Ashland Daily Independent

ASHLAND -- A gift of $1 million has been made to Ashland Community and Technical College's Foundation to establish an endowed chair in mathematics and science.

The endowed fund is designed to reward and encourage outstanding math and science faculty in perpetuity.

The donor has requested not to be recognized at this time.

"This is an outstanding and generous act for the donor to provide such a gift to reward and recognize math and science teachers who continue to demonstrate excellence in the classroom," said Dr. Gregory D. Adkins, ACTC President and CEO in a press release.

To be eligible to receive the endowed chair award, faculty must be full time with the rank of either associate professor or professor teaching mathematics, life sciences or physical sciences.

Recipients will receive an annual cash award of 2 percent of the value of the endowment fund each year for a two year period. An additional award recipient will be added each year.

"This is the first time our college or foundation has received a gift of $1 million," said John Stewart, chair of the ACTC Board of Directors. "This recognizes that our achievements don't happen on the football field or basketball court, but that they occur in the classroom on a daily basis between teacher and student."

Nominations for the math and science chair will occur prior to Feb. 28 of each calendar year with the announcement of the recipient being made by the ACTC president during the spring commencement.

Students or former students or members of the college community can submit a nomination.

Award recipients will be selected by a committee comprised of:

A representative appointed by the donor;

Current president of the ACTC Student Government Association;

An alumnus of ACTC appointed by the president and CEO of ACTC;

The president of the Community and Technical College Foundation of Ashland Inc.; and

The chair of the ACTC Board of Directors.

"I believe this to be an example of altruistic generosity by a donor whose focus is on recognizing and supporting great teachers," said Bob Maher, President of the college's foundation.

Frank Salisbury, director of advancement at ACTC, praised the idea behind the donation.

"Instead of personal recognition, the donor wants to place emphasis on rewarding outstanding teachers in math and science who are able to inspire and motivate students to reach their full potential," he said.

With a goal of $3.2 million set in 2004, this gift of $1 million brings ACTC's Fulfilling the Promise Campaign to a total approaching $5.2 million.