60 for 60: Forge Great Futures Campaign exceeded historic goal of $5 million

Durham Technical Community College
Oct 04, 2022


In celebration of Durham Technical Community College’s 60th anniversary, the College is publishing 60 for 60 – a storytelling campaign that highlights the people, places, and events that have progressed and shaped the College’s six decades of impact. The following story has been republished in its entirety. To view more 60 for 60 stories, visit www.durhamtech.edu/60for60. 

woman standing at podium speaking in front of sign with forge great futures logo
Lois Deloatch speaks at the Forge Great Futures launch event at the American Tobacco Campus in April 2019.

The largest campaign in Durham Technical Community College history has exceeded its goal of $5 million.

Forge Great Futures: The Campaign for Durham Tech targeted funding to support talent development for the workforce and economic opportunity for students.

"Through outstanding support of the Forge Great Futures campaign, our community has demonstrated its belief in the ability of Durham Tech to change lives and strengthen our region,” said Melissa Chappell, Executive Director of the Durham Tech Foundation.

Investments from community partners and private donors who contributed to the campaign’s success include:

  • $1 million from Blue Cross and Blue Shield of North Carolina for a mobile health lab to support for underserved communities in Durham and Orange counties. It will also enhance the educational experience for health sciences students in opticianry, dental studies, nursing and other focus areas.
  • $500,000 for several advancements to the Information Technology program and infrastructure, including an Advanced Innovation Lab for software development and web development students
  • $200,000 from Bank of America to expand student support services and health and wellness efforts and to partner on affordable housing for students and the local community
  • $196,902 from Foundation for the Carolinas to launch the new Electrical Line Technician program in collaboration with Duke Energy
  • $150,000 from A.J. Fletcher Foundation to add instructional offerings and apprenticeship opportunities and to improve teaching spaces in the Building and Skilled Trades pathway
  • $150,000 from Walter and Denise Dilts Newton to create a high-tech makerspace for student innovation and collaboration in the newly renovated George W. Newton Industrial and Engineering Technologies Center.

The campaign officially began July 1, 2017. The public phase launched with a private event at the American Tobacco Campus in April 2019.

“I am grateful for the generous support from the hundreds of individuals and organizations who have donated to the Forge Great Futures campaign. Their contributions to Durham Tech are in fact an investment in the future of our communities in Durham and Orange counties,” said Durham Tech President Bill Ingram.

The campaign will officially end June 30, 2020.

Lois Deloatch, Executive Vice President of Self-Help Credit Union and former Foundation board member, and the Honorable Willis Whichard, former state representative, senator, and NC Supreme Court justice, were co-chairs of the campaign.

For more on the Forge Great Futures campaign and its impact, visit campaign.durhamtech.edu.

FOR MORE INFORMATION
Nathan Hardin: Durham Tech Marketing and Communications Director 919-536-7246, ext. 5206; hardinn@durhamtech.edu