Shaping the Future

Today's fast-paced world requires people who are creative, innovative and knowledgeable in their field, but Greenville College recognizes the additional need for these traits to be leavened with character and concern for others. Our mission statement reflects this. It comes as no surprise, then, that “Transforming Lives, Shaping the Future,” the theme of this comprehensive campaign, speaks from the very heart of this mission.

By implementing decisions that reflect our thoughtful and aggressive management of current and future resources, we enjoy record new student enrollment with a higher caliber of applicant, and increased giving coming from remarkable success with grant acquisition, despite the economic downturn. Additional off-campus and advanced degree programs, campus-wide integration of the latest learning technologies, and new human development tools provide further evidence of our success.

Throughout this metamorphosis, the essential character of Greenville College as a community of Christian scholars remains intact. We commit to preserve and strengthen the core values that have distinguished us for more than a century as we renew our campus, curriculum and community for future generations.

Setting the Goal

Since the “silent phase” of the campaign began in May 2001, we have solicited potential major donors to determine the level of support, priorities and goals. Resting in faith that our success was assured, the Greenville College Board of Trustees announced an ambitious campaign goal of $18 million. Within this total, our fundraising efforts will focus on the following major components: facilities, programs, endowment, and annual fund.

The $18 million total is for the campaign's first phase, which will run through the end of 2005. At that time, plans will be put in place for the second phase, with its own timeframe and goal. The college entered the “public” phase in the spring of 2004.

We believe these efforts will preserve Greenville College 's traditional strengths and advance the recent and ongoing transformation that has generated unprecedented enthusiasm.

Facilities

Almost every building on campus needs attention. Even with substantial renovations, our existing facilities cannot meet our growth projections and planned program expansions.

GC Music Center

Since its founding in 1892, music has remained an integral part of the Greenville College curriculum. Students can major in music, music education, pedagogy and literature, church music and contemporary Christian music. In fact, nearly 20 percent of our students have chosen to pursue a music degree. In recent years, our contemporary Christian music program has received national acclaim. Alumni include Grammy-award winners Jars of Clay and Creative Trust recording group BDA (Better Days Ahead).

Setting the Stage

Given our success, it's no wonder that the music department continues to experience growth in both enrollment and retention. So while all the elements of this comprehensive campaign are important, we turn our attention first to creating a new home for music.

In the spring of 2002, the college purchased the Free Methodist Church adjacent to the campus. Our goal is to convert 38,000 sq.ft. of space into classrooms, practice rooms, studios and lab band space, and adapt the sanctuary for use as a recital hall. The building, which is in need of renovation before housing the music department, will open in the fall of 2005, with a dedication ceremony during Homecoming. Naming opportunities exist for both the building itself and the recital space.

Meeting the Challenge in Athletics

Athletics is an important part of the Greenville College co-curriculum; nearly thirty percent of our students participate in at least one sport and our teams have developed a reputation for competitive excellence. Part of the reason for this success is having the necessary facilities to meet the training and practice needs of each team, including fields, equipment and space.

At the athletic complex just one mile south of the campus, students play baseball, soccer, football and track. However, there is a pressing need for additional fields, with men's and women's soccer teams vying for practice time on the same field, indoor practice facilities and parking.

Additional renovations are planned for Burritt Gym and other existing facilities, enhancing classroom space and improving training opportunities.

John M. Strahl Athletic Complex

A Lifetime of Service

On August 31, 2003 , Dr. John M. “Coach” Strahl passed away at the age of 79, leaving behind a legacy of dedication and service to Greenville College , and a career that spanned over four decades. As he often said, “I came for a year and stayed for a lifetime.”

That “lifetime” included 27 years as athletic director and coach for men's basketball, tennis, baseball, and soccer. During the first three decades of Strahl's leadership, the men's program grew from three to seven sports, while the women's program grew from a modest club level to five intercollegiate sports including basketball, field hockey, softball, tennis and volleyball.

Honoring the Commitment

The Greenville College board of trustees voted unanimously to name the athletic complex after Coach Strahl. You can help us commemorate his memory by making a campaign contribution to the John M. Strahl Athletic Development Fund. Your generosity will help us develop the complex as well as improve existing facilities. These include the Robert E. Smith Baseball Field, Francis Soccer Field, football stadium and track.

