Gustavus Adolphus College is proud to announce that Campaign Gustavus has reached a significant milestone. Thanks to the generosity and vision of many alumni and friends of the College, the Campaign has reached $100 million in gifts and commitments toward the Campaign’s goal of $150 million.
“We are extremely pleased that the Campaign has reached such a significant milestone,” said Gustavus President Jack Ohle. “As we celebrate the end of our 150th anniversary, it is heartening to see so many alumni and friends commit themselves to strengthening the College’s financial health and to do so in such a visible way by supporting Gustavus’s future.”
The President made the announcement at an appreciation dinner during the Royal Visit of Their Majesties King Carl XVI Gustaf and Queen Silvia of Sweden on Friday, October 5. The dinner was held at the Interlachen Country Club in Edina and capped off an exciting day of royal activities that took place on the Gustavus campus.
“This is a fantastic start toward reaching our goal for the Campaign. We still have significant work to do, but we were pleased to celebrate our momentum with those who have helped us come this far,” said Thomas Young, Vice President for Institutional Advancement.
The College kicked off its comprehensive fundraising effort, Campaign Gustavus, at its Sesquicentennial Opening Dinner in September 2011 with just over $71 million in total commitments. At the announcement dinner, Campaign co-chairs Warren ’67 and Donna ’66 Beck of Greenwood, Minnesota, encouraged everyone to support the Campaign. “The Becks, who made the largest gift in the College’s history to construct Beck Academic Hall, are leading by example,” Young said. “Their generosity and vision has truly inspired others to answer their call.”
Marcia Page ’82 and Dr. John Huepenbecker ’80 are two of the more recent donors who have helped move campaign totals forward. President Ohle announced that the couple’s commitment to the College will endow a new faculty position, support the Gustavus Annual Fund, and provide resources for the Gustavus Women in Leadership program.
Marcia Page serves as a volunteer on the Major Gifts Committee, helping to increase outreach and awareness about giving to Campaign Gustavus. Just like the Becks, the couple believes in giving back to the institution that has given them so much.
“This is not only a chance for us to give back, it is also an opportunity to pay it forward,” said Page. “John and I met at Gustavus, and I was able to complete my degree because of a timely scholarship during my junior year. We want our legacy to provide similar opportunities for students.”
The commitment from Marcia Page and John Huepenbecker is an excellent example of the Gustie spirit. Their gifts combined with many others help form a strong foundation for the future of the College, which grows brighter every day thanks to the support of Gusties around the world.
President Ohle reminded the group that Gustavus has a rich history of giving, which started with its founding gift of $20. He thanked all of the Campaign donors for helping reach the $100 million mark and encouraged those who have not yet made a gift to consider helping achieve the College’s $150 million goal.
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