MCC :: Foundation for MCC - History of the Ballenger Trust

History of the Ballenger Trust

William S. Ballenger Sr.
Photo courtesy of Kettering University Archives

In 2005 The Foundation for Mott Community College announced the return of the Ballenger Lecture Series, an impressive line up of speakers since it began in 1955 that has included national and international leaders such as Rocket Scientist Werner Von Braun, Journalists Alistair Cooke and Peter Jennings, Art Critic Stanley Kaufman, Talk Show Host Geraldo Rivera, Writers Alex Haley and William Buckley, Humorist Art Buchwald and Black Activist Julian Bond. The Ballenger Lecture Series was created in 1955 through a generous gift by the Ballenger Trust to enhance educational opportunities for students of MCC as well as create a public discussion of issues facing the greater Flint community.

The College Board of Trustees asked The Foundation for MCC to return the Ballenger series to the greater Flint community. The Ballenger Trust underwrites the necessary finances to offer a free lecture series and create a Ballenger Chair at MCC to provide in depth instruction into urban studies. In April of 2005, the series was launched with nationally renowned Film Director Spike Lee. A grant was obtained to offer a Spike Lee Film Festival prior to his speaking engagement.

In the fall of 2005, it was announced that Mott professor Terrence Stewart would serve as the Ballenger Chair of Urban Studies. At that same conference, Bill Johnson, Mayor of Rochester, New York, led an in depth discussion on the revitalization of Flint which featured mayors from several cities in Genesee County, as well as presidents of colleges in the surrounding area.

In October 2007, Professor Robert E. Dudock assumed the Ballenger Chair with an emphasis on Science, Math, Technology and Engineering.

Date Modified:
April 29, 2008

MOTT COMMUNITY COLLEGE

1401 East Court St.

Flint, MI 48503