Planting the Seed: The Minnaert Legacy

Since 1982, the SPSCC Foundation has been working hard to engage community and build resources to support success for all students. But how did this vision begin? Former SPSCC president Dr. Kenneth Minnaert recognized a need to provide resources to students beyond academic support. His vision is what brought the SPSCC Foundation to life. In the late 1960’s, Minnaert had completed his master’s degree in Vocational-Technical Education Administration from Colorado State University (CSU) and was working for the Superintendent of Public Instruction in Montana. He had always desired a career that would better a community, not just individuals, and he knew he was ready to do more. Minnaert returned to CSU for a PhD in Vocational-Technical Education Administration. As he finished at the university, Minnaert came across one position which stood out: Dean of Instruction at Olympia Vocational and Technical Institute (OVTI). Trades were starting to become popular and more students were enrolling. Minnaert took a chance and flew out to the Pacific Northwest for his very first time – a trip that placed him on the path to becoming a future president of SPSCC. In early 1980, after more than five years as Dean of Instruction, Minnaert accepted the interim President role where he would oversee all aspects of the college. He describes this short time as interim president as, “very challenging but very effective.” One of the most influential parts of that year was when Minnaert and his team officially had OVTI renamed to Olympia Technical Community College. Minnaert believed the college had a responsibility of responding to the overall community need. Higher education was changing and Minnaert did what he does best: listen to the community and take action. In 1982, Olympia Technical Community College became South Puget Sound Community College – a comprehensive institution focusing on both academic programs and professional trades. Minnaert had answered one call for the need of academics, but quickly recognized new challenges: how were students going to pay to attend SPSCC? And furthermore, how could the college ensure it had enough financial resources to provide its high level of programs and services? In 1982, he started the South Puget Sound Community College Foundation, with the mission to get students the resources they need to complete their education. Minnaert began making personal paycheck deductions to establish a scholarship and immediately got to work advocating for student need. He knew the return on investment would take some time to develop. Minnaert had one line he always stuck by: “investing in SPSCC is like planting seeds. You have to watch it grow and feed it, then it flourishes naturally.” Soon, the gifts started coming in. But something surprised Minnaert’s team; the value of the gifts was impressive, but what truly surprised them was the number of gifts and support they were receiving from the community. After over 30 years at SPSCC, Dr. Kenneth Minnaert and his wife Elaine moved to Palm Desert, California to enjoy their much deserved retirement.

The influence of Dr. Minnaert is embedded throughout SPSCC today. If there is one thing we’ve learned from his story, it’s that as a community we must recognize the importance of local involvement and influences. Only together can we plant, grow, and blossom. ♦

“Investing in SPSCC is like planting seeds. You have to watch it grow and feed it, then it flourishes naturally.”

–Dr. Kenneth Minnaert

Dr. Kenneth and Elaine Minnaert

Planned Giving: Build Your Own Legacy at SPSCC

The legacy contributions of Dr. Kenneth and Elaine Minnaert and the Bruno and Evelyne Betti family illustrate the tremendous promise that planned giving can offer to generations of SPSCC students. We honor all of our Legacy Circle members whose generosity continues to pave the way to future opportunities for our students. Leaving a planned gift can expand your legacy further than you imagined possible, and you can make it happen your own way. Gifts can include cash, bequests, trusts, stock, life insurance, annuities, property, and other types of contributions. Your investment in the future of SPSCC can help open paths for students who will become the nurses, paralegals, entrepreneurs, journeymen, educators, and leaders who serve and strengthen our communities. Are you ready to make a lasting impact? Please contact the SPSCC Foundation at foundation@spscc.edu to learn more about the power of planned giving.