The State Fair Community College Foundation has received $10,000 from Gary and Debbie Noland of Sedalia for its Stronger Workforce, Greater Community capital campaign for the Olen Howard Workforce Innovation Center.

This new building, which opened June 9 on the Sedalia campus, expands the college’s capacity to meet the demand for technical workforce training and strengthen the communities it serves.

“Gary and Debbie have a deep relationship with SFCC as both have long teaching careers at the college," said Mary Treuner, SFCC Foundation executive director.

“Debbie spent a lot of time researching and writing a book about the history of the college, 'The Legacy of Plywood U' that covers 1966 to 2002; I refer to it often in my work. Besides his teaching and administrative career at the college, Gary served on the board of trustees for 12 years. Their gift is greatly appreciated and shows how much they love the students and the communities SFCC serves.”

The campaign, Stronger Workforce, Greater Community: A Capital Campaign for the Olen Howard Workforce Innovation Center and Center for Excellence began in December 2020. The new center sits on the site of SFCC’s original buildings, affectionately known as Plywood U. Information about the project and how to contribute is available at www.sfccmo.edu/OHWIC.

In the photo: Gary and Debbie Noland with their grandsons presented a $10,000 gift to support the State Fair Community College Foundation’s capital campaign for the Olen Howard Workforce Innovation Center. The presentation took place on June 9 in front of the precision machining lab in the new center. From left, Mary Treuner, SFCC Foundation executive director; Steve Ellebracht, SFCC Foundation vice president and campaign co-chair; Dr. Brent Bates, SFCC vice president for Educational and Student Support Services; Dr. Joanna Anderson, SFCC president; the Nolands and grandsons Patrick and Zachary Childs; and Joe Fischer, SFCC Foundation president and campaign co-chair.

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