Poplar Bluff, Missouri - Sen. Doug and Elaine Libla and David and Mary Libla received the Missouri Community College Association Award of Distinction at the organization’s annual conference in November.

Three Rivers College nominated the Liblas for the statewide award, noting the family’s long-standing support for the college, including a seven-figure donation through the Three Rivers Endowment Trust in May 2015 for what will be known as the Libla Family Sports Complex to be built on the college’s campus in Poplar Bluff.

“The Liblas have supported our college in many ways, both seen and unseen,” said Dr. Wesley Payne, President of Three Rivers College. Sen. Doug Libla serves as a member of the board of the Three Rivers Endowment Trust, the college’s fundraising partner. He also is a strong advocate for community colleges in the state legislature. He and his wife, Elaine, are active supporters of many college programs. David’s wife, Mary, chairs the Three Rivers Patrons of the Arts, which supports performing arts programs at the Tinnin Fine Arts Center, and the couple donates time and funds to many Three Rivers projects.

Doug and David Libla started as small business owners in the 1960s and spent the next 40 years working together on business start-ups in industries including manufacturing, interstate trucking, construction, retail, wholesale and commercial real estate.

The family’s flagship company, Mid Continent Nail Corporation, gained recognition throughout the nation as the premier quality nail manufacture. Doug Libla retired from the company in 2012 and David retired in 2014.

Sen. Libla, who was elected to represent Southeast Missouri in the Missouri legislature in 2012, said the Libla family supports Three Rivers because the college is so vital to the future of Southeast Missouri.

“Three Rivers is a shining example of what a community college can do for an area,” said Libla, who is a Three Rivers alumnus. “Through its college courses, career-technical programs, and workforce development training, Three Rivers has made a difference in countless lives in our area, including mine.”

The Missouri Community College Association is a statewide organization through which Missouri’s community colleges work together to advance common agendas.  MCCA provides advocacy, education, information, and networking opportunities in service of the state’s 5,700 community college faculty, staff, administrators, and trustees.

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.

Shown in the photo: The Libla family – including David Libla (from left), Mary Libla, Elaine Libla, and Sen. Doug Libla –received the Missouri Community College Association Award of Distinction in recognition of their support of Three Rivers College.