Woodworking training gets boost from donation

A Champaign businessman's recent donation to Parkland College will allow the school to consider expanding its woodworking classes. 

Dennis Coleman, founder of CU Woodshop Supply, Inc. and his wife Eileen presented a gift of $100,000 to the Parkland College Foundation in late December. The couple offered the gift to help generate interest in expanding the woodworking offerings at Parkland, particularly for vocational training credit. Parkland's Community Education unit currently offers noncredit woodworking courses at the company's workshop, located at 1401 Parkland Ct.

"We realize that it takes resources to even investigate this potential," Mr. Coleman said. "This gift will allow our recommendations to be more fully evaluated."

Vocational training in woodworking could prepare students for work in the furniture, cabinetry, and home remodeling and construction industries. Students would apply their technical skills in designing, shaping, assembling, repairing, and finishing wooden furnishings and fixtures through the use of hand and power tools.

Parkland College Board of Trustees Chair James L. Ayers, who was on hand to receive the gift along with Foundation Executive Director Carl Meyer, said the donation allows the college to continue fulfilling its mission.

"Parkland's mission is to engage the community in learning, and the wonderful gift from Dennis and Eileen Coleman allows us to create opportunities for learning within the community," Ayers said.