To complete the project, we have purchased another adjacent plot that houses a 12,000 sq. ft. building. The area will provide increased parking and the building will hold additional locker room space and an indoor practice area.

Alumni House to Preserve History

Since Greenville College 's inception, “the house on the hill” has towered over the campus, its residents watching generations of students walk through the archways of Hogue Hall.

In the early 1990's, the Dorothy Mollett family donated this showcase of craftsmanship to Greenville College . Since then, students have come to know Bass-Mollett as upper division housing, their home away from home. However, the ravages of time have taken their toll.

In returning this once beautiful building to its former glory, we want to create a warm and welcoming home for alumni when they return to campus.

Programs

Greenville College has achieved national recognition for its academic strength and steadfast adherence to Christian tenets, including service. Expanding upon this tradition, we have established new off-campus, undergraduate and graduate academic programs:

Graduate & UTEP Programs in Education

Greenville College launched two new graduate programs in Education in March 2003. One enables certified teachers to complete a master's degree (MAE). The other program targets college graduates in other disciplines who want to establish a new career in education (MAT). Donor funds have provided for startup costs and activities, and we expect to see a growing revenue stream from this exciting new addition to our offerings.

At the undergraduate level, the new Undergraduate Teacher Education Partnership (UTEP) will provide students from Kaskaskia College and Lewis & Clark Community College the opportunity to seamlessly complete a bachelor's degree in early childhood or elementary education on their respective campuses through Greenville College .

Africa : A World of Contrasts

Cultures, politics, economics, environment, religions. Wildlife, sweeping plains, tropical heat. These are among the things that create the diversity of Africa . What better way for a student to consider the complexity and beauty of this world as part of a holistic matrix than to spend a semester on this exotic continent?

Greenville in Africa , an off-campus semester program based in Mozambique , requires a commitment to academic study, along with introspective spiritual contemplation. Different challenges throughout the semester seek to transform students. Ultimately, the critical thinking skills they develop through these experiences will provide the real success.

Endowment

Our endowment fund ensures the availability of financial resources year after year, allowing Greenville College to fulfill its mission to successive generations of students. This campaign includes an endowment component of $6 million. Half of this represents the repayment of internal debt, already pledged by the trustees.

The remainder derives from the establishment of two new endowed chairs, one in science and one in Jewish-Christian studies, and endowed scholarships. Because both of the endowed chairs have commitments for significant matching funds, the opportunities are all the more within our reach.

Annual Fund

During a campaign of this kind, the college must continue to meet its ongoing budget needs. Contrary to what many believe, the tuition, even at private colleges, never covers the full cost of operation. The goal of our annual fund, also known as the Fund for Educational Excellence, is $1.25 million for each of the three years of the campaign. This fund will enable Greenville College to meet current fiscal needs.

Ways to Support GC Campaign

Sometimes, people assume that their gift needs to be made all at once, or can only be paid by check. However, you have a number of options when considering a pledge or gift. Sample gifts include cash, stocks, property, naming Greenville College in your estate, and charitable trusts.

Your gift can also be deferred over a three year period. As you can see in the chart below, a donation of $5,000 may seem like a large amount, but when divided into 36 payments, your monthly gift comes to $138.89, which for most of us is more manageable. In fact, a major gift of $5,000 can open the door to naming and memorial opportunities.

Prayerful Consideration

For this to be successful, Greenville College needs to involve as many of our constituents as possible. Understanding that each person will give at differing levels, we ask you to prayerfully consider what type of gift you can make. In the case of restricted campaign gifts, we also ask that this be above your usual giving to the Annual Fund.

Pledging Your Support

Dr. Mannoia has reflected on the campaign, “I believe this mission has captured our hearts ...It reminds us to cherish and retain the legacy and traditions that are essential to Greenville , as we forge ahead with radical and pervasive change for the future. And it reminds us that real transformation comes only through the renewing work of the Holy Spirit in our lives together.”

As you have seen, there is ample evidence of a spirit-filled transformation under way at Greenville College in the lives of our students, faculty and staff. The campaign, “Transforming Lives, Shaping the Future,” will enable us to maintain the present momentum and build for the future. Your generous support will ensure that the Greenville College mission continues for another 110 years and beyond.

For more information on how you can participate in Greenville College 's comprehensive campaign, “Transforming Lives, Shaping the Future,” contact:

Office of College Advancement
(618) 664-6500
or visit our website:
www.greenville.edu/campaign