For the City Times

WISCONSIN RAPIDS – The Mid-State Technical College Foundation has received a $5,000 donation from Connexus Cares, the philanthropic arm of Connexus Credit Union, to support the college’s student food shelves. The funds will supply much-needed freezers, personal hygiene products and more across all Mid-State campuses. Connexus presented Mid-State officials with its generous donation at an event on the Stevens Point Campus, Dec. 13.

“We’re so grateful to Connexus for this support of our food pantries and our efforts to provide students with the resources they need for success,” said Mid-State Dean of Student Services Christina Lorge. “Making sure they have food and other necessities lets them focus on their education and can be the difference between a student graduating and one who stops out.”

According to The Hope Center for College, Community and Justice, 48 percent of community college students are food insecure. In addition, Mid-State serves the second highest impoverished district in the Wisconsin Technical College System, with 84 percent of its first time, full-time students receiving financial aid in the 2017-18 school year. Lorge stated that the College’s food shelves play an important role in helping students complete their college degree and make a huge difference in their lives.

“We’re thrilled to be able to contribute to an important cause in our community,” said Connexus Member Experience Manager Craig Stancher. “It’s important to Connexus Cares that we’re helping to fulfill critical needs in any way we can. We hope this donation to Mid-State will allow students and families the opportunity to focus on their education instead of worrying about fulfilling their basic needs.”

College officials encourage all Mid-State students in need to access the food shelves at any campus as well as reach out to their academic advisor to be connected with other resources for students weathering financial hardship.

The College’s food shelves are supported entirely through the foundation and donors. To make a donation to the foundation, visit mstc.edu/give.