By Jesse O. Walls & Megan Murphy
Multimedia Editor & Editor-in-Chief
As the MARET Center celebrates its fifth anniversary, it is renamed the Roy Blunt Center for Missouri Alternative and Renewable Energy Technology. (Photo by Jesse O. Walls/Multimedia Editor)
The Missouri Alternative and Renewable Energy Technology (MARET) Center was officially named for Senator Roy Blunt on Sept. 1 on the Neosho campus. The celebration took place outside the MARET Center, kicking off a year of celebration to mark the many milestones in Crowder’s history with alternative energy.
“In 1992 Crowder became the Missouri alternative energy and renewable technology center for our state,” said Dr. Jennifer Methvin, president of Crowder, in her introduction speech. “Five years ago, Crowder opened … a building powered by alternative energy [and] a showplace for technology. But … alternative energy instruction at Crowder College began before that.”
Crowder’s history in alternative energy lead to the construction of the first solar-powered vehicle, the Trans-American Solar Auto Run (TSAR), to cross the continental United States in 1984. The vehicle now resides in the Henry Ford museum. In 2012 the MARET Center opened, a feat that would not have come to fruition without the assistance of Senator Blunt.
“Today we turn our attention to a public servant who shared invaluable guidance, enthusiasm and leadership during the planning, funding and construction of the MARET Center,” said Dr. Methvin. “Without Senator Roy Blunt’s assistance, the MARET Center would not be.”
According to the Crowder website, the efforts of Senator Blunt helped allocate nearly 3 million dollars in federal funds for the building of the center, which were matched by local private donors.
“This is a critically important program, not only for our economy but also for our national security,” said Senator Blunt. “[This is} a great school to be a part of, a great campus to be a part of, a great concept to be a part of …”
In celebration of the many milestones, the MARET Center will be offering free community education classes this fall, as well as hosting a Celebrate MARET Appreciation Night on Oct. 23 in the Elsie Plaster Center.
FREE COMMUNITY EDUCATION CLASSES:
- Energy Audit | Sept. 21 | 6:30 – 8 p.m. | Roy Blunt Center for MARET
Learn about how to save money on your energy bills. The class will include tips on how to make your home more energy efficient and how to lower your electrical demand.
- Residential Wind Power | Sept. 28 | 6:30 – 8 p.m. | Roy Blunt Center for MARET
Learn the basics of a residential wind turbine system. The course will provide an overview of the necessary equipment and what to look for as a consumer when considering a purchase.
- Residential Solar Power | Oct 5 | 6:30 – 8 p.m. | Roy Blunt Center for MARET
Learn the fundamentals of a residential solar electric system. The class will include consumer information for those who are interested in solar electric systems. Topics to be covered: necessary equipment, electrical load, and questions to ask vendors when considering a purchase.
- Renewable Energy Forum | Oct. 12 | 6:30 – 8 p.m. | Roy Blunt Center for MARET
Open House with multiple vendors in the alternative energy field. Representatives from companies will be on hand to answer your questions.
- Celebrate MARET Appreciation Night | Oct. 23 | 6 p.m. | Elsie Plaster Center
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