Bond Presentation Focus of Fall Board Meeting
Foundation board members attending the quarterly Board meeting on Sept. 15 at the MCC Conference Center heard a presentation from Dr. Dennis Michaelis about the $74.5 million MCC bond proposal on the Nov. 7 ballot. Michaelis shared information about MCC’s enrollment growth since 2000, its need for additional space in Science, Health Careers, and Emergency Services Training, and overall campus improvements. According to Michaelis, if MCC continues to grow at only half of its average historical growth rate of 6 percent, it will need space for more than 10,000 students by 2015. Currently, enrollment stands at over 7,800 students.
In other business, the board heard a report on the Foundation’s Marketable Investments, which currently total more than $5.3 million. Harry Harelik also reported on the progress of the First Generation College Student Initiative and efforts to sustain and expand the program by submitting another $120,000 grant for 2007.
Harelik also reminded board members of the significance of the Foundation Scholarship Reception being held on Sept. 19, the exact day that MCC classes first began 40 years ago on the former James Connally Air Force Base campus. Other 40th anniversary events planned for the year include a Rockin’ Through the Decades student celebration on Sept. 19th, a special theatre gala in March, a family day and Distinguished Lecture Series event in April, and the unveiling of an MCC commemorative history book in May.