Garrett College Foundation

The Garrett College Foundation, Inc. was founded in 1982, recognizing the myriad needs for students and the communities in which we serve. As an independent non-profit 501(c)3 corporation established to receive and administer funds to further the educational opportunities and the educational environment of Garrett College, the Foundation pursues individual and organizational gifts and grants in support of scholarships, student and faculty development, special programs and capital projects.

Campaigns & Notable Gifts

STEM and PAC Capital Campaigns

Supporting academics and the performing arts

The Garrett College Foundation’s Offutt STEM Center Campaign raised $2.5 million from 2018 to 2020 to support the region’s newest collegiate STEM facility. The Offutt STEM Center includes modern chemistry, physics, and biology laboratories as well as what was the first Anatomage 3-D virtual dissection table in the state. It also features flexible classrooms and an array of welcoming student spaces.

Fresh from the STEM campaign, the Foundation launched the public phase of the Performing Arts Center at Garrett College campaign in November 2021. The Foundation easily smashed its original goal of $2.5 million, raising more than $3.6 million by the time the campaign closed in June 2023. The Performing Arts Center project was centered around the College’s old gymnasium, which was renovated into a state-of-the-art proscenium theatre that can seat up to 430 patrons. It also features a 2,000-square-foot conference center that can also be used as a recital hall, black box theatre, and reception venue.

"While construction of both facilities was funded by the State and County, operational costs are funded by the College," noted Dr. Richard Midcap, Garrett College’s president. "The incredible generosity of our Garrett College Foundation donors supports the educational and artistic endeavors that take place in each building.

"Our STEM campaign addresses ongoing upgrades to ensure that facility remains a cutting-edge science, technology, engineering, and mathematics center," added Midcap. "The PAC campaign provides the resources to bring interesting artists and performers to Garrett County. Together, the over $6 million raised enriches the experience we can offer Garrett College students and Garrett County residents."

Midcap noted a trust created by the late Daniel E. Offutt III supported both campaigns, with the Offutt Trust contributing $2 million to the STEM initiative and a $500,000 theatre naming gift for the PAC.

The Daniel E. Offutt Trust recently designated a $500,000 gift for the new Performing Arts Center at Garrett College, with the Garrett College Board of Trustees designating the center’s theatre as the Daniel E. Offutt III Theatre. The late Oakland native and artist cared greatly for the College and his community. Read more

The Naylor Family Trust, working through the Community Trust Foundation, has made a $200,000 gift to the Performing Arts Center at Garrett College. Pictured, left to right, are CTF Director Leah Shaffer, Garrett College Foundation Executive Director Cherie Krug, and Garrett College President Dr. Richard Midcap. Read more