Sam and June Hamra

Sam and June Hamra see Ozarks Technical Community College as an institution that gives opportunity to anyone who wants it. “I realize the outstanding service that OTC is providing the area. It offers opportunities for students who couldn’t afford to go to college. It convinced me that I needed to be a strong supporter for OTC,” said Mr. Hamra, a member of the OTC Foundation Board of Directors and founder and chairman of Hamra Enterprises. “When I was asked to join the Foundation (in 2008), that’s what I wanted to do. It was something that was doing so much good, and I wanted to support them.”

Since then, the Hamras have made generous gifts to the College and plan to continue to do so along with promoting the College among their friends and colleagues. “It’s such a worthwhile institution for everyone in the area. I always tell people that the best thing they can do for their children is introduce them to OTC,” said Mrs. Hamra. Mr. Hamra said that the College has had a tremendous impact on the region since it opened. “Students who couldn’t afford college can now go to college and start furthering their education. A lot of students can learn a trade and be employed. OTC provides an opportunity to students that would otherwise not have an option for additional education,” he said. Giving students an education and getting them a job helps everyone, according to the Hamras. “It gives people in Springfield and the southwest Missouri region the benefit of having their children gain a chance to go to OTC and become better citizens by getting a job,” Mr. Hamra said. That’s why giving to OTC is so important, the couple said. “Anytime you can give, make sure you are giving to someone who will use it to develop people and skills. When you give to OTC, you help with the growth and health of the community,” Mr. Hamra said. According to Mrs. Hamra, “It’s wonderful to donate to an educational facility like OTC. Not only are you donating to OTC, you are giving to a bigger cause for our community – education. Education keeps growing and it’s the beginning of something very worthwhile.”