ATEC Conference Center renamed

MOSES LAKE — The Grant County ATEC building Conference Center was renamed to honor  Moses Lake couple Harry and Masie Masto.

The large conference room is now called “Masto Conference Center.”

The Harry and Masie Masto Foundation recently pledged $350,000 to the Big Bend Community College Foundation.

“It’s an incredibly generous gift,” said Foundation Executive Director Doug Sly.

College President Bill Bonaudi announced the donation at the foundation’s fund-raiser, Winter Serenade. The college’s Board of Trustees held a special meeting to rename the room during the event. 

“They approved the naming of the Masto Conference Center, (and) then it flashed on the big screen, ‘Welcome to Masto Conference Center,’” Sly said.

A specification was made that the donation enhance the college’s mission “through facilities, equipment, student support and outreach to communities in the college’s service district,” Sly said.

Harry Masto died in 1992 and Masie Masto, age 92, is in assisted living, according to Sly.

“(The older people) remember Harry, and he was a well-liked and highly regarded person around here,” Sly said.

The Mastos were philanthropists who contributed to other organizations in the community, including the Samaritan Hospital Foundation and the Lions, he noted.

For the college foundation and staff, the donation is proof the college is strongly supported, even during a tough economy, he said.

Grant County appears to be prospering, despite national news of a poor economy, he said.

A date is being set for the new room’s dedication.

Other named rooms in the college’s ATEC building include Peterson Gallery, Hardin Community Room, Simplot rooms and REC Silicon classrooms.

Public Information Officer Autumn Weis said the Harry and Masie Masto Foundation has committed a total of $530,000 to the college foundation.

A bronze portrait, in recognition of Harry and Masie Masto, was commissioned by the Big Bend Community College Foundation.

The portrait will read: “Harry and Masie Masto came to Moses Lake to farm in 1952. Harry had a potato shipping business when he started Pronto Pacific and established the potato processing industry in the Basin. Harry was a BBCC Foundation board member.

“From 1978 to 1992, the Mastos donated more than one-third of all cash gifts received by the BBCC Foundation. Their philanthropy in the Moses Lake area earned them a legacy in support of education, health care and community service.”