Courtesy Photo Besser Company recently donated $50,000 to Alpena Community College’s Van Lare Hall renovation project. Participants in the check presentation, pictured from left to right, are Besser Company Director of Employee Engagement Candie Dombroski, Besser Company CFO Scott Foerstner, Besser Company CEO Kevin Curtis, Healthy Futures Start Here Campaign Chair Georgene Hildebrand, ACC President Don MacMaster, ACC Foundation Executive Director Brenda Herman, and Besser Company President Ryan Suszek.

As ground breaking day for Alpena Community College’s Van Lare Hall renovation project draws near, the ACC Foundation is wrapping up the final stages of its Healthy Futures Start Here campaign. ACC’s neighbor to the east, employee-owned Besser Company, is keeping the momentum alive with their recent donation of $50,000.

“Alpena has been home to Besser Company employees for over 115 years, creating a necessary and vested interest in the educational opportunities offered within the community,” said Kevin Curtis, Besser Company CEO. “These students are the employees of tomorrow and are well-deserving of increased opportunities to gain an education in their hometown. We’re proud to see our longstanding partnership with Alpena Community College continue to grow over the years through donations of scholarships, facility upgrades, and in cases like these, full expansion efforts.” 

“We are grateful for the loyal community support from businesses like Besser Company,” said Brenda Herman, ACC Foundation executive director. “Their support, combined with donations from over 300 individuals, businesses and foundations, have generated a total of $2,925,000 toward our $2.95 million goal.”

To date, the ACC Foundation is just $19,800 shy of its goal for the project, Herman said.

Campaign volunteers are currently seeking gifts of any amount from community members. Every gift, large or small, will contribute to the success of the campaign. To make a donation, checks can be made out and mailed to ACC Foundation, Attn: Healthy Futures Start Here, 665 Johnson St. Alpena, MI 49707.

ACC’s $8.7 million renovation project includes the repurposing of 60-year-old Van Lare Hall. The Nursing programs will be moved into Van Lare Hall from the Charles R. Donnelly Nature Resources Center, creating a Center for Health Sciences. A $1 million state-of-the-art simulation learning lab will better prepare nursing students for real world experiences, while a newly constructed community gathering space overlooking the Thunder Bay River will provide a warm environment for small group gatherings. Additionally, improvements will be made to Van Lare Hall’s windows, HVAC and electrical systems, and the building’s exterior.

Once the $2.95 million goal has been reached in community support, the remainder will come from matching state capital outlay funds of $3.35 million, and the balance from college resources.