Poplar Bluff, Missouri - Three Rivers College closed its “Changing Lives, Building Futures” fundraising campaign with a “Victory Celebration” held at the college’s Poplar Bluff campus on April 1. The multi-year campaign was focused on raising donations for the college’s major building projects in Sikeston and Poplar Bluff.

“This isn’t a victory just for one person, but for everyone who has worked hard to support the college and make this campaign a success,” said Dr. Wesley Payne, President of Three Rivers College. “And while we are closing the capital campaign, we’re going to continue to move the college forward.”

Over the course of the “Changing Lives, Building Futures” campaign, Three Rivers raised approx. $7.5 million through over 400 private donations. The funds raised supported three major capital projects for the college: the construction of a major instructional facility in Sikeston; the Robert W. Plaster Center for Free Enterprise on the Poplar Bluff campus; and the Libla Family Sports Complex, also on the Poplar Bluff campus.

“Because of this campaign, where six years ago there was just a corn field, today there is one of the most modern education facilities in Missouri,” said Scott Matthews, a major donor to the Three Rivers – Sikeston project. “Three Rivers, at all of its locations, embodies the dreams of the area, and is truly changing lives and building futures.”

Construction on Three Rivers – Sikeston completed in 2014, while the Robert W. Plaster Center for Free Enterprise opened for classes in 2015. The final project supported by the “Changing Lives, Building Futures” campaign, the Libla Family Sports Complex, began construction in 2016, with an official groundbreaking on April 1 prior to the Victory Celebration.

In addition to financial donations, the campaign also generated numerous donations of property and equipment. Major property contributions included a 68-acre donation of land from the Matthews family, which made possible the Three Rivers – Sikeston building; and a significant land donation from Dr. Richard Camp, which was used to complete the college’s Main Entrance project.

While Three Rivers has completed the “Changing Lives, Building Futures” campaign, the college is still seeking donations for multiple initiatives, including one-time and endowed scholarships, the college’s “Excellence Fund,” and continuing support of Three Rivers’ capital projects. For more information on how you can make a difference at Three Rivers, or to make a donation, contact Director of Development Michelle Reynolds at 573-840-9077, or michellereynolds@trcc.edu.

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

Shown in the photo is Scott Matthews, a Sikeston resident and major donor to the “Changing Lives, Building Futures” campaign at Three Rivers College, speaks at a Victory Celebration held April 1 to commemorate the completion of that campaign.