Leadership from the Delaware North-owned-and-operated Southland Park Gaming & Racing last week presented Arkansas State University Mid-South with $100,000, the fifth of 10 annual payments to support the Jeremy M. Jacobs Hospitality Program, which is named in honor of Delaware North’s chairman.
“As our business evolves and expands, our need for well-trained and highly-skilled employees continues to escalate,” said Troy L. Keeping, regional general manager for Delaware North’s gaming business and president and general manager at Southland Park. “This program will continue to generate a deep pool of qualified hospitality workers who will strengthen the tourism and entertainment efforts of Crittenden County and our region.”
Debra West, chancellor of ASU Mid-South, known as Mid-South Community College before it joined the state university system in 2015, said the hospitality program credits Southland Park’s generosity with converting the college’s vision into a reality.
“Southland (Park) put us in a position beginning in 2012 to create something we had considered for quite some time but could never find the resources to establish,” West said. “We wanted to offer a cutting-edge program, and as is Southland’s way, they have provided us with the funds to develop something extraordinary.”
“Their generosity continues to help our students tremendously,” West continued. “And we are certainly very appreciative of everything Delaware North and Southland Park have done to ensure a brighter future for our region.
”Southland Park’s continuing commitment to the college is evident as its overall gifts exceed $1.2 million since 2006, with pledges extending beyond 2016. In recognition of the multiple contributions, the college named one of its classroom buildings the “Southland Greyhound Science Center.”
Southland Park has also provided significant funding for endowed scholarships, as well as a $250,000 commitment to the school’s athletic program. The gaming establishment has also made a substantial contribution to ASU Mid-South’s Emergency Medical Technician program.
PHOTO CAPTION: Troy Keeping (left) presents ASU Mid-South's Debra West with a check for $100,000.