PLATTSBURGH — With a recent hefty donation from Wayne and Sylvia Manor of Richardson, Texas, fundraising efforts for the Clearly Clinton Campaign could pass $1 million in its first year.
The couple, both alumni of Clinton Community College and named honorary chairs of the project, have pledged $200,000 to help build the 21st Century Learning Commons at the Plattsburgh college.
It is the single largest donation by a Clinton alumnus in college history, a press release from the college said.
“They are setting the pace for a growing list of supporters who are helping to make our 21st Century Learning Commons a reality,” said College President John E. Jablonski.
The vision of the Learning Commons is a modern facility with traditional library functions, electronic research tools, areas for group study and for quiet study, tutoring services and accommodative services for students with disabilities.
The five-year campaign kicked off in January with a goal of raising $7.5 million. The total cost for the project is estimated at $15 million; the State University of New York will match the funds raised by Clearly Clinton.
The Manors are challenging other Clinton alums to consider contributing to the effort.
“We are excited about this project and see the immense benefit the 21st Century Learning Commons will bring to the campus,” Wayne said. “Sylvia and I wanted to give back to the place that allowed us to get our start.
“We are big supporters of the college and see the good it has done in the community.”
The Learning Commons is part of the college’s 2007 Facilities Master Plan, which describes the existing library as “significantly undersized and poorly configured for a college of its size,” the release said.
“By raising funds through private donors, we plan to avoid asking the county for capital construction funds for this project,” Jablonski said.
Larry and Judy Jeffords of Jeffords Steel and Engineering Company in Plattsburgh are the official co-chairs of the campaign; Judy is an alumna of CCC’s first graduating class in 1971.
“I cannot think of a better gift or a bigger impact for every student on this campus than building a state-of-the art learning commons,” said Steven G. Frederick, Associate Vice President of Institutional Advancement. “This is a gift that will continue to give for years to come.”
Clearly Clinton wraps up on June 30, 2016, or when the campaign meets its goal.
To give, go to http://www.clinton.edu/alumni/MakeAGift.cxml.
