» Bringing the Vision into Focus, Key to the Future Campaign Video
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Number 1, October 2005
The Phi Beta Kappa Vision Drives the Key to the Future Campaign
It is the vision of Billy Greer and the Board of Trustees that Virginia Wesleyan College becomes a Phi Beta Kappa-caliber institution by the end of the decade.
While there is no definitive list of criteria for achieving PBK status, institutions that participate in the Society’s rigorous application and review process must:
FACT: Of the more than 2300 four-year colleges and universities in America, only 270 have a Phi Beta Kappa chapter.
- Demonstrate a deep commitment to the liberal arts and sciences
- Exhibit academic energy
- Encourage open-minded inquiry
- Support undergraduate research
- Invest in intellectual capital
- Provide a physical environment that is conducive to learning
- Have a dependable income sufficient to sustain academic excellence
There are three primary strategies for achieving PBK-status:
- Promote academic excellence in teaching and learning programs
- Build a strong and diverse student body
- Create a state-of-the-art instructional setting and a campus to support it
Every aspect of the $65 million Key to the Future Campaign supports one of those strategies.
Endowment
| Teaching & Learning Programs | $13,200,000 |
| Scholarships to Recruit and Retain Students | $11,000,000 |
| Environmental Sciences & Studies | $3,800,000 |
| Enhance Program for Student Athletes | $1,000,000 |
| $29,000,000 |
Capital
| New Science Facility & Modernize Blocker Hall | $15,000,000 |
| Modernize Hofheimer Library & Expand Collection | $5,200,000 |
| Modernize Campus Facilities | $5,000,000 |
| Modernize Athletic Facilities | $1,600,000 |
| Environmental Sciences & Studies Equipment | $200,000 |
| $27,000,000 |
Current
| Annual Fund for Academic Excellence | $ 6,500,000 |
| Campaign Venture Capital Fund (covers campaign expenses) | $2,500,000 |
| $9,000,000 | |
| Total Key to the Future Campaign Goal | $65,000,000 |
Progress Toward Our Goal
The Key to the Future Campaign covers five years, from July 1, 2003 to June 30, 2008.
As of September 21, 2005, the College was at $30.2 million.
Each endowment, each capital improvement, and every annual fund dollar supports the drive to be Phi Beta Kappa-caliber.
Lead Gifts Set the Pace
In the early planning stages of the Campaign, two tremendous lead gifts set the pace and made our ambitious vision become possible.
Kenneth R. Perry
In 2003, Kenneth R. Perry made a gift of $1,001,258. His gift went to several important purposes. One portion created the Kenneth R. Perry Dean of the College, a position now held by Dean Stephen S. Mansfield. Another portion created the Kenneth R. Perry Endowed Library Acquisition Fund. A final portion supported the creation of Trinder Field, paying for the installation of lights for night games. Ken was a lifelong resident of the Hampton Roads area. He had many successful ventures throughout his life, most notably co-founding Dollar Tree Stores with his son-in-law, Macon Brock. Ken passed away in late 2004. His daughter, Joan Brock, is a Past Chair of the VWC Board of Trustees and currently serves as a Member of the Board.
FACT: There have been nine gifts of $1 million or more to the Key to the Future Campaign
Frank and Jane Batten
Frank and Jane Batten gave an $11,305,162 endowment gift in 2003. One half of this gift benefited Teaching and Learning Programs, providing for a number of important purposes: supplementing faculty salaries, supporting new faculty positions, funding faculty release time, and supporting teaching and advising. Also, each year, six faculty members receive research stipends as Batten Professor. The other half of this gift was added to the existing Batten Scholars Endowment. That fund has now grown to nearly $8 million. Frank Batten, Sr. built Landmark Communications and founded the Weather Channel. He now serves as the Chairman of the Board’s Executive Committee. Jane Batten is a Past Chair of the VWC Board of Trustees.