The Gift of Giving
Gogebic Community College (GCC) is proud to announce the establishment of the Bill and Betty Perkis Forestry Endowment Fund.
Bill has always been at home in the dirt. After graduating from Michigan Tech, he began his career as a Soil Survey Project Leader with the Natural Resources Conservation Service, USDA. Later, he joined GCC as an adjunct instructor, eventually becoming a full-time faculty member and the founder of the college’s Forestry Technology Program.
It was at Michigan Tech’s soil lab that Bill met Betty, who also dedicated her career to science and education as a teacher and school principal after graduating from the Michigan Tech Forestry Program. Together, they have celebrated 44 years of marriage and a shared commitment to learning and community service.
Reflecting on their journey, Bill and Betty shared why they established the endowment:
“Both of us feel that the education and the experience of college is what has made
us who we are today. It facilitated our accomplishments. We want to support students
and future forestry professionals.”
The endowment will provide financial support for students enrolled in GCC’s Forestry Technology Program, funding opportunities such as field trips, Society of American Foresters (SAF) workshop fees, specialized trainings, log jamboree participation, and travel expenses for approved experiences. These activities are vital to student success, offering hands-on learning, networking with professional foresters, and pathways to internships and careers.
“Bill’s vision and dedication have shaped the Forestry Technology Program into a cornerstone of GCC,” said Chris Patritto, President of GCC. “This endowment ensures that his legacy will continue to enrich the lives of students for generations to come.”
Although retiring from full-time teaching, Bill plans to remain connected to GCC as an adjunct instructor. He and Betty can also be found volunteering in our community at Knights of Columbus and St. Vincent DePaul Food Pantry.
A Legacy That Inspires Others
Bill and Betty’s generosity demonstrates how one family’s commitment can shape the future for countless students. GCC invites alumni, friends, and community members to consider creating their own endowment funds to honor loved ones, celebrate milestones, or invest in programs that matter most to them. Together, we can ensure that opportunities for students continue to grow for generations to come.
For more information about establishing an endowment at GCC, please contact Kelly Marczak, GCC Foundation Director at 906-307-1202 or Kellym@gogebic.edu.
