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- Accent, Bright-Futures, University News
Bright Futures Campaign Phase III Expands to $75 Million
The Cunningham Center broke ground in the summer of 2020 and construction of the building is rapidly progressing.
With gratitude for sacrificial giving from diverse donors in Phases I and II of the Bright Futures campaign, the campaign executive committee has expanded and extended the effort into a third phase. The first two phases’ successful outcome encouraged campaign leaders to increase the comprehensive campaign from $61 million to $75 million and extend its length two more years to June 2023.
GENEROSITY LED TO SUCCESS
“We are so thankful for the remarkable response that’s allowed us to fund so many aspects of this campaign in the last five years,” says Dr. Jon North, vice president for university advancement. “The broad-based support for Bright Futures from alumni, supporters, businesses and foundations is providing for the excellent education we are able to bring students daily.”
Since the launch of the campaign in 2016, donors have contributed over $62 million in support of academic programs, university operations, and for three fully funded capital projects. The Mabee Learning Commons renovation was completed in 2016 followed by a campus-wide technology upgrade the same year. Construction on the new Cunningham Center began in December 2020 and is scheduled for completion in Spring 2022.
CAPITAL PROJECTS
With this momentum, the campaign now turns toward a new goal. Bright Futures volunteer leaders are seeking to fund additional scholarships, generate support for university programs, and construct an integrated athletic complex to enhance all sports and bring Pioneer football, cross country and track & field back on campus.
“Our executive campaign leadership believes this momentum is propelling us toward an expanding vision that includes a new home for athletics,” North says. “We have an ambitious goal of more than $8 million to fund the athletic complex which will serve a significant number of our student athletes.”
For several years Pioneer football, track & field and cross country have not had competition-approved facilities on campus due to necessary upgrades, NAIA requirements and funding needs. University leadership is making it a priority to bring athletic competition for these sports back home.
Todd Garrett (’94), athletic director, says working toward funding the athletic complex is an exciting step for student-athletes, coaches, alumni, and friends of the university.
“The complex will provide a physical home for a large portion of our athletes to gather, train and create community,” Garrett says. “Approximately half of our 400 student-athletes call track & field and football their sport and affinity group. Addressing the needs of the sports we offer is an investment in these students athletically, socially and spiritually. It’s an anchor for our long-term success.”
More information about the new athletic complex will be unveiled later this year, including architectural renderings.
“Our campaign executive committee has provided great leadership for Bright Futures,” says Dr. Jon North, vice president for university advancement. “They have been very instrumental in the success of the campaign by providing their professional expertise, opening their homes for campaign presentations, going on donor visits and participating in requests for support. They are excited about adding new members to their effort.”
UNIVERSITY SUPPORT & SCHOLARSHIPS
Continued financial support of MNU’s programs is of utmost importance to the future of the university. Keeping infrastructure up to date and in good repair, providing for the expansion of programming and making sure scholarships are in place to help more students in need is all part of what MNU’s newest campaign committee members will be tasked with.
“We asked a group of 12 alumni and friends of the university to join us in this new phase of Bright Futures,” says North. “From financiers and attorneys to business owners and CEOs, this group is excited to help us continue Bright Futures through 2023.”
The new goal of $38.1 million for this component of the campaign is an increase of over $12 million from the previous goal. Beyond funding current operations, the effort will also focus on endowments and special gifts.
ACADEMIC PROGRAMS
In addition to the goals for capital projects, university support and scholarships, campaign leadership expanded the goal for academic programs by another $1.6 million to enrich students’ scholarly opportunities. The previous goal of $6 million was met, funding the following projects:
- Faculty Development Projects
- The Center for Academic and Professional Services
- Expanding Student and Academic Support Services
- Establishing the Center for Career & Life Calling
Funding raised toward the new goal will support new and expanding academic initiatives as they are developed over the next two years. Bright Futures is certainly MNU’s most ambitious campaign since the initial drive to fund the college in 1966. Its success has advanced university facilities and programs significantly. To remain current with continuing results, please visit mnu.edu/brightfutures.
Campaign Leadership Expands An additional group of alumni, community leaders and friends of the university are volunteering their time and diverse expertise to the executive committee as it launches the third phase of the campaign. Leveraging these individuals’ influence and skills, the group sets the tone for this aspect of the campaign, expands its fundraising base, and establishes new relationships with potential donors. Under the leadership of Campaign Co-Chairs Timothy and Gail Buchanan and Dr. Daniel and JoAnne Rexroth, this group joins the previous campaign leadership bringing the number to 42 members.
“Our campaign executive committee has provided great leadership for Bright Futures,” says Dr. Jon North, vice president for university advancement. “They have been very instrumental in the success of the campaign by providing their professional expertise, opening their homes for campaign presentations, going on donor visits and participating in requests for support. They are excited about adding new members to their effort.”
New Members
Timothy E. Baker
Brent and Lynette Barkman
Bradley Bergman
Rick Fields, Jr.
Stan Holm
Mark J. Moore, Jr.
Dr. Mike Redwine
James Perry
Capt. Tammie Jo Shults
