BU Exceeds $18 Million Fundraising Goal
Photo by Nathan LePere.
Bluefield University raised funds as part of Go Further: The Centennial Campaign to grow scholarship support for students, enhance and construct facilities, and develop and create academic programs. With a goal of $18 million, the campaign has received $20,094,769.26 as of December 31, 2021. Funds given through June 30, 2022 will count toward this campaign.
“Many of these funds assist students with aid in the form of scholarships provided by the University,” said Josh Cline, vice president for institutional advancement. “These funds will create scholarship support year after year to benefit students.”
Furthermore, the third-floor addition to the Science Center was made possible by this campaign, providing modern classroom space and a home to the School of Nursing. Campaign funds will also be used to construct the south campus sports complex and centennial entryway.
Additionally, the college is investing in new and existing academic programs.
“We have seen investments made into programs like an undergraduate nursing program, the naming of the Caudill School of Business, and many other impactful gifts,” Cline said.
The campaign committee is dedicated to providing improvements for the campus community, demonstrating growth to alumni and friends, meeting goals in the higher education community, and elevating the perception of the university. It secured pledges and donations for Go Further: The Centennial Campaign through grants, campaigns like Giving Day and #RiseUpRams, and individual solicitations.
“I’m…grateful for a special group of individuals who served on the campaign cabinet,” Olive said. “These individuals sacrificially served on the cabinet and gave leadership, as well as their treasure, to the campaign: Mrs. Catherine C. Payne (’92); Chair, Dr. Garry Jones (’74); Honorary Chair, Mrs. Peggy Bickford (’71) (deceased); Mr. Steve Bickford, Honorary Alumnus, Dr. Donald Caudill; Dr. Michael P. Harris (’97); Mr. Robert Houck (’67); and Mr. Thomas Scott, Jr., Esq.”
Those that partnered with the university through this campaign will be listed in the President’s Report and Honor Roll of Donors this summer in the Spire magazine.
“Gifts of every size and category brought us not just to our $18 million public phase goal, but far past it,” Cline said. “For the faithfulness and generosity of many, we are a grateful institution.”