Modesto Junior College will receive a new stadium scoreboard courtesy of a $150,000 donation by the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers (IBEW), Local #684 and the Northern California Chapter of the National Electrical Contractors Association (NECA). The gift and the donors were recognized during the September 9 meeting of the Yosemite Community College District Board of Trustees.

"This is one way the electrical workers can give back to the community" said Billy Powell, Business Manager of IBEW 684 during the YCCD Board meeting. "Our electricians and family members are and have been attending MJC for decades. Modesto Junior College plays a key role in higher education in our area."

The new high tech scoreboard offers a multipurpose scoring system that displays all the essential game information and has a customized accent truss that identifies the MJC Stadium as "Home of the Pirates." The new scoreboard is scheduled for installation the last two weeks of November, with the new electrical conduit to the scoreboard completed by mid-December 2009.

"On behalf of the YCCD Board of Trustees, it's a privilege to thank Billy Powell and the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers, Local #684 as well as the Northern California Chapter of NECA for this outstanding and generous donation of $150,000 for the Modesto Junior College Stadium," said Board Chairperson Anne DeMartini while presenting an appreciation plaque to Powell at the YCCD Trustees meeting.

The MJC Foundation is conducting a capitol campaign to renovate the college's aging stadium facility. In addition to the new scoreboard, Stadium improvements to date include the track resurfacing that was completed in October of 2007 and new stadium lighting which is scheduled for installation in March 2010. The comprehensive Stadium fundraising campaign calls for a new, two tiered press box and VIP suites; renovation of the concessions and restrooms; a new public address system; refinishing the home grandstand bleachers and installation of a turf field.

"This wonderful donation helps get our stadium renovation campaign off to a great start and we are very grateful to the electrical workers and contractors unions for stepping forward and providing our college and student athletes with this new scoreboard," said Gigi Sherriffe, major gifts officer for the MJC Foundation.

For more information on the new scoreboard or stadium renovation campaign contact Sherriffe at (209) 575-6162 or sherriffeg@mjc.edu.