From the Nominator

"Mid-State Technical College, a small midwestern technical college in central Wisconsin, recently completed a multi-year capital campaign, raising $13 million for construction costs. The college's cross-functional campaign team leveraged local, state, and federal partnerships to build and equip an Advanced Manufacturing, Engineering Technology, and Apprenticeship (AMETA) Center that will be ready to usher in industry 4.0 technology and student and incumbent-worker skilling opportunities. This campaign was in response to a workforce problem affecting the rural communities the college serves. It affects the district employers' current and long-term stability and growth and was assessed and validated by stakeholder data. The college and its partners developed a collaborative solution to develop a grassroots capital campaign to raise the $13 million needed for construction. This was done without the use of consultants and/or fully dedicated campaign staff. The college was able to secure funds from over 125 local, state, and national partners amidst the pandemic and political and economic uncertainty. 

The success of this campaign, which was led by key individuals within the college, was the dedication to the mission and vision of the AMETA Center, continued support and encouragement from the community, and inspiration from the students and partners along the way that kept us moving towards our goal. We had many aha moments as we continued to move this project across the finish line—discovering there is no bad time for investment in education."

From the Judges

Excellent major gift focused effort with an impressive return on investment. Good use of leveraging other employers in the area to address common workforce needs. This could be replicated at other institutions.  Good use of giving categories to drive potential donations up.