Writer: Jeff Noble
Breathitt County Voice (Jackson)

In it's biggest fundraising ever, Hazard Community and Technical College announced a multi-million dollar fund raising campaign at their Lees College Campus last Friday. And to whet the appetites of prospective donors, an architect's drawing of the new Intergenerational Center was unveiled.

"I think it is a dream coming true that I've had for years," said longtime Lees supporter J. Phil Smith. "Dr. Box has drummed up great excitement, and challenging Breathitt and surrounding counties in the college's reach to contribute."

The goal of the campaign is to raise $4 million dollars for HCTC, and College President Dr. Jay Box announced that through the use of "silent donors" over $3 million of that has already been raised. "A fund raising campaign of this magnitude does not just happen, it takes a coordinated effort. We're three-fourths of the way, and I feel we'll get that final million soon."

"This day is a milestone for HCTC. 'Fullfilling the Promise' is the second major fund-raiser in school history, and today kicks off the public phase," noted Evelyn Wood, HCTC's Public Relations Director. "It's the school's first major fund raiser in eight years, and we hope to raise enough money in five initiatives."

Those five initiatives are (1) The expanding of college scholarships, (2) Enhancing and upgrading equipment and technology, (3) Promoting college preparedness through the Challenger Learning Center of Kentucky, as well as to enhance the relationship and collaboration of teachers in school districts throughout the region, (4) Investing in the arts...which includes the Intergenerational Center, the renovation of the Telford Center, the establishment of the Eslinger Scholarship and the starting of a visual-graphic arts program at Lees, and (5) An unrestricted fund so the College can be flexible in addressing unforseen needs.

The architect's drawing of the new Intergenerational Center drew lots of looks after the ceremony, which included a video of the fund raising campaign narrated by former CBS News anchorman Walter Cronkite. The centerpiece of the facility will be a 300 seat auditorium-theater; new spaces for all the student services; a coffee shop and bookstore that would serve students and the community; and a meeting room and classrooms. The center would be located where the present boys' dorm (Meeter Hall) is presently situated, and would also take up some space in the grassy area near the tennis courts. While some of the funding for the center would come from the present campaign, much of the funding will come from the state, which is proposed for their 2008 biennium.

"What Lees College brings to Jackson and Breathitt County are untold benefits," said County Judge-Executive Lewis H. Warrix. "All of us have a big place in our hearts for this college, and it's our economic engine and our future. As much money and support is needed to keep the campaign going."

Jackson Mayor Mike Miller echoed that sentiment, and spoke of the cooperation in working towards the Intergenerational Center. "It's teamwork by the Breathitt County Fiscal Court, the City of Jackson, Hazard Community and Technical College, the Jackson Independent Schools and the Breathitt County Schools that will make this dream of a center come true. Hopefully in the next four years, it will be completed."

A crowd of thirty-five persons attended the kickoff inside the Multipurpose Room on the Lees Campus, with one person dreaming that the new center would bring back the return of plays, musical programs and lectures to the area. She mentioned Jackson hasn't seen the likes of it since the days of the Red Masque Players, the Lees Players, and the Breathitt County Arts Council back in the late 60's, 70's and early 80's.

Fred Brashear, chair of the HCTC Board of Directors, and co-chair of the campaign, spoke of the spirit of "partnership" between the community and the college. "The biggest secret in this nation is Eastern Kentucky. Where else can you find the beauty of the mountains, the warmth of the people, and the spirit of cooperation. The heritage and history of Lees is here, and it continues as part of HCTC today. What a testimony to partnership."

After the presentation, refreshments were served and Brashear told the Voice the group has been warmly received in their visits to Knott, Leslie, Perry and Breathitt Counties, "In Leslie County we found hope. In Knott County we found opportunity. Here in Breathitt County, the word is "partnership". We're going to make the goal. It's exciting to see what this campus can do for the future."

Likewise, Dr. Box commented on the vision for a better Eastern Kentucky. "I have a vision for a better day. This campus is our vital piece. It serves 900 students. If we didn't have the Lees Campus, those counties like Breathitt, Lee, Wolfe and Owsley wouldn't be served. 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. We will provide a brighter future close to home."

Along with the architect's drawings were posters showing scores of people and organizations in our county contributing to the campaign for now. Many contributed by supporting the Troy Eslinger Scholarship Fund, while major contributors were the Breathitt County Fiscal Court, Citizens Bank and Trust Company, Mr. and Mrs. Lewis H. Warrix, Mr. and Mrs. J. Phil Smith, Mayor Mike Miller and the City of Jackson; Mr. and Mrs. Ted Edmonds, the Telford Foundation, and employees of the Lees College Campus.

With this major fund raising and the new Intergenerational Center comes a new era for the Lees College Campus of HCTC. The air was electric with promise, spirit and vitality. These will be exciting times at the corner of Jefferson and College Avenues in Jackson.

As Walter Cronkite closed out the presentation before a captive audience, "That's the way it is."