Western Nebraska Community College today announced that it has received a $100,000 gift from First State Bank to support student success and technology upgrades. As part of the WNCC Works: Expanding the Possibilities campaign, the gift will enable the college to expand SMART classroom technology on its Scottsbluff campus. In honor of the gift, one of the upgraded classrooms will be renamed the First State Bank Classroom.
"The Board of Directors and staff of First State Bank are excited to participate in the WNCC Works: Expanding the Possibilities campaign," said First State Bank Chairman & CEO Marvin Hefti. "WNCC is vital to the future growth of the panhandle of Nebraska, and the Expanding the Possibilities campaign will only enhance WNCC's ability to be a key part of that growth," Hefti added
The gift comes in the midst of the fundraising campaign for the college, which extends through the end of 2016. The campaign will support workforce development in the panhandle, and help additional student success through scholarships and updated facilities. To date, the campaign has raised more than 90 percent of its goal. This year also marks the landmark 90th anniversary of WNCC, and joins many community colleges that have launched campaigns to raise private donations and individual giving.
"We are so thankful to First State Bank employees and board members for supporting these technology upgrades and being a great community partner," said WNCC President Todd Holcomb. "This investment creates a learning space in which students can not only learn, but also be engaged with the latest technologies in order to foster greater success," he added.