Groundbreaking begins construction work on new events center

Officials and other dignitaries turn over shovels full of earth signifying the start of construction of the new McCook Community College Events Center. (Bruce Crosby/McCook Daily Gazette)

McCOOK, Nebraska -- Officials and well-wishers braved a blustery late-April morning to help keep McCook Community College on the path to continued future success with a groundbreaking ceremony Saturday for the new Events Center.

"It's a beautiful day," said Elizabeth Benjamin, chairwoman of the Mid-Plains Community College board of governors.

Norma Stevens, president of the McCook College Foundation, recited a long-list of "believers" who have lent their names and fortunes to the college, such as "the McMillen family, the True family, Ralph von Riesen ... Pat Walsh, Mary Brady, Pearl Wrightstone, Henry Weeth ..."

Dr. Michael Chipps speaks from the podium while Dr. Richard Tubbs, vice president in charge of MCC; below from left, Norma Stevens, McCook College Foundation president; Elizabeth Benjamin, Mid Plains Community College goard chairman; Jennifer Rogers, of Sen. Ben Nelson's office, and Mayor Dennis Berry (hidden) wait their turns to speak. (Steve Kodad/McCook Daily Gazette)

MCC Vice President Dr. Richard Tubbs noted that people taking part in the groundbreaking ceremony for True Hall in 1939 must have had many of the same feelings as those present Saturday.

The "foundation lives on in the people than have passed through the halls of the college," Tubbs said.

The new building is "one more layer in the legacy that is McCook Community College.

MPCC President Dr. Michael Chipps noted that the replacement of True Hall was first recommended 27 years ago, and the need for additional land to do so was recognized 20 years later.

He lauded the many individuals and organizations that made the construction project possible, and called the event "history in the making," an important step for the college's effort in recruiting and retaining students far into the future

Saturday's program included a list of "naming opportunities" for those willing to contribute set amounts toward the project.

They ranged from $250 to buy a brick to $3.2 million for naming rights to the building, $2 million for the main competition gymnasium and $1 million for the auxiliary gymnasium.

A $50,000 donation will allow you to name Locker Room D, $25,000 the concessions area, laundry area, visitor/student lockers; $10,000 for facility lockers A, facility lockers B, training office, reception with the athletic area, $1,000 for gymnasium seats and $500 for parking stalls.