Following the special campaign kickoff program, alumni and friends enjoyed a spectacular fireworks display in front of Valders Hall of Science.
During Homecoming 2005, Luther College celebrated the national public launch of A Higher Calling: The Campaign for Luther College, the largest fund-raising initiative in college history. Derived from Luther's recent strategic planning process, this $90 million comprehensive campaign will allow us to:
- double the amount of endowed scholarship support for students
- endow faculty positions for exceptional professors and research fellowships for exceptional students
- expand and renovate facilities for the sciences
- improve the campus technology infrastructure and invest in technological innovation
- sustain the growth of the annual fund to support Luther's dynamic learning environment.
Collectively, these initiatives will enhance the teaching and learning environment at Luther by:
Improving college facilities
The Sampson Hoffland Laboratories is the lead capital project of the Higher Calling Campaign at $20 million. Luther College has forged an outstanding reputation in the sciences. Since Valders Hall of Science opened in 1960, Luther’s overall enrollment has doubled, and the number of science graduates had grown six-fold. Today, Valders is inadequate for Luther’s growing science programs, particularly in light of scientific and technological advances, changes in teaching methods and the expansion of student-faculty research.
The plans include 64,000 square feet of new space adjacent to the east wing of Valders to house biology and chemistry. In addition, upon completion of the new facility, renovation of the existing Valders Hall of Science will provide improved space for physics, psychology and nursing.
The largest capital project in college history, the Sampson Hoffland Laboratories is projected to cost $20 million. There are naming and funding opportunities still available—visit www.luther.edu/giving/campaign/science/naming/index.html. The new science center and related donor stories have been featured in recent issues of the alumni magazine.
For more information, read the news release Luther College Higher Calling campaign surpasses $90 million.
Building the endowment
The largest thrust of the campaign is to raise $53 million for endowment projects, including $25 million for scholarships; funding for at least seven endowed chairs and professorships and 20 endowed faculty fellowships; and $4 million to support 40 student research fellowships, providing summer stipends for students and annual program resources.
Growing the annual fund
Unrestricted gifts from alumni, parents, and friends increase student scholarships, improve campus life, help update technology, and strengthen academic and cocurricular programs. To continue to expand opportunities, we must sustain our annual fund at a level of $1.25 million per year.
To Make A Gift or Pledge
Gifts to Luther College can be made in cash, pledges, appreciated property, or planned gifts such as will bequests, insurance, annuities, and trusts. You can make an online gift now at www.applyweb.com/public/contribute?luther or learn more about ways to give to Luther at www.luther.edu/giving/ways/index.html.
National Campaign Cabinet
A national campaign cabinet has been formed to advise and assist the Development Office in the campaign planning process. Members include:
- Doug Kintzinger '82 (chairperson)
Daryl Erdman '61
Joseph (Alex) Fjelstad '73
Jan (Engle) Gray '62
Tom Hansen '77
Ron Have
Mick Lee '57
Kurt Meyer '76
Tom Monson '77
Judy (Miller) Ranheim '62
Susan Oberman Smith '83
Rick '71 and Carol (Kershner) Olson '72
Steve Schmidt '68
Todd Smith '72
Bob Tollund '58
Paul Torgerson '73
Tom Vaaler '62
Mike Wigley
Ex-officio members:
- John Gilbert
David Larson '69
For more information about campaign initiatives and upcoming regional events, contact:
- Keith Christensen
- Vice President for Development
chriskei@luther.edu - Jeanie Lovell, Campaign Coordinator
- Director of Corporate and Foundation Relations
lovellje@luther.edu - Ann Sponberg-Peterson, Campaign Coordinator
- Director of Development, Principal Gifts
petean03@luther.edu