By Payton Tholstrup

Cloud County Community College’s welding program has received a donation of $50,000 from Eagle Railcar Services. The donation will be used for both the Concordia and Junction City campuses, to go towards purchasing new equipment.

Eagle Railcar, founded in 2001, is the leading provider of railcar repair in the nation and has locations in six different states, including one in Junction City, KS.

The Kansas location was originally Watco Railcar Repair Shop, built in 1974, and was purchased by Eagle in 2022.

On the Concordia campus, the welding program will be in the brand-new Technical Education and Innovation Center. The center will be open for classes starting in August 2024.

Danea Buschkoetter, an instructor in welding at Cloud, shared her gratitude for the donation. “This substantial donation will enhance our welding program at both Junction City and Concordia, enabling us to provide cutting-edge equipment that empowers our students to excel in the field of welding. This support not only emphasizes Eagle Railcar Services’ commitment to education, but also represents a significant investment in unlocking the potential of our students and shaping the future of skilled craftsmanship,” Buschkoetter stated.