Star Beacon
December 04, 2006 05:30 pm
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PAINESVILLE - Lake Erie College has not only been experiencing a growth spurt in enrollment, but also in advancement.
Since July 1, the college has received approximately $4 million in gifts and pledges.
"There has been a groundswell of support for Michael T. Victor, who began his term as the 11th president of Lake Erie College this summer," said Scott Evans, vice president for institutional advancement. "Under his leadership, the college has created five new majors, started a football program, launched a marketing campaign to boost enrollment, and completed several renovation projects on the campus in a very short period of time."
Conducting approximately 100 face-to-face meetings, lunches and dinners with alumni, donors, politicians, business and community leaders, Victor is working to build new relationships and reconnect with longtime friends of the college.
"Donors are excited about the new direction and programs initiated by the president, the faculty and staff," said Evans.
Gifts and pledges include $1.3 million from the Burton D. Morgan Foundation and Ewing Marion Kauffman Foundation to establish a center for entrepreneurship, a $300,000 challenge grant from 1967 alumna Carol Morris, a $100,000 gift for an endowed scholarship fund established by 1980 alumna Debra Goodrich Royce, and several other major gifts.
A new fund-raising plan is being developed and will include strategies to secure major gifts for institutional priorities during the next several years. Evans stated there are nearly a dozen volunteer committees that are involved in the work of the college. Many of these committees will be redirecting their efforts to assist with the visions of President Victor and the board of directors.
"We are fortunate to have a solid base of volunteers who have a great track record of successfully completing projects and moving on to the next one," said Evans.
According to Evans, Lake Erie College has been mentioned during recent weeks in personal and group meetings and in the regional and national press. Last week, Lake Erie College was mentioned in both local and national TV news programs and print articles.
"This is all positive for our fund-raising efforts," said Evans.
Star Beacon Print Edition: 12/4/2006
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