School receives largest personal donation in its history
Ranken Technical College has announced a $2.5 million donation from Edward L. Monser that will support the construction of MFG Inc., its 26,000 square foot center for microenterprises and high tech manufacturing.
The pledge is the school’s largest personal donation since Ranken was founded in 1907.
Monser recently retired as President of Emerson after a distinguished 30-plus year career with the global technology and engineering company. He is also a former high school and vocational teacher whose passion for learning, skills development and preparing youth for work has been reflected by his corporate and personal commitment to Ranken. In addition to supporting Ranken’s efforts through innumerable corporate donations, scholarships and partnerships through the years, Monser generously donated his own time and talents to the school. He is a 17-year member of the Ranken Board of Trustees (nine years of which he served as Board Chairman), and he continues to be an active Board member, benefactor and advocate.
MFG Inc. is a private-public initiative that is partially funded by a $2.35 million grant from the U.S. Department of Commerce’s Economic Development Administration. It came about as a result of the increased demand Ranken saw for programs from both students and industry partners. Under construction on the east side of the Ranken campus, MFG Inc. will enable Ranken students to split their time between classroom study and real-world learning, while earning a salary as they complete their studies. The new facility will provide a real industrial environment that will serve 100-150 students, while also producing $4 million to $5 million in goods and services every year for the participating companies. The new building will be operational by 2019.
“This very generous gift from Mr. Monser is crucial to the MFG Inc. initiative which will serve as a model for the region and state,” said Ranken President Stan Shoun. “Throughout the years, he has greatly contributed to the region’s economy and to the professional development of Ranken students. This is another outstanding example of his dedication to ensuring that we maintain the skilled workforce necessary for our region’s future success.”
“I am proud to contribute to Ranken’s transformational approach to education,” said Monser. “Manufacturing is vital to our region and our nation, and we must ensure our workers have the right skills to succeed in an industry that is increasingly powered by advanced technology. The microenterprise model achieves that goal and benefits all parties involved.”
Ranken Technical College is a private, non-profit, degree-granting institution of higher learning whose primary mission is to provide the comprehensive education and training necessary to prepare students for employment and advancement in a variety of technical fields. For more information, visit https://ranken.edu/
