Up and Coming Weekly is a weekly publication in Fayetteville, NC and Fort Bragg, NC area offering local news, views, arts, entertainment and community event and business information.
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6 MARCH 18-24, 2015 UCW WWW.UPANDCOMINGWEEKLY.COM *Honored among the Top Doctors in America in LASIK, Cornea & Retina Restore a more Youthful, Alert, and Healthy look to your Eyes Call 910.484.2284 or visit our website at www.CapeFearEye.com to Learn More Methodist University is pleased to announce that more than $33 million has been raised toward the campaign goal of $35 million, which is 94 percent of the goal. The exact total raised to date is $33,093,184. With 16 months left until the end of the campaign on June 20, 2016, the university has made excellent progress in its capital campaign. Methodist's faculty and staff have also shown their support for the campaign in record participation numbers. "We are pleased to have 100-percent giving among our Board of Trustees and National Campaign Committee, as well as record giving from our faculty and staff," said President Ben Hancock. In its most recent phase, Hancock said, the campaign had been driven by donations large and small and by an increased focus on building the endowment. "While we could not move forward without special naming gifts, the other story here is that we have so many supporters who are pushing this campaign toward its goal with gifts of all sizes, and they all deserve recognition," Hancock said. "Every donation is a message that we have our university community's support, no matter the amount." Trustee Mary Lynn Bryan, chair of the National Campaign Committee, said this campaign has highlighted how the MU community includes people and places far beyond the campus or even Fayetteville's geography. "We are so appreciative of everyone who has helped us to hold successful campaign events around the country and internationally," Bryan said, "including a recent gathering in Orlando, where the largest national alumni gathering occurs each year. Our alumni and friends are all over the world." One of Methodist's biggest local fundraising events, the annual Loyalty Day campaign for student scholarships, focuses on Fayetteville, Cumberland County and the surrounding area. The 2015 Loyalty Day campaign is presently underway and is shaping up to be the most successful Loyalty Day in Methodist's history, with a goal of $175,000 for student scholarships. It's been slightly more than a year since the capital campaign was publicly launched in February 2014. The largest fundraising initiative in Methodist University's history, it will fund scholarships, endowed faculty positions, academic programs, campus life enhancements, new and renovated academic buildings and expanded athletic facilities. "The Campaign for Methodist University — Building Excellence" will continue through 2016. Numerous naming opportunities are available within each of the facilities as well as named endowment opportunities. The capital projects in the campaign include: • The Thomas R. McLean Health Sciences Building • John M. Reeves Fine Arts Building Renovation • Sharon and Ron Matthews World Ministry Center • Linda and Ralph Huff Concert Hall • Student Union and Berns Center Renovation and Expansion • Improved athletic facilities The University has already broken ground on the Thomas R. McLean Health Sciences Building as well as the Armstrong Baseball Fieldhouse. The endowment component of the campaign met its goal and recently crossed the $10 million mark, raising $10.3 million in pledges so far. These funds will be added to the University's existing $25.1 million endowment. For more information on the Campaign for Methodist University, contact the Office of Institutional Advancement at 910.630.7200 or visit the campaign website at www. CampaignForMU.org. Methodist University is an independent four-year institution of higher education with more than 2,400 students from 41 states and 53 countries. Methodist University offers 80 majors and concentrations, four master's degree programs, one doctoral level program, 100 clubs and organizations, and 20 NCAA III intercollegiate sports. To learn more about Methodist University, please visit methodist.edu or facebook.com/ MethodistUniversity. Methodist University Campaign Surpasses the $33 Million Mark a STAFF REPORT COMMUNITY NEWS