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Major Announcement on the Agenda at November 4 Board Meeting

Invigorated by a steady influx of pledges and gifts from donors that recently pushed fundraising efforts past the $16 million Abraham Challenge, the University of La Verne is continuing its forward momentum toward the $20 million needed for the Campus Center Project. A major announcement regarding funding of the project is expected at this Friday's Board of Trustees meeting.

The university's private fundraising effort officially surpassed the $16 million mark with 11 days to spare. That figure became an established goal when Board of Trustees member Michael Abraham issued a conditional pledge of $4 million in February 2004, one intended to spur donations toward the university's new Campus Center Building. In recognition of the leadership and generosity of Michael Abraham and his wife, Sara - their pledge being the largest single cash commitment in the university's 114-year history - this new building will be named the Sara & Michael Abraham Campus Center. Pasadena-based Gonzalez/Goodale Architects is contracted to design the Abraham Campus Center structure.

It was at its Nov. 5, 2004 meeting that the ULV Board of Trustees approved starting the building phase of the Campus Center Project, which along with the Abraham Campus Center also includes construction of the Frank and Nadine Johnson Family Plaza and renovation of the Sports Science and Athletics Pavilion.

Completion of the entire Campus Center Project will enhance the collegiate experience for students and present a focal point for the campus community. Recruitment and retention of students are vital in today's competitive higher education market. Studies show that two significant reasons students choose a university are campus environment and a campus center, issues addressed by the Campus Center Project.

Work on the Johnson Family Plaza continues. The design of Mark Von Wodtke of Claremont Environmental Design Group, it has been described as the university's new "town square." With a circular layout designed to promote personal interaction and provide an ideal forum for the exchange of ideas, the Johnson Family Plaza will serve as an outdoor gathering place for students, faculty, staff, alumni and visitors alike.

The Pavilion, formerly known as the Super Tents, remains one of the university's most recognizable campus features. The renovations will update the facility so it can meet the needs of the sports science department and the student-athletes. According to plans created by Claremont Environmental Design Group, Inc., the Pavilion will better utilize its available space while also becoming a more energy-efficient facility.

Once completed, the three-part Campus Center Project will serve as the university's crossroads and be the nexus of main campus activities for years to come. That is why surpassing the Abraham Challenge and attaining the $20 million needed for the Campus Center Project are landmark events that will help ULV grow to meet the needs of students for generations to come.