Outgoing Waukesha County district board member Mary Baer helped cut the ribbon on the new WCTC Integrated Manufacturing Center on April 4th. The 24,000-square-foot facility on the college’s Pewaukee campus is the product of a partnership between the college and its community, including a number of private individuals and businesses across the district.

The WCTC Foundation started its fundraising campaign for the IMC in the spring of 2014, but the donations didn’t pick up until a then-anonymous donor offered a $1 million challenge grant in August. The challenge, which was put forward by the Fotsch Family Foundation, was for the college to raise $2 million in funds to go with the $1.5 million the college contributed in public funds. The goal was eventually reached in December 2014.

Board member Baer was recognized by the college for the important role she played in raising funds for the center, by dedicating a new “Mary Baer Student Collaboration Center,” a lounge and study area within the IMC. Congratulations to board member Baer, President Betzig, and everyone at Waukesha County Technical College.