By Mitch Holt, Opinion Editor
The university is on track to reach its $150 million goal for the Centennial Campaign by the end of the fundraiser on Dec. 31, 2006, said Phil Boone, director of the Centennial Campaign.
The campaign, which was announced in February, is a fundraiser that is a part of the celebration of the university’s 100th year.
The money raised in the Centennial Campaign will be used in three outlets on campus: $95 million will be invested and used for campus programs and various scholarships, $17 million will be used toward annual expenses and alleviating some of the cost to receive an education and $38 million will be used for capital projects, such as renovations and construction of new buildings around campus.
Boone said that along with raising money for the university, the campaign is also a beneficial means to build stronger relationships between the university and its alumni and friends.
“When alumni and friends do-nate money to ACU, it strengthens their relationships with the university because they are interested in seeing how their donations are benefiting their alma mater,” Boone said.
Boone announced last weekend that $93 million of the campaign has been raised. As of Sept. 1, the university will have 16 months to raise the remaining $57 million.
The university had hoped to announce by Monday that $100 million had been raised, but even without this goal met, the fundraiser is still on target to reach its goal by the campaign deadline, Boone said.
The ACU Calling Center has also been a major contributor to the campaign.
“The Calling Center employs students who work hard to call alumni and friends and ask them to give back to the university as a part of the Centennial Campaign,” said Lexi Foster, supervisor at the Calling Center and senior marketing and management major from Ulysses, Kan.
Overall, Boone said he is happy with the response alumni and friends have given the Centennial Campaign; however, the university would like to see more alumni giving back to their alma mater.
“We know that the money is out there and that God will move people’s hearts to give,” Boone said. “We not only give him the credit for the money that’s been raised, but we also recognize that we’re dependent upon his blessings to meet the desired goal.”
