Classes at Three Rivers College began last week, and in its first meeting since, the TRC Board of Trustees discussed various happenings around the campus yesterday.
According to Chief Financial Officer Charlotte Eubank, despite changing enrollment patterns, TRC ended the 2016-17 fiscal year with a positive bottom line.
Eubank said while the financial report for the current year only reflects 8 percent of the total budget, the numbers are coming in on track, with registration still fluctuating, and said in spending 6 percent of the current budget already, TRC is "right on target" for expenses and is off to a good start for the new fiscal year.
President Dr. Wesley Payne provided a construction update on the Libla Family Sports Complex and the parking lot and sidewalk improvements.
"We have been very fortunate with this weather, about half the roof is in place," Payne said. "The FEMA shelter is in paint and moving right along."
Payne said the current status is in line with the new projected completion date of Spring 2018.
The main portions of the sidewalks and parking lots are complete, Payne said, adding most pathways through campus are open but expects the entire project to wrap up either in late November or early December.
TRC's Day at the Ballpark, sponsored by the Endowment Trust, was held July 29 at Busch Stadium, and though participation was down slightly from last year, Payne said the event raised approximately $1,700.
Also down from last year is enrollment, Payne said. A head count of 3,315 students signed up for 36,606 credit hours for Fall 2017, which is an 8 percent drop in students and a 7 percent drop in credit enrollment.
"We have continued to contract in enrollment, as is the norm across the state," Payne said. "We budgeted to be 5 percent down."
Payne said fortunately, the way the student enrollment mix worked out, TRC has made budget for the fall.
"I'm exceptionally happy to say, the severe circumstances we were prepared for and hoping would not occur, did not occur," Payne said. "While enrollment is slightly more down than we had anticipated, budgetarily we are in fine shape."
Payne announced several upcoming events to be held on TRC's campus, including a World War I traveling exhibit called Missouri and the Great War, which will be on display for public viewing from Aug. 31 - Oct. 20.
Payne also announced the 2017-18 Patrons of the Arts schedule and said he's looking forward to an exciting season.
Run 4 the Arts will be held Sept. 9. With registration currently ongoing, participants can sign up to run the four mile course, walk the one mile course or register as a virtual runner to support the cause without breaking a sweat. All proceeds will be used to create a scholarship available to fine arts students.
Payne also said Brick Oven Pizza will be hosting a fundraiser night to benefit the college on Sept. 12.
"Since you're going to eat anyway on Sept. 12, you might as well eat at Brick Oven Pizza," Payne said.
The next TRC Board of Trustees meeting will be held at noon Wednesday, Sept. 20, in the Tinnin Fine Arts Center.