In 2025, Midco, a prominent telecommunications company based in Sioux Falls, has made a remarkable $2 million donation to the Great Plains Zoo. This generous contribution is pivotal in the construction of the new Joe H. Floyd Education Center, dedicated to enhancing children’s education and fostering wildlife conservation throughout South Dakota. Named in honor of the late Joe H. Floyd, former president of Midco and a dedicated board member of the zoo for nearly three decades, this center represents a significant milestone in community support and corporate giving.
Midco’s Philanthropy Sparks a New Era for Children’s Education at Great Plains Zoo
Midco’s commitment to education and community welfare is epitomized by their substantial donation toward the Joe H. Floyd Education Center. This state-of-the-art facility will span over 15,000 square feet and is designed to radically transform animal education for youth in South Dakota. The donation encapsulates the spirit of corporate giving, reflecting the company’s deep roots in philanthropy and community service.
- Facility Size: Over 15,000 square feet dedicated to diverse educational purposes
- Named Honor: In memory of Joe H. Floyd, Midco’s former president
- Focus Areas: Animal ambassador programs, early childhood education, and literacy projects
- Beneficiaries: South Dakota youth, including more than 1,500 annual campers and 4,500 K-2 students
How This Donation Enhances Children’s Education and Wildlife Conservation
The Joe H. Floyd Education Center is not just a building—it is a vibrant hub designed to facilitate immersive learning experiences about animal life and conservation efforts. With an Animal Ambassador wing housing mammals, raptors, reptiles, and parrots, the center will enable the Great Plains Zoo to double the number of children participating in programs like ZooCamp. This expansion advances both educational outreach and wildlife conservation, instilling a lifelong appreciation for nature in young visitors.
- Animal Ambassador Wing: Expanded habitats for mammals, reptiles, and birds
- Program Expansion: Doubling summer camp participation opportunities
- Early Childhood Engagement: Threefold increase in programs for children under five years old
- Community Integration: Partnership with Sioux Falls School District for literacy-enhancing zoo visits
Community Support and Impact: A Legacy of Education Through Corporate Giving
Midco’s donation is a shining example of corporate giving that directly impacts community education standards and accessibility. Beyond financial support, the project honors Joe H. Floyd’s legacy, reflecting his lifelong dedication to education and public service. The center is poised to become a cornerstone for educational initiatives that serve thousands annually, enhancing literacy, curiosity, and environmental stewardship.
- Annual Reach: Over 1,500 campers and 160 families in early childhood programs
- Literacy Project: Educational zoo visits for all Sioux Falls K-2 students, reaching approximately 4,500 children yearly
- Enhanced Animal Housing: Improved enclosures to support community education efforts
- Construction Timeline: Beginning in 2026, with estimated completion in 2028
Building Educational Foundations: The Role of Infrastructure and Collaboration
The construction of the Joe H. Floyd Education Center, designed by Sioux Falls-based JLG Architects, represents a collaboration that intertwines community values, educational innovation, and wildlife conservation. This project will serve as a powerful example of how infrastructure development in educational spaces can catalyze learning and social engagement.
- Collaborative Design: Partnership with local architecture experts focused on sustainable, functional learning spaces
- Multiuse Spaces: Combination of classrooms, administrative offices, and dedicated animal learning areas
- Community Engagement: Opportunities for increased public programming and zoo visits
- Legacy Building: Honoring significant contributors through educational infrastructure
Midco’s $2 million gift is more than just a donation; it is a foundation for future generations to explore and understand wildlife and the environment. This effort perfectly aligns with ongoing discussions on improving children’s education and community support, complementing national conversations on effective philanthropy and educational development foster children’s education efforts and corporate contributions in education. The Great Plains Zoo and Midco exemplify how partnership and vision can empower communities and champion children’s educational journeys.