Great River Energy received the Region VIII Benefactor Award for its support of Bismarck State College at an awards banquet in Washington D.C. Nov. 5.
The Community College Benefactor Award, given by the Council for Resource Development, is the only national recognition of philanthropists to two-year higher education institutions.
Gordon Binek, executive director of the BSC Foundation, said Great River
Energy's role as an industry partner to BSC is exemplary.
"They understand the importance of addressing current issues, trends and best practices in technical education," said Binek. "Their donations of equipment, job shadowing programs, post-secondary training and advisory committee involvement have made a dramatic impact on the quality of education here at BSC."
GRE has provided support to BSC through cash and equipment contributions, and countless hours of employee volunteer time. The company's Coal Creek and Stanton plants have worked closely with the college to ensure first-rate education for BSC students and training for GRE employees, he said.
"John Weeda, plant manager at Coal Creek Station, has told me a number of times he considers the partnership a great return on investment for GRE," Binek said.
This national award is given annually to donors from ten regions throughout the U.S. and Canada who make outstanding contributions to community college efforts. The Council for Resource Development is an affiliate of the American Association of Community Colleges.