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February 18, 2004EDUCATION: Rotary donates $1 million to NMCFunds will go toward water studies instituteByRecord-Eagle staff writer TRAVERSE CITY - A $1 million grant from Rotary Charities is headed to Northwestern Michigan College's new Great Lakes campus and water studies institute. The grant will go toward a host of projects and programs at NMC's new $18.3 million waterfront complex on West Grand Traverse Bay. "What is more fundamental to the quality of life in our region - or anywhere on the planet - than the quality of our freshwater?" Rotary Charities Chairman George Bearup said while announcing the award Tuesday. The grant will help pay for the institute classroom and laboratory, exhibition hall, program and curriculum development and harbor improvement, along with student and teacher education. It also will create an "Alliance for Great Lakes Stewardship" to coordinate water protection activities of area non-profit organizations, and help establish an operating endowment for the institute. "This provides a very special opportunity to integrate the capabilities and interests of business leaders with the programs of the college, water studies institute and the excellent non-profits that support the wise use, management and protection of water resources," NMC President Tim Nelson said. Rotary officials said the award highlights the growing importance of freshwater resources to the region. Assisting the Great Lakes campus is the "centennial community project" for the Traverse City Rotary organizations, which are joining 30,000 Rotary clubs throughout the world in supporting high-profile local projects to mark next year's 100th anniversary of the international organization. As part of the centennial project, scores of area Rotarians will also offer hands-on assistance to area non-profit groups working on water and natural resource protection. Tuesday's announcement included a taped congratulatory message from Gov. Jennifer Granholm, who said the institute "has the potential to become the worldwide center for freshwater studies." Rotary Charities executive director Marsha Smith said the $1 million grant matches the largest-ever donation made by Rotary Charities, which also gave a million dollars to NMC's University Center start-up and to the State Theater renovations.
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