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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SEPTEMBER 10-16, 2014 UCW 17 WWW.UPANDCOMINGWEEKLY.COM At Opening Convocation on Friday, Aug. 22, Methodist University President Ben E. Hancock Jr. announced Sharon and Ron Matthews' donation of $2.5 million to build the World Ministry Center on the university's campus. "Never in our world has the need for peace been more apparent," said Ron Matthews. "The World Ministry Center at Methodist University will be a place of worship, peace and reconciliation. It will enhance all students' experience on campus and in the world. It is important for a well-balanced experience and a rich spiritual life." "We are so fortunate and grate- ful to be able to give this gift to Methodist University and to the com- munity," said Sharon Matthews. "We have been blessed and are honored to give back." Sharon and Ron Matthews have been strong supporters of Methodist University for many years. In 2000, they were the recipients of the Small Business Excellence Award from the Methodist University Center for Entrepreneurship. Ron Matthews is an active member of the Methodist University Board of Trustees, serving on the Executive Committee and the National Campaign Committee. The Matthews World Ministry Center is part of a major worship and performing arts complex at Methodist University, which now includes the Reeves Fine Arts Building, Huff Concert Hall and the Union-Zukowski Lobby and Gallery. The Matthews World Ministry Center will include a 300-seat chapel and serve as the home for campus ministry and student worship. While recogniz- ing Methodist University's heritage and connection with the United Methodist Church, it will celebrate and welcome all faiths in accordance with the university's mission and provide a space for all cultures and religions to come together to pro- mote peace and understanding. "I'm excited that we are going to be able to build a World Ministry Center", said the Rev. Dr. Mike Safley, vice president for Campus Ministry and Community Engagement. "The chapel will be not only for the Christian community but for all faiths as we learn to grow in our own faith as well as dialogue with others." The gift from Sharon and Ron Matthews brings the total raised to more than $30 million toward the capital campaign goal of $35 mil- lion. The campaign entitled "The Campaign for Methodist University: Building Excellence" is the largest fundraising initiative in Methodist University's history. The campaign will fund scholarships, endowed fac- ulty positions, academic programs, campus life enhancements, new and renovated academic buildings and six new and expanded athletic facilities. 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. saturday, sept. 20 at festival park in downtown fayetteville at the 9th annual presented by register online today! www.ribbonwalkforcancer.org For more information call 615-1434. survivor's reception friday, sept. 19 friends of the cancer center to benefit cape fear valley health foundation's friends of the cancer center Winners announced September 17th! Who will be crowned? Matthews World Ministry Center at Methodist University by DR. BEN HANCOCK DR. BEN HANCOCK, President, Methodist University. Contributing Writer. COMMENTS? Editor@upandcomingweekly.com. Sharon and Ron Matthews donate $2.5 million to Methodist University.