LCCC announces major $5 million gift, new name for College Center, Hall of Fame inductees

The Eric & Jane Nord Family Fund has given a $5 million gift to the Lorain County Community College Foundation to create the college's STEM Discovery Institute, one of a number of announcements the college and its foundation made late Friday as part of the college's 60th anniversary celebrations. In recognition of the philanthropic donation, LCCC will rename the College Center building at the heart of its Elyria campus the "Eric & Jane Nord College Center." In a news release, the college called the donation announcement "a momentous conclusion to Lorain County Community College's 60th anniversary celebrations." It was made Friday at the LCCC Foundation's GRADitude event as LCCC celebrated 60 years of serving Lorain County, and the LCCC Foundation celebrates its 50th year of philanthropic support of the college. Also on Friday, the eight inaugural members were inducted into the LCCC Commodore Hall of Fame: Michael J. Brown, Charlotte Gardiner, Gary LaBranche, Georgeane Poplar, Dan Reaser, Michael Sherman, Dan C. Smith and Tiffany Tarpley. Donation to fund STEM Discovery Institute "This generous donation will fund the creation of the Eric & Jane Nord STEM Discovery Institute, aimed at preparing future generations for high-demand STEM careers through immersive career exploration experiences, robust support systems and educational pathways through LCCC and the University Partnership," the college said in the news release. "STEM-related careers, whether in health care, information technology or advanced manufacturing, are among the most in-demand jobs today and in the future and are among the top careers that also support strong wage growth," LCCC President Marcia Ballinger said. "Yet not enough students choose these careers; often because these careers are not well known to students and their families, or the pathways may seem out of reach, especially for first-generation or economically disadvantaged students." "We must change that," Ballinger said. "The Eric & Jane Nord STEM Discovery Institute will open students to the possibilities and support them in pursuing educational pathways to prepare for these careers offered right here at Lorain County Community College." As the Eric & Jane Nord STEM Discovery Institute develops, programming will include opportunities to engage high school students in STEM education through College Credit Plus and other opportunities, according to the college. Currently, 47 percent of Lorain County high school students graduate with college credit from LCCC, and the STEM Institute aims to increase that percentage. "We know that if students take just one college credit, they are twice as likely to continue on toward a credential or degree leading to a family-sustaining wage," Ballinger said. "The Eric & Jane Nord STEM Discovery Institute will be vital in helping more students access the jobs of the future and fulfill the talent needs of industry in our region." Speaking on behalf of The Eric & Jane Nord Family Fund, Richard Nord said the motto of the new institute will be: "Develop Yourself. Be Productive. Share with Others." The phrase builds upon his family's philosophy of wealth generation and sharing, he said. "Our family has a long association with the college and its foundation," Richard Nord said. "The Eric & Jane Nord Family Fund is pleased to support the college, and we hope the Eric & Jane Nord STEM Discovery Institute will be a beacon of hope and inspiration, shaping the future of our students and our community." The connection between the college and the Nord family goes back to the creation of LCCC. Walter Nord was chairman of the college's first levy campaign, and later chaired the committee that selected the location of LCCC's permanent campus on North Abbe Road, which opened in 1966. Since that time, the Nord family has continued its support with Eric Nord serving as chair of the Stocker Center Capital Campaign. The Nords also championed the development of the Nord Advanced Technologies Center. Originally dedicated in 1984, in 1993 it was rededicated and renamed The Nord Advanced Technologies Center in recognition of the long-term support and financial assistance of Walter G. Nord, the Nord Family and Nordson Corporation. "It is truly humbling and an honor that our College Center, which was recognized by the Ohio Bicentennial Commission as the first community college in Ohio with a permanent campus, will carry the Nord name and serve as a reminder to all who walk through its doors of the Nord legacy and their commitment to community," Ballinger said. "The Nord family has been instrumental in the longevity and success of both the college and the foundation. Their unwavering support has been a cornerstone of our success." Commodore Hall of Fame All eight members, ranging from local leaders to changemakers across the country, each got their start at LCCC, according to the college. The Commodore Hall of Fame was created by the LCCC Foundation in recognition of the college's 60th anniversary to recognize distinguished individuals who attended LCCC or its University Partnership and who are making a positive impact in their communities, according to LCCC More than 50,000 individuals have earned degrees or certificates from LCCC and its University Partnership Program since LCCC was created in 1963 as Ohio's first community college with a permanent campus. "Individuals who attend Lorain County Community College and our University Partnership go on to become leaders in their careers and in their communities," Ballinger said. "I am thrilled to launch the Commodore Hall of Fame with this first class who bring to life the mission of LCCC every day. Each of these professionals got their start at LCCC and have used their education as a springboard to make a positive impact locally, regionally and nationally." The Commodore Hall of Fame 2024 Inaugural Class includes: Michael J. Brown, fellow for the Lincy Institute at University of Nevada, Las Vegas, immediate past executive director of the Nevada Governor's Office of Economic Development and past president of Barrick Gold USA Charlotte Gardiner, president of Mercy Health St. Joseph Warren Hospital Gary LaBranche, CEO of the Risk and Insurance Management Society Inc. Georgeane Poplar, lifelong educator and community advocate Dan B. Reaser Sr., entrepreneur, director of the Dan and Mila Reaser Family Foundation and president & CEO of DBR Commercial Realty. Michael Sherman, retired regional representative of the Ohio State Association of the Plumbing and Pipefitting Industry; longtime leader of LCCC currently serving on the college's District Board of Trustees and the LCCC Foundation Board of Directors, and dedicated community volunteer and advocate Daniel C. Smith, professor and the Clare W. Barker Chair in Marketing, dean emeritus, Kelley School of Business, president & CEO emeritus, Indiana University Foundation Tiffany Tarpley, Emmy Award-winning journalist and weekday morning co-anchor of "Good Morning Cleveland" on WEWS Channel 5 "Whether they stayed near or went far, these individuals have made a lasting impact in their careers and service to others. Their achievements serve as inspiration to our current students, as well as our entire LCCC community," Ballinger said.