Large estate gift comes to the LCCC Foundation

CHEYENNE, WYO. — The Laramie County Community College Foundation received a gift of $1.2 million.

The money comes as an estate gift from Mary Jo Carson, a retired school teacher who recently passed away. She earned her degree from Chadron State College and taught in several communities including Cheyenne and Pine Bluffs.

No restrictions were placed on half of the funds she donated, although Carson requested that a portion of the other half be used to benefit students taking courses at LCCC's Eastern Laramie County outreach center. The remainder of the funds will be used to further fund the endowed scholarship accounts she contributed to previously in honor of her father.

According to Lisa Murphy, associate vice president of institutional advancement at LCCC, the total amount brought into the Foundation so far this calendar year is more than $2.25 million.

"Already in 2016, we are having one of the most successful years in the foundation's history," Murphy said. "This generosity is even more significant when you consider the state of the economy. These gifts definitely make a lasting impact on the future of our students."