Drake State Community and Technical College commemorated a $5 million gift from the E. Hart Fund during a campus event April 27, marking the largest individual donation in both the college’s history and the Alabama Community College System.
The event, held at the Leidos Advanced Training Complex, celebrated a contribution that college leaders say will transform workforce training opportunities for future students.
The investment will fund renovations and upgrades to Drake State’s automotive training facility, expanding capacity and modernizing equipment for hands-on instruction.
Dr. Patricia Sims, president of Drake State, said the gift reflects the enduring influence of donor Ellenae Fairhurst and her vision for education and opportunity.
“Ellenae Fairhurst had a tremendous impact on our community, but her legacy is not behind us. It is ahead of us,” Sims said. “This gift will support Drake State students to carry forward her vision for our community for generations to come. It is our dream that the next Ellenae Fairhurst is trained right here on our campus.”
College officials said the funding will help prepare students for careers in the automotive industry while supporting entrepreneurship and upward mobility, priorities long associated with Fairhurst’s philanthropic goals.
Trishonda Woods, advisor to the E. Hart Fund, emphasized the importance of partnerships between donors and educational institutions.
“It is such a pleasure to be here today on behalf of the E. Hart Fund,” Woods said. “To Dr. Sims and your leadership team, thank you for your partnership and for the work you do each day to shape the next generation.”
Founded in 1961, Drake State is a historically Black community college serving North Alabama, offering two-year degrees, technical certifications, adult education and customized workforce training programs. College leaders said the gift will allow the institution to expand its role in supporting the region’s growing aerospace, defense and advanced manufacturing sectors.
Officials said the college will steward the investment with a focus on student success and long-term community impact, ensuring the donor’s legacy continues through future generations of graduates.
