Longwood University closed its seven-year capital campaign in June after raising more than $41 million to make a bold impact on the campus.
"This campaign will have a lasting impact on our students and faculty," said Dr. Bryan Rowland, chief development officer. "From the establishment of the Cook-Cole College of Arts and Sciences to the future Upchurch University Center and Maugans Alumni Center, our students, alumni and faculty will be well-served for years to come."
With college costs rising, the campaign emphasized fundraising for student scholarships. More than $9 million was raised to ease the financial burden on families of Longwood students while continuing to help attract intelligent, motivated students who will be prepared to be the citizen leaders of tomorrow.
The campaign will facilitate a dynamic expansion of campus services in the coming years. Construction is set to begin on the $30 million Norman and Elsie Upchurch University Center in 2015. The center, which will replace the dated facilities in Lankford Hall, will be a lively new home for students—housing all the services needed by 21st century students: offices of Greek life, student activities, student learning, student leadership, civic engagement, and diversity and inclusion. The building will be wired with state-of-the-art technology available to all students and visitors to the campus.
"We are committed to making Longwood University a thriving, engaging campus by focusing on the technology needs of tomorrow’s students," said Rowland. "Through gifts that established cutting-edge facilities like the Edward I. Gordon Clinical Simulation Center for our burgeoning nursing program, Longwood has set itself up to compete in high-level academic circles."
The Maugans Alumni Center, slated to be opened in 2014, was cemented by a $2.5 million gift from Frank O. and Katharine Allen Maugans ’47. Katharine Maugans, a Buckingham County schoolteacher who entered the Navy in 1952, served in the armed forces for 30 years and retired with the rank of captain. "This alumni center is going to truly be a home for alumni," said Nancy Shelton, associate vice president of alumni relations. "Our graduates will be able to gather, see where the university is going, and meet in a comfortable environment. There is going to be a dramatic impact on what we can offer alumni and the campus."
One of Longwood’s most treasured assets, the Longwood Center for the Visual Arts, benefited in a big way from the capital campaign. Through generous donations from benefactors Jack Blanton and Dr. William and Ann Oppenhimer in the form of both pieces of art and cash gifts, LCVA’s collection grew more impressive and became even more valuable as a teaching tool for a thriving university focused on the humanities.
"What we accomplished with this capital campaign will impact the campus for years to come," said Robert "Bob" Burger, president of the Longwood Foundation board of directors. "Every time I visit Longwood, I’m amazed at a new program or process or facility—Longwood is truly a great university. The money raised in this campaign will transform this campus in large part to meet the needs of these students and to make this an attractive campus for prospective students. "
More than 200 donors, faculty, staff and officials were on hand Saturday, Sept. 14, for the closing celebration. Learn more about how giving benefits the university.
Leave a Comment