Ferrum College looks to grow with $25 million fundraising campaign

The private school's Centennial Campaign started in February 2012 and has raised slightly more than $12.5 million.

Monday, March 11, 2013

Ferrum College President Jennifer Braaten said Monday that the focus of the school’s $25 million Centennial Campaign, first announced Friday, is to increase the number of endowed scholarships and professorships and to expand academic opportunities for students.

The four-year, private, liberal arts college, founded in 1913 by Methodist women, celebrates its 100th anniversary this year. Current enrollment is about 1,500 students.

The school, based in Franklin County, provided more details Monday about the Centennial Campaign.

Kim Blair, vice president for institutional advancement, said that the campaign’s “quiet phase” began in February 2012 with guidance and approval from the Ferrum College Board of Trustees. She said the effort has so far raised slightly more than $12.5 million, with gifts secured through grants, donations and planned giving initiatives.

She said similar campaigns typically run three to five years.

“Our hope is to reach our goal within that time frame,” Blair said.

As envisioned, money raised also will honor the college’s 100-year relationship with the United Methodist Church by providing for an endowed chaplaincy position. Maintaining that position “will ensure ongoing support for campus ministries’ programs and leadership in pastoral ministry, as well as foster interdenominational service projects,” the college said.

In addition, money raised by the campaign will support the creation on campus of a Center for Sustainable Development.

In a news release, Sam Lionberger, chairman of Ferrum College’s Board of Trustees, said that the school’s “responsible, well-managed growth” has increased its significance to regional higher education.

“In the last 10 years we have increased student population, made impressive expansions to classroom and residential buildings, and enhanced opportunities for student engagement both in and outside the classroom,” Lionberger said.

Monday, August 12, 2013