Graduation ceremonies for Metropolitan Community College students featured Missouri's Governor Jay Nixon giving the keynote address. To show MCC's appreciation, the Governor was presented with this one-of-a-kind bait cast fishing reel and display box. Parts for this replica of a 1937 Shakespeare casting reel were machined by David Hawkins receiving his A.A.S degree that night.

This box is an original creation by Jen Dec, lab technician with the Fab Lab. This unique design features a hide away front panel with Channel Catfish the Missouri State fish. The box lid features engraved text commemorating the work of MCC students and personnel along with their appreciation for the Governor's commencement address.

The two tone appearance is from using a light Birdseye Maple along with African Padauke which gives it the reddish color.

For more information check out the MCCKC Insider article "Two MCC artisans create unique thank-you gift for Gov. Nixon".