Wickes Foundation Supports Delta College Training Programs with Donation
Healthcare, Alternative Energy Focus of Equipment, Campus Improvements
December 13, 2009
By: Dave Rogers
Delta College was recently informed it will be receiving a sizable financial contribution in support of its healthcare and alternative energy training programs.
Delta's President, Dr. Jean Goodnow, learned that the College would be receiving a check for $757,619 from the Harvey Randall Wickes (Pictured at Right, Harvey Randall Wickes, 1889-1974.) Foundation in Saginaw.
The gift is being made in support of three special projects:
$215,759 for Medical Simulation Expansion, which allows for the purchase of four additional simulated manikins and upgrade of another for use in its health teaching classrooms.
At Delta College, more than 23 percent of the College's 11,299 total students are enrolled in health related or health science programs, and nearly 600 students will be directly affected each semester.
$200,000 for a Wind Turbine Engine, which will allow Delta College to acquire and ship a damaged or used wind turbine engine to Delta. Acquiring and installing this training equipment will enhance learning for the current 56 students in the Wind Technology program, but also the approximately 50 additional interested students on the waiting list. Demand for wind energy is expected to grow dramatically within the next 5 years.
$341,860 for an Alternative Energy, Integrated Systems Center. This would involve re-purposing an open, flexible space within Delta?s Technical, Trades & Manufacturing wing to include the industrial wind turbine, engine repair, safety climb wall, and other elements of cross-functional training to allow for creative and innovative curriculum delivery. Approximately 600-700 students would be impacted by reallocating current space for this new use.
When confirming the gift, Harvey Randall Wickes President Hugo "Ted" Braun, Jr. noted the role Delta College plays in our community. "Our current grant to Delta College is being made with a focus on assisting curriculums which have expanding need and high job training and retraining opportunities," he said, adding:
"Healthcare and alternative energy are growing programs at Delta, which are responsive to the needs of our region's local employers. There are excellent prospects for future jobs in these areas."
Dr. Goodnow commented: "These projects were indeed developed to support growing programs," she said. "Health care and alternative energy are two areas that are bright spots for the Great Lakes Bay Region because they are where the future jobs are, and one of Delta's goals is to make sure that our training matches this community's needs."
The Harvey Randall Wickes Foundation was established in 1946, dedicating its resources to "scientific, educational and charitable" projects. It supports a large number of civic affairs groups, parks and recreational agencies, libraries, youth and social services, hospitals and cultural programs, serving primarily the residents of Saginaw County.
Mr. Wickes was a prominent business executive in Saginaw and served as a Michigan delegate to the Republican National Convention in 1944. He passed away in 1974.
Often referred to as one of America's leading community colleges, Delta College promotes academic excellence, and is known for exemplary programs, technological innovation, community leadership and graduates who make a difference.
Since 1961, Delta College's educational efforts have significantly impacted the local and state economy. Some 62 percent of Delta's 46,600 alumni live in the Tri-Counties and 87 percent remain in the state of Michigan.
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