Coldwater gives NIC Ponderay Center $50,000

PONDERAY — Coldwater Creek contributed nearly $50,000 to the North Idaho College Ponderay Center for the purchase of technology and equipment for the newly-opened facility.

To consolidate classrooms and facilitate future growth with additional space, NIC's former Sandpoint Center relocated to its new location in the Bonner Mall in Ponderay this fall.

One room in the NIC Ponderay Center was designed with a computer lab capable of having instructor-led classes offered from the room. However, funds were not available to equip the room with the necessary technology to allow it to be utilized this year.

Through the advisory group that helps steer the NIC Ponderay Center, Coldwater Creek officials learned of the technology need at the college center and decided to take action.

"As the largest private sector employer in the Sandpoint area, Coldwater Creek realizes that quality education is a cornerstone of any strong community," said Dennis Pence, chairman and chief executive officer for Coldwater Creek.

"For that reason, we are happy to have this opportunity to support North Idaho College as it expands its course offerings and makes a positive impact on the lives of even more students in the future," he added.

Coldwater Creek contributed $49,708 for the immediate purchase of technology to equip the lab. Equipment has already been ordered and is expected to be installed early in the spring semester.

"We are grateful for the gift and delighted at what it will do for NIC students taking coursework in Bonner County," NIC President Michael Burke said. "Technology is an essential part of the educational process, and this gift from our friends at Coldwater Creek is a huge step forward for our new center."

Coldwater Creek's donation funded personal computers for up to 14 students as well as technology to provide a multimedia environment for the instructor, printing and Internet access to all computer stations, ergonomic work space for the students and the instructor and equipment protection and security.

"Educational facilities in NIC's centers around the Panhandle are being designed with flexible technology to meet the learning needs of students pursuing a variety of educational experiences," said NIC Information Technology Director Steve Ruppel.

When the technology and equipment is installed, the facility can be used as a drop-in computer lab or as an instructional classroom. The room was designed to be easily converted from individual computer workstations to open classroom space depending on the current need for the facility.