Consumers Energy Rep refuses to show badge- part 2
MUSKEGON, MI Muskegon Community College"s downtown applied technology center has received a $25,000 boost from the Consumers Energy Foundation.
In return, the college is naming the main entrance off of Clay Avenue the "Consumers Energy Atrium."
The college plans to use the gift from the Consumers Energy Foundation to pay for equipment and furnishings for the new center, which will be located in the Muskegon Chronicle"s former building at the corner of Clay and Third Street.
The Consumers Energy Foundation is the philanthropic arm of Consumers Energy. It has provided more than $1 million to Muskegon County organizations in the last decade, said David Mengebier, president of the Consumers Energy Foundation.
"We have been part of Muskegon for more than a century and look forward to many more years of continued involvement and investment," he said.
The downtown applied technology centerwill house numerous labs and classrooms, including basic machining, digital fabrication, welding, CNC simulation, automation, foundry, materials testing and electricity labs. There also will be a metrology area, machining area, pattern shop, finishing room and tool crib along with offices and classrooms.
"By providing its financial support, the Consumers Energy Foundation is participating in the economic resurgence of downtown Muskegon, assisting with the development of local talent to fill the pipeline of skilled workers, and bringing awareness to careers in manufacturing and entrepreneurial studies," said MCC President Dale Nesbary.
The college is offering numerous naming opportunities for the downtown center, from the security office to the various labs to elevator lobbies, and there already are the Alcoa Foundation Automation Lab and Canteen Vending Student Lounge, according to MCC"s brochure on naming opportunities.
The name for the downtown center itself can be had for $1.5 million, according to the naming brochure.
The entrepreneurial center, which will be adjacent to the technology center in the former Masonic Temple building, has already been named the Rooks/Sarnicola Institute for Entrepreneurial Studies. Jon Rooks donated the building to the college while Nick and Ashley Sarnicola pledged $200,000 for annual grants to institute graduates.
Among the entrepreneurial center"s features will be a makerspace, digital fabrication lab and youth entrepreneurial space.
The $14.8 million downtown center is expected to open in the late summer/fall of 2017.
Lynn Moore covers education for MLive Muskegon Chronicle. Email her at lmoore8@mlive.comand follow her onTwitterandFacebook.
Source: http://www.mlive.com/news/muskegon/index.ssf/2015/12/consumers_energy_gives_25000_a.html
