GCCC PTK Chapter Receives $18,000 Donation from Frazee Foundation for Campus Beautification Project
[Garden City, KS] June 30, 2025 – Garden City Community College is proud to announce that its Alpha Xi Upsilon Chapter of Phi Theta Kappa (PTK) has received an $18,000 donation from the Frazee Foundation to support a new campus beautification project. The funds will be used to transform the east side of the Penka Building into a more functional and inviting outdoor space for students, faculty, and staff.
Earlier this spring, PTK students presented several ideas for campus improvement as part of their annual College Project, an initiative required by the international honor society that encourages students to lead and complete a project that benefits their college. Last year, PTK students restored the GCCC Victory Bell.
This year’s proposal focuses on making improvements to the outdoor patio area near the Penka Building. The scope of the project includes new outdoor seating, enhanced landscaping, and updated campus signage to enhance both functionality and campus aesthetics.
“Each year, PTK students work on a college project that makes a lasting impact,” said Winsom Lamb, PTK sponsor. “This idea came directly from our students, and we’re incredibly thankful to the Frazee Foundation for helping make it a reality.”
Following the student presentation, GCCC leadership engaged Commerce Bank to explore potential funding opportunities through the Frazee Foundation. The college was thrilled to learn that the Frazee Foundation committed $17,000 to support the beautification project and an additional $1,000 to the GCCC Endowment Association to support scholarships.
GCCC President Dr. Ryan Ruda praised the student-led effort and the community partnership that made it possible. “We’re excited to see this space transformed into an inviting area for the entire campus community to enjoy. This project will come to life thanks to the dedication of our students and the generous support of the Frazee Foundation.”
Dennis Burns, Vice President at Commerce Trust, emphasized the foundation’s commitment to educational initiatives. “The Frazee family believed deeply in the power of education, and this project honors that legacy by helping create a more welcoming environment for today’s students.”
Work on the beautification project will begin in August, once students return for the fall semester. PTK students will collaborate closely with GCCC’s facilities and grounds teams throughout the 2025–2026 academic year to bring their vision to life.
This donation is the latest contribution from the Frazee Foundation to GCCC. Administered by Commerce Trust, a division of Commerce Bank, the foundation also recently partnered with the college to fund the purchase of two new Cone Art kilns for the GCCC Art Department.
Phi Theta Kappa is the international honor society for two-year colleges. Membership is open to students who maintain a GPA of 3.5 or higher. The organization promotes scholarship, leadership, service, and fellowship among high-achieving students.
Dennis Burns, Vice President at Commerce Trust, and Winsom Lamb, PTK Advisor, stand at the center as Burns presents a check to support PTK’s campus beautification project. They are joined by PTK students, GCCC President Dr. Ryan Ruda, and Dean of Advancement and Alumni Relations Scott Kedrowski.
--
Garden City Community College exists to produce positive contributors to the economic and social well-being of society.