JANESVILLE — The Blackhawk Technical College Foundation has received a $100,000 donation from Blain’s Farm & Fleet and the Blain Gilbertson Family for the naming rights on the garage doors at BTC’s new Center for Transportation Studies building within the new Public Safety + Transportation Center (PSTC).

This gift will support Blackhawk’s automotive and diesel programs, which provide skills in service and repair of transportation, construction, industrial and farm equipment and provide a foundation on the latest technologies. 

“Our partnership with Blain’s Farm & Fleet to is an example of the commitment and support our industry partners have for the college’s efforts at education and training in critical career pathways that impact our local economy,” said Lisa Hurda, Director of Advancement & Foundation at Blackhawk. 

Blain’s Farm & Fleet actively contributes to local industry, schools, and other organizations for the betterment of the community. 

“Janesville is and will always be my home. Not only is it where my dad and uncle built the foundation for Blain’s Farm & Fleet, it is where I grew up and raised my family,” said Jane Blain Gilbertson, Blain’s Farm & Fleet CEO, Owner, and President. “To make this donation to an organization that does amazing work for our area and invest in the community that has supported both my family and our family-owned business is truly an honor. I am so proud to be a part of this incredible community.”

Blackhawk’s PSTC project, which Rock and Green County voters approved on Nov. 3, 2020, has transformed the once-vacant land at the corner of West Sunny Lane and Prairie Street along the northwest corner of Blackhawk’s Central Campus.

In addition to serving automotive and diesel programs in the Center for Transportation Studies program, the new facilities serve first responder programs, including fire, EMS, and law enforcement, and include an Emergency Vehicle Operator Course pad.