NWSCC & Lumina - Part I

 

Several days ago, an employee of Northwest Shoals Community College contacted us about that institution's new logo and name. We found the change odd and did a short blog at the employee's request, mainly using the information sent in the e-mail. 

Due to complaints about the blog, we took another look at the situation and want to clarify the grant in question, plus bring Lumina's game plan to light. It may be simply good business, but it is nonetheless business.

1. One Nashville reader was highly critical of our even mentioning the small name change. Yet if you look at the press release, marketing director Trent Randolph devotes an entire paragraph to the change and why it took place. Since about 90% of our commenters couldn't even discern the change, we're not sure it will accomplish a more unified student body, but it is interesting to note that administration feels a lack of camaraderie between the campuses.

2. While the Lumina grant in question was for 100K, the community college probably didn't pay the entire amount to the public relations company. We find several instances of institutions mentioning payments totaling 50K to Rickabaugh Graphics; therefore, it's doubtful that NWSCC paid more.

3. How much for actually completing the change over? The press release said the changes would be completed as money became available, so it's safe to assume this is where the remaining 50K in grant money is going/has gone.

4. The actual grant? It was not taxpayer funded, but a gift from a foundation, Lumina, which gave ten such grants last year. Before you think that was a wonderfully altruistic act by Lumina, you need to discover what Lumina actually is...

Tomorrow: What is Lumina?

*****

This is Merrick. He's a five month-old Lab mix with a long life of love and companionship to offer. You can adopt Merrick or one of his litter mates at the Florence shelter on Roberson Road: