MCHENRY — It seems fitting that First United Bank & Trust moved the Garrett College Foundation’s latest capital campaign past its initial goal.
First United’s naming gift for Garrett College’s turf field, announced recently, allowed the Athletics Capital Campaign to officially clear the minimum $500,000 goal set by the foundation and the college. The campaign now has $655,000 in total gifts and pledges.
“I was really happy to see that First United’s gift was the one that put us over the top,” said Richard Midcap, Garrett College’s president. “They have provided major gifts to all three of our capital campaigns – STEM, performing arts center, and now the athletics campaign.”
Carissa Rodeheaver, president and chief executive officer of First United Bank & Trust, shared that the bank has consistently supported each of the college’s capital campaigns because of the college’s significant and lasting contributions to the local community.
“At First United, we believe that investing in education and ensuring access to quality facilities for children and adults alike strengthens the very foundation of our community,” said Rodeheaver. “The college plays a vital role in preparing future leaders, fueling economic growth and enhancing quality of life across Garrett County.”
First United Bank & Trust continues to demonstrate its deep commitment to community growth through both financial support and hands-on involvement through the volunteerism of its employees.
“Community success is rooted in shared responsibility,” said Rodeheaver. “Our partnership with the college reflects our belief that education and access to quality resources are essential for growth. Together, we’re supporting local families and investing in the long-term vitality of our area. It’s all part of our unwavering commitment to the people and communities we proudly serve.”
Cherie Krug, executive director of the Garrett College Foundation, said the athletic campaign’s initial goal of $500,000 was set to backfill a half-million-dollar guarantee by the Garrett College Board of Trustees. That commitment permitted the college to move forward with design and planning for the renovation of the 700 Building, which will provide additional locker rooms, athletic training and rehabilitation space, conference space, and coaches offices for the four teams that use the adjoining turf field.
Garrett County Government and the Garrett College Board of Trustees have jointly funded nearly $5 million in construction costs for the renovation. Midcap said the athletics capital campaign will continue to help offset some of those construction costs.
“We’ve already received commitments for 17 of the 19 major gift opportunities,” said Midcap. “We are working now on identifying donors for the final two major namings – the 700 Building naming as well as the soccer scoreboard.
“We’re also developing some smaller naming opportunities, including a locker-naming campaign and a donor wall right inside the renovated 700 Building,” added Midcap. “We want to make sure that everyone who wants to be involved in the campaign can do so at whatever giving level they are comfortable.”
Midcap said the expansion of GC’s intercollegiate athletic program, which has grown from four to eight teams since 2018, has helped dramatically increase the college’s enrollment.
“At a time when colleges across the country are closing or consolidating, we’ve been thriving,” said Midcap. “We grew nearly 13 percent this fall in credit enrollment compared to last fall, and have increased enrollment by over 30 percent in the last four years. The increase in student athletes – we’ve gone from 70 in 2021 to 174 in 2025 – has played a big role in that success.”
Individuals interested in information about giving to the GCF Athletics Capital Campaign should contact Cherie Krug at cherie.krug@garrettcollege.edu or 301-387-3100.