Written by
Dee Loflin SMT Manager/Writer
Sikeston, Missouri - Three Rivers College will hold a groundbreaking ceremony for its new Eastern Campus on Thursday, August 15, at 10 a.m. in Sikeston. The event, which is open to the public, will mark the beginning of construction of the new campus at the intersection of Highways 60 and 61. Once completed, the Eastern Campus is expected to serve over 1,000 students from across the area.
“We have worked tirelessly to make the Eastern Campus happen, and I look forward to this official transition from planning to reality,” said Dr. Devin Stephenson, President of Three Rivers College. “I also welcome the opportunity to recognize the many community leaders who have worked, advocated, and fought on our behalf, as we continue our mission of bringing affordable, high-quality higher education to Southeast Missouri.”
The new campus, when completed, will include classrooms, a computer lab, science labs, nursing education facilities, and an exhibit hall/auditorium. The Eastern Campus will also allow Three Rivers to expand its degree and workforce-development offerings for Sikeston-area students, including its LPN-to-RN Bridge program. It will replace the Center at Sikeston, which is currently running at maximum capacity.
The Eastern Campus project was initially made possible by a 38-acre land donation from Scott and Karen Matthews and Drs. Mike and Elizabeth Brunt. Initial funding was provided by a $750,000 FEMA Safe Room grant, with the remainder coming from private donations and a series of bond sales. The entire project will cost approximately $7 million upon completion.
“The construction of the Eastern Campus is a major advancement for public education for the citizens of our area of the Missouri Bootheel. The support this project has received and will receive into the future from our citizens will guarantee its success and growth,” said Riley Bock, Chairman of the Three Rivers Endowment Trust. “It will change for the good the lives of the many students who will pass through its doors. I encourage everyone to become part of this noble effort. I never thought I would see this in my lifetime.”
Parking for the event will be provided at Life Church at the corner of Stallcup and South Main in Sikeston. Shuttles to and from the construction site will be provided starting at 9:30 a.m. Parking will not be allowed at the groundbreaking site. Refreshments will be provided after the ceremony. In case of inclement weather, the ceremony will be held at Life Church. For more information, call Michelle Reynolds at 573-472-6650.
The Three Rivers Endowment Trust is a 501(c)(3) not-for-profit organization, designated by Three Rivers College to receive and manage gifts on behalf of the College. It acts as a trustee for donations to assure that gifts are distributed in the manner specified by the donor. To make a donation to the Eastern Campus project, contact Endowment Trust Executive Director Emily Parks at 840-9698, or Michelle Reynolds, development officer, at 472-6650. More information is also online at http://trcc.edu/development/endowment.php.
