Kentucky New Era
August 20, 2004

Publicity Flyer (PDF)

HOPKINSVILLE -- Pennyrile Electric has invested in the Fulfilling the Promise major gifts campaign for Hopkinsville Community College.

The public utility's $20,000 multi-year pledge will provide a valuable boost to the college's Technology Center Equipment Endowment, according to a press release.

Spending distributions from the endowment ensure that relevant, state-of-the-art equipment is available to students enrolled in the college's industrial and manufacturing education programs and for local employers utilizing HCC for employee skills-upgrade workforce training, the release stated.

"Hopkinsville Community College is vital to the economic growth and cultural vitality of our region," said Eston Glover Jr., Pennyrile Electric general manager and former HCC student.

Dr. Bonnie L. Rogers, HCC president and CEO, said she is extremely grateful to Eston and the Pennyrile Electric Board for the generous endowment gift.

"The HCC Endowment is vital to ensuring long-term funding for critical needs such as technology," Rogers said.

Pennyrile Electric's support of HCC's Technology Center Equipment Endowment will allow the college to offer high-quality, student-centered, vocational-technical education for years into the future, according to the release.

"The perpetual investment will enhance HCC's ability to promote local economic development and to respond to local workforce training needs for generations," the release stated.

Pennyrile Electric serves more than 44,500 members in parts of nine counties and is one of 24 electric cooperatives in Kentucky and one of the largest in the nation. It employs 122 people at its main office in Hopkinsville and branch offices in Cadiz, Elkton and Russellville. Pennyrile Electric is one of 157 municipals and cooperatives served by the Tennessee Valley Authority.

HCC's Fulfilling the Promise campaign centers on three primary initiatives: restricted endowments, unrestricted endowments and seed funds for a proposed student services facility. Strategic investments are sought from individuals, corporations and foundations that recognize the importance of HCC and are willing to support the college with private dollars to augment public funds.