Ozarks Tech announced a six-figure gift from the Carr Family of The Durham Company in support of the new Michael L. Parson Student Union (The U) that will open on the Springfield campus in August 2026.
The U will feature the George T. and Vesta Carr Event Center, a 3,200-square-foot workforce training and meeting room in a premier location on the third floor.
The event center is named in recognition of the Carr family’s manufacturing legacy and multigenerational commitment to education and community development in southwest Missouri. That legacy began with George T. and Vesta Meents Carr, whose roots in Lebanon date back to the early 1900s.
Carr Family Legacy Rooted in Community
After George T. Carr completed Ford Motor Co.’s trade school program in the 1920s, he went on to design and manufacture tooling for the automaker. During the Great Depression, George and Vesta returned to their hometown of Lebanon, Mo., where they founded the Lebanon Machine Shop.
The business later evolved into Detroit Tool and Engineering, which produced war materials to support military efforts during World War II. The Carr family was widely respected for their commitment to their employees and the surrounding community in times of prosperity and economic hardship.
The family’s manufacturing heritage continued to grow in 1961, when their son, George E. Carr, purchased The Durham Company in Washington, Mo. After his father and brother died in a plane accident in 1963, George E. moved the company to Lebanon to help manage Detroit Tool.
Vesta, her family, and other company leaders continued to expand Detroit Tool through the 1980s, when it was sold to a private equity firm. That company now operates as DT Engineering, with major operations still based in Lebanon. The Durham Company, along with sister companies, GEC Durham Industries and L&W Industries, built on the legacy of George T. and Vesta Meents Carr, continues to thrive.
New Generations Advance Education and Workforce Development Initiatives
George T. and Vesta Carr impact continues through subsequent generations of the family, who continue to support education and manufacturing at Ozarks Tech, including capital projects like 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. “Investing in affordable, career‑focused education expands opportunity for students while strengthening the workforce and economy of our region and our nation.”
Ozarks Tech also recognizes 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 and their passion for philanthropy, manufacturing and education.
Support for The U
The George T. and Vesta Carr Event Center will serve as a hub for workforce training, professional development and events. 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.
The college is grateful to all donors who have invested in The U. Additional named spaces include:
- Ausburn Family Student Lounge – Kevin & Lynn Ausburn
- Bailey Family Welcome Center – Howard Bailey
- Central Bank and Central Trust Stage – Central Bank of the Ozarks
- Commerce Bancshares Foundation Conference Room – Commerce Bancshares Foundation
- David and Stacey O’Reilly | O’Reilly Auto Parts Plaza – David & Stacey O’Reilly
- Great Southern Bank Patio – Great Southern Bank
- Jim and Cathy Moore Cardio Zone – Jim & Cathy Moore
- Judy and Mike Breeding Clock Tower – Judy & Mike Breeding
- Randy and Cindy McGinnis Student Lounge – Randy & Cindy McGinnis
- Rick’s Automotive Family Lounge – Rick & Karen Hughlett
- Robert and Susan Beine Terrace – Robert & Susan Beine
- Trane Technologies Conference Room – Trane Technologies