UMO Exceeds and Extends Capital Campaign

UMO Exceeds and Extends Capital Campaign

MOUNT OLIVE – In a recent news release, the University of Mount Olive announced that it has exceeded its initial capital campaign goal.  It also detailed an extension of the campaign to address two areas of critical need.

The Realizing the Dream, Securing the Future capital campaign, publicly launched in January of 2012, had an initial goal of $20 million and was scheduled to end in 2017. Three years into the five year campaign, President Philip P. Kerstetter announced that to date the University has received gifts and pledges totaling $20.7 million.

“When this campaign started, some people thought we were dreaming the impossible,” Kerstetter said. “However, together, with the help of a great group of colleagues—the University Advancement Team, our Board of Trustees, the Foundation Board under the leadership of the late George R. Kornegay, Jr., and, most importantly, the many individuals, businesses, churches, alumni, and friends who contributed during the campaign, we have secured funds that will go far in our efforts to enhance the lives of our people, our critical programs and our exceptional facilities. Our momentum is great, but we are not finished yet.”

In talking about extending the campaign Kerstetter said, “Even though we have exceeded our initial campaign goal, there are still two critical areas in which we need to focus.  They are expanding Rodgers Chapel and building phase one of the Track and Lacrosse Complex.  Therefore, our Board has agreed to extend the campaign for an additional $3 million.”

According to Kerstetter the Rodgers Chapel expansion and phase one construction of the Track and Lacrosse Complex have an estimated cost of $1.5 million each.  New construction to Rodgers Chapel will add classrooms, offices, and additional Chapel seating, thus supporting the expansion of the University’s religious studies program and providing adequate private meditation and counseling rooms.  Phase one of the Track and Lacrosse Complex will include an eight-lane, synthetic surface, 400 meter track built with an artificial surface field inside the track, along with areas for throws and jumps.  According to Kerstetter, the complex will serve as a hub for both the University and the region, as well as provide a significant economic impact on Eastern North Carolina.

Monies already received from the campaign are being directed to the following areas:

·       Establishment of new scholarship endowments

·       New campus signage, walkways, and a courtyard have been added

·       The newly refurbished Hazel Waters Kornegay Assembly Hall provides a 360 seat auditorium with a wrap-around balcony and a 28-foot stage

·       A new home for the Department of Music at 207 Wooten Street addresses growth in the Department through flexible rehearsal and performance spaces, practice rooms and teaching studios and classrooms

·       Residential housing has increased to accommodate 175 additional students as a result of  The Inn Residence Hall and The J. William and Marvis E. “Marcy” Byrd Apartment Complex

·       The Kornegay Student Farm will provide a platform for year-round crop production, various independent student projects, and field activities for selected courses.

·       Construction on an 8,400 square feet ag mechanics shop which contains12 welding booths, a wood working shop, small engine repair and auto mechanics area, ventilation and HVAC testing area, classroom and office space.

·       Significant increases in Annual Giving

Vice President for Institutional Advancement Jimmy Williams, who served in this position from 1984-1993, and has recently rejoined the University, shared his view on the campaign.  “One of the most gratifying outcomes that I have seen of this campaign has been the new friendships that have been created that go way beyond the business of comprehensive campaigns and fundraising,” he said.  “As I have met with and continue to meet long-time University benefactors or with those who have become first-time donors, we have developed a very strong sense that it is our responsibility not to let them down. We want to make sure that what we do with their gifts will be consistent with the hopes and dreams that caused them to step up and make the commitments in the first place.  We are committed to that goal.  The Advancement staff, the UMO Foundation, the UMO Board of Trustees, and I are committed to helping the University obtain its additional fund raising goal of $3 million in the shortest possible time.  I believe doing so will successfully position the University of Mount Olive, the community at large, and its surrounding businesses for the future.”

President Kerstetter expressed his appreciation to those that have made and will continue to make reaching the campaign goal a reality.  “On behalf of my colleagues, our faculty and staff, our students and those whose lives will be blessed for generations to come, I would like to thank each and every person that has thus far helped us fulfill these truly remarkable goals.  It is easy to see the visible immediate impacts with regards to the physical improvements around campus, but the most important outcomes of this campaign will likely be found in the sometimes less visible changes in individual lives.  By expanding our campaign we have the opportunity to extend our impact even further.”

For more information on the Realizing the Dream, Securing the Future capital campaign at the University of Mount Olive, call Jimmy Williams at 919-658-7678.

The University of Mount Olive is a private institution rooted in the liberal arts tradition with defining Christian values. The University, sponsored by the Convention of Original Free Will Baptists, has locations in Mount Olive, New Bern, Wilmington, Seymour Johnson Air Force Base, Research Triangle Park, Washington, Jacksonville, and in Smithfield at Johnston Community College.  For more information, visit old.umo.edu.