The Board of Trustees and President Jim Dunn officially launched the NOW Campaign, Oklahoma Wesleyan University’s next fundraising goal on Friday following the Homecoming chapel.
Between now and 2030, Oklahoma Wesleyan University will raise $68 million for scholarships, endowments, improved facilities, and more. As part of the kickoff event, President Dunn announced a $4 million lead gift, which will endow a faculty position, capital improvements, and student scholarships for the university.
“We believe in the next generation, and the mission of Oklahoma Wesleyan is to educate, equip, and send leaders to transform the world for Jesus Christ,” Dunn said. “There have been many faithful, significant donors helping OKWU become what she is today. The financial investment of the NOW Campaign will secure the future of Oklahoma Wesleyan University for decades to come.”
The NOW Campaign has three primary initiatives – the Eagle Campus Expansion, OKWU’s Campus Renaissance, and the university’s endowment.
- The Eagle Campus Expansion is a $20M project that includes a multipurpose facility for athletics that includes additional classroom space.
- The Campus Renaissance of $18M will include improvement and upgrades to currently existing classrooms, residential life facilities, and campus buildings.
- OKWU’s endowment goal of raising $30M will generate scholarships that make OKWU more accessible and affordable for students, while professorships allow the university to recruit and retain highly qualified professors who bring a wealth of knowledge to the classroom while living out the university’s mission.
Additionally, President Dunn outlined the vision for a $1 million Annual Fund to secure OKWU’s yearly operating budget.
The Robert and Joyce Campbell family, who have been dedicated supporters of the university for decades, offered a $4 million lead gift toward scholarships and campus improvements to launch the campaign.
Their gift includes $500,000 to begin funding the Dr. Ted Suffridge Professorship at the university for years to come. The Campbells hope that their initiative will encourage others to reach the goal of fully funding the $2 million endowment for the professorship. Dr. Ted Suffridge served as professor of chemistry, mathematics, and physics at Miltonvale Wesleyan College from 1956-62 and 1966-67, and this professorship has been named to honor his legacy of service.
“We believe the future of OKWU depends on a substantial increase in endowment funds,” said Robert Campbell. “The difference in worldviews presented to students at OKWU versus state universities has never been more critical.”
As enrollment continues to grow, the initiatives funded by the NOW Campaign will position Oklahoma Wesleyan University for sustained success in a changing world. Now more than ever, the mission of OKWU is vital. To learn more about the NOW Campaign and to see how you can partner with us, visit www.okwu.edu/now.
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