Announcing the Now and Forever Campaign| The $40M Campaign for Lake Erie College
On Friday, Lake Erie College launched the public phase of its most ambitious fundraising campaign in the College’s history, Now & Forever, the Campaign for Lake Erie College.
With a financial goal of $40 million, Now & Forever focuses on four key areas, including student recruitment efforts, the student experience, academic initiatives and campus improvements. The campaign builds on last year’s successful fundraising efforts, which resulted in a record-breaking $9 million raised for College initiatives.
“Lake Erie College provides its students with an exceptional educational experience, steeped in strong liberal arts traditions that prepare students for professional success, responsible citizenship and personal lives of meaning,” says Lake Erie College President Brian D. Posler, Ph.D. “As we celebrate 166 years, now is the perfect time to honor our past and ensure our future with the launch of our Now & Forever campaign. Through this campaign, we expect to secure gifts which will help provide for the needs of today’s students while building a solid foundation for the future of Lake Erie College.”
The campaign is off to a strong start with $17.5 million in gifts and commitments already secured, including several transformative lead gifts. These gifts include:
$1 million gift from Sue (Schoedinger) Ellis `59 to support the College’s greatest needs.
$1 million gift from Dr. Nancy (Krehl) Stillwagon ’70, immediate Past Chair of the Board of Directors, to match newly-established endowed funds.
$1.2 million gift from Lake Erie College Chair of the Board of Directors, Stephen Perry ‘78, and his wife Felicia to provide scholarship for high-achieving students in the fields of business, science or education.
$1.75 million gift commitment from Mary-Jean (Martin) Hanson ’70 to create a new scholarship fund.
$1.5 million gift through the Choose Ohio First Grant to support under-represented students in STEM.
In addition to new scholarship programs, a sampling of capital improvement projects already funded through the campaign include:
New student housing for 172 Lake Erie College students.
Renovations to Helen Rockwell Morley Memorial Music Building.
Upgrades to existing residence halls, C.K. Rickel Theatre, education classrooms, as well as other areas on campus.
“Felicia and I are thrilled to be among the 1,600 donors who have made a gift to this comprehensive campaign to date. Every dollar supports Lake Erie College and our mission to provide an excellent, inclusive, and highly personalized education. I look forward to the future growth opportunities that our collective gifts will enable and hope other alumni and friends will be inspired to participate as well,” says Board Chair Stephen Perry.
For more information visit lec.edu/now-and-forever-campaign. Or contact: