A Campaign of Superlatives

Wooster faithful contribute $147.9 million for the College’s top priorities

continued …

When the campaign began in 2000, the economy was booming and the stock market soaring. Little more than a year later, the dot-com bubble had burst and the September 11 terrorist attacks had stalled economic growth.

The College’s trustees and development staff could have been forgiven for feeling some trepidation at the prospect of battling such formidable headwinds. Instead, they simply redoubled their efforts. By the time the campaign was launched publicly in October 2003, more than $80 million had already been raised, including $25 million from the trustees themselves. Ultimately, members of the board would contribute $33 million.

“Trustees provided critical leadership and support throughout the course of this campaign,” said Sara Patton, vice president for development. “They not only set a high standard of personal generosity, but also were instrumental in securing significant gifts from foundations and corporations. Their ‘Home Stretch Challenge’ to alumni, parents, and friends to support the endowment initiative in the campaign’s final year was the pivotal element in its overwhelming success. I am especially grateful to national campaign chair Jim Clarke ’59 and to honorary campaign chair Stan Gault ’48, who gave untold hours of time and energy to the campaign, while providing positive encouragement to all of us involved. It made a huge difference!”

Gault Admissions Center

Critical as the trustees’ efforts were, the success of the campaign was truly the result of a broad-based effort by the entire Wooster family. More than 2,000 individuals, foundations and corporations gave to the Kauke renovation alone, and almost 14,000 contributed to the campaign.

“The resounding success of the Independent Minds Campaign is a tribute to the thousands of alumni, parents, and friends who hold Wooster dear,” said President R. Stanton Hales. “Diane and I have been privileged to experience—and honored to share—the deep affection that Wooster people have for this extraordinary place.”

In addition to the rebirth of Kauke, the capital portion of the campaign funded construction of Gault Admissions Center, Burton D. Morgan Hall, Longbrake Student Wellness Center, and two new student residence halls: Bornhuetter Hall and Gault Manor.

Though less tangible than the bricks and mortar of new construction, the $56.7 million added to Wooster’s endowment during the Independent Minds Campaign will strengthen the College in perpetuity by providing an annual payout to support a portion of its operations. Resources added to the endowment include seven new endowed professorships and 71 new endowed scholarships.

“The endowment is the foundation that provides long-term financial stability for the College,” said James R.Wilson ’63, chair of Wooster’s Board of Trustees. “It provides a significant portion of our operating budget each year.”

The Wooster Fund was the third critical element of the campaign’s success. Over its seven year run, alumni, parents and friends gave the College $17 million in unrestricted annual gifts, funds that come with the flexibility to use them where they are needed most. Another $20 million in restricted operating grants supported a variety of initiatives like the Lilly Project for the Exploration of Vocation.

Almost $148 million.When a single donor gives that kind of money, it’s called a transforming gift. James T. Clarke ’59, who chaired the campaign from start to successful conclusion, has a different definition.

“At Wooster, we don’t have to wait for such a financial miracle, because this campaign is a transforming gift—not from one source, but from many—that demonstrates our persistent belief in all the College has done for us, and all it can do for future generations.”

View Page: 1 | 2