In a momentous conclusion to Lorain County Community College’s 60th anniversary celebrations, The Eric & Jane Nord Family Fund announced a transformative $5 million gift to the LCCC Foundation. This generous donation will fund the creation of the Eric & Jane Nord STEM Discovery Institute, aimed at preparing future generations for high-demand STEM careers through immersive career exploration experiences, robust support systems and educational pathways through LCCC and the University Partnership.
“STEM-related careers, whether in healthcare, information technology, or advanced manufacturing, are among the most in demand jobs today and in the future and are among the top careers that also support strong wage growth,” said LCCC President Marcia J. Ballinger. “Yet not enough students choose these careers; often because these careers are not well known to students and their families, or the pathways may seem out of reach, especially for first generation or economically disadvantaged students. We must change that. The Eric & Jane Nord STEM Discovery Institute will open students to the possibilities and support them in pursuing educational pathways to prepare for these careers offered right here at Lorain County Community College.”
As the Eric & Jane Nord STEM Discovery Institute develops, programming will include opportunities to engage high school students in STEM education through College Credit Plus and other opportunities. Currently, 47% of Lorain County high school students graduate with college credit from LCCC, and the STEM Institute aims to increase that percentage. “We know that if students take just one college credit, they are twice as likely to continue on toward a credential or degree leading to a family-sustaining wage,” Ballinger said. “The Eric & Jane Nord STEM Discovery Institute will be vital in helping more students access the jobs of the future and fulfill the talent needs of industry in our region.”
Richard Nord, speaking on behalf of The Eric & Jane Nord Family Fund, shared that the motto of the new institute will be “Develop Yourself. Be Productive. Share with Others.” This phrase builds upon his family’s philosophy of wealth generation and sharing, he said. “Our family has a long association with the College and its Foundation,” said Richard Nord. “The Eric & Jane Nord Family Fund is pleased to support the college, and we hope the Eric & Jane Nord STEM Discovery Institute will be a beacon of hope and inspiration, shaping the future of our students and our community.”
The connection between the college and the Nord family goes back to the creation of LCCC. Walter Nord was chairman of the college’s first levy campaign, and later chaired the committee that selected the location of LCCC’s permanent campus on North Abbe Road, which opened in 1966. Since that time, the Nord family continued its support with Eric Nord serving as chair of the Stocker Center Capital Campaign. The Nords also championed the development of the Nord Advanced Technologies Center. Originally dedicated in 1984, in 1993 it was rededicated and renamed The Nord Advanced Technologies Center in recognition of the long-term support and financial assistance of Walter G. Nord, the Nord Family and Nordson Corporation.
The announcement was made at the LCCC Foundation’s GRADitude event held Friday, June 7 as LCCC celebrates 60 years of serving Lorain County, and the LCCC Foundation celebrates its 50th year of philanthropic support of the college. In recognition of the philanthropic donation, LCCC will name the College Center building at the heart of campus as the Eric & Jane Nord College Center.
“It is truly humbling and an honor that our College Center, which was recognized by the Ohio Bicentennial Commission as the first community college in Ohio with a permanent campus, will carry the Nord name and serve as a reminder to all who walk through its doors of the Nord legacy and their commitment to community,” Ballinger said. “The Nord family has been instrumental in the longevity and success of both the College and the Foundation. Their unwavering support has been a cornerstone of our success.”
Also at the June 7 event, the eight inaugural members of the Lorain County Community College Commodore Hall of Fame were inducted: Michael J. Brown, Dr. Charlotte Gardiner, Gary LaBranche, Georgeane Poplar, Dan Reaser, Michael Sherman, Dr. Dan C. Smith, and Tiffany Tarpley. “Each inductee has leveraged their LCCC education to achieve great professional success as well as give back to their communities and society. They truly make us LCCC Proud and demonstrate how an LCCC education can lead to great professional achievement and even greater community impact.”