O’NEILL – Northeast Community College officials plan to a hold an event in June to celebrate the successful completion of a capital campaign to construct a new extended campus in O’Neill.

“I am excited to announce that the College has exceeded its $2.8 million goal to begin construction on the extended campus facility in O’Neill,” said Dr. Tracy Kruse, associate vice president of development and external affairs. “Through the generosity of a private foundation, the College received a large capstone gift that will not only allow us to move forward with construction, but will assist us in setting up a reserve fund for future maintenance needs of the facility.”

The new Northeast extended campus, to be located on the east edge of O’Neill on Highway 275, will offer more than what is available at the current location at 409 East Adams Street. The 1938 former elementary school building’s infrastructure is outdated with inadequate plumbing, electrical and heating and ventilation systems and the upper level of the facility is not handicap accessible.  Since the building continues to be used for a number of public activities, security of the building and equipment is also a concern.

In addition to more classroom and lab space, the new extended campus will feature a separate facility with large overhead doors that will be designed for industrial and agricultural training classes. A site adjacent to that portion of the facility is available for future expansion.

Kruse said, “While the gift will allow Northeast to substantially complete the project, the College is still actively seeking in-kind donations from building contractors and equipment vendors to help us fully fund any remaining needs – and really hit the ground running when the doors open in the fall 2015.” She said representatives of the private foundation have requested that its name not be disclosed at this time.

Construction on the project is expected to begin later this summer once architectural drawings and plans are finalized and contractor bids are awarded.

The event to celebrate the success of the capital campaign will be held Tuesday, June 10, at 10 a.m. at the future building site at 507 East Highway 20 in O’Neill, immediately west of the Farm Credit Services of America building.