Welcome

More than $17.8 million raised for Campus Center Project

An upswing in donations during late October helped the University of La Verne reach its goal of $16 million to build a new Campus Center building more than a week ahead of the November 4 deadline. Since then, continuing generosity from donors has helped the university continue to move forward and surpass the $17.8 million mark in its march to the $21 million goal of the Campus Center Project.

"This is a landmark event in the 114-year history of the University of La Verne. This campaign - which will establish a new crossroads to the campus and allow this university to remain competitive in attracting students, faculty and staff - has raised a record amount of money in a relatively brief time span," Morgan said. "I am exceedingly proud of everyone involved with this effort. At the same time, let me add that this is just the beginning. The impetus gained from this achievement will allow us to attain the projected $20 million cost of the entire Campus Center Project."

From left, Vice President Jean Bjerke, ASF president Dana McJunkin, President Steve Morgan, Associate Vice President Bob Earhart and Board of Trustees member Jim Long toast success in the Campus Center Project fundraising effort.

It was October 25 when the university's private fundraising effort surpassed $16 million. That figure became an established goal in February 2004 when Board of Trustees member Michael Abraham issued a conditional pledge of $4 million toward the university's new Campus Center Building. The conditions set by Abraham called for the remaining members of the board to match his $4 million pledge and for the university to raise an additional $8 million, with the combined $16 million total due by the November 2005 meeting.

"From the day I joined the board I sensed that this university lacked a student union/campus center, something I thought was going to be essential," Abraham said. "The whole purpose of the challenge was to get this done sooner rather than later. I didn't want this go on for 10 or 15 years. I wanted to see it built while I'm alive."

In the midst of a celebratory atmosphere created when a multimillion-dollar challenge was reached ahead of schedule, University of La Verne President Steve Morgan announced on November 4 that fundraising efforts for the university's Campus Center Project have officially reached $16,555,941.

In recognition of the leadership and generosity of Abraham and his wife, Sara - their pledge being the university's largest single cash commitment - the new building will be named the Sara & Michael Abraham Campus Center.

"This is a tremendous day for the university. To achieve such a historic goal reflects well on all those involved and says a great deal about the future of this institution," said Ben Harris, ULV Board of Trustees chair. "To know $9.6 million in gifts or pledges came from board members makes me extremely proud to be associated with such an assembly of dedicated leaders."

Current board member and former chair Jim Long and his wife, Marie, made the contribution that pushed the total past the $16 million challenge mark. The couple, who reside in Upland, had already made a sizable donation earlier in the campaign. On October 25, the Longs were approached with the opportunity to provide the goal-breaking gift 11 days ahead of the target date. "It was both a pleasure and an honor," Jim Long said.

The Longs' gift has escalated campaign momentum. In the days since it became known that the challenge goal had been met, there has been an upsurge in gifts and pledges from members of the campus community as well as supporters throughout the country.

"The excitement this has generated is fantastic. We are seeing a wonderful response from people who want to be part of this historic and unprecedented effort," Jean Bjerke said, ULV vice president of university relations.

It was during its November 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 includes construction of the Frank and Nadine Johnson Family Plaza and renovation of the Sports Science & 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. Studies show that campus environment and a campus center are two significant reasons students choose a university, issues that are both addressed by the Campus Center Project.

Work on the Johnson Family Plaza continues. Designed by Mark Von Wodtke of Claremont Environmental Design Group, Inc., 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 the plans created by Claremont Environmental Design Group, the Pavilion will better utilize its available space while also becoming more energy- efficient.

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.