LCC Surpasses Goal for Athletic Capital Campaign

Photo: The LCC Foundation Capital Campaign Steering Committee: front row, l to r: Greg Chalker, Ray Jacquinot, Janet Rexwinkle, Lindi Forbes, Jessica Hicks, Jody Thompson, Rod Landrum. Back row, l to r: LCC President, Dr. Mark Watkins, Dr. Brian West, Aaron Keal, Gary Wall, Ned Wall, Dr. Steven Miller.

The Labette Community College Foundation has announced the successful completion of the Pathways to the Future Athletic Complex capital campaign, a total over $5.8 million. The campaign funding will focus on the expansion, major renovation and upgrading of the current gymnasium. This campaign will have a profound impact on the college by bringing the facilities up to the standard of all the other Kansas Community Colleges. It will also benefit the entire community by providing an economic boost to Southeast Kansas, new spaces for fitness and wellness education, enhanced draw for school spirit and community pride, along with a vibrant synergy with Main Street. 

In January 2020, the LCC Foundation was awarded a $500,000 challenge grant from the J.E. and L.E. Mabee Foundation, of Midland, TX toward the construction of the LCC Athletic and Wellness Complex. The Foundation was required to secure over $835,000 in cash and multi-year pledge commitments by January 14, 2021 in order to receive the challenge grant funding.

“Our campaign officially began on Oct. 1, 2016. The campaign Steering Committee, which was comprised of community leaders along with key LCC personnel, had their first meeting on March 8, 2017,” said Lindi Forbes, Executive Director of LCC Foundation. “The individuals serving on the Steering Committee were the driving force of our fundraising efforts.”

Private support for the capital campaign came through outright gifts of cash, bequests, life insurance policies, gifts of real estate, and other giving mechanisms. 

“The outpouring of support for our college over the last 3 ½ years has been amazing. People from all walks of life have seen the needs and stepped up to help improve our college. We’ve received gifts from individuals, small businesses, large corporations, and private foundations. Our college is grateful for the over 600 donors who made it possible to surpass our goal,” said Forbes. “Time and time again, our alumni, parents and friends demonstrated their generous support for LCC, even in the most trying of times, as evidenced by the gifts received during the pandemic. In fact, since February of 2020 we received over $1 million in pledges and gifts. Our donors have shown their belief in our mission and their willingness to help us achieve our vision for the future.”

LCC President, Dr. Mark Watkins said, “What is remarkable is the generosity extended to LCC and its students. You may recall a successful campaign for the Zetmeir Health Science Building during the Great Recession in 2008. Now, we are successfully completing the athletic and academic capital campaign during the ravages of COVID-19. Our new and improved facilities will be a wonderful testament of support for our students and members of our communities for years to come. We are grateful to you for your support!” 

The Athletic Complex project will provide air conditioning, new seating, and other updates to the current gym. It will also make it possible to construct a 21,850 ft. addition to house: classroom space for Exercise Science, Athletic Training, and Physical Education programs; indoor softball/baseball training area; wrestling training area; lockers; showers; weight room; and a fitness center that will be open to all students. 

A groundbreaking ceremony is being planned for spring 2021.