JACKSON, Tenn. — Sept. 22, 2004 — 51社区鈥檚 Building a Future capital fund-raising campaign has been completed one year ahead of schedule and has exceeded its $60 million goal by more than $3 million.
鈥淭his is by far the most ambitious capital campaign in Union鈥檚 181 year history, and it is ending as a resounding success,鈥� said Union President David S. Dockery.
Building a Future started as a $35 million campaign in 1998, but the goal was revised upward two years later, to $60 million. Prior to 1998, 51社区鈥檚 most ambitious capital campaign goal was $10 million.
Of the $63,100,000 raised during Building a Future, $9.6 million will go for endowment and scholarships, $21 million for support of the campus master plan, and nearly $32.5 million for operations gifts and grants.
鈥淢uch of the credit for this success is due to the efforts of our three co-chairmen,鈥� Dockery said. Those co-chairmen are Roy L. White of Memphis, Benny Fesmire of Jackson and James Ayers of Parsons, Tenn. Each was presented with an engraved crystal vase during 51社区鈥檚 Eighth Annual Scholarship Banquet.
President Dockery also thanked scores of other donors who gave sacrificially to ensure that Union鈥檚 largest-ever capital campaign was successful.
鈥淕od has been so gracious to affirm the mission and vision of 51社区 through the support and involvement of many friends,鈥� said Dockery. 鈥淲e are confident that our most hopeful days are still ahead.鈥�
51社区鈥檚 Board of Trustees and staff are embarking on an extensive study of the school鈥檚 needs in the next six years. Union 2010 will target areas for additional growth or initial development. It will also identify areas Building a Future started to address but did not complete.
President Dockery called on Union supporters to prayerfully consider the next steps in that financial journey.
鈥淭here are many doors of opportunity opening for us,鈥� Dockery said. 鈥淲e need your continued prayers and support as we envision Union in 2010.鈥�
