Poplar Bluff, Missouri - The Bank of Grandin finalized a significant donation to the Three Rivers Endowment Trust during a signing event held at Three Rivers College on Tuesday, July 28. In honor of the gift, the college announced that the lobby of the proposed Libla Family Sports Complex would be named in memory of Bob R. Kitterman, a former member of the Three Rivers College Board of Trustees and long-time President of the Bank of Grandin. The donation also secures the sponsorship of the center scoreboard in the arena for the Bank of Grandin.

“We appreciate the opportunity to honor the memory and legacy of my grandfather, who worked so hard in the creation of the college district,” said Travis Kearbey, grandson of Bob R. Kitterman, speaking on behalf of his family. “He understood the importance to this area of residents having access to local, affordable, higher education.”

Signing the agreement were Dr. Wesley Payne, President of Three Rivers College; Rodney Moore, President of the Bank of Grandin; Ben Ressel, Chair of the Three Rivers College Board of Trustees; and Alan Brooks, board member of the Three Rivers Endowment Trust. Also attending the ceremony were members of the Kitterman family and Three Rivers’ staff.

“The Kitterman family, and all the donors to this project, are to be commended. No matter how great the idea is to start with, it won’t happen without those who commit their time and money to make it happen,” said Ressel. “As a former player, this is great for me to see.”

Bob R. Kitterman was President of the Bank of Grandin from 1953-73, having worked his way up to the position from assistant cashier. A Korean War veteran born and raised in Grandin, Kitterman was elected to three terms as Mayor of Grandin, and also served a four-year term as a member of the inaugural Board of Trustees of Three Rivers College. Kitterman passed away in 1973 at age 43.

The donation will go toward the construction of the Libla Family Sports Complex, which will replace the Bess Activity Center as the home of the Raiders and Lady Raiders basketball teams. The current proposal is for a $9.5 million, 75,000-square-foot structure incorporating a 3,000-seat gymnasium, offices for all of Three Rivers’ coaches, improved training and locker room facilities, and a Three Rivers Sports Hall of Fame. The facility also will have a FEMA-certified safe room capable of withstanding an F5-strength tornado funded by a $2.5 million SEMA/FEMA grant.

“It heartens me to see everyone come together to work on a dream, and I thank the Kitterman family and the Bank of Grandin for helping make this dream a reality,” said Payne. “This donation allows us to move forward with the Libla Family Sports Complex and serve our students for many years to come.”

The Three Rivers Endowment Trust is a 501(c)(3) organization that receives and manages donations on behalf of Three Rivers College. For information on supporting this or other college projects/scholarships, contact the Office of Development, 573-840-9077.

Three Rivers College is committed to contributing to the quality of life in Southeast Missouri with quality, affordable higher education opportunities and community services that support and encourage the economic, civic, and cultural vitality of the region. For more information about college and workforce programs and upcoming events, visit trcc.edu.

Members of the Kitterman family, employees of the Bank of Grandin, and members of the Three Rivers College administration and Board of Trustees pose for a photo following a signing ceremony finalizing a donation by the Bank of Grandin toward the proposed Libla Family Sports Complex.