The Columbia State Community College Foundation recently celebrated its 50th year partnering with Columbia State.

The Foundation was established in 1971 by then-President Dr. Harold Pryor. Its mission is to support and partner with Columbia State to positively impact our communities and student success through the maintenance and enhancement of resources.

“Board members celebrated with a cake, a review of historic highlights and with plans for a strong groundwork for the next 50 years,” said Bethany Lay, Columbia State vice president of advancement and executive director of the Foundation.

In addition, the Foundation helps Columbia State offer cultural entertainment opportunities through support of visual and performance arts such as the Performance Series and Pryor Art Gallery.

“It is an honor for us to begin the next 50 years building on what has come before us,” said Mike Alexander, Columbia State Foundation board chair. “Supporting the work of the college continues as our focus and we look forward to opportunities for further growth.”

The Foundation is comprised of a board of community trustees and leaders from across the nine-county service area. Board members achieve the Foundation’s goals through excellence in relationship building, fundraising and investment management.

“The professional expertise board members bring to the Foundation is important to the work of the board, but it is their hearts of service that truly makes the Foundation successful,” Lay said.

For more information about the Columbia State Foundation, visit www.ColumbiaState.edu/Foundation.