JSU Unveils $17.5 Million Capital Campaign

Jacksonville State University will officially mark the beginning of the public phase of its $17.5 million capital campaign -- which already has raised more than 85 percent of the goal in less than half the allotted time -- during an April 8 gala to celebrate early success.

Earl Warren, JSU's director of institutional development, said the purpose of the gala is to thank those who contributed during the leadership phase of the campaign.

"State funding cannot keep JSU on the cutting edge -- that requires private and corporate support to bolster quality programs, to give adequate scholarships, and to recruit the best professors," Warren said.

"The gala will be an opportunity for the public to experience the synergy of JSU's historically largest and most successful fund-raising effort and to learn how to become a part of what's going on at this dynamic institution."

JSU raised more than $15 million during the campaign's "silent" phase, which Warren termed "a tradition in fund-raising in which you do not go public in the campaign's infancy until you've established internal support and established momentum." The by-invitation-only event will show prospective donors how they can match personal areas of interest with institutional needs in order to complete the campaign, which is titled "The Power of 125...Join the Celebration."

An outpouring of support from employees, alumni, corporations, and community leaders in the previous 27 months quickly solidified portions of the university's master plan and gave partial backing for a detailed list of other academic and institutional goals.

The campaign, which began in January 2004 and ends in 2008 during the university's 125th anniversary celebration, supports projects including a new performing arts center, a classroom building, improvements to athletics facilities, scholarships, endowed chairs and professorships, and centers of excellence.

At the gala, guests will enjoy an evening of music and dining, including a brief presentation by campaign leaders, including JSU President William A. Meehan; Clarence Daugette, III, of Gadsden, president of JSU's International Endowment Foundation; and Bob Kennamer of Anniston, campaign co-chairman.

For more information about JSU's capital campaign, contact Warren at 256-782-5608.

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