Ozarks Tech accepts gift for event, training space

An event center on the third floor of Ozarks Technical Community College’s new student union will be named for the founders of an area manufacturing company. 

The college’s Michael L. Parson Student Union – also called The U – will feature the George T. and Vesta Carr Event Center, a 3,200-square-foot workforce training and meeting room. The space is named in recognition of a six-figure gift. The exact amount was not disclosed.  

According to an Ozarks Tech news release, George T. Carr designed and manufactured tooling for the Ford Motor Co. before he and wife Vesta founded the Lebanon Machine Shop. 

The business later evolved into Detroit Tool and Engineering, which produced materials to support military efforts during World War II. In 1961, their son George E. Carr purchased The Durham Co. and later moved it to Lebanon.  

That company now operates as DT Engineering, with major operations still based in Lebanon. The Durham Co., along with sister companies GEC Durham Industries Inc. and L&W Industries, were built on the legacy of George T. Carr and Vesta Meents Carr, officials said in the release. 

The Carr family has supported capital projects including the Robert W. Plaster Center for Advanced Manufacturing and the Vesta Meents Carr Memorial Scholarship for students pursuing manufacturing careers.   

“Our family’s story reflects a strong work ethic and a deep commitment to our community,” said Jenny Carr, president of L&W Industries and vice president of the Ozarks Tech Foundation Board, in the release. “Investing in affordable, career‑focused education expands opportunity for students while strengthening the workforce and economy of our region and our nation.”  

Ozarks Tech recognized Carr family members Steve and Angie Carr, George and Ann Carr, G.T. and Christa Carr, and Jenny Carr for their contributions to memorialize George T. and Vesta Carr. 

The center will serve as a hub for workforce training, professional development and events, officials said in the release. Key features include a fully divisible layout for simultaneous events, advanced training and presentation technology and the capacity to host multiple programs daily for employers, community partners and students.