Renovated Tincher Campus Community Center unveiled
By Justin Story – Bowling Green Daily News
Through their foundation, the late Robert and Mary Tincher have been Southcentral Kentucky Community and Technical College’s most generous benefactors.
It seems appropriate, then, that their names will be attached to a building that could be considered the beating heart of the campus.
A dedication and ceremonial ribbon-cutting were held Wednesday to commemorate the newly renovated Robert and Mary Tincher Campus Community Center, attracting several community leaders and past and present SKYCTC officials.
The $5 million renovation has transformed a building that has already lived multiple lives, serving at one point as a training space for those studying auto body repair and as storage space at another juncture.
Now, the community center features an auditorium, meeting and event spaces and an art gallery, with college leaders holding it out as a gathering place for students and the larger community.
“We know that when students feel connected to their college community, they are more likely to persist, graduate and achieve their goals, and this building is just one of many examples where SKYCTC is actively working to be an outstanding community member,” said SKYCTC Chancellor Michelle Trawick.
Louisville firm Stengel Hill Architecture designed the renovated building, while local company Scott, Murphy and Daniel handled the construction.
The center functions as a tribute to the Tinchers, who have been the largest single donors in the college’s history.
Robert Tincher was the CEO of Bowling Green company Monarch Environmental, while his wife, Mary, worked for Western Kentucky Gas Company before retiring from Bowling Green Parks and Recreation.
After Robert Tincher died in 2009, his widow established the Robert and Mary Tincher Charitable Foundation, which has contributed around $3.2 million to the SKYCTC Foundation and endowed scholarships for nearly 1,000 students.
“I can’t tell you the number of times we’ve had young men and women come before our board and tell about how the education they received in this community changed their lives,” said Tincher foundation board member Joe Bill Campbell. “That’s what has made our efforts worthwhile and brought joy to this board, and we are excited today to be a part of this occasion to honor Robert and Mary Tincher.”
SKYCTC student government association president Kendra Duncan expressed optimism about the role the renovated center will take on for students, providing them an outlet for creativity and a place to study and get together.
“I believe it will become a place where students feel like they truly belong,” Duncan said.
