University of Dubuque Caps Capital Campaign
Dec 12, 2008 | University of Dubuque Theological Seminary
Today, President Jeffrey F. Bullock will formally announce the end of the University's Capital Campaign - Forever Better: Ensuring the Mission . The largest capital campaign in its 156 year history, the University's $125 million dollar campaign goal was exceeded by $3 million dollars, bringing the total funds raised to more than $128 million. The President's announcement will take place during the annual President's Christmas Gala, this year held in the Chlapaty Recreation and Wellness Center on the University of Dubuque campus.
"The Campaign has provided many resources for the transformation of the University," said John Puotinen, senior vice president for advancement. "In response to the adoption of the Mission , Vision a nd Action Plan : 1998 - 2008 in 1998, academic programs have been strengthened, new programs have been introduced, and the number of full-time faculty has almost doubled. In that same period undergraduate enrollment has doubled as well."
Capital projects completed during the campaign include: the Charles C. Myers Library; the development of the South Campus - Conlon Colonnade, Seminary Village, University Park Village, Oyen Soccer Field, University Park Drive; the renovation of Goldthorp Hall and expansion of Mary Chlapaty Hall now comprising the University Science Center; the construction of the Myers Teaching & Administrative Center; the construction of the Chlapaty Recreation & Wellness Center, a new football stadium and artificial turf field; and the renovation of Stoltz Sports Center - including Jon Davison Court, the McCormick Gymnasium as well as both baseball and softball facilities.
A priority of the Campaign has been in growing the University's endowment, which is the primary source of financial aid and scholarship assistance for students. The University's endowment has grown from $16 million in 1998 to over $70 million in 2008, providing a strong base for further growth. While modest in comparison to other leading institutions in Iowa, the University's near-term endowment goal of $150 million is essential to its long-term financial health and vitality.
"I want to express my sincere gratitude to trustees, alumni/ae, and friends of the University who have shown such strong support for the University during the Forever Better Campaign," stated University President Jeffrey F. Bullock. "Since the adoption of the University's Mission in 1998, the formulation of the Mission , Vision, Action Plan - 1998-2008 , and the implementation of the Plan for Transformation in 1999, the entire University community has exerted tremendous effort to move the University forward and accomplish the goals which we set for ourselves ten years ago. We know that we have much to do as we continue the process of becoming the place to which our Mission invites. The Mission , Vision, Action Plan: 2009-2015 to be released in May 2009 will be our guide. Without a doubt, our work together has been richly blessed."
While the Forever Better Campaign draws to a close at the end of 2008, the University's Strategic Plan informs goals set in a new Mission , Vision, and Action Plan: 2009 - 2015 . The need for endowment growth, additional student housing, updated facilities for the seminary, and the development of a fine and performing arts center remain as projects that have won the interest of the University and its constituents.
