East Kentucky Freedom Press, Hazard

Hazard Community & Technical College announced its $4 million fund raising campaign at four separate college locations on Jan. 19 and 20.

"Fulfilling the Promise" is the campaign started by the college with plans to raise funding for five initiatives, including scholarships, equipment, to promote college preparedness through the Challenger Learning Center of Kentucky and to enhance the relationship and collaboration of teachers in schools districts in the region; to invest in the arts - starting music, graphic/visual arts and theatre at the different campus, along with enhancing the Kentucky School of Craft, and an unrestricted fund so the College can be flexible in addressing unforeseen needs. So far, a total of $3 million has been raised toward that $4 million goal.

The General Campaign Co-Chairs are Leon L. Hollon, Chairman, President, and CEO of Peoples Bank and Trust of Hazard and W. Fred Brashear, President of Hyden Citizens Bank, in Leslie County.

Speaking at the event in Hazard was Danny Maggard, Lead Gift Chairman, noted: "Today, the college has five campuses in four counties - this is truly a campaign for the Kentucky River region to provide the college with additional resources to impact our communities more effectively in the future."

Janice Brafford -King, president of Community Trust Bank and Major Gift Committee Chairman also noted the need to support the college. "As a banker, I look for good investment opportunities. I see HCTC as one of the best investments in the region and I whole-heartedly support this campaign."

Fred Brashear, chair of the HCTC Board of Directors, said it was important to support these initiatives because education is so vitally important to the region's growth. "We can improve the quality of life in these mountains if education is improved," Brashear said.

HCTC President/CEO Jay K. Box commented on a vision for a better region. "We want to enjoy a standard of living that meets or exceeds the national average; we want successful businesses that are globally competitive. We need investments and partnerships with individuals, businesses, and foundations to achieve our dreams," Dr. Box said.

Leadership for the campaign also includes: Betsy Clemons, Leadership Awareness Committee Chair; Ella Strong, College Campaign Chair and Hazard Mayor Bill Gorman was the head of the Selection and Enlistment Committee.

Also on Jan. 20, the campaign announcement was made in Jackson. The day before, the college campaign was announced at the Leslie County Center and at the Kentucky School of Craft in Hindman. Speaking in Hindman were college supporter and attorney Bill Weinberg and Valerie Smith Bartley, president of Bank of Hindman. Speaking in Jackson were Breathitt County Judge-Executive Lewis Warrix and Jackson Mayor Mike Miller.