CCCK Breaks Ground on Dalke Drive

McPherson, Kansas–On Friday, October 2, 2020, Central Christian College of Kansas held the groundbreaking ceremony for the new south entrance to campus, which will serve as a safety access lane extending westward from Main Street to Maple Street.

The entrance is being named and dedicated in the honor of Elmer Dalke, former board member and McPherson businessman, who relished his time on Central’s board, deeply supporting its mission. During his lifetime, he set up a major endowed named scholarship and he gave sacrificially to the annual fund for many years.

The construction of Dalke Drive will provide much-needed access to the south side of the campus, expanding access to students and guests. The project itself is a strategic part of a greater effort to enhance the mission of the College through the strategic investment of infrastructure, representing one of the first public-facing projects made possible through the work of the Foundation of Central Christian College.

President Favara had the opportunity during the groundbreaking to share,

“I am extremely thankful for the work of the Foundation of Central Christian College and their work to help secure the funding to make this dream possible. We are also honored that the new drive will forever enshrine the name of a local business leader and friend of the College, Elmer Dalke.  Elmer was a keen businessman. In his giving, he always wanted to make sure that it was the students who would benefit from his investments. It is my belief that this road, named in his honor, is a direct realization of that desire – the desire to directly benefit students. We are eternally grateful.”

The groundbreaking ceremony was held on October 2, 2020, with several special guests including Mayor Tom Brown who presented the College with an official proclamation.  Additional individuals who have invested time in preparing this project are Nick Schmidt – Garber Surveying, Jeff Woodward – City Public Works, Scott DeMolt – City Engineer and Inspector, Dennis Darby – Deputy Fire Chief, and Joe Johnston – CCCK Foundation Staff. The project is scheduled to begin this month and is projected to be completed by the New Year. Prairie Landworks, Inc. (PLI) will be leading the project.

ABOUT CENTRAL CHRISTIAN COLLEGE OF KANSAS

Central Christian College of Kansas is a four-year collegiate institution that strives to offer Christ-centered education for the whole person through four core characteristics: heart, soul, mind, and strength. Its history dates back to 1884, and it is located in the friendly town of McPherson, Kansas. Central is a strategically small college that offers over forty areas of residential study and a thriving online program for non-traditional students. To learn more about Central, go to centralchristian.edu/about. Visit the Foundation of Central Christian College to see what projects and events are coming up.