To the editor:

As the now-defunct Eastern Gateway Community College continues to make headlines regarding its closure and dismantling, one thing that never gets brought up is the Eastern Gateway Community College Foundation Inc. According to public records, this foundation was formed in 1997 and, as of the 2022 tax filing, had net assets of $1,236,640.

Where is the money? What will this be used for now that EGCC is no more? Why has no one questioned the principal officer of this million-dollar foundation or those listed as officers, directors or trustees?

All funds raised by or contributed to this foundation were the hard-earned funds of local residents and supporters. I know this personally, as I was part of the team that raised enough funds to be told that we, the supporters of the Steven E. Strupe Memorial Scholarship Fund, had raised enough money to be considered the largest endowed scholarship fund at the foundation. Where did all of that money go? Do we not get a voice in where it will go if it is still in the foundation?

I remember walking through the halls at EGCC and being proud to show folks that we had our name on the wall of those who supported the college.

The Strupe scholarship, as well as my business name, were proudly displayed with many others who endowed scholarships at this institution. I recall receiving letters of gratitude, being invited to donor breakfasts to tell us of the success of the foundation and receiving EGCC trinkets as “thank-you for your support.” Now when I reach out, as I have several times to the principal officer of the foundation, I am told nothing when I ask for guidance regarding the funds that I and several other hard-working residents contributed to in order to support higher education locally.

In closing, I ask, again, where is the more than $1 million in the foundation, and who continues to benefit from it now that our community college is gone?

Kenneth Perkins

President, Tri-State

Financial Services

Steubenville