McKendree University Announces $40 Million Capital Campaign to Renovate Science Building, Library
(LEBANON, Ill., May 9, 2016) - McKendree University has announced the most ambitious
fundraising goal in its 188-year history - a $40 million capital campaign to support
the renovation of Voigt Science Hall and Holman Library.
To date, the university has raised almost $25 million of its goal in donations and
pledges. At an event on May 7 it launched the public phase of “Forward – The Campaign for McKendree University.”
“For 188 years it has been alumni, parents and friends who have come forward to provide
support for this university at critical moments,” said Dan Lett, chair of the board
of trustees. “It is because of this generosity that McKendree can look to the future
with confidence and be assured that others will step forward as well. We are indeed
grateful.”
The renovations will ensure McKendree students and faculty have access to improved,
state-of-the-art technology for teaching, learning and research, said Dr. James Dennis,
university president.
“This campaign will be transformational for McKendree students for generations, comprising
our primary academic needs and highlighting our commitment to the development of young
scientists, doctors, dentists, veterinarians, environmentalists, agricultural specialists,
mathematicians, researchers, teachers, engineers, inventors and many others,” Dennis
said. “Our campaign goal is to create a modern, state-of-the-art science facility
that will nurture and challenge our best students.”
Built in 1965, Voigt Science Hall was the first modern educational addition to the
campus. Named after Edwin E. Voigt, the college president from 1964 to 1968, it is
central to the university’s growing science, technology, engineering and mathematics
(STEM) programs.
Planned capital improvements include redesigned multipurpose classrooms, a large lecture
hall, more space for student research, additional labs, offices, a rooftop observatory,
and informal meeting spaces to promote group learning. An addition to the building’s
north end will feature a new formal entrance, lobby and elevator.
All McKendree undergraduate students complete at least one course in biology, chemistry,
physics, mathematics or computer science, the president noted. In the last five years,
the biology pre-professional major has experienced over 100 percent growth; the computer science major has increased by 54 percent.
Holman Library, which opened in 1969, will be transformed to provide the latest technologies,
access, data and resources required by students and faculty for their academic work.
The renovated library will be a center for collaboration as well as quiet study and
research. Features will include the university Archives and Museum, compact shelving
for print resources, expanded computer labs and group meeting areas, upgraded lecture
rooms, improved access to technology, and a coffee and snack bar.
Other campaign objectives call for improvements to infrastructure and technology in
the classrooms of Old Main, built in 1850, and Clark and Carnegie Halls, built in
1911. Additional funds will support endowed student scholarships; endowed faculty
positions; programs, services and co-curricular activities; classroom and laboratory
equipment; salaries and professional development.
McKendree University’s last fundraising campaign, “Heritage Heart & Hope,” raised
over $27 million to build The Russel E. and Fern M. Hettenhausen Center for the Arts.
Built in 2006, “The Hett” houses the university’s music and theatre departments and
a 488-seat performing arts center.
An informational video is posted on the university website, mckendree.edu/forward.
-McK-
