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published by the students. of Alpena Community College ISSUE 5 February 8, 1990 BESSER FOUNDATION AW ARDS GRANT The Besser Foundation has awarded one of its largest single contributions ever in the form of a $1.2 million grant to Alpena Community College for a proposed $4.9 million construction and renovation project. Foundation and college officials announced the grant on December 21, 1989, which represents 25 percent of the project's total estimated cost. As the institution looks ahead to the year 2000 and the challenges of the decade leading to it, the Besser Foundation believes it fitting to represent the vision of Jesse Besser in a very tangible, financial manner, the announcement said. In 1957, Jesse Besser was one of the donors of the first tract of land along Johnson Street and Lake Besser which gave the then five- ear-old college a 300-acre campus on which to grow. It's first building, Central Hall (now Van Lare Hall), which opened in 1958 as the first completely new community college building financed jointly by the State of Michigan and a local school district under prov1s1ons of a 1956 legislative act. That 1956 legislative act which first authorized state participation in capital outlay for community colleges, along with subsequent legislation, is being called on again after more than 30 years to help ACC continue to provide for the lifelong learning needs of Northeast Michigan residents. If approved as a state capital outlay project, the proposed construction of some 41,000 square feet and renovation of an additional 5,000 square feet would receiv~ 50 percent of its funding from the state, according to ACC President Dr. Don Newport. The facilities involved would provide what is being referred to as a "student/ community/ business/ learning resources center." "But capital outlay competition is tough," he added," and funding also stipulates a 50 percent match in local funds." The Besser grant of $1,225,000 provides, in one whopping bundle, fully half of the required local matching money. It gives the project a significant boost that Newport hopes will be felt as far away as Lansing." "Naturally, we are thrilled by the extent of support demonstrated by the Besser Foundation and absolutely ecstatic about the prospect of being able to better provide the kinds of important ro rams and services ACC Homecoming Court needed in our community," he said. "Our continued growth as a regional center for lifelong learning and an educational resource to support and promote economic growth in Northeast Michigan challenges our ability to respond effectively. Current facilities no longer allow us the kind of space or flexibility we must have to provide the kinds of instructional and support services our community needs," he added. "In our discussion with state appropriations people, we will be stressing that the success of our capital outlay requ~st is crucial to the v1talifry oT our region. We hope the impressive backing represented by the Besser Foundation funds will have a strong and positive ,im~)act on the final decision," New rt concluded. ACC Board of Trustees Chairperson Roger Bauer noted that, even with state participation, another $1,225,000 in matching local funds must be found to fully finance what would be the college's first capital project in 17 years. "We're optimistic that additional local funding can be identified," he said. "ACC has had significant impact on the lives of a great· many people in Northeast Michigan and in order for us to continue to make a difference, we must simply have more quality space that is centralized and accessible." "We are committed to responding to the needs of the community, and yet, 82 percent of all space now utilized was constructed back when ACC was part of a K-14 district. BOARD RECEIVES NEW MEMBERS Five new trustees of the expanded Alpena Community College Foundation board began terms of office Wednesday, January 24, with an orientation luncheon at The Lodge. Chuck Ingle, Craig Kus and Chris McCoy will serve ., two-year terms expiring December 31, 1991 and Jim Masters and Hal Neiman will serve four-year terms which expire December 31, 1993. They were recommended by ~ nominating and selection committee after the updating of bylaws last year which increased membership on thefoundation board to a maximum of 15. They join continuing foundation board members James Arbuckle, president; Ann Crow, vice-president; '. Harry - -, ·wh-i'teley, secretary-treasurer; and trustees Roger Bauer, Bob Gran um, A vis Hinks, and Don Newport. Executive director is John McCormack. Trustees oversee fund raising and the use of funds for the ACC Foundation. Contributions to the designated fund are used for purposes designated by the donor, such as student scholarships, instructional equipment or to support programs. Contributions to the endowment fund are invested and will eventually allow an annual contribution above base fundin to ACC. Inside: pg.2 Students Speak pg.3 Homecoming Highlights pg.4 Alpena Winter Carnival pg.5 Profiles pg.6 Community College Mo. pg.7 ACC in Brief · · p.g.8.Sports ., ., f, 1 ' -