The Wabash Valley College Foundation has been active in its support of Wabash Valley College since the first formal steps to establish the College in 1959.  The Foundation has contributed eminently to the organization and development of the College and assists the entire college family in promoting excellence for Wabash Valley College, by securing financial support for special educational and cultural activities which are not part of the ongoing operational expenses of the College.

The Foundation was formed as a non-profit organization in 1963.  The first major project was that of purchasing the 120 acres of land where the campus is located.  Due to the increase in enrollment and course offerings experienced by WVC, and the Foundation’s continuing contributions to the capital development of the College, numerous additions and improvements have been made to the physical facilities at WVC.

 The Foundation’s contributions to the capital development of the College include:

Purchase of site for the WVC Campus

Applied Arts Building

Student Center

Bookstore

 Physical Plant

Indoor Pool

Tennis Courts

Valley Gardens Dorms

International Building

Parking Lots

Building Improvements

Athletic Fields

Vehicles

Library Security System

Fitness Center

Biological Sciences Lab

Performing Arts

Theatre Lighting Equipment

Marquee

Scholarship Program

Industrial Studies Center/Equipment

Agriculture Technologies Center

Administration/Foundation Building

Renovation of Main Hall

Advanced Technology Center

Many Ongoing Projects

In addition to these capital developments, the Foundation’s Gassman Endowment Fund has provided funding for instructional equipment in many departments through faculty requests each year.

To ensure WVC’s success and continued progress, the WVC Foundation embarked upon a Major Gifts Campaign, “Investment in Excellence,” a few years ago.  Contributors are recognized on a most impressive permanent display in the Brubeck Arts Center.  This fundraising campaign is a two-phase campaign, with the Foundation having met its $2 million in Phase I in endowment funds to be used as a continuing source of income for ongoing College needs, and Phase II is to raise $1 million for immediate needs for the College.

In looking to the future, the Foundation will continue to support the College’s vision which includes sustaining its leadership role in education, making higher education accessible and affordable for  everyone and providing quality programs and services.  Recent Foundation projects include:  a new Industrial Studies Center and  equipment;  renovation of the former Machine Shop into an Agriculture Technologies Center;  resurfacing of the tennis courts; resurfacing and upgrading  the Science Building Parking Lot; a new Biological Sciences Lab; purchasing and upgrading the former Park Place Building adjacent to the College, which now serves as the Administration /Foundation Building; assistance with renovation of Main Hall; and assistance with the purchase of the Advanced Technology Center.

The Foundation hosts several fundraising events each year which include the annual Chili Supper (to be held November 30, 2009) and the annual Crystal Ball (to be held February 13, 2010).

The Foundation has a 30-member Board of Directors, as well as a Faculty Representative and Arts Council Representative.  The WVC President serves as an Ex-Officio member.  There are 15 Lifetime Associate Members on the Foundation Board. 

Officers include:  President - Robert Coleman; Vice-President – Don Price; Secretary – Louise Acree; Treasurer – Bob Hocking; Past-President – Patsy Dean.  The Foundation Board of Directors meets at noon on the first Tuesday of each month (except July) in Main Hall Room 101. 

Individuals interested in donating to the WVC Foundation should contact:  Louise Acree, Wabash Valley College, 2200 College Drive, Mt. Carmel, IL 62863, 618-262-8641, extension 3379.  A gift to the WVC Foundation is a gift of ability, opportunity, and hope for the future!

Front Row (left to right):  Robin Dean, Trudy Fowler, Janice Raibley, Louise Acree (Secretary), Robert Coleman (President), Tom Ford. 

Second Row (left to right):  Amy Neikirk, Becky Andrews, Jackie Summers, Don Price (Vice-President), Bob Bethards, Matt Fowler (WVC President), Tommy Young, Bill Hackler.

Back Row (left to right):  Phil Summers, Rod Rodriguez, Bob Mundy, Harold Mobley, Patsy Dean (Past President), Brenda Phegley (Faculty Representative), Jim Cox (Arts Council Representative), Jim Homan, Tom Dersch. 

Not available for photo:  Jane Evans, Cassandra Goldman, Bob Hocking (Treasurer), Jo McPherson, Jim Price, Brenda Sawyer, Brandi Stennett, Lyle Weber.