The bright green of the benches at the front and patio entrances of Eastern West Virginia Community and Technical College were a perfect complement to the seasonal hues of russet, orange, and gold that surrounded the campus on Oct. 20 during a dedication ceremony on the college’s front walk that honored and memorialized the names on the benches.
The Bench Campaign is a project of the community college’s Foundation, which seeks support to purchase benches for the college campus to replace a set of damaged stone benches. The benches also provide students and staff with a place to rest and recharge.
Benches were displayed at the Foundation’s Farm to Table dinner fundraiser in late June, and opportunities to donate benches in honor or in memory of others were auctioned as part of the dinner’s fundraising events.
Five benches have been donated so far. The dedication ceremony recognized these messages from donors:
- In Memory of Joe Mathias – donated by Michael and Bethany Thomas, David Workman, Sam and Kelly Williams, Ashley Bachman, and Cheryl Bennett.
- In Memory of Matthew Brook Rexrode and Colton Jon Shoemaker – donated by Rose Hill Farm.
- In Memory of Donald and Margaret Striplin – donated by Thomas Striplin.
- In Honor of Scott and Diane Hinkle – donated by Robert Burns and Jordan Fenner.
- In Support of Our Community – donated by Gerardo Portillo, Joe Miller, and Zara, their goldendoodle.
Joe Miller, who serves as the Foundation’s president, also stressed the importance of education in his remarks, saying that support for the college and its foundation helped to make college possible for many in the Highlands region.
continue to “help us in this journey to make this a great institution,” before inviting everyone inside for a reception.
Two benches are still available, and individuals and groups can contact Robert Burns at Robert.Burns@easternwv.edu for more information about the Bench Campaign.
About Eastern West Virginia Community and Technical College Foundation
Eastern West Virginia Community and Technical College Foundation is a 501(c)3 non-profit that works with the college to raise funds for scholarships and college advancement. Foundation activities include campaigns such as Giving Tuesday, online fundraising, and the Foundation’s annual Farm to Table event. To learn more about the Eastern West Virginia Community and Technical College Foundation, visit easternwv.edu/foundation.
Original source can be found here.
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