WVNCC Weirton Campus Campaign Launched

            The success story surrounding Weirton and West Virginia Northern Community College was the focus today when officials kicked off a fund-raising campaign to assist in the major expansion under way on the campus in that city.

            Details of the campaign “As We Grow, Weirton Grows” were unveiled at Williams Country Club in Weirton this morning by Northern’s president, Dr. Martin J. Olshinsky; Mike Koon, vice president of Economic and Workforce Development, and Emily S. Fisher, executive director of the WVNCC Foundation. Officiating were George Kondik, Foundation board member and Weirton’s mayor, and Weirton businessmen Gus Monezis, WVNCC Board of Governors member; Mike Orecchio, Foundation board member, and John Newbrough, former Foundation board president and member.

            Opportunities to support this expansion ranged from naming the Mechatronics or Health Sciences areas and various labs to contributing to the Applied Technology Equipment and Maintenance funds. Giving levels are from $1,000 to $100,000 and those presiding pointed out any and all contributions are welcome.

            Groundbreaking ceremonies were held May 24 for the $2.1 million expansion and the project is expected to be completed by the end of January. Included in the 9,590 square foot building addition at 150 Park Ave., comprising two floors, will be two classrooms and three laboratory classrooms that will be used for health sciences classes, including nursing, respiratory care and surgical technology, and for Mechatronics, which awards an associate in applied science degree in a new program designed to prepare individuals to be electrical and mechanical maintenance technicians. Architect for the expansion is Vic Greco of SMG Architects, Wheeling, and main contractor is Trushel Construction of Weirton.

            Olshinsky said, “The Weirton community has been extremely supportive of West Virginia Northern since the college was created nearly 40 years ago. The college has benefitted significantly because of that support, and we need the community’s assistance again through this campaign.”

            Naming opportunities for those wishing to donate include the following: Mechatronics Teaching Area, $250,000; Health Sciences Teaching Area, $250,000; Respiratory Care Lab, $100,000; Surgery Lab, $60,000; Serilization Lab, $50,000; Pulmonary Function Lab, $15,000. Giving levels are as follows: Friend, $1,000; Copper, $2,500; Bronze, $5,000; Silver, $10,000; Gold, $50,000; Platinum, $100,000. Each donor will be recognized by signage in the new expansion.

            There are numerous ways in which donors can give to the campaign, including cash donations, gifts of appreciated property, matching gifts, life insurance, bequests and deferred gifts and life income/charitable trusts. Checks should be made payable to the WVNCC Foundation and sent in care of Emily S. Fisher, 1704 Market St., Wheeling, WV or contact Fisher at 304-214-8905 or atefisher@wvncc.edu.

            WVNCC is the largest headcount enrollment community college in the state of West Virginia. Its enrollment has increased by 25 percent during the last seven years. More than 900 students are served annually on the Weirton campus.