The College of Southern Maryland Foundation announces the launch of its public appeal for the “Campaign for the Next 50 Years: Envision the potential-Make a Difference.” As the college’s first-ever major gifts campaign, the $5-million goal marks a major milestone in the 50-year history of the community college.

The funds will support an Institute for Science, Technology, Engineering and Math (ISTEM), and a Regional Center for Trades and Transportation; address local nursing and healthcare workforce shortages; focus on educational excellence, and endow a student scholarship fund for access and success.

The campaign is chaired by the former CSM Trustee and Foundation Chair, Mike Besche, CEO of Besche Oil. Working with him in leading the campaign are CSM Foundation Chair Donald Parsons Jr., Foundation Directors Candice Quinn Kelly, Casey Smith, Rosemary Keffler, St. Clair Tweedie, John McWilliams, Steve Proctor and Bill Sturgis, Trustee Representative Mike Middleton, and Campaign Manager Michelle Goodwin, CSM’s vice president of advancement.

“The initial phase of this campaign has been very successful and we are well on our way to achieving our goal. We are honored by the generosity and support of the college employees, CSM Board of Trustees, Foundation Directors and others have contributed $3.2 million toward the campaign,” said Besche.

Among those partnering with the college in its early stages of the campaign are Besche Oil Company, Community Bank of Tri-County, Energetics Technology Center, Southern Maryland Electric Cooperative and the Greater Waldorf Jaycees.

 “As a long-time resident, I care deeply about this community and its future,” said CSM Board Chair Jamie Raley. “I appreciate the special role the college plays in the Southern Maryland region, not only as a trustee, but also as a graduate of the college. Like my fellow Board members, I want the College of Southern Maryland to remain a vital community institution well into the future. With the college’s growing needs and budget concerns, it is essential that we seek private donations. That’s why CSM is embarking on this campaign for the Next 50 Years.”

CSM, founded in 1958, is the fifth largest community college in Maryland. In its 50-year history, the college has grown to be the centerpiece of Southern Maryland, becoming an integral part of the community it serves with campuses in Calvert, Charles and St. Mary’s counties and more than 21,000 annual enrollments. From a first graduation class of four in 1960, the college has celebrated more than 15,400 graduates. The college has been recognized with the Silver Level Quality Excellence Award through the Maryland Performance Excellence Award program, as a four-time recipient of the Workplace Excellence Award by the Alliance for Workplace Excellence, the 2007 Employer of the Year by the Maryland Department of Aging and the Maryland Chamber of Commerce Partner in Business.

“As the College of Southern Maryland celebrates its 50 years of success, the college and its Foundation are proud of what this community has accomplished. We have trained thousands of professional and graduated more than 15,600 students, many of which transfer to hundreds of four-year universities throughout the country,” said CSM President Dr. Bradley Gottfried. “Our students accomplish great things, and as we celebrate their success, we are positioning the college for the next 50 years by launching the largest fund-raising campaign in college history. The money raised will be an investment that can help build a legacy and change the lives of your neighbors, employees and friends.”