Bowling Green Welcomes $1.5 Million Donation for New Community Center

Bowling Green Welcomes $1.5 Million Donation for New Community Center

Bowling Green, KY – Southcentral Kentucky Community and Technical College (SKyCTC) announced an exciting milestone last week as it secured a generous $1.5 million donation from the Robert and Mary Tincher Charitable Foundation. This funding will be used to develop the Robert and Mary Tincher Campus Community Center, a new hub that aims to attract students and the general public alike. The college revealed that this donation completes the total funding necessary for the center, which had an overall budget of $5 million.

Plans for the Community Center

The community center, which is scheduled to open for the fall 2025 semester, promises to offer various facilities including a coffee shop, an art gallery, and spaces designated for educational events and programs. Furthermore, the community room auditorium will accommodate more than 200 individuals, providing a venue for gatherings and programs.

Currently, the building that will host the community center has undergone major renovations. It previously served as a site for security and storage, as well as the college’s automotive programs. As part of the transition, security personnel have already been relocated to a more spacious office in Building J.

A Proud Partnership

The donation by the Tincher foundation underscores its critical role as SKyCTC’s biggest donor. During a gathering to celebrate the donation, SKyCTC Interim President Brooke Justice expressed her gratitude to foundation members. She stated, “Your contributions continue to transform a journey into reality, and today, we celebrate that achievement.”

A Legacy of Giving

The Tincher family has a long history of supporting the community. Founded by Robert and Mary Louise Tincher, the foundation aims to uplift residents of Bowling Green and surrounding areas. Robert Tincher, a successful entrepreneur who supported various charities, passed away in 2009. Following his death, Mary Louise Tincher established the foundation to further their charitable work.

The foundation has significantly contributed to SKyCTC since its first donation in 2010, initially supporting the school’s “Fulfilling the Promise” campaign. Since then, their support has expanded to include annual scholarships, funding for the college’s emergency student fund, and a notable contribution to the “Buildsmart” campaign.

Notably, the Tinchers’ donations have made a profound impact, providing scholarships for over 650 students. Mary Louise Tincher passed away in 2018, leaving behind a legacy of generosity and community service.

Words of Wisdom

According to Joe Bill Campbell, the foundation’s general counsel, the ethos of the Tinchers can be summed up in a few words: “Life is short. God is good. Take advantage of your opportunities, and take the blessings that are bestowed upon you, and make life better for others.” These sentiments reflect their dedication to fostering growth and prosperity in the Bowling Green community.

The newly announced community center is expected to enrich the landscape of educational opportunities and communal gatherings for many years to come. With its state-of-the-art facilities, SKyCTC aims to create a welcoming space that reflects the values of community, learning, and growth championed by the Tincher family.