Zane State College today announced that The J.W. and M.H. Straker Charitable Foundation has completed a $250,000 pledge to help build the Advanced Science and Technology Center (ASTC), which is a new, state-of-the-art learning center. Thanks to the Straker Foundation’s support, the ASTC is now the hub of the College’s Electrical Engineering Technology programs, including our new bachelor’s degree program in Protection and Control systems. In addition, the ASTC is home to the Radiologic Technology and Medical Assisting programs.
“As a founding director of the Zane State College Foundation, Mr. Straker helped create a lasting legacy that has continued to make a significant impact in the lives of our students over the past 35 years,” said Chad Brown, president of Zane State College. “The Straker Charitable Foundation’s support for the Advanced Science and Technology Center is a ringing endorsement that Mr. Straker continues to believe that our work has a positive impact in Zanesville and beyond.”
Zane State College has enjoyed nearly four decades of support from the Straker family. Mr. Straker began his service to the College as a Muskingum Area Technical College Foundation Charter Board of Directors member from 1983-1987 and served as Chairman from 1984-1985. He was awarded Director Emeritus status in 1988. He has been a guiding force that has contributed to the success of Zane State College. Mr. Straker’s late wife, Mary Helen Straker, also believed in the value of education and was a supporter of the College.
“I am proud of the opportunities that the Foundation Board creates for students,” said Bill Straker. “The College provides an affordable college education to students in this area, which immediately enables them to make contributions to their employers.”
Susan Straker Holdren, president of the The J.W. and M.H. Straker Charitable Foundation, was a Professor of English, served as Dean of Arts and Sciences, and retired from Zane State College in 2015 after 27 years of service. She was awarded Faculty Emerita status later that year. She continues her service today as a member of the Board of Trustees of Zane State College.
“My parents and grandparents believed that education is the best way for a person to enrich and improve his or her life,” said Susan Straker Holdren. “That’s why I became a teacher. For decades, I got to witness lives changing for the better at Zane State College. Through the ASTC and other improvements, I am confident that Zane State will continue to help students achieve their goals.”
The Straker family’s history of support and service to Zane State College and the Zane State College Foundation is appreciated by the campus community. We are thankful for their continued dedication to our students.
Zane State College, established in 1969, offers an accredited education at its campuses in Zanesville and Cambridge, Ohio. Zane State College is accredited by The Higher Learning Commission (hlcommission.org), a regional accreditation agency recognized by the U.S. Department of Education. Zane State College’s programs and certificates provide an experience-based education for modern careers. Students can also receive an affordable start on the first two years of their bachelor’s degree at Zane State College before transferring to a four-year institution. Visit www.zanestate.edu for more information.
