KCC Capital Campaign Exceeds Expectation

KLAMATH FALLS – Klamath Community College is thrilled to announce that generous community support has propelled the “Completing the Transformation” campaign past its fundraising goal.

KCC launched the campaign in January, with a goal to raise $650,000 to purchase equipment for the college’s new Work Skills Technology Center (WSTC). When the campaign closed Aug. 31, 128 donors had contributed $760,057.

“KCC is about providing solutions, and we are grateful that the community is supporting us and our commitment to economic development,” said KCC President Dr. Roberto Gutierrez. “The initiatives that help KCC grow also support our community in developing a more talented and robust workforce.”

The WSTC is a $5.6 million project within Phase II of the campus expansion intended to promote local workforce development. The center will house new and current technical programs, and serve more than 500 students each year. The center will be a hub for high-wage, high-demand technical programs directly related to workforce needs in the local community and region.

Funds raised in the Completing the Transformation campaign are being used to purchase technology, such as synchronous equipment, computers, conference room equipment, manufacturing program equipment, and wireless network technology that will help students become workforce ready. The extra funds will be used to establish the college’s new Advanced Manufacturing Engineering Technology program.

“KCC is a five-star economic development opportunity for the Basin,” said campaign co-chair Steven Harper.

During the campaign, 19 donors -- including 10 donations of $25,000 or more -- provided contributions that allowed them to name spaces in the WSTC, such as study spaces, offices, and classrooms.

“I appreciate everyone who stepped up to support the campaign and economic development and workforce training in our area, as well as those who donated several hours of their own time to work toward reaching our goal,” said campaign co-chair Jim Bellet. “As KCC grows, I hope the county will continue to support the college in its workforce initiatives.”

Throughout the campaign, KCC hosted president tours in which community members toured campus to learn about advances KCC has made in developing specialized career-technical programs, such as diesel mechanics, computer science, and nursing.

“It was great fun to bring people to campus to show them what a remarkable source we have in KCC,” said Jean Penniger, co-chair of the campaign’s community division. “Our area needs to attract living-wage jobs, and KCC is training a workforce that can fill those positions.”

KCC will host its next President’s Tour at 9 a.m., Thursday, Oct. 26. For more information, contact Patti Springer at 541-880-2234.

Press release by Klamath Community College