10/23/03

Lake Michigan College Launches Fund-Raising Effort
Whirlpool Corporation Supports Campaign with $1 million Pledge

BENTON TOWNSHIP, MI - Lake Michigan College has announced the launch of a $5 million fund-raising program to increase scholarships, advance academic programs and services, enhance Mendel Center offerings and facilities, and support student life and intercollegiate athletic programs. The $5 million effort represents the first phase of what the College plans to be a long-term effort to raise $12.5 million.

Chairman of the fund-raising drive, Jeff Fettig, president and COO of Whirlpool Corporation, unveiled the Fulfill the Dream program at a press conference on Wednesday afternoon at the LMC Mendel Center. According to Fettig, more than $3 million in gifts and pledges have been raised toward the phase one goal, which is targeted for completion by June 30, 2004.

Fettig also announced that the Whirlpool Foundation has pledged $1 million toward the effort. Half of the pledge will be used to fund the Whirlpool Earn and Learn Scholarship program that will encourage LMC students to participate in, and local businesses to support, student internship programs. The remaining $500,000 will be used to challenge other individuals and organizations to contribute to the program by matching gifts up to $25,000. The match will be applied to the College program of the donor's choosing so long as the gift promotes accessibility to the College and its programs.

"Whirlpool's support of this special fund-raising effort reflects our belief that Lake Michigan College is vital to the process of advancing this region economically, educationally, and culturally," stated Fettig. "By making a college education more accessible to those with financial needs, we can ensure that more residents will be able to say that they are college graduates. Whirlpool also makes lifelong learning a funding priority and we support education at many levels throughout the communities in which we live and work."

Fettig was quick to point out that for the campaign to be successful, gifts of all sizes will be needed to ensure that the Fulfill the Dream program reaches its goal. He hopes that Lake Michigan College alumni, friends of the College, and businesses will step forward and contribute to the program of their choice. "I am certain that every College department and program can put any gift to good use to improve their programs," said Fettig.

LMC president Dr. Richard Pappas noted that the College is fortunate to have so many local residents who assist the College through their tax support, as well as the state aid the College receives. "However," Pappas stated, "the private support we receive through this program will make good programs great ones, provide students with the opportunity to attend college who otherwise might not be able to, and help ensure that we can maintain the excellence of the Mendel Center and its programs in the years ahead."

LMC Board of Trustees chairman Steve Silcox acknowledged the leadership that Whirlpool Corporation has provided the Fulfill the Dream program through its generous contribution, as well as the volunteer leadership several Whirlpool employees have provided for the program to date. He also thanked the many College friends that have already step forward by giving to, or participating in fund-raising program.

"The contributions that people and businesses have made to this program through programs like the Winner's Circle Auction, other fund-raising events and their annual gifts have brought us to this point today," said Silcox. "On behalf of the Board of Trustees we thank them for their past generosity, future support, and especially for their recognition of the value Lake Michigan College plays in advancing our region."

Those interested in learning more about the fund-raising program or who wish to support it through a financial gift can contact Nancy Conybeare at (269) 927-8617.