes the Nursing/Allied Health programs, as well as Law Enforcement Academy and Technology programs

“This year’s fundraising effort is once again an extension of the former Simmons Match Campaign, which for many years was headed by the late Dr. Gayle Simmons and his late wife, Rowena,” he said. “The couple were lifetime educators and graduates of MAC’s predecessor, Flat River Junior College, and cared deeply about the college’s ability to provide a top-notch education to students in the Parkland.

“With a dedication to the availability of, affordable, quality higher education in the area, the couple spearheaded the annual drive with their own contributions to match those of the community. They were special people and their spirit remains a large part of what makes the ‘3 For 1″ campaign a success each year.”

MAC President Dr. Steve Kurtz believes “3 For 1” is a proud tradition worthy of carrying on.

“It is certainly an honor to continue the legacy established by Dr. Simmons and Rowena,” he said. “They were not only educators, they were visionaries. They understood how education and skilled training would continue to increase in value. We hope the community will continue to support their vision.”

The Enhancement Grant Campaign runs through Dec. 31 and donations can be made online at www.mineralarea.edu/AlumniFoundation. Just click on “Give.” Donations can also be sent to the Mineral Area College Foundation at P.O. Box 1000, Park Hills, MO 63601, or by calling Thurman at 573-518-2261.

“The Mineral Area College Foundation is reaching out to the community to assist in the endeavor to keep MAC on the leading edge of preparing students for the workforce.” — Kevin Thurman, MAC director of development

The “3 For 1” Enhancement Grant Campaign is an extension of the Simmons Match Campaign, which for many years was headed by the late Dr. Gayle Simmons and his late wife, Rowena.

Mineral Area College Foundation is gearing up for its annual Enhancement Grant campaign, which raises $3 more dollars for every $1 donated. The campaign runs through the end of the year and donations can be made online, through the mail or on campus.

Kevin Jenkins is a reporter for the Daily Journal and can be reached at 573-518-3614 or kjenkins@dailyjournalonline.com