Cornerstone Bank commits $25,000 to Anna Maria College’s ‘Build Up, Rise High’ campaign

Funds support construction of a new academic building and an athletics field

Cornerstone Bank has committed $25,000 to Anna Maria College in Paxton for its “Build Up, Rise High” campaign. The funds will support the construction of an academic building dedicated to public safety and mental health, as well as the creation of an on-campus baseball and multi-purpose field. Cornerstone Bank will contribute $5,000 per year for five years as part of this endeavor.

“We’re proud to support this vibrant, longstanding, local institution of higher learning,” said Cornerstone Bank CEO Todd Tallman. “Anna Maria’s plans will not only benefit its students but will also go a long way in serving our community, especially since so many alumni remain in Worcester County working in roles where they serve local populations.”

The $12.5-million initiative includes the construction of a new, 21,000-square-foot academic building with learning and observation spaces for research and teaching. It will be used by students entering high-demand fields—such as mental health, criminal justice, social work, and addiction and recovery—which are the most pressing priorities identified in a recent population-based assessment in the greater Worcester area. The building will also provide conference and lecture areas for students and the broader community.

“At Anna Maria, we have always been proud to prepare students with the career-ready skills they need to confidently enter the workforce and contribute to their communities,” said Mary Lou Retelle, president of Anna Maria College. “Enhanced facilities will support our students’ academic goals, helping them to acquire the skills, technical knowledge and compassion to make a real difference in the community and help us continue to attract top-notch faculty and field practitioners.”

The “Build Up, Rise High” campaign will also fulfill a longstanding institutional promise to construct the first baseball and multi-purpose field on campus. This will help raise the college’s profile amongst its competition in the NCAA Division III. This campaign will also make the school a more attractive choice for incoming students, improve scheduling and attendance of on-campus events and provide a richer experience for students and the surrounding community.

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