McKemy Center renamed after Iowa couple’s donation

LAKEN MONTGOMERY News Reporter | @lmontgomerymiss

Iowa couple Don and Jody Athens donated $75,000 to help fund renovations for the McKemy Center to help the development of Northwest’s Agriculture Science systems. In honor of their donation, the McKemy Center will be renamed as “Athen Family Entry.”

Don Athen attended the University of Iowa, and Jody Athen graduated from the University of Montana. The couple said that even though they are not Northwest Alums, their bond with the institution inspires them to support student success and help advance the careers of graduates interested in agriculture-related fields.

Jill Brown, Northwest’s director of corporate relations and major gift officer, said these renovations are a great opportunity for students and can prepare them for their future career.

“Northwest is fortunate to have a broad set of supporters and donors who believe in investing in the future,” Brown said. “Don and Jody Athen are tremendous friends and supporters of Northwest, and we are most thankful to have them as part of our Bearcat family.”

As well as the Athen family donation, the Board of Regents approved funding for $1.9 million during a meeting Oct. 21.

The McKemy Center was built in 1977 and renovated in 1999. It is commonly used as an agricultural mechanics lab and math skills laboratory. The proposed renovations include features such as technology and simulator lab, welding lab and improved classrooms.

The technology and simulator lab is designed to hold virtual reality welding training simulators. These tools offer students to efficiently train and transfer skills and knowledge to their work.

With the new labs, welders have access to booths holding tools that help prepare them for production welding, general fabrication, construction, training and education.

Throughout the Forever Green campaign that lasted from 20142021, it raised $55 million for a number of projects impacting the University. Through this campaign, it celebrated the additions of the Agricultural Learning Center to the R.T. Wright Farm. With this campaign, the Athens also donated $100,000 to provide for the Agricultural Learning Center on top of a $25,000 gift to create a scholarship in their name.

Jay Johnson, associate provost for academic operations and development, said renovating campus buildings allows them to invest in their students.

“A benefit is that the students are going to have access to top notch brand new facilities that are going to be better than what brought them here,” Johnson said. “It’s a really exciting opportunity for our students to have a much better experience.”

The Office of University Advancement currently is finishing up fundraising for McKemy Center and is in the middle of fundraising for Martindale Hall. It connects donors through a variety of means to better understand what its interests are while serving as a champion in telling the story of Northwest.

“(The Renovations) will greatly enhance the amount of handson education, while utilizing all of the newest technology and equipment,” Brown said. “Professionbased learning has always been part of the Bearcat culture and both of these transformational projects will allow us to continue to be a leader, contributor and collaborator in serving our communities for years to come.”