By Andrew Walsh
awalsh@wbcowqel.com
A Greek proverb goes, “A society grows great when old men plant trees whose shade they know they shall never sit in.” The Pop the Cork event at the Bucyrus Elks on Thursday night was evidence of the proverb’s truthfulness.
The topic of discussion was the Crawford County Success Center, but it quickly became apparent that the real story was of a community coming together and working hard to provide something better for the future. The room at the Bucyrus Elks was full of people who have shown unbelievable drive and commitment to offer future generations of Crawford County something that has never been offered here before.
“It’s an actual college.”
The above statement might seem obvious for those in the know, but part of Thursday night’s purpose was to spread the word of just what the Crawford Success Center will be. It will be a satellite facility of North Central State College, complete with classrooms, financial aid assistance offices, and a testing center. This Aug. 24 will be the opening of the Fall Semester and the slate of courses includes English, math, business, psychology, and even a Chinese language course.
“Our hope is that you’ll come to the success center and get your start.” Those words came from Erin Strine who will be the College’s first director. She is originally from Shelby, but has been at Walsh University for the past 10 years coaching volleyball. She sees this as an opportunity to come home and yet fulfill her commitment to higher learning.
“I wanted to combine my passion for education and my skills for recruiting Strine said.
The president of NC State, Dr. Dorey Diab, exuded enthusiasm for the project. As he spoke words streamed out in high volume and forceful emotion. He spoke of “raising educational attainment,” increasing teaching in the STEM areas, and advanced higher education. Another statement from Diab, a statement more from the heart, encapsulated what could end up being the greatest aspect of this institution:
“I want students to realize, I am college material. I can do this.”
Dr. Joseph Shadeed, longtime orthodontist in town and now retired, has been a significant member of this project. Shadeed spent 13 years on the Bucyrus City Schools Board of Education and has carried on that commitment. He has committed much hard work and brainpower over the last five years, helping to get this project off of the ground.
“I just think education is the key to workforce and economic development and improving life in the County.” Shadeed said.
In conjunction with the informational function of the evening, there was also a fundraising aspect. Dave Williamson of Crawford 20/20 said of the night, “I hope it’s twofold. I hope it exposes the concept to some who aren’t familiar with it and that this awareness puts us over the top.”
The “over the top” in question is the fundraising goal for this new campus. They are nearly there but still a little work remains. Some of this will need to go to materials but Williamson also outlined how they have promised to help pay operating costs for the first five years of the campus’s existence. The group wants to be there for the school and help smooth out some of the bumps in the early road. So, there are still some needs to address, and this will not be the only event of the summer, but it is an important step toward that special day on Aug. 24.
The campus will be located at 130 North Walnut Street. The Board of Election’s former offices are currently being remodeled.
As mentioned, classes will be opening on Aug. 24 but there is still time to apply. Use the NC State parent website ncstatecollege.edu to review course offerings and apply.