As a part of the Fulfilling the Promise Campaign, Southeast Kentucky Community and Technical College held a gala celebration in Whitesburg Nov. 15 with about 80 friends to officially announce a campaign goal of $4 million and to receive a "lead" gift of $232,410 from the Whitesburg Education Development Foundation, Inc.

Dr. Bruce Ayers, President of SKCTC, and acting as master of ceremonies, reminded the audience of the importance of higher education in Southeastern Kentucky. At one point, Dr. Ayers referred to the presence of Southeast as a "light" unto the communities served by the college's five campuses located at Cumberland, Harlan, Middlesboro, Pineville and Whitesburg.

The money raised in the overall campaign will be used to fund: Endowed Student Scholarships; Student Leadership Workships; the Southeast Scholars Program; the EXPLORE College Fund Endowment; an Equipment & Technology Fund Endowment; an Unrestricted Endowment Fund; and capital projects on each of the five campuses serving well over 4,700 students annually.

The "lead" gift of $232,410 given by the Whitesburg Education Development Foundation, Inc., is to be used to fund the Whitesburg Capital Initiative. According to Dr. Ayers, "The one constant Southeast has always enjoyed is the support of the Whitesburg Education Development Foundation, Inc., and without the foundation, SKCTC, in all likelihood, would not be a presence in Letcher County today."

Penny Ritter and Maynard Hogg, two Whitesburg community leaders who spearheaded efforts in the 1980's via the Whitesburg Education Development Foundation, Inc., to raise money for Southeast's Whitesburg Campus, were on hand to present the check. Mrs. Ritter said that raising funds for Southeast had been her heart's desire for years.

Dr. Judy Leonard, director of advancement for Southeast, reminded those in attendance that to date $3,702,000 of the $4,000,000 has been raised with two years remaining in the five-year campaign. Dr. Leonard said "Southeast is a great cause for fund raising!"



An announcement was made recently during a program held on the Whitesburg campus of Southeast Kentucky Community and Technical College disclosing the amount of the "lead" gift made to the college's Fulfilling the Promise Campaign by the Whitesburg Education Development Foundation Inc. Taking part in the ceremony and enjoying a light-hearted moment were, from left to right: Dr. Judy Leonard, SKCTC director of advancement, Eugene Meade, director of the Whitesburg campus, Pauline Ritter and Maynard Hogg, founding members of the foundation, Dr. Bruce Ayers, SKCTC president and F.N. Hazen, head of the Southeast board of directors. (Photo by Chris Jones)