Consumers Energy Foundation Awards $25,000 to MCC Downtown Center

Consumers Energy Check Presentation

(left to right) Consumers Energy Vice President of Customer Experience Garrick Rochow, FMCC Board Chair Diana Osborn, MCC Board of Trustees Chair Donald Crandall, and Consumers Energy Director of Corporate Giving Carolyn Bloodworth.

The Consumers Energy Foundation has awarded $25,000 to the “Creating New Horizons” capital campaign for Muskegon Community College’s Downtown Center. The gift was presented to the Foundation for Muskegon Community College (FMCC) on Dec. 11.

“By providing its financial support, the Consumers Energy Foundation is participating in the economic resurgence of downtown Muskegon, assisting with the development of local talent to fill the pipeline of skilled workers, and bringing awareness to careers in manufacturing and entrepreneurial studies,” said MCC President Dale K. Nesbary.

“Our foundation’s support of MCC’s new Applied Technology Center complements our other investments in downtown Muskegon, including the Russell Block building and the new Farmer’s Market,” said David Mengebier, president of the Consumers Energy Foundation and Consumers Energy’s senior vice president of governmental and public affairs. “In the past decade our foundation has awarded well over $1 million to Muskegon County organizations. At Consumers Energy, we care for the communities we serve. We have been part of Muskegon for more than a century and look forward to many more years of continued involvement and investment.”

The Consumers Energy Foundation is the philanthropic arm of Consumers Energy. It provides funding for a variety of areas including education, community, civic and cultural development, social services, the environment, and emerging issues.

The main entrance into the Applied Technology Department off Clay Avenue will be renamed the Consumers Energy Atrium, while the company’s gift will assist with the acquisition of both state-of-the-art equipment and new furnishings within the Center.

“The entire College community – students, alumni, staff, trustees and stakeholders – has pledged a commitment to a call of action in support of student success,” explained Diana Osborn, who chairs the FMCC Board of Directors. “Contributions, such as the one from Consumers Energy Foundation, will help students to complete their education, create jobs in the community and build economic prosperity in Muskegon.  It is obvious that Consumers Energy is making an investment in the college and their community. We thank them for their generous gift.”

The Creating New Horizons campaign funds will augment the nearly $11 million already raised through the successful local millage, a Michigan Economic Development Corporation Equipment Grant and an Economic Development Administration Grant, said Cyndi Langlois, the MCC Workforce Training and Account Manager.

For more information about the campaign, contact Langlois at (231) 777-0456 or by email at Cyndi.langlois@muskegoncc.edu