MANSFIELD, PA—The Mansfield Auxiliary Corporation (MAC) has contributed $250,000 to the Housing Incentive Fund it established at 
Mansfield University in 2012.
David Cummings, MAC Board president, said this new contribution will add to the more than $100,000 already contributed for MAC incentives to benefit current students and help attract new students to MU.
In addition to the Housing Incentive Fund, MAC also contributed $75,000 to the Gateway Program last summer, allowing students involved in the program to live in the residence halls free during the six-week program. The Gateway Program provides early access to higher education for students who demonstrate potential for success in college, but may lack the traditional evidence required for standard admission.
“We are thrilled to be able to continue to provide assistance and support to Mansfield University students in need,” Cummings said. “In turn, some of these future graduates may remain in the area or return to continue the tradition of volunteerism and leadership.”
“MAC members donated thousands of hours of their own time to make our new residence halls a reality and they continue to support our university through the MAC Housing Incentive Fund and in so many other ways,” MU President Fran Hendricks said. “I sincerely want to thank them for their generous contributions to our university and our community.”
MAC Board members are Cummings, Mark Eby, Bruce Dart and Al Quimby. Hendricks and MU Associate Vice President of Residence Life Chuck Colby serve as ex-officio members. Cummings also wanted to thank former Board members Fred Lavancher, Mark Eby, Sandra Most, Jess Ricker and Bob McConnell for their service.
MAC was formed in 2009 as a Pennsylvania Nonprofit, IRS 501(c)(3) charitable corporation consisting of volunteers from the community to assist MU in the construction of replacement student housing on the MU Campus. Its mission is to “promote the interests of Mansfield University … by engaging in the construction, operation, management and maintenance of student housing facilities or other projects for the benefit of the students of the University.”
Under the MAC Board’s leadership and guidance, Oak and Hickory Halls opened in January 2012. Sycamore Hall opened in September 2013 and Spruce Hall opened this past January. MAC contracts with the University to oversee the daily operation of the residence halls.