Two Poplar Bluff residents have joined the Three Rivers Endowment Trust Board of Directors. At its Oct. 13 meeting, the board approved the addition of Christy Frazier-Moore and Matt Funke.
Frazier-Moore is a Three Rivers College graduate who grew up in Eminence, Mo., and went on to graduate from Southeast Missouri State University. Through the years, Frazier-Moore has served many positions in both non-profits and the banking industry. She is currently a mortgage loan officer at The Bank of Missouri in Poplar Bluff.
"I am excited to be a part of a group that makes things happen at the college," she said. "I attended TRC on a volleyball scholarship and it afforded me a great education all while meeting several instrumental people that have helped pave the way for me and my career."
Frazier-Moore is also involved in several philanthropic and civic organizations. She currently serves as president of Women Aware Inc., chair of the Chamber of Commerce Ladies' Wine and Nine, president of Beta Sigma Phi-Upsilon, member of Business Network International, member of the Black River Coliseum Advisory Board, and member/founder of Stocks and Broads Investment Group. She and her husband, Clayton, have two children, Jackson and Kenzie.
"TRC is a great asset to our community, not only by providing an affordable education, but it also brings a lot of revenue to our community," she said. "While it has changed a lot over the years, it still has the same heart of helping traditional and non-traditional students succeed."
Funke is a Poplar Bluff High School graduate. After beginning his banking career out of the area, he moved back to Poplar Bluff in 2003. For the past 12 years, he has served as an executive vice president and chief financial officer at Southern Bank, where he oversees accounting and finance activities, human resources, and facilities management functions.
"I was interested in serving with the endowment trust because I believe the college is an important element is the success of our community," he said. "When I was approached about participating, this was something I knew I'd be able to commit to without reservation and I'm looking forward to it."
His civic involvement includes service as financial secretary and deacon at Fellowship General Baptist Church, member and director of the local Rotary Club, trustee and president of the Poplar Bluff Municipal Library, and board member and chairman of the Poplar Bluff Chamber of Commerce. Funke is married to Jennifer and the couple have three children: Jack, Claire, and Jude.
"I see the trust as a way for individuals and businesses in our area to give back to the community and also to help provide for its continued success - and that's something that we all can benefit from," he said.
The Three Rivers Endowment Trust formed in 2010 as a 501(c)(3) not-for-profit organization, designated by TRC to receive and manage gifts on behalf of the college. It acts as a trustee for donations to assure that gifts are distributed in the manner specified by the donor.
"We are thrilled to add both Christy and Matt to our team," said Michelle Reynolds, executive director of the Endowment Trust and director of Development at TRC. "Both are respected and heavily involved in the Poplar Bluff community, and it's an honor that they are willing to serve on our board to continue to improve Three Rivers College and our local communities."
The endowment trust recently wrapped up a capital campaign that assisted in the construction of three buildings. It is involved in several activities throughout the service area. Tax-deductible gifts assist in awarding scholarships and granting other needs not met in the budget.
For more information, visit trcc.edu/development. The Three Rivers Endowment Trust can be reached by calling 573-840-9077.