Scholarship auction raises $72K for LCC students

The recent 25th annual Labette Community College Auction for Scholarships raised $72,878, or $22,000 more than the college staff set as a goal.

Lindi Forbes, executive director for the LCC Foundation and Alumni Association announced the total this week. She had a preliminary total last week when the trustees met but finalized the numbers this week.

Forbes said the auction broke previous records for attendance and funds raised. 

Trustees heard that because of the extra money coming in that the college will be able to offer 50 more scholarships to LCC students next year.

Last year, the auction raised $48,556.

In a prepared statement, Forbes noted that Ken Ervin, the oldest living LCC graduate from the Class of 1947, told stories at the auction from his time at the college.

The LCC welding students built a custom metal bench for the raffle. Cathy Kibler won the bench. 

“We are profoundly thankful for the generosity and commitment shown by everyone involved,” Forbes said in the release.

Mark Watkins, president of LCC, was also grateful for the support demonstrated by the success of the auction. “We are thrilled by the incredible turnout and generosity displayed at this year’s scholarship auction,” he said.

In other business, the trustees:

— Heard about issues and repairs needed with an 18-month-old air conditioning unit at the athletic complex.

— Heard that 120 registrants participated in the 41st fire school this month. Seven states were represented between instructors and students.

— Agreed to purchase a new hydraulic press for the welding department from Thompson Brothers in Coffeyville for $54,965.76.

— Agreed to repair the roof on the Student Union this summer for $159,337. Weatherproofing Technologies will do the work.

— Agreed to hire Alexis Kapales as assistant volleyball coach.

— Reviewed several programs and department operations.