Fundraising campaign soars past $11 million goal

Campaign organizers announced Friday that the effort, which began five years ago, has raised $16,511,712, far surpassing its original goal of $11 million. The foundation plans to continue raising funds for the campaign through the end of this year, which is Chadron State College’s centennial.

The campaign has been seeking funds for endowments, the foundation’s annual fund and two building projects. A large portion of the proceeds will assist with items ranging from scholarships and equipment to student and faculty support.

Dr. Janie Park, Chadron State College president, said the institution has “amazing alumni and friends,” as displayed by the high percentage of the campaign’s proceeds coming from their contributions.

While the campaign’s overall goal has been reached, Park said the work won’t end.

About $3.5 million of the total raised has been designated for the capital projects. To lessen the state’s costs, the foundation is raising $2 million for each of the building projects of the campaign, and official steps have been taken  to begin making the projects a reality.

In September, the Nebraska State College System Board of Trustees accepted and approved the design development plans for the Rangeland Complex and approved the creation of further detailed construction documents for the facility. Workers may begin breaking ground on the project as early as spring 2012.

At the same meeting, the NSCS board approved the creation of similar design and development plans for the renovation and expansion of the Armstrong Physical Education Building.

The announcement of the campaign’s success – which was made with fanfare by Park, foundation executive director Connie Rasmussen, and campaign co-chairmen Randy Bauer of Chadron and Chad Emanuel of Waukee, Iowa -- sparked applause from the 200 people attending the foundation’s annual gala and trustees dinner Friday. Many of those in attendance were part of the National Campaign Leadership Council, a 100-member group of CSC supporters from coast to coast who were recruited five years ago to assist in making the effort a success.

The campaign organizers noted that the its success is especially impressive, when considering the  recession and stock market crash that occurred shortly after the fundraising began.

The gala was one of many events of this year’s homecoming celebration, which has been given special significance because of the centennial.