The Three Rivers College Endowment Trust is asking community members to help pave the way for student success by purchasing a personalized brick to be laid at the Poplar Bluff campus. As part of the college's sidewalk improvement project, a $100 contribution will allow donors to leave a lasting impact on the landscape of Three Rivers College (TRC).
According to TRC Director of Development Michelle Reynolds, the brick campaign will not only allow donors to leave a legacy, but will also provide a beautiful centerpiece for students to enjoy.
"This is a lasting way people can show their support for Three Rivers," Reynolds said. "For individuals, a commemorative brick can serve as a memorial for their time spent here as either a student or an employee and for a business it can be a reflection of its support for the college."
Reynolds said the first leg of the campaign was limited, and the order primarily consisted of contributions made by faculty members. The handful were recently installed near the top of the staircase between the Tinnin Fine Arts Center and the Westover Building.
Reynolds said all future bricks will be placed among these, as space allows. When space doesn't allow, Reynolds said, she will find an additional location. Of the bricks already in place, many honor family members, reflect the names of businesses, or simply state the donors name and the year they graduated from TRC.
Tracy King, who is currently the executive assistant to the dean of student services, said she jumped at the opportunity to honor her grandfather, who worked for Three Rivers in its original location in Downtown Poplar Bluff.
"He was very proud to work at Three Rivers," King said. "I wanted to do this for him, in his memory."
Reynolds said the deadline to order a commemorative brick is Feb. 28. She said orders placed by the deadline will arrive in time for installation prior to the spring dedication ceremony. However, the opportunity to order will continue past Feb 28, and until "there is nowhere else to put them," she added.
To make a contribution, please contact Reynolds at 573-840-9077 or via email at michellereynolds@trcc.edu. Orders may also be completed online at trcc.edu/development/give