AEP Rivers Operations of Paducah along with Bill and Meredith Schroeder of Paducah were among 34 benefactors recently recognized at the annual Kentucky Community and Technical College System (KCTCS) Celebration of Philanthropy Awards Dinner. The gala, hosted by KCTCS President Dr. Jay Box and members of the KCTCS Foundation, was held November 14 at the Lexington Center. AEP Rivers Operations and the Schroeders were selected as West Kentucky Community and Technical College’s benefactors for recognition by KCTCS for 2015. More than 600 individuals from across the state were in attendance.
Headquartered in St. Louis, AEP Rivers Operations is a barge company offering service in the transportation of dry bulk commodities throughout the inland river systems. AEP has been a primary supporter of WKCTC’s Inland Logistics and Marine Institute, and donated $100,000 to marine programming and provided marine diesel engines imperative for state-of-the-art student learning. Keith Lay, director of administration at AEP, accepted the award on behalf of AEP during the ceremony. AEP Rivers Operations was sold to American Commercial Lines (ACL) in November 2015.
Paducah residents Bill and Meredith Schroeders were recognized for being key supporters in numerous capital and special projects at WKCTC. The Schroeders are also very active in economic development initiatives throughout western Kentucky. Most recently, the Schroeders were lead donors for the Paducah School of Art and Design campus in Lowertown Paducah. The Schroeders also created an endowment providing scholarship funding to WKCTC students.