Current Release: September 11th, 2007 | Vol. XXIV Iss. 10

Photo by Colleen Peterson

Wesleyan raises money for the future

By Jennifer Valentine and Laura Dudley

Virginia Wesleyan kicked off its "Key to the Future Campaign" to become a Phi Beta Kappa-caliber institution on Sept. 14, 2006, exactly 40 years after the first day of classes were held on campus on Sept. 14, 1966. As a part of the campaign, alumni, supporters of the college, faculty, students and community leaders were invited on campus to attend an organizational meeting and evening celebration.

The goal of the $65 million campaign is to achieve a Phi Beta Kappa chapter by the end of the decade. As of Sept. 5, 2006, $41 million been raised in cash and pledges.

"We have $26.4 million in cash," said Jack Sims, vice president of College Advancement. "We'll have pledges for the whole $65 million by June 2008. That's our goal."

Out of the approximately 2,000 liberal arts four-year colleges and universities across the country, only 270 have Phi Beta Kappa chapters.

"Everyone who has been to college knows what Phi Beta Kappa is," said Melissa L. Burroughs, president of the Advisory Council.

Phi Beta Kappa began in 1776 and is the oldest undergraduate honors organization in the United States.

"Our goal is Phi Beta Kappa," said President William T. Greer Jr. "When that happens for us, it will say to the entire educational community, from north to south, east to west, that we are a quality place academically."

The theme of the campaign, "Bringing the Vision Into Focus," centers on various aspects to enhance the college to a Phi Beta Kappa-caliber institution. These include more funding for academic endeavors, the improvement of athletic facilities, an expansion of the Hofheimer Library, renovations to selected buildings on campus, the building of an ocean-going research vessel and the construction of a new LEED platinum green laboratory science building.

"It's an exciting campaign," said Gary Bonnewell, member of the Board of Trustees and class of '79. "It's one of the defining moments in the college's life."

During the organizational meeting, leaders from the various Wesleyan boards, councils and organizations presented reports on their current financial standings. Distinguished guests included Jane P. Batten, George Y. Birdsong and other supporters of the college.

Several student leaders received invitations to the kick-off events. Senior Eric Caudill, captain of the tennis team, attended both events.

"I'm excited," said Caudill. "When I go looking for jobs with a Virginia Wesleyan diploma, with Phi Beta Kappa, the credentials will make me look good because I graduated from here."

The "Key to the Future Campaign" will play an important role in the future of Virginia Wesleyan College.

“I am really, really thrilled to apply to Phi Beta Kappa,” said Dan Mason, president of Alumni Relations. “I hope beyond hope that we’re a slam dunk.”