The Dreams. Discovery. Direction. campaign will bring new buildings, endowments and aid. (Photo: Cristian Sandoval)
The AU Dreams. Discovery. Direction. campaign, made public in 2006, has garnered $113 million worth of gifts, achieving more than the projected goal of $110 million to support capital projects ($51 million), endowment and gifts for operational support, annual student aids and payroll.
The capital campaign to raise support for the needed improvements on facilities and equipment, endowment and scholarships, academic and student programs and operational needs is on a strong track despite the weak economy.
The highly anticipated 24,000-square-foot York Performance Hall and Galleries project is under construction since groundbreaking on May 5, 2011. The $4 million project’s estimated completion date is this summer.
The addition of the performance hall, adjoined to the existing Krannert Fine Arts Building, would provide a proper performance space for students to showcase their art and music. It would also support a gallery space for the Warner Sallman art collection and special wood art collection.
Vice President of Advancement Bob Coffman has been involved with the campaign progress since 2006. The Advancement team of 25 consists of staff from various departments who direct funding, public relations, marketing and publications.
With his team, Coffman attended consultations with the AU Board of Trustees, feasibility studies with fundraiser consultants like Johnson Grossnickle and Associates and meetings with the National Campaign Cabinet and Advisory Commission. Together, the campaign committee proposes resources allocation and accesses the capacity of donors and alumni.
According to Coffman, the biggest challenge the campaign has faced thus far is the financial crisis in 2008, where “we received unexpected challenges and blessings.” Several donations were put on hold as most donors were challenged in poor economic times, but other donations continue to flow in.
“Although the amount received decreased, the number of donors increased. This showed the level of commitment from our donors,” Coffman said.
He remains optimistic about the future projects, as he believes the economy will get better. The gifts received for current use are a security for the future, as it allows the team to plan confidently despite being without immediate access to the funds.
Currently, the team is reassessing the resources received and has identified the University Center to be of the next highest priority.
The University Center is expected to streamline facilities and enhance a sense of community as a hub for student and community activities. The environment would support the campaign’s mission to promote ongoing discovery and growth with funds for capital projects amongst other designated purposes.
Besides the development of the performance hall and planning for the university center, the $51 million raised for capital projects has been and will be further allocated for residence hall improvements such as plumbing, electricity and York seminary housing expansion.
Phase II of the York Seminary Village, a residence majority of married applicants and second-career students, is slated for construction on the east side of Walnut Street soon.
In addition, campaign funds would be further distributed to capital projects like campus parking, beautification and safety enhancements, athletic fields, Flagship Enterprise Center, the conference center and the alumni and visitors center.
Coffman also said that plans for a center for communication and performing arts have also been discussed, although the final location has yet to be determined. The construction of the center would merge the various communication disciplines offered, as well as bring together award-winning Covenant Productions and WQME radio on campus.
Besides the capital projects, 30 percent of the gifts received would be endowments, where the amount is held in trust and invested so that the annual distributions from the investments could be used for a designated purpose by the donor or for unrestricted use, such as general operating purposes.
Most donors have designated endowment gifts for student financial aid, so more than 90 percent of the students receive financial aid. The endowment gifts are also used to attract and retain gifted faculty, support proven academic and student financial aid programs like Campus Ministries, the Academic Honors Program, TRI-S and the Center for Public Service.
These endowments ensure stability and progress during uncertain economic times, and with the support for the campaign, AU hopes to ensure its long-term vitality.
