Western Nebraska Community College today announced that it has received a total of
$145,000 in grants and gifts from the Oregon Trail Community Foundation and several
family funds held through the Foundation, including the Travis Hiner Family Fund.
As part of the WNCC Works: Expanding the Possibilities campaign, the gifts will support
the upcoming renovation of the WNCC Scottsbluff Campus Performing Arts facility, to
be named the Platte Valley Companies Performing Arts Center. The effort is also focused
on promoting workforce development in the panhandle, and helping additional students
succeed through scholarships and updated facilities.
"OTCF for many years has supported the mission of the college, and we know that community
colleges fulfill an essential need in education, and are the key foundation in offsetting
the costs of education," said Travis Hiner, President of the OTCF Board. "WNCC provides
the very best in preparing students for an advanced degree. WNCC also is key in helping
young people prepare for entry into the workforce, by matching skills with needs of
local businesses. By far, our college is an economic engine in itself by generating
skilled labor for our communities; we are proud to provide a significant amount to
the college, through grants and our family funds, and look forward to the continued
success and community enrichment of WNCC and its programs."
The donation came in the midst of the fundraising campaign for the college, which
will extend through the fall of 2016. This year also marks the landmark 90th anniversary
of Western Nebraska Community College. The campaign has raised $7,900,000 so far,
about 90% of its goal. WNCC joins many community colleges that have launched campaigns
to raise private donations and individual giving.
"This generous donation will be directly invested in several areas, all targeting
improved facilities and programs and enhanced student success," said WNCC President
Todd Holcomb. "The generous support of the Oregon Trail Community Foundation Board
and staff will allow us to create a welcoming and updated entrance and plaza to the
proposed renovation and expansion of the Performing Arts Center, which will be renamed
the Oregon Trail Community Foundation Theater Entrance Pavillion and Sunken Garden."
About Western Nebraska Community College Foundation
The Western Nebraska Community College Foundation has been raising funds for the benefit
of the college since 1971. The Foundation is a 501(c)(3) tax-exempt organization that
supports workforce success, student success, and community enrichment through tax-deductible
private contributes for the benefit of WNCC. To learn more about the WNCC Works Campaign
and the WNCC Foundation and its many opportunities to give, please visit wnccworks.org or
call 308-630-6551.
About Western Nebraska Community College
For 90 years, Western Nebraska Community College has been educating residents of Nebraska's
panhandle. With campus locations in Alliance, Scottsbluff, and Sidney, WNCC offers
possibilities for our students, the regional business community, and other partners
throughout our 12 ½ county service area. We offer over 70 degrees, diplomas, or certificates.
We seek to provide leadership in education while responding to the identified needs
of area residents by providing high-quality education and support services accessible
to all.
About Oregon Trail Community Foundation
The Oregon Trail Community Foundation is a 501 (c) (3) tax-exempt public charity that
offers grants through funds provided by memberships, donations, bequests, trusts and
more. OTCF is one of many community foundations across the U.S., but is the predominant
community foundation in western Nebraska. For more information about applying for
a grant from Oregon Trail Community Foundation, visit otcf.org or call 308-635-3393.