Concordia University, Nebraska in Seward, Neb., announced Feb. 13 that it raised $42.3 million in gifts, pledges and deferred commitments during its “Blessed to be a Blessing” campaign, which ended Dec. 31.
“We are so grateful for the 12,000-plus alumni and friends of Concordia who made gifts during this campaign,” said Concordia President Rev. Dr. Brian Friedrich. “We give thanks to God for these donors who believe so fervently in our mission of equipping men and women to learn, serve and lead in God’s church and world. Such support is truly humbling.
“Because of their generosity, our students will receive greater financial support and be blessed by enhanced spaces on campus. These blessings further the excellent Christ-centered education that Concordia has provided for more than 120 years.”
The five-and-a-half-year campaign — which had an overall goal of $38 million — sought to raise $6 million for capital projects, $17 million for operations and $15 million for endowment. It surpassed its goals in each of those areas, raising $6.4 million for capital, $19.8 million for operations and $16.1 million for endowment.
“Blessed to be a Blessing” capital gifts have funded several key campus projects since 2009, including complete interior renovations of Janzow Campus Center and David Hall, the university’s largest residence hall; installation of a campus-wide wireless network; and construction of The C.G. “Kelly” and Virginia Holthus Family Plaza.
Campaign capital projects that will be completed by 2016 include renovation of Weller Chapel Auditorium, the site of daily chapel services, guest speakers and theatrical performances; renovation of the Physical Education Building; creation of an outdoor colonnade connecting the university’s athletic facilities; and interior updates to Link Library. The university also continues to upgrade its technological systems to increase performance and capacity.
The largest campaign component, gifts for operations, has enabled Concordia to address immediate priorities and provide increased support to its students.
“These gifts are the lifeblood of the university, directly supporting the day-to-day needs of our students, faculty and staff and our service to the church and world,” said Kurth Brashear, the school’s vice-president for Institutional Advancement. Operational gifts provide scholarships, enhance campus life, strengthen academic programs and address strategic initiatives.
Endowment gifts received during the campaign have allowed Concordia to provide competitive financial aid to students, recruit and retain talented faculty and staff, and provide additional resources for university programs.
“The gifts to endowment have such a direct impact, both immediate and ongoing, on our students, making the Concordia experience they so strongly desire affordable,” said Brashear. “Endowment gifts received during ‘Blessed to be a Blessing’ will provide $415,000 more in support this fall for Concordia students than when the campaign began. Further blessings to our students, faculty and staff from these gifts will be realized in years to come. Thanks be to God!”
Launched on July 1, 2009, “Blessed to be a Blessing” followed “On a Mission,” the most successful campaign in university history. Supporters of Concordia have provided more than $105 million in gifts to the university since July 1, 2002, during the two campaigns.
A member institution of the LCMS Concordia University System, Concordia University, Nebraska — with 1,186 full-time undergraduate students — is 44th in this year’s “Best Regional Universities — Midwest” category of U.S. News & World Report’s “Best Colleges” rankings, its highest-ever ranking.
“Concordia is a Midwestern educational gem, providing a unique, caring, Christ-centered environment,” said Friedrich. “The wonderfully generous support provided by our alumni and friends since 2002 gives us an opportunity to not only equip students with the skills they need to be successful in their chosen careers, but also to discuss and facilitate service, leadership and faith so they can impact others by using their God-given abilities.”
For more information about Concordia University, Nebraska, visit cune.edu.
Posted Feb. 13, 2015
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