Chadron State rolls out Vision 2011 Campaign

The Foundation’s annual trustee meeting, billed this year as the Vision 2011 Campaign Kickoff Gala, ended with music by the Chadron State College Show Band. Band members wore numbers on their backs as they snaked their way through the crowd to the front of the room. After playing the school fight song, the group arranged itself to display the amount of money that has been raised toward the five-year effort’s $11 million goal. When the student musicians were situated, the crowd learned that $8,675,946 has been accumulated.

The campaign, which is set to conclude during CSC’s centennial year, is receiving leadership and advice from the National Campaign Leadership Council -- many of whom were in attendance Friday night. The NCLC is a group of 100 supporters who have been recruited by the foundation since the project was approved in May 2005. It represents 20 states and a wide variety of backgrounds.

Friday's event, which was scheduled to coincide with the institution's homecoming, had a full attendance of more than 120 people and a waiting list.

The NCLC is being chaired by two couples with close ties to the institution, Randy and Lorrie Bauer of Chadron and Chad and Cheryl Emanuel of Waukee, Iowa.

“This campaign will increase the profile of Chadron State College across the nation, and engage more of our alumni and friends in the life of the college,” Bauer said.

Emanuel said the campaign is built on the pioneering spirit that the institution’s forefathers exhibited more than a century ago in making education a priority in Nebraska. (Cont.)

Both Bauer and Emanuel praised CSC President Janie Park’s leadership in getting the campaign off the ground.

The campaign is designed to boost the foundation’s capital, endowments and annual fund. About $4 million of the funds will be used for two capital projects: the construction of the new Rangeland Agriculture Center and Pavilion, and the Events Center. The latter will be created from the renovation and expansion of the Ross Armstrong Physical Education Building.

The Foundation will use $5 million to boost its endowments, to assist with everything from scholarships and equipment to student and faculty support. The remaining $2 million will be raised through the annual fall fund drive and phonathon to provide immediate support to campus.

The Events Center will be a 94,000-square-foot addition to the Armstrong Building, which originally opened in 1964. The project also calls for renovation of the existing portion of the building.

The Rangeland Agriculture Center and Pavilion will feature spaces to help the institution expand its programs for rangeland and agriculture. An indoor arena will help the rodeo team and animal science offerings reach their potential.

In a 12-minute speech, Park outlined the history of the institution, its resilience and value to the region. She also stressed the importance of the campaign in helping CSC continue a tradition of excellence.

“The Vision 2011 Campaign will help ensure that our students are welcomed on campus each fall with an open door, and will allow us to open new doors with new opportunities for them in our second century of service,” she said.

More information about the campaign may be obtained by contacting the foundation at 308-432-6366.