Otterbein University announced before it homecoming game Saturday a $50 million fundraising campaign to expand the school’s programs for construction, access and affordability, and scholarship funding.
The news release follows and a Photo Gallery of the announcement, parade, and game action is below.
The news release:
OTTERBEIN UNIVERSITY ANNOUNCES $50 MILLION COMPREHENSIVE CAMPAIGN
Public announcement made during Homecoming pre-game celebration on Sept. 20
Westerville, OH—Before the Otterbein Cardinals took the field on their brand new artificial turf for the first time on the afternoon of Saturday, Sept. 20, Otterbein officials made a public announcement about a $50 million comprehensive campaign. The announcement came during a pre-game spectacular on the new field—one of the first projects funded by the campaign. This is the first comprehensive campaign that the institution has commenced in 20 years.
The campaign, “Where We Stand Matters: The Campaign for Otterbein’s Future, Investing in Students First,” is an eight-year comprehensive campaign with a goal of $50 million. This fall marks the start of the fourth year of the campaign, which has raised $16.4 million toward the final goal.
“This $50 million campaign represents the most ambitious campaign goal in Otterbein’s history,” said President Kathy Krendl. “This campaign comes at a critical moment in higher education—when schools are faced with a rapidly changing marketplace and economy. Otterbein is positioning itself to meet new challenges and stand strong.”
Major gifts so far include a $1.5 million gift from the Austin E. Knowlton Foundation, Inc. in Cincinnati to name the University’s equine science center and $1 million from The Pioneer Fund to establish the Lewis E. Myers Scholarship. Additionally, close to $2 million was donated by more than 200 donors to resurface the track and install artificial turf in Otterbein’s Memorial Stadium.
The campaign will support three funding priorities: campus renewal at $15 million; access and affordability at $17 million; and building a model community at $18 million. Campus renewal supports master planning and facilities updates and additions. Building a model community provides resources for departments, programs, faculty and students with funds for research, internships, travel and more. Access and affordability provides funds for new scholarships to make it possible for students—regardless of their financial circumstances—to receive a quality Otterbein education.
Otterbein Homecoming Photo Gallery
