WABASH VALLEY COLLEGE FOUNDATION
“A PAST OF ACCOMPLISHMENT; A CHALLENGE AHEAD”

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

Electronic Marquee

Scholarship Program

Machine Shop & Manufacturing Technology Center/Equipment

Agriculture Technologies Center

Administration/Foundation Building

Renovation of Main Hall

Advanced Technology Center

Amphitheatre

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 Machine Shop/Manufacturing
Technology 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; assistance with the purchase of the Advanced
Technology Center; purchasing a new electronic marquee; and
assisting in the construction of an Amphitheatre.

The Foundation hosts several fundraising events each year
which includes the annual Chili Supper and the annual
Crystal Ball.

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 16 Lifetime Associate Directors on the Foundation Board.  Officers include:  President-Robin Dean, Vice President-Jackie Summers, Secretary Louise Acree, Treasurer- Robert Hocking, Past President-Don Price. 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 Foundation, 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!

Photo Caption:  front row, left to right:  Rob Coleman, Phil Summers, Jo McPherson, Leann Burton, Brenda Phegley (Faculty Representative), Kate Ackerman, Tracy Gill, Don Price (Past President), Robert Hocking (Treasurer).
Second row, left to right:  Jim Homan, Tommy Young, Jackie Summers (Vice-President), Toni Brines, Robin Dean (President), Trudy Fowler, Marcia Woodcock (Arts Council Representative), Louise Acree (Secretary).
Back row, left to right:  Dr. Matt Fowler (WVC President), Tom Ford, Harold Mobley, Tom Dersch, Jim Cox (Arts Council Representative).
Not available for photo:  Robert Bethards, Patsy Dean, Jane Evans, Cassandra Goldman, William Hackler III, Karin Hodgson, Robert Mundy II, James Price, Rod Rodriguez, Brenda Sawyer, Lyle  Weber.