Green River Community College will dedicate its new welcome center to students on June 2. The center will offer personal assistance with the college entry process, connection to appropriate services and academic advising.

The $1.6 million project was funded by an $800,000 gift from Kent resident Dan Zgolinski, whose gift was matched with public funds. In honor of Zgolinski’s donation, the building will be named the Zgolinski Welcome Center.

“Dan is a man of action,” said Green River president Rich Rutkowski. “He doesn’t just talk about getting something done…he does it. The Zgolinski Welcome Center is one more in a long line of significant actions Dan has undertaken to make Green River Community College a great place for students.”

Zgolinski’s involvement with Green River began in 1988 when he endowed the Dan and Helen Zgolinski Scholarship. Thirty-six students have since received scholarships. Zgolinski went on to serve on the Green River Community College Foundation’s board of directors from 1991-98.

Born in 1913 in southeast King County, Zgolinski has lived in the area his entire life. He graduated from Renton High School, served in the Navy during WWII, and worked for Sears Roebuck until his retirement. Zgolinski never attended college.

The dedication of the welcome center on June 2nd is an opportunity to recognize Dan’s selflessness and vision, said Rutkowski. “His generosity will encourage hundreds, perhaps thousands, of Green River students each year to stay in school and earn a degree.”