Spring Arbor, Mich. — Spring Arbor University (SAU) is excited to announce the official launch of Ignite, the comprehensive campaign to raise funds for the expansion and modernization of the Whiteman Gibbs Science Center, continued growth of SAU’s endowment, and support of the university’s annual fund, the Arbor Fund.
On Friday evening, Sept. 13, the SAU Board of Trustees led by campaign steering committee co-chairs Robert Gould & Sherry Roe-Gould and Ron & Marvel Jones announced the public launch of the Ignite campaign, setting the campaign goal at $80 million. The evening concluded with the official groundbreaking ceremony in front of the Whiteman Gibbs Science Center, home to SAU’s natural sciences, math, computer science, and theology departments for over 50 years.
Through the Ignite campaign, SAU alumni and friends invest in the next generation of industry and community leaders through their giving to the university. Generous philanthropists provide opportunities for students from all walks of life to receive a rigorous education with Jesus Christ as the perspective for learning. The proposed modernization and expansion of the Whiteman Gibbs Science Center will grow the STEM programs at SAU and increase collaboration among these disciplines. A successful campaign will also provide a state-of-the-art facility for STEM programs, enrich the student experience, provide opportunities for enrollment growth, and better equip students pursuing a career in a STEM field.
President Brent Ellis commented, “I’m incredibly excited about what this update in facilities and classrooms will do for our students who are looking for a Christ-centered education in the sciences, and for our faculty to have the resources needed to teach using industry-standard tools. We’re excited for the kingdom work that will be done when the Whiteman Gibbs Science Center is completed.”
With a campaign goal of $80 million, Ignite is the largest comprehensive campaign in SAU’s over 150-year history. Through the generosity of almost 6,000 donors so far during the campaign, funds raised to date exceed $61 million.
“While we’ve done campaigns to raise money previously at Spring Arbor University, we are so grateful to the donors that have made this mission possible and we continue to invite donors and alumni to grow deep roots with us at SAU through their giving,” said Doug Wilcoxson, Executive Vice President.
For more information about the Ignite Campaign, please visit www.sauignite.org.
Founded in 1873, Spring Arbor University is a Christian liberal arts university located in Spring Arbor, Michigan. SAU offers more than 70 majors and programs to traditional undergraduate students, as well as adult undergraduate, graduate, and doctoral programs - both in person and online. For more information, visit arbor.edu.
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