Manchester launches $45 million capital campaign
Subscriber Benefit
As a subscriber you can listen to articles at work, in the car, or while you work out. Subscribe Now
Manchester University is launching the public phase of a $45 million capital campaign, the university announced Saturday. The funding raised through “Manchester Bold: The Future is Ours” will support a variety of projects, including upgrades to Winger Hall and Funderburg Library and a new Wellness and Sport Performance Center.
Manchester announced the public phase as part of its Homecoming celebration. The university says it has already raised $36.8 million in donations and commitments during its “quiet” phase.
“We anticipate the future and embrace it with open arms,” President Dave McFadden said in written remarks. “We see opportunities on the horizon and claim them for our own. Manchester Bold means we lead with our mission and encourage students to discover their best selves.”
The campaign allows donors to give support in six different areas.
The university aims to raise $6.5 million for its New Initiatives Fund, which in the past has been used to launch traditional and accelerated nursing programs, as well as the Spartan Pride marching band.
A total of $5 million will be used for renovations to Otho Winger Hall, which was originally built in 1952. Manchester says the upgrades will help students “develop their relationship with the arts and study contemporary topics such as graphic design and music technology.”
The university plans to utilize $6 million from the campaign to create the Wellness and Sport Performance Center, a multi-use indoor wellness facility. The center will provide more space and equipment for Manchester’s NCAA Division III student-athletes, as well as intramural and recreational sports participants.
The Manchester Fund will receive $11 million from the campaign. The fund provides additional financial aid for students who have higher-than-average financial need or experience cuts in government aid. It also supports repairs for university buildings, technology upgrades, and cover travel costs when students need to travel to present at conferences or when athletic teams advance in tournaments, among other things.
The campaign will also provide $8 million toward the university’s Endowment fund. Another $5.5 million will be used for upgrades to the Funderburg Library, though specific plans were not outlined.
“This is an exciting time in this institution’s history,” said Melanie Harmon, vice president for advancement. “Our donors have been here for us from Day 1, and I am confident they will be here for us with Manchester Bold. The need has never been greater, and the time is now.”
The campaign is being led by Randy Brown, a 1987 Manchester graduate and managing partner at Barnes & Thornburg LLP in Fort Wayne.
We’ll have more on the campaign from President McFadden in Monday afternoon’s INside Edge newsletter.