Methodist University is pleased to announce a recent major gift from a local alumnus, pushing the campaign total over the $34 million mark and moving toward the campaign goal of $35 million.
Methodist University is pleased to announce a recent major gift from a local alumnus, pushing the campaign total over the $34 million mark and moving toward the campaign goal of $35 million. The exact total raised to date is $34,161,424, with a year remaining until the end of the campaign in 2016.
Murray Duggins and his wife Nancy pledged $300,000 to the Reeves Fine Arts Building project to build the Nancy and Murray Duggins Theatre, which will be a venue for theatrical productions and performances.
Duggins, a graduate of the Class of 1966, is the owner and president of United Companies. He has served on the board of trustees for the University and is a past winner of the Silver Spoon Award from the Center for Entrepreneurship.
“Methodist University has a special place in our hearts,” said Murray Duggins. “It helped us get started in life and continues to be a beacon of hope for so many young people. We are proud to be part of the Methodist University family.”
“Methodist University’s success continues to be the result of alumni and friends in this community and beyond who invest in the quality of programs and facilities for this and future generations,” said Methodist University President Ben Hancock. “We are so indebted to Nancy and Murray Duggins for their leadership support and dedication to our University.”
In the past year, the University has receive record overall giving totaling nearly $7 million, and received record rates of giving from university alumni.
“Our alumni across the country have given back to the University in record numbers this year, including the highest giving percentage and the highest number of gifts,” said Sandy Ammons, vice president for advancement and university relations. “We are also grateful for the support we have received from the local community for our Loyalty Campaign, when volunteers raised more than $175,000 for student scholarships.”
The Thomas R. McLean Health Sciences Building, currently under construction, is expected to be finished in January of 2016. The 34,000-square-foot, $12 million facility will be the home to the Doctor of Physical Therapy Program, the University’s first doctoral level program. The inaugural class of DPT students will begin in the Fall of 2015.
The Armstrong Baseball Fieldhouse will be finished in July. A dedication is planned for the fall. The facility is named after Methodist University alumnus George Armstrong and his wife Carolyn, who are longtime supporters of Methodist University. George is a graduate of the Class of 1968.
The Campaign for Methodist University – Building Excellence is the largest fundraising initiative in Methodist University’s history. It will fund scholarships, endowed faculty positions, academic programs, campus life enhancements, new and renovated academic buildings, and expanded athletic facilities. Numerous naming opportunities are available within each of the facilities as well as named endowment opportunities. The capital projects in the campaign include:
- The Thomas R. McLean Health Sciences Building
- John M. Reeves Fine Arts Building Renovation
- Sharon and Ron Matthews World Ministry Center
- Linda and Ralph Huff Concert Hall
- Student Union and Berns Center Renovation and Expansion
- Improved athletic facilities, including golf, baseball, softball, soccer, football, track and field, and lacrosse
The endowment component of the campaign met its goal and recently crossed the $10 million mark, raising $10.4 million in pledges so far. These funds will be added to the University’s existing $26 million endowment.
For more information on the Campaign for Methodist University, contact the Office of Institutional Advancement at 910.630.7200 or visit the campaign website at www.CampaignForMU.org.