NWACC Foundation Has Record Performance

NorthWest Arkansas Community College Foundation had its best fundraising effort in the college’s 11-year history. There were $4.6 million in gifts and pledges raised from area donors during the fiscal year ending June 30.

The majority of that amount — $4.1 million — was donated for the expansion projects at the Central Education facility and the Shewmaker Center for Workforce Technologies.

The Shewmaker Center is a $4.6 million, 44,000-SF project expected to be completed by November, 2002. Jack Shewmaker donated $1 million for that project, as did Wal-Mart and Sam’s Club associates. Other monies came from state funds and bond issues.

NWACC is also undergoing two expansion projects that will cost about $5.3 million. A 13,000-SF expansion of the north end of the campus and a 40,000-SF west-end expansion. Pat and Willard Walker of Springdale donated $2 million toward those expansions.

Other totals included:

• $443,253 from grants and major gifts to support academic programs, purchase equipment, and provide scholarships.

• $31,253 for a future childcare and wellness center was raised through the College’s 3rd annual Golden Eagle Golf Tournament.

• $20,114 in unrestricted support was donated through the Friends of the NWACC Foundation annual fund program.

“NWACC’s Foundation is the most successful one in Arkansas two-year colleges,” NWACC President Bob Burns said. “We are fortunate to live and work in an area where people want to help people.”